Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of an exercising device for use with a dialysis machine, and in specific relates to a passive exercise apparatus for a multi-functional dialysis machine to provide a low-intensity exercise to multiple patients by creating a cycling action to patient’s legs during a dialysis treatment.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Dialysis is a medical procedure that takes the place of the kidneys' normal job of eliminating extra fluid and wastes from the blood including sodium, ammonia, potassium and urea. Acute renal failure, which occurs when kidney function has significantly declined to the point that uremic syndrome, poses a hazard to the body's physiology, or chronic renal failure, which occurs when the kidneys' function has been compromised for an extended period of time.
[0003] There are two main types of dialysis such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis and uses a machine to filter the blood outside of the body. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a filter to remove waste products from the blood. During dialysis, blood is removed from the body and passed through a filter that removes waste products and excess fluid. The filtered blood is then returned to the body. Hemodialysis is typically done three times per week for 4-5 hours each time. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home several times per day or overnight.
[0004] Although hemodialysis increases the life span of patients with renal insufficiency, hemodialysis can effect remarkable changes such as reduced efficiency and ability to perform activities, social isolation, immobility, reduced self-confidence and, disappointment at the future and continuation of the treatment. In addition to encountering many physiological changes, these patients face many mental and psychological stresses each of which in turn can disturb their mental status and sleep quality. As such, most of these patients are not adapted to problems and tensions, and develop disorders such as anxiety, depression and isolation which affect their health status and weaken their health promoting behaviours over time. This stress of the patients can also affect their nurses and make them stressful.
[0005] Health promoting behaviours involve improving personal and society's health through various activities like nutrition, physical activity, stress management, health responsibilities, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual growth.
[0006] Studies reveal that health promoting behaviours in hemodialysis patients are impacted by renal disease and treatment. Interventions are needed to improve these behaviours, and promoting them is a significant challenge for healthcare providers, including nurses. Exercise improves health promotion behaviours in patients with end-stage renal failure, physical performance, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Some studies shown that exercise is safe during dialysis and does not cause physical damage or interfere with the process. Further, doing exercise promotes a positive effect on patients' physical symptoms. In fact, exercising is beneficial during the haemodialysis as it helps the body to release toxins such as urea more efficiently out from the patient’s body. Besides, dialysis kinesiology can improve the functional capacity of ESRD patients (walking and standing from a seat) and improves the mental aspect of quality of life perceived by the dialysis patients.
[0007] At present, external cycling machine need to be installed along the dialysis machine, which increases the cost of the whole dialysis treatment process. Further, the users, who are not in the state to do exercise, experiences muscles cramps. Further, the addition of an external cycling machine increases the overall size of the dialysis machine.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a passive exercise apparatus for a multi-functional dialysis device to provide a low-intensity exercise to multiple dialysis patients by creating a cycling action to patient’s legs. There is a need for a passive exercise apparatus that allows the dialysis patients to exercise during the dialysis treatment process, thereby improving the efficiency of dialysis and results in clearing toxins such as urea more efficiently out from the patient’s body and increasing overall physical stamina. There is a need for a passive exercise apparatus, which assists the dialysis patients who do not have strength to exercise. There is a need for a passive exercise apparatus that eliminates the need for installing external cycling machines for exercising. There is a need for a passive exercise apparatus that assists the dialysis patients reviving from muscles cramps. There is a need for a passive exercise apparatus that assists the patients in enhancing health promoting behaviours.
Objectives of the invention:
[0009] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus for a multi-functional dialysis device to provide a low-intensity exercise to multiple dialysis patients by creating a cycling action to patient’s legs.
[0010] The other objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus that prevents weak muscles or stiffness when the muscles are not used during the dialysis treatment process.
[0011] The other objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus that allows the dialysis patients to exercise during the dialysis treatment process, thereby improving the efficiency of dialysis and results in clearing toxins such as urea more efficiently out from the patient’s body and increasing overall physical stamina.
[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus, which assists the dialysis patients who do not have strength to exercise.
[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus that eliminates the need for installing external cycling machines for exercising.
[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus that assists the patients reviving from muscles cramps.
[0015] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a passive exercise apparatus that assists the patients in enhancing health promoting behaviours.
Summary of the invention:
[0016] The present disclosure proposes a passive exercise apparatus for a multi-functional dialysis machine and method of operating the same. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[0017] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a passive exercise apparatus for a multi-functional dialysis machine to provide a low-intensity exercise to multiple patients by creating a cycling action to patient’s legs during a dialysis treatment.
[0018] According to an aspect, the invention provides a passive exercise apparatus integrated with a multi-functional dialysis machine. The passive exercise apparatus comprises a housing that is configured with a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a separator within the housing. In specific, the housing comprises the first compartment having an inlet and the second compartment having an outlet that is fluidly connected to the first compartment.
[0019] The first compartment is fluidly connected to a dialysate outlet conduit via a first motorized valve for collecting a used dialysate solution from a dialyser of the multi-functional dialysis machine. In specific, the inlet of the first compartment is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit through the first motorized valve for collecting the used dialysate solution from the dialyser.
[0020] The second compartment is configured to receive the used dialysate solution from the first compartment via a second motorized valve. In specific, the separator is having the second motorized valve for filling the used dialysate solution from the first compartment to the second compartment. In specific, the passive exercise apparatus comprises a two-way pump disposed within the housing. The two-way pump is in communication with the controller. The two-way pump is configured to periodically transfer or pump the used dialysate solution from the first compartment to the second compartment, and vice-versa at a desired force via the second motorized valve. This leads to alternative expansion and contraction of the first compartment and the second compartment for producing a cycling action to the patient’s legs.
[0021] The first compartment and the second compartment are expandable compartments and comfortably supporting patient's feet. In specific, the first compartment and the second compartment are made of a flexible and expandable material. The first compartment and the second compartment are configured to be expanded and contracted upon changes in the volume of the used dialysate solution pumped therein.
[0022] A liquid volume sensor is disposed within the housing to measure a volume of the used dialysate solution filled in the first compartment and the second compartment.
[0023] The controller is arranged in the multi-functional dialysis machine. The controller is configured to activate or deactivate the inlet, the first motorized valve, the second motorized valve, and the outlet. In specific, the controller is configured to open the first motorized valve and the inlet of the first compartment, and close the outlet of the second compartment upon activation of the passive exercise apparatus, thereby delivering the used dialysate solution to fill the first compartment and the second compartment. Further, the controller is configured to close the first motorized valve when volume of the used dialysate solution measured by the liquid volume sensor reaches a threshold level in the housing.
[0024] The outlet is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit through a third motorized valve for dispensing the used dialysate solution out of the passive exercise apparatus after the completion of the exercise.
[0025] In an embodiment, the passive exercise apparatus is configured to be activated by a technician through a user interface of the multi-functional dialysis machine.
[0026] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for operating the passive exercise apparatus of the multi-functional dialysis machine. At one step, the first motorized valve and the inlet are opened by the controller for delivering the used dialysate solution from the dialyser via the dialysate outlet conduit to fill the first compartment and the second compartment with the used dialysate solution.
[0027] At another step, the first motorized valve is closed by the controller when the volume of the used dialysate solution measured by the liquid volume sensor is reached to a threshold level in the housing. At another step, the two-way pump is operated by the controller for pumping the used dialysate solution from the first compartment to the second compartment, and vice-versa at a desired force through the second motorized valve. At another step, the first compartment and the second compartment are enabled to alternatively expand and contract for producing a cycling action to the patient’s legs.
[0028] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-functional dialysis machine with at least two passive exercise apparatuses, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a passive exercise apparatus of the multi-functional dialysis machine, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the passive exercise apparatus connected to a dialysate outlet conduit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of the passive exercise apparatus, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate schematic views of the passive exercise apparatus in an operational state, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the multi-functional dialysis machine, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the passive exercise apparatus of the multi-functional dialysis machine, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed invention disclosure:
[0037] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.
[0038] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus integrated with a multi-functional dialysis device.
[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a perspective view of a multi-functional dialysis machine 10 with at least two passive exercise apparatuses 100. The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 is provided with an improved structure that can simultaneously perform a dialysis treatment to multiple dialysis patients 16 and provides entertainment, relaxation, and distraction to the dialysis patients 16 during the dialysis treatment process. The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 is a hemodialysis machine. In herein, at least two dialysis patients 16 can undergo the dialysis treatment process at a time.
[0040] The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 is made of high-strength, stiff, and chemically resistant polymer materials. The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 comprises a top, a base 22, two side walls, and a controller 116. Each side wall of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10 is configured to hold components for hemodialysis such as, but not limited to, a dialyzer 14, a blood thinner (not shown), a pressure monitor and pump (not shown), an air trap and pressure monitor (not shown), a dialysate tank 20, and a battery (not shown) thereof, as shown in FIGs. 1A and 1B.
[0041] The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 further comprises at least two display units 18 that are placed at top portions of the front and rear sides. The display units 18 are configured to display details of each dialysis patient 16 during the dialysis treatment process, as shown in FIGs. 1A and 1B.
[0042] A partition plate (not shown) is located below the battery unit inside the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. The partition plate is configured to separate an inner space of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10 for each dialysis patient 16.
[0043] The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 comprises at least two chairs 30 that are movably arranged on the base 22 at the front and rear sides. At least one dialysis patient 16 is intended to sit of one of the chair 30 for the dialysis treatment process. The chairs 30 are motor-operated recliner chairs that can be reclined and adjusted using a motor (not shown). This allows the dialysis patient 16 to be in a comfortable position for the dialysis treatment process. Another motor (not shown) is also arranged at the base shaft of the chair 30 to rotate the chair 30 automatically. This is necessary for the dialysis treatment process, as the patient's blood needs to be circulated through the multi-functional dialysis machine 10.
[0044] In an embodiment herein, the multi-functional dialysis machine 10 is capable of performing dialysis treatment process on two dialysis patients 16 at a time. This is done by having two chairs 30, each of which is capable of rotating. The two dialysis patients 16 can then sit on the chairs 30 and undergo the dialysis treatment process at the same time.
[0045] The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 comprises at least two passive exercise apparatuses 100 that are disposed at the bottom portion of the inner space of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. At least one passive exercise apparatus 100 is accessed by the dialysis patients 16, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0046] In an embodiment, to preform exercise, first at least one passive exercise apparatus 100 is configured to be activated by a technician through a user interface (not shown) of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. Then, the chairs 30 are rotated such that the dialysis patients 16 are facing towards the partition plate. Later, the dialysis patient 16 need to place the legs on the passive exercise apparatus 100.
[0047] Further, the chairs 30 are made of a comfortable material, such as leather or fabric. The chairs 30 are equipped with safety features, such as seat belts and anti-tip devices. The multi-functional dialysis machine 10 is equipped with a number of features to ensure the safety and comfort of the dialysis patients 16, such as a blood pressure monitor and an alarm system.
[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2A refers to a perspective view of the passive exercise apparatus 100 of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. Referring to FIG. 2B, a perspective view of the passive exercise apparatus 100 fluidly connected to a dialysate outlet conduit 12 is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2C refers to a top view of the passive exercise apparatus 100. In one embodiment herein, the passive exercise apparatus 100 allows the dialysis patients 16 (shown in FIG. 1) to exercise during the dialysis treatment process, thereby improving the efficiency of dialysis and results in clearing toxins such as urea more efficiently out from the patient’s body and increasing overall physical stamina.
[0049] In one embodiment herein, the passive exercise apparatus 100 used with the multi-functional dialysis device 10 provides a low-intensity exercise to multiple dialysis patients 16 by creating a cycling action to patient’s legs. The passive exercise apparatus 100 can prevent weak muscles or stiffness when the muscles aren't used during the dialysis treatment process. The passive exercise apparatus 100 may assist the dialysis patients 16 who do not have strength to exercise.
[0050] Each passive exercise apparatus 100 comprises a housing 102 that is configured with a first compartment 104 and a second compartment 106 separated by a separator 112 within the housing 102. In specific, the housing 102 comprises the first compartment 104 having an inlet 108 and the second compartment 106 having an outlet 120 that is fluidly connected to the first compartment 104, as shown in FIG. 2B. The passive exercise apparatus 100 eliminates the need for installing external cycling machines for exercising. The passive exercise apparatus 100 assists the dialysis patients 16 reviving from muscles cramps and enhances health promoting behaviours.
[0051] The first compartment 104 is fluidly connected to the dialysate outlet conduit 12 via a first motorized valve 124 for collecting a used dialysate solution 110 from the dialyser 14 of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10, as shown in FIG. 2B. In specific, the inlet 108 of the first compartment 104 is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit 12 through the first motorized valve 124 for collecting the used dialysate solution 110 from the dialyser 14 when a valve 128 is closed. In specific, a pipe 130a is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit 12, and the first motorized valve 124 is fixed in the pipe 130a.
[0052] The second compartment 106 is configured to receive the used dialysate solution 110 from the first compartment 104 via a second motorized valve 114. In specific, the separator 112 is having the second motorized valve 114 for filling the used dialysate solution 110 from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106. In specific, the passive exercise apparatus 100 comprises a two-way pump 122 disposed within the housing 102. The two-way pump 122 is in communication with the controller 132. The two-way pump 122 is configured to periodically transfer or pump the used dialysate solution 110 from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106, and vice-versa at a desired force via the second motorized valve 114. This leads to alternative expansion and contraction of the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 for producing a cycling action to the dialysis patient’s legs.
[0053] The first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 are expandable compartments and comfortably supporting the dialysis patient's feet, as shown in FIG. 2A. In specific, the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 are made of a flexible and expandable material. The first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 are configured to be expanded and contracted upon changes in the volume of the used dialysate solution 110 pumped therein.
[0054] A liquid volume sensor 118 is disposed within the housing 102 to measure a volume of the used dialysate solution 110 filled in the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106. The controller 116 is arranged in the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. The controller 116 is configured to activate or deactivate the inlet 108, the first motorized valve 124, the second motorized valve 114, and the outlet 120. In specific, the controller 116 is configured to open the first motorized valve 124 and the inlet 108 of the first compartment 104, and close the outlet 120 of the second compartment 106 upon activation of the passive exercise apparatus 100, thereby delivering the used dialysate solution 110 to fill the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106. Further, the controller 116 is configured to close the first motorized valve 124 when volume of the used dialysate solution 110 measured by the liquid volume sensor 118 reaches a threshold level in the housing 102.
[0055] The outlet 120 is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit 12 through a third motorized valve 126 for dispensing the used dialysate solution 110 out of the passive exercise apparatus 100 after the completion of the exercise, as shown in FIG. 2B. In specific, a pipe 130b is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit 12, and the third motorized valve 126 is fixed in the pipe 130b. The second compartment 106 is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit 12 for dispensing the used dialysate solution 110 out of the passive exercise apparatus 100 after the completion of the exercise when the third motorized valve 126 is opened, and the first motorized valve 124 is closed.
[0056] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGs. 3A-3B refer to schematic views of the passive exercise apparatus 100 in an operational state. In one embodiment herein, the passive exercise apparatus 100 is configured to create a cycling action to the dialysis patient’s legs upon activation by a technician. In another embodiment herein, the passive exercise apparatus 100 is configured to be manually activated by the dialysis patient 16. In a first cycle, the used dialysate solution 110 is pumped into the first compartment 104 from the second compartment 106 using the two-way pump 122 (shown in FIG. 2B). This causes the first compartment 104 to be expanded, thereby causing the dialysis patient's one foot to be moved upward or raised, as shown in FIG. 3A. Simultaneously, the second compartment 106 contracts, thereby causing the dialysis patient's another foot to be moved downward or lowered.
[0057] In a second cycle, the used dialysate solution 110 is pumped into the second compartment 106 from the first compartment 104 using the two-way pump 122. This causes the second compartment 106 to be expanded, thereby causing the dialysis patient's another foot to be moved upward or raised as shown in FIG. 3B. Simultaneously, the second compartment 106 contracts, thereby causing the dialysis patient's one foot to be moved downward or lowered.
[0058] This cycle is repeated to aid the dialysis patient 16 in performing the cycling action. The cycling action is passive exercise in which the dialysis patient's limbs are moved by an external force, such as the passive exercise apparatus 100. Passive exercise aids to improve circulation and range of motion in the dialysis patients 16 who are unable to move their limbs on their own.
[0059] In one embodiment herein, the passive exercise apparatus 100 can be manually operated by the dialysis patient 16 (shown in FIG. 1) during the dialysis treatment process. In one embodiment herein, the passive exercise apparatus 100 can be operated in a manual mode. In the manual mode, the dialysis patient 16 must be exerted force on the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 simultaneously for creating the cycling action during the dialysis treatment process. Based on the force applied by the dialysis patient 16, the used dialysate solution 110 is transferred from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106, and vice-versa to create the cycling action to the dialysis patient’s legs.
[0060] In an embodiment, the two-way pump 122 is controlled by a timer, which ensures that the two cycles are of equal duration. The passive exercise apparatus 100 is designed to be comfortable for the dialysis patient 16. The first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 are padded to prevent them from causing any discomfort.
[0061] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 refers to a schematic diagram 400 of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. At the start of a hemodialysis treatment, a dialysis nurse or technician places two needles into the dialysis patient’s arm. Each needle is attached to two soft tubes connected to the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. Blood flows from the dialysis patient’s body into the multi-functional dialysis machine 10 through one of the soft tubes. If the doctor prescribes blood thinner as part of the treatment, a blood thinner unit 24 will be used to add the blood thinner to keep the blood from clotting while it’s in the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. A pressure monitor and pump 26 work together to keep the flow at the right rate. The dialysis patient’s blood enters the dialyzer 14, where the patient’s blood is filtered.
[0062] Dialysate solution enters the dialyser 14 from the dialysate tank 20. The dialysate solution draws the waste out of the patient’s blood. The cleaned patient’s blood goes through another pressure monitor and an air trap unit 28 to make sure the cleaned patient’s blood is safe to go back into the patient’s body. The cleaned patient’s blood returns to the patient’s body through the second tube attached to the patient access site.
[0063] The used dialysate solution is pumped in the passive exercise apparatus 100. When an exercise mode is selected during the dialysis treatment process of the dialysis patient 16, the chair 30 is rotated, facing the dialysis patient 16 towards the inner space of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10, and slide the chair towards the inner space. The patient’s leg is placed on the passive exercise apparatus 100.
[0064] The valve 128 of the dialysate outlet conduit 12 and the third motorized valve 126 of the pipe 130b are closed by the controller 116. Further, the first motorized valve 124 of the pipe 130a, the second motorized valve 114 of the separator 112 are opened by the controller 116. The used dialysate solution 110 is flown from the dialysate outlet conduit 12 to the first compartment 104 through the inlet 108. Further, the used dialysate solution 110 is filled in the second compartment 106 from the first compartment 104 through the second motorized valve 114.
[0065] When the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 are filled till the threshold level, the liquid volume sensor 118 transmits a signal to the controller 116. The controller 116 closes the first motorized valve 124 and the valve 128 of the dialysate outlet conduit 12 is opened discard the used dialysate solution 110 during the dialysis treatment process. Next, the two-way pump 122 is activated by the controller to pump the used dialysate solution 110 from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106 and vice- versa at the desired force to alternatively expand and contract the first compartment 104 and the second compartment for generating the predetermined force on the patient’s leg.
[0066] After completion of the exercise, the third motorized valve 126 of the pipe 130b is opened by the controller 116. Further, the used dialysate solution 110 is completely pumped out from the first compartment 104 through the second motorized valve 114 of the separator 112, and the used dialysate solution 110 is pumped out of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10and discarded through the dialysate outlet conduit 12 via the third motorized valve 126.
[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 refers a flowchart 500 of a method for operating the passive exercise apparatus 100 of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. At first, the dialysis patient 16 sat on the chair 30, which is arranged either the front or rear side of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. The passive exercise apparatus 100 is configured to be activated by the technician through a user interface (not shown) of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10 and a disinfect mode is selected in the monitor of the multi-functional dialysis machine 10. Next, the dialysis treatment process is started after completion of the disinfection process. Later, the technician selects an exercise mode from the user interface.
[0068] At step 502, the first motorized valve 124 and the inlet 108 are opened by the controller 116 for delivering the used dialysate solution 110 from the dialyser 14 via the dialysate outlet conduit 12 to fill the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 with the used dialysate solution 110. At step 504, the first motorized valve 124 is closed by the controller 116 when the volume of the used dialysate solution 110 measured by the liquid volume sensor 118 is reached to a threshold level in the housing 102. At step 506, the two-way pump 122 is operated by the controller 116 for pumping the used dialysate solution 110 from the first compartment 104 to the second compartment 106, and vice-versa at a desired force through the second motorized valve 114. At step 508, the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 are enabled to alternatively expand and contract for producing a cycling action to the patient’s legs.
[0069] After completion of the exercise, the third motorized valve 126 is opened by the controller 116 for draining the used dialysate solution 110 from the housing 102 through the dialysate outlet conduit 12.
[0070] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a passive exercise apparatus 100 is disclosed integrated with a multi-functional dialysis device 10.
[0071] The passive exercise apparatus 100 that aid the dialysis patients 16 with not will power to exercise. The passive exercise apparatus 100, which aids the dialysis patients 16 who do not have strength to exercise. The passive exercise apparatus 100 eliminates the need for installing external cycling machine for exercising. The passive exercise apparatus 100 that aids the dialysis patients 16 from reviving from muscles cramps. The passive exercise apparatus 100 that aids the dialysis patients 16 in enhancing health promoting behaviours.
[0072] The passive exercise apparatus 100 is designed to aid the dialysis patients 16 who have difficulty exercising due to a lack of willpower, strength, or the need for an external cycling machine. The passive exercise apparatus 100 is a motorized device that provides a gentle, low-impact workout. The passive exercise apparatus 100 is equipped with a number of features that make it easy to use, even for the dialysis patients 16 who are not able to exercise on their own.
[0073] In an embodiment, the passive exercise apparatus 100 has a number of adjustable settings, so the dialysis patients 16 can customize the workout to their own fitness level. The passive exercise apparatus 100 is designed to be comfortable, even for the dialysis patients 16 who are not able to sit up for long periods of time. The passive exercise apparatus 100 aids to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, reduce pain and improve range of motion, and improve mood and reduce stress. In an embodiment, the multi-functional dialysis device 10 is portable, so the dialysis patients 16 can use it in their homes or in a healthcare setting.
[0074] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A passive exercise apparatus (100) for a multi-functional dialysis machine (10), comprising:
a housing (102) comprises a first compartment (104) having an inlet (108) and a second compartment (106) having an outlet (120) fluidly connected to the first compartment (104),
wherein
the first compartment (104) is fluidly connected to a dialysate outlet conduit (12) via a first motorized valve (124) for collecting a used dialysate solution (110) from a dialyser (14) of the multi-functional dialysis machine (10),
the second compartment (106) is configured to receive the used dialysate solution (110) from the first compartment (104) via a second motorized valve (114),
the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106) are expandable compartments and comfortably supporting dialysis patient's feet;
a separator (112) disposed within the housing (102) for separating the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106);
at least one liquid volume sensor (118) disposed within the housing (102) to measure a volume of the used dialysate solution (110) filled in the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106); and
a controller (116) arranged in the multi-functional dialysis machine (10), wherein the controller (116) is configured to activate or deactivate the inlet (108), the first motorized valve (124), the second motorized valve (114), and the outlet (120).
2. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106) are made of a flexible and expandable material.
3. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passive exercise apparatus (100) is configured to be activated by a technician through a user interface of the multi-functional dialysis machine (10).
4. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (116) is configured to open the first motorized valve (124) and the inlet (108) of the first compartment (104), and close the outlet (120) of the second compartment (106) upon activation of the passive exercise apparatus (100), thereby delivering the used dialysate solution (110) to fill the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106).
5. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106) are configured to be expanded and contracted upon changes in the volume of the used dialysate solution (110) pumped therein.
6. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passive exercise apparatus (100) comprises a two-way pump (122) disposed within the housing (102).
7. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two-way pump (122) in communication with the controller (116) is configured to periodically transfer or pump the used dialysate solution (110) from the first compartment (104) to the second compartment (106), and vice-versa at a desired force via the second motorized valve (114), thereby alternatively expanding and contracting the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106) for producing a cycling action to the dialysis patient’s legs.
8. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (116) is configured to close the first motorized valve (124) when volume of the used dialysate solution (110) measured by the liquid volume sensor (118) reaches a threshold level in the housing (102).
9. The passive exercise apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet (120) is connected to the dialysate outlet conduit (12) through a third motorized valve (126) for dispensing the used dialysate solution (110) out of the passive exercise apparatus (100) after the completion of the exercise.
10. A method for operating a passive exercise apparatus (100) of a multi-functional dialysis machine (10), comprising:
opening, by a controller (116), a first motorized valve (124) and an inlet (108) of a first compartment (104) of a housing (102) for delivering a used dialysate solution (110) from a dialyser (14) via a dialysate outlet conduit (12) to fill the first compartment (104) and a second compartment (106) with the used dialysate solution (110);
closing, by the controller (116), the first motorized valve (124) when a volume of the used dialysate solution (110) measured by a liquid volume sensor (118) is reached to a threshold level in the housing (102);
operating, by the controller (116), a two-way pump (122) for pumping the used dialysate solution (110) from the first compartment (104) to the second compartment (106), and vice-versa at a desired force through a second motorized valve (114); and
enabling alternate expanding and contracting of the first compartment (104) and the second compartment (106) for producing a cycling action to the dialysis patient’s legs.