WO2009035599A1 - Capteurs et dispositifs d'analyse d'urine - Google Patents

Capteurs et dispositifs d'analyse d'urine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009035599A1
WO2009035599A1 PCT/US2008/010565 US2008010565W WO2009035599A1 WO 2009035599 A1 WO2009035599 A1 WO 2009035599A1 US 2008010565 W US2008010565 W US 2008010565W WO 2009035599 A1 WO2009035599 A1 WO 2009035599A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
urine
toilet
sensor
fluid chamber
urine receiver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/010565
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Craig L. Kaprielian
Bryan L. Aivazian
Paul Leland Mandel
Jonathan Lee Provo
Vito Manuel Ruiz
Rebecca Scholl
Alisha Lilly Sieminski
Tiana Elizabeth Veldwisch
Justin Wai-Chun Wong
Original Assignee
Rocona, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rocona, Inc. filed Critical Rocona, Inc.
Publication of WO2009035599A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009035599A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/0045—Devices for taking samples of body liquids
    • A61B10/007—Devices for taking samples of body liquids for taking urine samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/483—Physical analysis of biological material
    • G01N33/487—Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
    • G01N33/493—Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material urine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B2010/0003—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements including means for analysis by an unskilled person

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to systems and methods for urinalysis, and in some cases, to systems and methods for urinalysis suitable for mounting on a toilet.
  • a healthy adult person usually voids 1000 ml to 1500 ml of urine every day.
  • the total amount of solid components in urine is about 50 g to 70 g.
  • About 25 g of the solid components are inorganic substances mainly composed of sodium chloride, potassium chloride and phosphoric acid, most of which are dissolved in the form of ions.
  • the remaining solid components are organic substances mainly composed of urea and uric acid, and slight amounts of sugar, protein, and other substances.
  • the concentrations of sugar and protein in the urine often reflect health conditions of the person.
  • the sugar (e.g., glucose) contained in the urine is usually discharged at a rate of about 0.13 g to 0.5 g per day into the urine.
  • the concentration i.e., the urine sugar level
  • the concentration can be estimated at not more than about 50 mg/dl on the average for a healthy subject.
  • the corresponding value for diabetics is several hundred mg/dl, or sometimes as high as several thousand mg/dl.
  • the urine sugar level for diabetics can increase by a factor often or hundred as compared with the normal value.
  • the protein contained in urine is typically smaller in amount than glucose, and discharged at the rate of about 3 mg to 60 mg into the urine for healthy individuals.
  • the average concentration for a normal adult is about 6 mg/dl or less.
  • the protein concentration can sometimes reach 100 mg/dl or more. That is, the amount of protein may increase to ten times the normal value, or more in some cases.
  • One general type of test is physical color and appearance: What does the urine look like to the naked eye? For example, is it clear or cloudy? Pale or dark yellow, or another color? In addition, testing the specific gravity of urine may reveal how concentrated or dilute the urine is.
  • Another general test is to determine the appearance of the urine under a microscope. Generally, a urine sample is examined under a microscope in order to look for cells, casts, urine crystals, mucous, and other substances, to identify any bacteria or other microorganisms that might be present, or the like.
  • the chemical makeup of the urine can also be tested. To test the chemical makeup of the urine, a "dipstick" is sometimes used that tests for various substances in the urine such as blood, white cells, or sugar. The typical dipstick contains pads of chemicals that change color when they come in contact with the substances of interest.
  • the present invention generally relates to systems and methods for urinalysis.
  • the subject matter of the present invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.
  • the invention is directed to an apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a urine receiver constructed and arranged to be mountable on a toilet, a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the urine receiver, and a sensor in sensing communication with the fluid chamber.
  • the receiver may be constructed and arranged to be reversibly mountable on the toilet.
  • the apparatus in another set of embodiments, includes a urine receiver, and an arm supporting the urine receiver.
  • the arm is constructed and arranged to be mountable on a toilet, and in certain instances, the arm may be constructed and arranged to be reversibly mountable the toilet. In one embodiment, the arm is also constructed and arranged to be reversibly movable from a first position to a second position. In some instances, the apparatus may also include a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the urine receiver.
  • the apparatus comprises a fluid chamber, a urine receiver constructed and arranged to be mountable on a toilet, a reservoir in controlled fluid communication with the fluid chamber via a reservoir valve, a sensor in sensing communication with the fluid chamber, and a drain valve in controlled fluid communication with the fluid chamber.
  • the urine receiver is constructed and arranged to be reversibly mountable on the toilet. In some cases, the urine receiver can be in controlled fluid communication with the fluid chamber via a urine valve.
  • the present invention is directed to a method.
  • the method includes acts of collecting urine in a urine receiver mounted on a toilet, directing at least some of the urine to a fluid chamber, and determining an analyte in the urine within the fluid chamber.
  • the urine receiver is reversibly mounted on the toilet.
  • the method in another set of embodiments, includes an act of voiding urine into a urine receiver mounted on a toilet.
  • the urine receiver is reversibly mounted on the toilet.
  • the urine receiver urges the urine to a sensor and/or to a fluid chamber containing the sensor, where the sensor may be in electronic communication with a device able to transmit an electronic communication based on an analyte detected in the urine.
  • the method includes an act of receiving a measurement from a sensor contained within a fluid chamber in fluid communication with a urine receiver reversibly mounted on a toilet based on an analyte detected in urine contained within the fluid chamber.
  • the method includes an act of voiding urine into a urine receiver mounted on a toilet.
  • the urine receiver may be reversibly mounted on the toilet, in certain instances.
  • the urine receiver urges the urine to a sensor and/or to a fluid chamber containing a sensor.
  • the method may also include an act of receiving a measurement from the sensor based on the urine.
  • the method in another set of embodiments, includes acts of collecting urine in a urine receiver mounted on a toilet, determining an analyte within the urine using a sensor, and transmitting an electronic communication based on the determination of the analyte.
  • the urine receiver may be, in some cases, reversibly mounted on the toilet. In some cases, the urine may be urged to a fluid chamber containing the sensor.
  • the method includes acts of allowing urine to enter a urine receiver constructed and arranged to be mountable on a toilet where the urine flows into a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the urine receiver, determining an analyte with the fluid chamber, and flushing the fluid chamber with a buffer.
  • the urine receiver is constructed and arranged to be reversibly mountable on the toilet.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of determining pregnancy in a subject.
  • the method includes acts of collecting urine from the subject in a urine receiver mounted on a toilet, determining an analyte within the urine using a the sensor, and based on the analyte, transmitting a communication indicative of pregnancy.
  • the urine receiver may be, in certain embodiments, reversibly mounted on the toilet.
  • the urine may also be urged to a fluid chamber containing the sensor, in certain cases.
  • kits may include one or more of the components described above.
  • the kit may include a urine receiver constructed and arranged to be mountable on a toilet, a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the urine receiver, and a sensor in sensing communication with the fluid chamber.
  • the urine receiver can be constructed and arranged to be reversibly mountable on a toilet, in some cases.
  • the present invention is directed to a method of making one or more of the embodiments described herein, for example, a urinalysis device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of using one or more of the embodiments described herein, for example, a urinalysis device.
  • Figs. IA- IB illustrate certain sensing devices according to various embodiments of the invention
  • Figs. 2A-2D illustrate various sensing devices according to certain embodiments of the invention
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a device containing a urine receiver, according to another embodiment of the invention
  • Figs. 4A-4C illustrate a "scone" urine receiver, according to still another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 5A-5D illustrate a urine receiver having a sheet-like structure, in yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates the opening and closing of various valves in one embodiment of the invention.
  • the present invention generally relates to systems and methods for urinalysis.
  • a normal (i.e. unmodified) toilet such as a standard "seat” toilet, which can be readily obtained commercially (e.g. Wellworth ® models by Kohler and Champion models by American Standard, just to name two of many, many examples of "cistern flush” style seat toilets, which may be gravity feed or pressure assist designs (e.g. Cadet model pressure assist designs by American Standard); valveless siphon tank type seat toilets and non-cistern direct flush (“flushometer”) type toilets (e.g. HighlineTM models by Kohler and Madera Flo WiseTM models by American Standard); etc.).
  • a standard "seat” toilet which can be readily obtained commercially (e.g. Wellworth ® models by Kohler and Champion models by American Standard, just to name two of many, many examples of "cistern flush” style seat toilets, which may be gravity feed or pressure assist designs (e.g. Cadet model pressure assist designs by American Standard); valve
  • an inventive apparatus mounted to a toilet may include a urine receiver and a fluid chamber containing a sensor or multiple sensors, as appropriate for particular analyses to be performed.
  • the apparatus may also include a reservoir for containing and/or passing buffer or other liquids through the fluid chamber, e.g., for cleaning and/or neutralization purposes.
  • the urine receiver in some cases, may be movable (e.g., into and from the middle of the toilet bowl with respect to a peripheral rim of the toilet bowl) in order to receive urine, then be moved to the side of the bowl afterwards.
  • the sensor in turn, may be connected to electrical equipment for analysis of the urine, storage of the data, communication of the data (e.g., to the user, and/or to a doctor or health care provider), etc.
  • a urinalysis apparatus includes a urine receiver, a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the urine receiver, and a sensor in sensing communication with the fluid chamber.
  • a schematic diagram of an example of such a device is shown in Fig. IA.
  • urinalysis apparatus 10 includes a urine receiver 15, a fluid chamber 20 in fluid communication with urine receiver 15 via fluid conduit 12, and a sensor 25 in sensing communication with fluid chamber 20.
  • urine is collected in urine receiver 15 and urged into fluid chamber 20, where sensor 25 can be used to determine an analyte(s) within the urine.
  • sensor 25 is positioned such that the sensing portion of the sensor is in direct fluidic contact with the fluid that enters fluid chamber 20; however, in other embodiments, the sensor may be positioned proximate to fluid chamber 20 but in sensing communication, as discussed below.
  • device 10 here includes urine receiver 15 in fluid communication with fluid chamber 20 via fluid conduit 12, flow through which can be controlled by valve 13.
  • Valve 13 in this example, is able to direct urine to fluid chamber 20 and or to fluid conduit 14, e.g., for disposal of excess urine into the toilet.
  • Fluid chamber 20 also includes drain 22, flow through which can be controlled by valve 23. When valve 23 is open, fluid within fluid chamber 20 can exit the sfluid chamber, e.g., into the toilet. Thus, the flow of urine (from urine receiver 15) into and out of fluid chamber 20 may be controlled via valves 13 and/or 23. Also shown in Fig.
  • IB is a fluid reservoir 30, which may contain buffer, cleaning fluid, and/or other fluids for use in fluid chamber 20, e.g., for sensing purposes, cleaning purposes, etc.
  • fluid from fluid reservoir 30 flows through fluid conduit 32, the flow being controlled by valve 33.
  • fluid reservoir 30 may contain buffer which is used to rinse fluid chamber 20, and the flow of buffer through fluid chamber 20 may be controlled via valves 23 and/or 33.
  • a urinalysis device is provided that is mountable on a toilet.
  • the toilet itself may be of any suitable design.
  • the toilet may be a "seat” toilet, such as is commonly seen in most Western societies, or a “squatter” toilet, such as can be found in many Eastern societies or a urinal, as provided for males in many commercial establishments.
  • the toilet typically includes a "bowl” which may be elevated above ground level (e.g. for typical seat toilets) or may be near, at or below ground level (e.g. as is common with many squatter toilets), which catches urine and other forms of waste.
  • the bowl is formed from porcelain or ceramic.
  • the toilet may be a flush toilet, e.g., a toilet having a bowl in which water is flushed through to clean the bowl.
  • the water may be held within a cistern (i.e., a cistern flush toilet) or otherwise arise from another source.
  • the toilet is a common household seat toilet, in which the bowl of the toilet has not been substantially modified.
  • the urinalysis device can include a urine receiver to receive urine voided by a user.
  • the user voids urine into the urine receiver.
  • the user may be in any comfortable position when voiding urine into the urine receiver, e.g., in a sitting position, in a standing position, in a squatting position, etc.
  • the urine receiver may have any suitable shape for catching urine and directing at least a portion of it to a fluid chamber, as discussed in detail below.
  • the urine receiver has a bowl shape, a cup shape, a boat shape, or a funnel shape, or another relatively concave shape which can be used to collect urine.
  • a bowl shape a cup shape, a boat shape, or a funnel shape, or another relatively concave shape which can be used to collect urine.
  • Fig. 2A A non-limiting example of such a structure is shown in Fig. 2A.
  • the receiver will have a generally circular or oblong cross-sectional shape, although other shapes are also possible, as discussed below.
  • the receiver may be of a size able to comfortably receive urine from a person in a standing position (for male subjects), in a sitting position, and/or in a squatting position. In some cases, the receiver may be appropriately shaped or sized to minimize splashing out of the receiver.
  • the receiver also may be sized to be able to fit within the bowl of a toilet, such as a seat toilet.
  • the receiver may have a diameter or largest dimension of several inches, for example, about 2 inches, about 3 inches, or about 4 inches in diameter (1 inch is 2.54 cm).
  • the receiver may be mounted within the toilet, i.e., the receiver can be mounted on a toilet without the need to substantially modify the bowl of the toilet, or the need to break or disassemble the receiver in order to mount to the toilet.
  • the mounted receiver may be reversibly mounted on the toilet, i.e., the receiver may be removable from the toilet (and optionally, reusable or remountable) without the need to substantially modify the bowl of the toilet, or the need to break or disassemble the receiver in order to remove the receiver from the toilet.
  • the receiver has a size such that the receiver can be moved from a first position to a second position within the toilet, as discussed below.
  • the urine receiver may have shapes other than bowls or cups.
  • the urine receiver has a "sconce" shape, i.e., the urine receiver has a relatively large surface area with a relatively shallow slope.
  • the urine receiver in such an embodiment does not necessarily have a circular or oblong shape (although it can have such a shape), and the urine receiver does not necessarily direct urine to the center of the receiver.
  • a non-limiting example of a "sconce" shape is shown in Fig. 4C. This figure shows a toilet bowl 5 containing a urine receiver 15 having a "sconce" shape.
  • Urine 7 is collected by urine receiver 15 and urged to fluid conduit 12 (e.g., a tube), which is connected to urine receiver 15 via opening 11.
  • fluid conduit 12 e.g., a tube
  • Opening 11 is not positioned in the center of urine receiver 15, but instead is located on one side of the urine receiver in this example.
  • Fluid conduit 12 directs the urine to fluid chamber 20, where it is analyzed by sensor 25.
  • the urine receiver has a sheet-like structure which can be used to collect urine (e.g. as shown in Figs. 5A-5D).
  • the sheet may be concave, or the sheet may be flat and relatively flexible such that urine collects on the sheet, i.e., the sheet does not have a precisely defined structure, but is able to "flex" in response to the urine (e.g., the sheet may sag in response to the weight of the urine).
  • the urine receiver comprises a sheet of material that is positioned across at least a portion of the bowl of the toilet.
  • Urine collected on the sheet may be urged to a fluid conduit to be directed to a sensor, e.g., as is shown by arrows 57 in Fig. 5A.
  • suitable materials for forming the sheet include plastic or polymer (e.g., ABS plastic), wax paper, rubber, or the like.
  • the sheet of material in some cases, may be rolled up for storage, as is shown in Figs. 5A-5C. In this example, a sheet of material 50 is rolled up around a rod with handles 55. In some cases, handle 55 may be positioned between seat 8 and the bowl 5 of a toilet, as is shown in Fig.
  • the sheet of material is disposable; for instance, portions of the sheet of material may be removed between uses.
  • the sheet of material may be perforated 54 such that portions of the material can be removed after use, e.g., thrown into the trash or flushed down the toilet.
  • the sheet may be collected for later use and/or disposal, as is shown in Figs. 5B and 5C with sheet collection stand 59.
  • Urine receivers of the invention generally may be constructed out of any suitable material.
  • the urine receiver may be constructed from polymer, porcelain, ceramic, a metal, or the like.
  • suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like.
  • the urine receiver is constructed out of a material that degrades in water, e.g., a gel, a hydrogel, or a biodegradable polymer such as poly(lactic acid) and/or poly(glycolic acid).
  • a material that has a density less than that of water e.g., a gel, a hydrogel, or a biodegradable polymer such as poly(lactic acid) and/or poly(glycolic acid).
  • the urine receiver may be constructed out of a compressible material, e.g., a material that is compressible in at least one dimension by at least about 10%, at least about 25%, or at least about 50% when a mechanical force is applied to it, and then regains its original shape (or substantially its original shape) when that force is released.
  • a compressible material e.g., a material that is compressible in at least one dimension by at least about 10%, at least about 25%, or at least about 50% when a mechanical force is applied to it, and then regains its original shape (or substantially its original shape) when that force is released.
  • Such materials may be useful in embodiments, for instance, where the urine receiver is moved from a first position to a second position, in which the second position is a position where the urine receiver is at least partially compressed (e.g., against a side of the toilet) such that the toilet can be used without interference from the urine receiver.
  • the urine receiver may be positioned within the toilet using any suitable technique.
  • the urine receiver is constructed such that it can float on the liquid contained within the toilet, or the urine receiver may have a shape that allows it to be placed in the bowl of the toilet and held there via gravity.
  • the urine receiver may have a size and/or a shape that allows it to be positioned on the bowl of the toilet (without falling in), and/or there may be hooks, levers, arms, etc., on the urine receiver that allow the urine receiver to be placed on the bowl of the toilet without the urine receiver falling in.
  • the urine receiver may be mounted to the toilet in some fashion, e.g., mechanically.
  • the urine receiver may be held within the toilet by string, by chains, adhesives, suction cup(s), by a clamp (s), or by an arm (or more than one arm) positioned to hold the urine receiver within the toilet.
  • the urine receiver may be held (suspended) above the surface of the liquid within the toilet, and/or may be positioned such that at least a portion of the urine receiver comes into contact with the liquid.
  • an arm or other extendable device may be constructed to be mounted on a portion of the toilet, e.g., to the rim of a bowl of the toilet, where the arm positions the urine receiver within the bowl of the toilet.
  • a non-limiting example of such an arm is shown in Fig. 3.
  • device 10 includes a urine receiver 15 connected to arm 40.
  • Arm 40 in this example, is constructed and arranged to be mountable to a toilet via an indentation 42 configured to contain and securely mount to a rim of a bowl of the toilet.
  • Indentation 42 may be of a fixed width or the width may be adjustable in some fashion, e.g., via sliders, clamps, screws, springs, etc.
  • the arm may be secured in a fixed position relative to the toilet, and/or the arm or portions of the arm may be movable with respect to the toilet, e.g., such that the urine receiver can be moved to various positions within the toilet.
  • the arm may allow the urine receiver to be reversibly movable from a first position to a second position.
  • the first position may be a position suitable for receiving urine from a user
  • the second position may be a position at or near the side of the bowl such that a user can urinate (or otherwise use the toilet) without the urine or other matter entering the urine receiver.
  • the urine receiver may be moved to more than two positions.
  • the urine receiver may be moved to a first position suitable for urination from a standing position, a second position suitable for urination from a sitting position, and a third position suitable for storage of the urine receiver.
  • the urine receiver may be formed from a compressible material, such as a hydrogel, that allows the urine receiver to be stored in a compressed state in a suitable (e.g. non-obstructing) location within the toilet when it is not being used.
  • the position of the arm within the toilet may be controlled, for example, using a handle.
  • a handle An example of such a device is shown in Figs. 2A-2D.
  • device 10 includes arm 43 that holds urine receiver 15, over or within the bowl of a toilet, e.g., as is shown in Fig. 2B.
  • arm 43 has a generally curved shape; however, in other cases, arm 43 may have any other suitable shape, e.g., angled, straight, S-shaped, or the like.
  • Urine receiver 15 in Fig. 2A is shown as having a bowl- like shape. In other embodiments, however, urine receiver may have other shapes as well, e.g., a sconce shape as discussed above.
  • Urine receiver 15 may be movably or fixably mounted relative to arm 43 using any suitable technique known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, urine receiver 15 may be connected using nails, screws, adhesives, clamps, other mechanical attachment, may be integrally formed with the arm, etc. Also shown in Fig. 2A is a mounting device 45 for securing arm 43 on the toilet
  • Mounting device 45 as shown in Fig. 2A includes a clamping portion 47 that clamps onto the rim of the bowl of the toilet.
  • the clamping portion may mount onto the bowl using any suitable method.
  • the mounting device may also be readily removed from the toilet.
  • the clamping portion may be unscrewed by the user to allow the mounting device to be removed from the toilet, without permanently destroying or breaking the mounting device.
  • handle 48 extending away from mounting device 45 may be used to control the position of extending member 43, and thus of urine receiver 15.
  • handle 48 is connected by a pivoting member that in turn moves arm 43 and urine receiver 15.
  • urine receiver 15 may be moved into a first position for receiving urine, and a second position so that a user can urinate without the urine entering the urine receiver.
  • the position of the arm may be controlled manually in some embodiments. In other embodiments, however, the position of the arm and the urine receiver may be controlled automatically, e.g., by a motor, which may be actuated and controlled by a computer or other device as discussed below.
  • the mounting device may contain electromechanical servos or the like that are able to move the urine receiver from a first position to a second position.
  • the handle may be controlled (e.g., by a user) to move the urine receiver to various positions within a toilet.
  • the urine receiver may be moved to a first position suitable for urination from a standing position, a second position suitable for urination from a sitting position or a squatting position, and/or a third position suitable for storage of the urine receiver, etc.
  • the urine receiver may direct fluid (e.g., urine) from the urine receiver to a fluid chamber, i.e., such that the urine receiver and the fluid chamber are in fluid communication so that fluid is able to flow from the urine receiver into the fluid chamber.
  • fluid chamber e.g., urine
  • a non-limiting example of a fluid chamber is fluid chamber 20 in Figs. IA and IB.
  • the fluid may flow into the fluid chamber using gravity, via a pump, via siphoning, etc.
  • the fluid chamber may be constructed and arranged to be mounted on a toilet, such as to the inside of a bowl of the toilet.
  • the fluid chamber may be integrally connected to the urine receiver (e.g., as previously described), and/or the fluid chamber may be attached to the urine receiver via clamps, strings, chains, suction cups, etc., suitable for mounting on the toilet.
  • the fluid chamber is sealed from the toilet and/or the external environment, and fluid can enter and exit the fluid chamber only through fluid conduits (e.g., fluid conduits 12 or 32, or drain 22).
  • the fluid chamber may be constructed out of any suitable material, such as polymer, porcelain, ceramic, metals, glass or the like.
  • the fluid chamber may be formed out of the same or different materials than the urine receiver.
  • the fluid chamber may have any shape suitable for containing fluid.
  • the fluid chamber may have a generally spherical shape or an elongated or oblong shape.
  • the fluid chamber contains one or more sensors that can determine one or more properties of the fluid within the fluid chamber; however, in certain embodiments, a sensor may be positioned near (but not within) the fluid chamber such that the sensor is in sensing communication with fluid in the fluid chamber (i.e. configured and positioned to enable it to determine a property of the fluid) but not in physical contact with the fluid.
  • the sensor may be a light or an optical sensor that is able to analyze fluid within the fluid chamber using light without the sensor being in physical contact with the fluid.
  • Fluid may flow into the fluid chamber directly, or through a suitable fluid conduit, such as a tube.
  • a suitable fluid conduit such as a tube.
  • fluid conduit 12 connects urine receiver 15 and fluid chamber 20.
  • the tube may be formed out of any suitable material (e.g., plastic or polymeric, glass, metal, etc.) and may be stiff or flexible.
  • a flexible tube may be advantageous in some cases, e.g., to ensure that the fluid chamber is positioned in a suitable location relative to the urine receiver (for instance, such that liquid is able to flow from the urine receiver to the fluid chamber via gravity).
  • suitable polymers include those previously described; certain plastic or polymeric materials may be useful due to their abilities to resist corrosion, ease of cleaning, etc.
  • fluid flow into the fluid chamber may be controlled, for instance, through the use of a valve (e.g., a solenoid valve or a 3-way valve) or other suitable device.
  • the valve may allow a portion of the fluid to be diverted away from the device, e.g., into the toilet. For instance, after a certain volume of fluid has entered the fluid chamber, any excess fluid may be disposed of into the toilet.
  • the valve may be controlled, in some cases, using a computer or other automatic device as discussed below, or the valve may be manually controlled.
  • a valve such as valve 13 in Fig. IB may direct fluid from urine receiver 15 to fluid chamber 20 and/or to fluid conduit 14 for disposal.
  • the fluid chamber also contains a drain to allow fluid within the fluid chamber to exit, e.g., into the toilet. Fluid may be drained into the toilet, for example, after determining an analyte within the fluid using a sensor in the fluid chamber, to flush or clean the fluid chamber, to prime the fluid chamber for further sensor determinations, to remove excess urine or other fluids, or the like.
  • the exit of fluid from the fluid chamber can be controlled, in one embodiment, through a valve or other suitable device, which may be manually controlled, or controlled using a computer or other device. Any suitable valve can be used, for example, a solenoid valve or a 3- way valve.
  • valve may be closed while fluid enters the fluid chamber, and opened once the sensor has determined an analyte within the fluid, thus allowing fluid to leave the fluid chamber.
  • exit valve 23 may be used to control fluid level within fluid chamber 20. When open, valve 23 may allow fluid within fluid chamber 20 to exit through drain 22 into the toilet.
  • a buffer or a cleaning fluid may be added to the fluid chamber, or a fluid containing a species able to react with an analyte in the urine may be added to the fluid chamber.
  • such fluids may be contained within one or more reservoirs in fluidic communication with the fluid chamber, such as reservoir 30 in Fig. IB.
  • the fluid may include buffers or cleaning fluids that are used to clean the fluid chamber and/or maintain certain concentrations of species within the fluid chamber between uses.
  • the fluid may include calibration species useful for properly maintaining calibration of the sensor(s).
  • the fluid may contain a known concentration of an ion, such as sodium or potassium.
  • the flow of such fluids into the fluid chamber may also be controlled, in some cases, through valves or the like, optionally using a computer or other device as discussed below.
  • Fluid within the fluid chamber may be in sensing communication with one or more sensors.
  • the sensors may be integrally formed with, contained within and/or attached to the fluid chamber, and/or the sensors may be constructed and arranged to be mounted to a toilet, such as to the inside of a bowl of the toilet.
  • the sensors may be attached to clamps, strings, chains, suction cups, adhesive, etc., that are suitable for mounting on the toilet.
  • the sensors may be in direct physical contact with the fluid chamber, and/or the sensors may be positioned such that the sensors are able to determine a fluid within the fluid chamber in some fashion, e.g., through the use of optical properties such as fluorescence, color, light transmission, light scattering, etc.
  • the sensor may be an ion sensor, or an electronic sensor such as an amperometric sensor or a potentiometric sensor.
  • a sensor may be a colorimetric sensor able to determine color of the urine, light may be directed through the fluid chamber towards a sensor, which can measure light transmission through the fluid chamber, etc.
  • a fluid containing a species able to react with an analyte within the urine may be present within the fluid chamber, for instance, producing a determinable signal (e.g., fluorescence), and the sensor may be a sensor able to determine fluorescence.
  • a determinable signal e.g., fluorescence
  • the sensor may be a sensor able to determine fluorescence.
  • suitable sensors for example, ion-selective or ion-exchange sensors such as those described below.
  • the sensor may be able to sense an analyte (or other species of interest) present within the urine.
  • albumin haptoglobin, transferrin, immunoglobulin, lactadehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alpha amylase, uropepsinogene, lysozyme, urokinase, etc.
  • sugars e.g., glucose, phenylpyruvate, arabinose, xyloseribose, fucose, rhammose, ketopentose, galactose, mannose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, fucosylglucose, raffinose, etc.
  • amino acids e.g., alanine, carnosine, glycine, histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, serine, tyrosine, valine, hydroxyloproline, galactosylhydroxylyzine, xylosylserine, etc
  • determining generally refers to the analysis of a species, for example, quantitatively or qualitatively, and/or the detection of the presence or absence of the species. “Determining” may also refer to the analysis of an interaction between two or more species, for example, quantitatively or qualitatively, and/or by detecting the presence or absence of the interaction.
  • Example determination techniques include, but are not limited to, spectroscopy such as infrared, absorption, fluorescence, UV/visible, FTIR ("Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy"), or Raman; gravimetric techniques; ellipsometry; piezoelectric measurements; immunoassays; electrochemical measurements; optical measurements such as optical density measurements; circular dichroism; light scattering measurements such as quasielectric light scattering; polarimetry; refractometry; or turbidity measurements.
  • the senor is an ion-selective electrode.
  • an ion-selective electrode includes a transducer which is able to convert the activity of a specific ion dissolved in a solution into a determinable signal, such as electrical potential, which can then be determined (e.g., via a voltmeter or pH meter).
  • the ion-selective electrode may also include an ion-selective membrane, which preferentially allows one or more specific ions to pass through, relative to the other ions. For example, an ion-selective membrane may allow the passage of sodium ions relative to potassium ions, or vice versa.
  • ion-selective electrodes include, but are not limited to, electrodes containing glass membranes (e.g., containing ion-exchange glasses such as silicate of chalcogenide, useful for detecting ions such as H + , Na + , Ag + . Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , etc.), crystalline membranes (e.g., formed from mono- or polycrystallites, such as a fluoride selective electrode based on LaF 3 ), or ion exchange resin membranes (e.g., formed from certain polymer membranes containing a specific ion-exchange substance (resin), useful for detecting a range of ions, such as valinomycin for determining potassium).
  • glass membranes e.g., containing ion-exchange glasses such as silicate of chalcogenide, useful for detecting ions such as H + , Na + , Ag + . Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , etc.
  • the performance of the ion-selective electrode may be enhanced by using a buffer, such as total ionic strength adjustment buffer which can be used to increase the ionic strength of a solution to a relatively high level.
  • the sensor may be a creatinine sensor.
  • the creatinine sensor may be a sensor that makes use of an enzyme system to produce an ammonia byproduct that is sensed by an ammonia ion-selective electrode. Creatinine sensors have been produced by companies that utilize them in commercial products (e.g., Nova Biomedical).
  • urine specific gravity can be used as a measure of urine concentration, using an appropriate gravimetric sensor.
  • the invention is not limited to a particular sensor type.
  • the sensor is a pH sensor able to determine pH of the urine.
  • the sensor is an oxygen sensor or a lamda sensor.
  • the sensor may be based on zirconia or titania that is able to react with oxygen to produce a determination, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Many such oxygen sensors can be commercially obtained.
  • the senor is a redox electrode using metals (e.g., platinum, gold, titanium, indium, etc.) and/or semiconductor materials (e.g., graphite, diamond, tin oxide, etc.).
  • metals e.g., platinum, gold, titanium, indium, etc.
  • semiconductor materials e.g., graphite, diamond, tin oxide, etc.
  • Those of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar with redox electrodes, many of which can be obtained commercially.
  • one or more of the components may be controlled automatically, e.g., through the use of a computer or other automated device.
  • automated devices refer to devices that are able to operate without human direction, i.e., an automated device can perform a function during a period of time after any human has finished taking any action to promote the function, e.g. by entering instructions into a computer, or by pushing a button on the device.
  • automated equipment can perform repetitive functions after this point in time, e.g.
  • one or more valves as discussed above may be automatically controlled, e.g., by a computer or other automated device.
  • the valves may be controlled to allow urine to flow into the fluid chamber to allow the sensor to determine an analyte within the urine, as previously discussed, and the opening and closing of the valves may be controlled automatically.
  • the urine receiver may be moved from a first position to a second position automatically. For instance, a user may push a button on a computer or other device which causes the urine receiver to move.
  • the computer or other device may also control the flow of other fluids through the fluid chamber, such as buffer, cleaning solution, calibration species, or the like, e.g., by operating such valves.
  • measurements from the sensor may be recorded by a computer or other suitable device, optionally analyzed in some fashion, and stored for later retrieval and/or transmitted in some fashion, e.g., optically, visually (e.g., as a numerical read-out), electronically (e.g., as an e-mail, or via some other suitable Internet connection), or the like.
  • the electronic signal may be sent via an RS232/485 communication transceiver, a 4-20 mA analog transceiver, an Ethernet transceiver, a USB port, a wireless transceiver, etc.
  • the data may include analyte measurements, identification information regarding the user, the time the data was taken, etc.
  • such data may be electronically sent to the user, to a doctor, to a health care provider, etc., upon analysis by the device.
  • the data may be stored for later retrieval or discarded unless an analyte reading (or readings) exceeds a certain value or threshold, in which case specific action is taken (for example, the data may be sent electronically to the user, a doctor, a health care provider, etc.), or a visual signal is produced (e.g., a light is activated, numbers or colors are produced on a display, etc.).
  • Various embodiments of the invention may be used to determine a variety of conditions. In certain embodiments, one or more analytes are determined in the urine, and used to determine a condition of a user.
  • the results may be presented to the user, or to another interested party, e.g., a doctor, health care provider, or the like.
  • one or more analytes may be determined, and the results transmitted based on the analyte, e.g., to the user.
  • the device may provide, e.g., text, light, sound, etc.; for instance, the display may be a light (e.g., a green light or a red light), a message displayed on a monitor, etc.
  • the result may also be transmitted, for example, as an e-mail message sent via the Internet.
  • the message may indicate that the analyte determined by the sensor is within normal ranges, within a range indicating that caution is warranted, within a range requiring medical action, or the like.
  • a series of measurements are taken.
  • data may be stored within the device for subsequent use, and/or transmitted at periodic intervals.
  • one or more ions are determined within the urine, e.g., to determine hydration of an individual.
  • pregnancy may be determined by determining human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or early pregnancy factor (EPF) within the urine.
  • hCG human chorionic gonadotropin
  • EPF early pregnancy factor
  • the condition of a diabetic person may be determined by determining glucose within the urine.
  • phenylketonuria may be determined by determining phenylpyruvate within the urine.
  • an apparatus may be implemented such that health information would not be taken from anyone except the intended users and that the health information is associated with the correct user. As a result, the apparatus may need to be able to recognize individual users.
  • a variety of possible methods could be implemented to appropriately initiate testing and associate the test session with the correct user.
  • One simple implementation could have a few buttons, each associated with one user, such that the user must simply press their button to identify himself or herself.
  • a keypad could allow users to enter a PIN to initiate the system. More complicated systems could use RPID proximity cards, fingerprints, or any other suitable identification method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • an apparatus may be able to accommodate the need for multiple sensors and different sensors depending on the health needs of the user. For example, a pregnancy suite may initially require an ovulation sensor, followed by a pregnancy sensor, and finally a set of sensors during pregnancy to monitor various aspects of health.
  • kits that can be assembled for use with a normal toilet, such as a standard "seat” toilet, which can be readily obtained commercially.
  • the kit may include components that can be assembled to produce an apparatus such as those described above.
  • a "kit,” as used herein, typically defines a package or an assembly including one or more of the apparatuses of the invention, and/or other apparatuses associated with the invention, for example, as previously described.
  • a kit of the invention may, in some cases, include instructions in any form that are provided in connection with the apparatuses of the invention in such a manner that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the instructions are to be associated with the apparatuses of the invention.
  • the - instructions may include instructions for the use, modification, assembly, storage, packaging, and/or preparation of the apparatuses and/or other apparatuses associated with the kit.
  • the instructions may be provided in any form recognizable by one of ordinary skill in the art as a suitable vehicle for containing such instructions, for example, written or published, verbal, audible (e.g., telephonic), digital, optical, visual (e.g., videotape, DVD, etc.) or electronic communications (including Internet or web- based communications), provided in any manner.
  • audible e.g., telephonic
  • digital optical
  • visual e.g., videotape, DVD, etc.
  • electronic communications including Internet or web- based communications
  • Instructions can also include instructional communications in any form (e.g., oral, electronic, audible, digital, optical, visual, etc.), provided in any manner such that a user will clearly recognize that the instructions are to be associated with the invention, e.g., as discussed herein.
  • Certain embodiments of the invention involve methods for the detection of analytes within urine, e.g., using sensors such as those previously described.
  • one or more sensor readings are obtained from a user using an apparatus such as those previously described, and based on the readings, a transmission based on the readings is sent to the user, to a doctor, to a health care provider, or the like.
  • an apparatus such as those previously described may be mounted in a user's home, and as the user uses the apparatus, the user, a doctor, or a health care provider is informed as to the status of the urine.
  • the apparatus may transmit a signal on a regular basis (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, after every use, etc.), and/or the apparatus may transmit a signal when a certain condition is reached (e.g., when an analyte exceeds a certain amount or threshold), for instance, so that appropriate action may be taken.
  • a certain condition e.g., when an analyte exceeds a certain amount or threshold
  • a method of promoting an embodiment of the invention includes all methods of doing business including, but not limited to, methods of selling, advertising, assigning, licensing, contracting, instructing, educating, researching, importing, exporting, negotiating, financing, loaning, trading, vending, reselling, distributing, repairing, replacing, insuring, suing, patenting, or the like that are associated with the apparatuses, methods, kits, etc. of the invention as discussed herein.
  • Methods of promotion can be performed by any party including, but not limited to, personal parties, businesses (public or private), partnerships, corporations, trusts, contractual or sub- contractual agencies, educational institutions such as colleges and universities, research institutions, hospitals or other clinical institutions, governmental agencies, etc.
  • Promotional activities may include communications of any form (e.g., written, oral, and/or electronic communications, such as, but not limited to, e-mail, telephonic, Internet, Web-based, etc.) that are clearly associated with the invention.
  • the method of promotion may involve one or more instructions.
  • FIG. 2 A A broad-level system design of the device of this example is shown in Fig. 2 A.
  • use of the device begins with a user urinating into the toilet.
  • Non-urine items can range from toilet paper and feces, to tampons and hair.
  • urine was collected in an oblong collection cup, and then flowed through tubing to a sensor-buffer-urine interface (SUBI) chamber before eventually being drained and flushed in the toilet.
  • SUBI sensor-buffer-urine interface
  • cleaning and maintenance may be important.
  • the sensor may still require some cleaning between each use to avoid sample-to-sample contamination. In this example, this was accomplished by washing the sensor and sensor-urine-buffer interface with storage buffer between uses.
  • the urine collection device of this example is shown in Figs. 2A-2D. It includes a flexible "cup" or urine receiver to collect urine and an arm that clips onto the side of the toilet via mounting device 45.
  • the cup is made of silicone in this example and is attached to the arm. In this example, this was accomplished with cable ties.
  • a lever or handle 48 connected to the arm 43 allowed the arm to be moved out of the way and compressed by finger 44 (Fig. 2C) against the back of the toilet when not in use.
  • Fig. 2B illustrates the device connected to a toilet 49.
  • the cup is connected to a tube that delivers the urine to the interface chamber.
  • the sensing element of this device performs analysis to collect relevant information from a given sample of urine.
  • the sensor system may be selected so as to interface smoothly with sensors for a range of analytes so as to accommodate diverse applications.
  • This example used a sensor comprising sodium and potassium ion- selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments NA35 and KT43). This selection was made because such ion-selective electrodes are representative, and other analytes may be sensed merely by using different sensors, which are commercially available. For instance, many analytes can be sensed through amperometric or potentiometric sensors, often using an enzyme based membrane to produce a readily detectable by-product.
  • the voltage output may be correlated with given analyte concentrations. Doing this for a set of known concentrations establishes the relationship between potential difference and analyte concentration in the form of a standard curve. The standard curve is then used to evaluate the concentration of unknown solution samples.
  • the standard curves generated in this example showed a Nernstian response of the sensors over a broad range of concentrations. In addition, the data showed that linearity, on a semi-log plot, was maintained over at least the physiological concentration ranges of potassium (25 mmol/L to 100 mmol/L) and sodium (20 mmol/Lto 220 mmol/L).
  • the standard curve may be recreated with prescribed regularity to ensure that readings remain accurate and reliable.
  • Another approach is to recharacterize the standard curve is using the standard addition method. In this technique, a reading is first taken of the unknown sample before an aliquot of standard solution is added and a second reading is taken of the new solution. Additional aliquots can be added and measurements taken to improve the accuracy of the reading. The line generated from these two or more data points can then be extrapolated to determine the concentration of the unknown solution. This method provides a reasonable method of generating accurate measurements. This could be implemented through use of a standardized buffer solution, or the drift over time could be calculated and accounted for in the data handling component of the device.
  • the fluid chamber was used to allow the sensor to stably determine an analyte within the urine before the urine was discarded. In some cases, furthermore, certain sensors may need to be stored in a buffer solution so the membrane does not dry out. Rinsing the sensor before storage may also reduce contamination in some cases.
  • the fluid chamber was used to prevent the toilet water or other solids and liquids in the toilet from entering the vicinity of the sensor, e.g., to prevent contamination or other damage.
  • Fig. 6 shows the location of valves and a schematic of when each valve opens and closes, in this particular example; other systems are also possible, depending on the application.
  • This system used involved the storage of the sensor in buffer for the interval when not in use. Upon initiation, the buffer would drain, and urine would flow into the reservoir. As there may be trace buffer remaining in the reservoir, it may be useful for the first small fraction of urine to not be collected, but rather to drain out, rinsing the sensor with urine. The remaining urine would then collect in the reservoir until the necessary volume is achieved.
  • Any additional urine would be diverted away to prevent overflow and negative user perceptions of a full cup of urine.
  • the urine would be held in the reservoir for the period of sensing and then would be released from the reservoir.
  • the buffer solution would next enter the reservoir, with the initial fraction drained immediately to rinse, and then the buffer solution was used to fill the reservoir until the next use.
  • the fluid chamber was a hollow polypropylene sphere of 50 mm outer diameter with a 1.25 mm wall thickness (McMaster Carr 3748K34). A 12 mm diameter hole in the top of the sphere allowed a sensor to be inserted halfway into the reservoir.
  • the components were attached to the toilet via hot glue (a thermoplastic adhesive), although other methods of attachment are also possible.
  • hot glue a thermoplastic adhesive
  • the installation of the components in the toilet bowl could be improved via clips or a scaffold. This would hold the valves in the appropriate locations within the toilet and in relation to the sensor and fluid chamber. It is also possible to make the sensors even smaller (or to purchase smaller sensors, many of which are readily available commercially).
  • the inlet valve that controls the flow of urine in this example was a three-way valve, such that some urine can be directed into the sensor reservoir and the rest diverted away as necessary.
  • it was implemented as a three-way stop-cock valve (Cole-Parmer K-06225-40) attached to silicone tubing.
  • the urine enters the tubing at the bottom of the cup, such that the urine follows the tubing towards the sensor reservoir. Excess urine drains from the three-way valve into the toilet bowl to be flushed.
  • the buffer valve was a two-way valve, to allow buffer solution to flow or not flow at appropriate times during the sensing cycle. This was implemented in this example using a screw clamp (Cole-Parmer K-0683310), which simply squeezes the silicone tubing closed to halt the flow of buffer solution.
  • the reservoir valve was situated at the bottom of the reservoir and served to close off or open the drain of the reservoir. It was also implemented for this particular example with a screw clamp, although other methods are also possible. When urine or buffer needs to be collected, closing this valve prevents the drainage of any solution.
  • the three valves in this example were all manually-operated valves activated by turning a small knob. However, other methods of controlling the valves may be employed. For instance, various actuated valves exist for fluid applications. Solenoid valves are one type of actuated valve which can be controlled through simple circuitry, e.g., using a computer. Solenoid valves exist both in a form similar to stopcocks and in a pinch-valve form similar to screw clamps.
  • valves could be actuated to open and close based on timers or volume/flow sensors.
  • One vendor of such actuated valves is NResearch of New Jersey.
  • Advantages of solenoid valves are their small size and low power consumption.
  • Certain electrodes are best stored in a buffer solution containing the ions specific to that sensor dissolved in water. Ideally, the buffer solution would be of a similar concentration as the unknown solutions to be tested by the electrode. This would allow the sensor to stabilize much faster than it would if the buffer solution was of a significantly different concentration because the steep concentration gradient across the electrode interface would need time to reach equilibrium.
  • a target potassium or sodium buffer solution was one that was kept at approximately 60 mmol/L of the appropriate ion. Buffer was supplied to the system from a buffer pouch or bottle outside of the toilet.
  • buffer Rather than using a reservoir filled with buffer, it may be possible in some embodiments to use the toilet tank water to make buffer by adding tablets of salts. The toilet would then use buffer to flush, and some of this buffer would be directed into the chamber at the appropriate time. These tablets would work in the generally same way that automatic toilet cleaning tablets work. While such a system would make far more buffer than is actually needed for the device, it would not be prohibitively expensive because the buffer is just a simple solution of salts.
  • various devices may be constructed and arranged to be able to address a diverse set of applications with diverse monitoring requirements.
  • the data collection, storage, and transmission in a system may be versatile enough to handle a diverse range of requirements.
  • notification to a doctor should be frequent enough to allow timely intervention, but not frequent enough to interfere with the doctor's other responsibilities.
  • the frequency of notification to the patient should balance the benefit of frequent updates against the stress that frequent testing and feedback might provoke.
  • the sensors in this example were ion-selective-electrodes, standardized to output a millivolt-range voltage through a BNC connector.
  • the BNC connector was then connected to conditioning electronics, which converted the output into a more usable voltage in the volt range.
  • conditioning electronics which converted the output into a more usable voltage in the volt range.
  • a PH2000 Portable pH/mV Meter by Automated Aquarium Systems (AAS) was used. Although this device is designed for aquarium monitoring, its basic function was sufficient for obtaining data from the ion-selective electrodes.
  • the PH2000 takes in a millivolt-range signal from an electrode via BNC connector and displays this data on an LCD screen either as the actual value of the signal in mV or as the value converted to pH (which is commonly measured in aquariums).
  • the meter can also be connected to a computer either by USB or by serial connection, where it can be interfaced with software designed to use this data.
  • the software which was also produced by AAS, was designed to monitor the pH levels in an aquarium system through the use of a computer. While the sensor and meter were able to take data continuously, the software was able to log data in intervals of single minutes with the most frequent reading being one reading per minute.
  • the software recorded the mV reading of the sample as well as the date and time of the reading in a running log file.
  • the user preferably begins data collection before urinating as well as decides when to end the data collection.
  • the user can select the correct serial port to which the sensor is connected so that the program may collect the data.
  • the particular program used only took readings from a single sensor through a single serial port at a time (although other programs can easily be prepared having greater functionality).
  • having frequent sampling can help reduce the chance of false readings.
  • one appropriate solution involves the creation or use of a program to retrieve and store data.
  • Matlab The Math Works
  • Matlab contains extensive support for communication with analytical devices through the use of an instrument control toolbox; those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of other suitable programs, or be able to prepare them with the benefit of the present disclosure.
  • the instrument control toolbox allows modification of generic drivers used to communicate with the instrument. These drivers are responsible for accessing the meter and collecting a voltage reading from the probe. As mentioned previously, the particular implementation would depend on the application and choice of sensors.
  • a computer in this example was assisted by proximity of the toilet to an outlet or other power source (although a battery could be used in some cases).
  • the electronics taking readings from the sensor may also need to be powered.
  • the conditioning electronics may be easily run by battery power for long periods of time.
  • the use of an electrical outlet in this example could, for instance, be mitigated by the replacement of the computer with more a more specialized set of hardware and software as described above, which can then be run by battery.
  • any device components that come in contact with urine may need to be cleaned on occasion. Additionally, some sensors are notably sensitive and require frequent cleaning and maintenance to maintain accuracy.
  • One possible solution is to partially harness the natural flush of the toilet. This flush is then able to clear out older samples by washing solution through the reservoir. If the buffer solution was supplied via a salt tablet in the toilet tank, this flush would also be able to provide the buffer storage solution for the sensor. Notwithstanding contamination, the sensor may advantageosly be reasonably robust and provide usable readings over the course of its expected lifetime, which varies with sensor type.
  • the sensor can advantageously be rinsed between uses and stored in a buffer solution. To maintain performance of the sensor, the sensor may be prevented from coming in contact with contaminants and not be left exposed to open air for extended periods of time.
  • any direct physical trauma to the sensor membrane may render the sensor inaccurate or unusable. While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.
  • a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
  • “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above.
  • the phrase "at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
  • This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
  • At least one of A and B can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

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Abstract

La présente invention a pour objet des systèmes et procédés pour l'analyse d'urine. Beaucoup des systèmes et procédés décrits présentement sont adaptables pour une utilisation avec des toilettes classiques, comme par exemple un siège de toilette standard, qu'on peut se procurer facilement dans le commerce. Dans certains modes de réalisation, la présente invention concerne des dispositifs d'analyse d'urine qui sont aptes à recevoir de l'urine et à rechercher des substances à analyser dans l'urine, par exemple, en utilisant un capteur tel qu'un capteur à électrode sélective d'ions. Par exemple, un tel dispositif monté sur des toilettes peut comporter un réceptacle à urine et une chambre à fluide contenant un capteur. Dans certains cas, le dispositif peut aussi comporter un réservoir pour le passage d'un tampon ou d'autres liquides à travers la chambre à fluide, par exemple à des fins de nettoyage. Le réceptacle à urine, dans certains cas, peut être mobile (par exemple dans le milieu des toilettes), afin de recevoir l'urine, et peut être ensuite déplacé sur le côté. Le capteur, à son tour, peut être relié à un équipement électrique pour l'analyse de l'urine, le stockage des données, la transmission des données (par exemple au sujet et/ou à un docteur ou prestataire de santé) ou similaire.
PCT/US2008/010565 2007-09-10 2008-09-10 Capteurs et dispositifs d'analyse d'urine WO2009035599A1 (fr)

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EP2730215A4 (fr) * 2012-09-07 2015-11-04 Zhuhai Womu Electronic Co Ltd Moniteur d'urine dynamique et instrument de surveillance d'urine dynamique
WO2016010959A1 (fr) * 2014-07-14 2016-01-21 Centero Llc Système et appareil pour un analyseur de fluide sans fil
JP2016509677A (ja) * 2013-02-06 2016-03-31 ユン 謝 全自動尿検査装置
WO2017021452A1 (fr) 2015-08-03 2017-02-09 Prokopp Thomas Dispositif et procédé d'analyse mobile d'excréments dans les toilettes
WO2018122403A1 (fr) * 2016-12-30 2018-07-05 Withings Appareil et procédé de mesure de contenu d'urine
CN110542666A (zh) * 2019-09-29 2019-12-06 福建省雅美整体厨卫有限公司 一种智能检测装置
USD873995S1 (en) 2018-06-01 2020-01-28 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
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WO2021176463A1 (fr) * 2020-03-05 2021-09-10 Anil Mandhani Dispositif ergonomique de collecte d'urine
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US20220163514A1 (en) * 2020-11-24 2022-05-26 Vivosens Inc System for conducting urinalysis
US11534093B2 (en) 2018-06-01 2022-12-27 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Testing device for a uroflowmeter
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USD979076S1 (en) 2018-07-13 2023-02-21 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
USD978358S1 (en) 2018-07-13 2023-02-14 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
USD932632S1 (en) 2018-07-13 2021-10-05 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
USD932648S1 (en) 2019-03-08 2021-10-05 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
USD932633S1 (en) 2019-03-08 2021-10-05 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
USD933240S1 (en) 2019-03-08 2021-10-12 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
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USD933241S1 (en) 2019-03-08 2021-10-12 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
USD933238S1 (en) 2019-03-08 2021-10-12 ClearTrac Technologies, LLC Uroflowmeter
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US11579158B2 (en) * 2019-07-15 2023-02-14 Zhejiang Deyeetec Medical Technology Co., Ltd. Automatic human urine detection system
CN110542666A (zh) * 2019-09-29 2019-12-06 福建省雅美整体厨卫有限公司 一种智能检测装置
GB2608928A (en) * 2020-03-05 2023-01-18 Mandhani Anil Ergonomic urine collecting device
WO2021176463A1 (fr) * 2020-03-05 2021-09-10 Anil Mandhani Dispositif ergonomique de collecte d'urine
WO2021183678A1 (fr) * 2020-03-10 2021-09-16 Kulkarni Prajakta Dispositifs et méthodes d'analyse d'urine destinés à une surveillance en temps réel de la santé d'un organe
EP4118424A4 (fr) * 2020-03-10 2024-04-17 Kulkarni, Prajakta Dispositifs et méthodes d'analyse d'urine destinés à une surveillance en temps réel de la santé d'un organe
US11698370B2 (en) 2020-09-29 2023-07-11 Olive Diagnostics Ltd Home toilet system for monitoring urine components in real time while urination
WO2022070113A1 (fr) * 2020-09-29 2022-04-07 Olive Diagnostics Ltd. Système de toilettes domestiques de surveillance de constituants urinaires en temps réel pendant la miction
US20220163514A1 (en) * 2020-11-24 2022-05-26 Vivosens Inc System for conducting urinalysis
US11992318B2 (en) 2022-07-13 2024-05-28 Celestin B. Bitjonck Diagnostic lab-on-a-chip device

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