Patent ID: 8535525

Claim:
A machine adapted to releasably receive a cartridge in which dialysis is effected, said machine comprising: a fluid circuit for supplying to the cartridge, at a controlled temperature and rate, sterile water for use in the hemodialysis, the machine being operable to maintain in a sterile condition residual water contained therein after completion of a hemodialysis treatment, wherein said fluid circuit recycles residual water contained therein after completion of a hemodialysis treatment in a closed loop circuit through a sterilizer when the machine is not performing hemodialysis of a patient's blood, thus maintaining the residual water in a sterile condition; a water inlet for receiving water from a water supply; a sterile water outlet for supplying water to the cartridge, wherein said sterilizer sterilizes water as it flows from said water inlet to said sterile water outlet; and two platens, at least one of which is movable in relation to the other, adapted to receive and hold the cartridge, and wherein the sterile water outlet comprises an outlet valve in one of said platens which, when in a first position, presents a flush surface with said one platen and prevents water from exiting the sterile outlet and, when in a second position, an outlet is formed in the face of said one platen allowing the sterile water to pass therethrough into the cartridge.