Patent ID: 8349174

Claim:
A portable, wearable dialysis machine for a patient, comprising: a fuel cell, an alternating current (“AC”) power source, and a battery for powering the portable, wearable dialysis machine; a pump powered by the fuel cell, the AC power source, or the battery for pumping dialysis fluid in a fluid circuit; a particulate filter placed in the fluid circuit; a replaceable cartridge in the fluid circuit for absorbing waste products; and a controller configured so that (i) if the AC power source is available, the AC power source charges the battery and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump; and (ii) if the AC power source is not available (a) if the fuel cell is in an operational state, the fuel cell charges the battery and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump; and (b) if the fuel cell is not in an operational state, the battery powers the fuel cell to an operational state and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump, until the fuel cell is in an operational state.