Apparatus for monitoring urine flow

Abstract

Urine output of a subject through a catheter is monitored by a device which has a housing with an internal chamber 52, a fluid inlet 22 and fluid outlet 24. The chamber 52 includes a cavity 56a for ho

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring urine flow from a subject for use, for example, when the subject is using a urinary catheter. The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring urine passed by the subject. It should be noted that throughout this specification, reference is made to a ‘subject’ or to ‘subjects’ to describe the person or people whose urine output is being analysed using the urine flow monitor. It is to be understood that devices and methods embodying the present invention are applicable to any people including but not limited to those who are injured, wounded, unwell, elderly, have physical disabilities, are receiving or recovering from medical treatment, require care or the like. In the interests of clarity and brevity, the term ‘subject’, as used in this specification, is to be interpreted broadly to cover all people whose urine output is being analysed using the apparatus of the present invention. It should also be noted that the devices and methods embodying the present invention are not restricted to use in conjunction with only urinary catheters, and the apparatus of the present invention may be installed for use with any suitable urine collection or containment device. In the interests of clarity and brevity, the term ‘urine collection’, as used in this specification, is to be interpreted broadly to cover all types of fluid collection systems and methods, the use of which provide a means of removing urine from the bladder of the subject and / or analysing the urine to determine the health of the subject. Urine collection devices such as urinary catheters are used, for example, when a subject’s urinary control and / or storage functions have diminished. This may 1 be due to old age, surgery, or other medical conditions. The urinary catheter is generally a soft flexible tube that is usually passed through the urethra and into the bladder of the subject Sometimes a urinary catheter is passed through an opening in the lower abdomen of the subject, this is known as a suprapubic catheter. Once the urinary catheter is in place, urine is allowed to drain from the bladder of the subject into a collection vessel, very often a flexible bag. In doing so the bladder of the subject remains empty and the urine is passed into the collection vessel instead. When the vessel is full it can be emptied. The vessel may be secured to the subject’s leg or abdomen, allowing the subject to carry the vessel with them, or may alternatively be fixed to a suitable structure, such as the subject’s bed or a nearby stand. Urine collection devices have widespread application and are used in a number of situations. Devices such as catheters are the primary method of removing urine from the bladder of a subject and are often used in hospitals. A subject who has undergone surgery may require prolonged care and in some circumstances may be bed-bound. In this situation the mobility of the subject may be restricted and a urine collection device may be necessary. Similarly, subjects who are elderly or physically disabled may also have reduced mobility or diminished urinary control functions. Depending on the duration of the care required, a single use urine collection device may be required or, for longer durations a more permanent solution may be employed. If the subject is able or mobile during the day smaller urine storage vessels, such as bags, can be attached to the leg of the subject during daytime periods. Larger vessels may be used during the night or for less mobile subjects. The larger vessels require less frequent emptying or changing and may be better suited for longer durations. Subjects who are mobile and have a leg bag are likely to be more aware of when the bag becomes full and can alert medical personnel or carers. However, subjects that are confined to a bed may not have the collection vessel within sight, particularly if it is attached to the bed or a stand. Therefore, the subject may not be capable of being responsible for the vessel and so must rely on medical personnel and carers to monitor and change or empty the vessel when full. In many cases, it is necessary to monitor the flow of urine being passed by or removed from a subject, for example to monitor the volume of urine. Monitoring the flow of urine from the subject presents a number of advantages, particularly in the case where the subject relies on medical personnel or carers to monitor the quantity of urine collected. If the flow of urine into the vessel can be monitored automatically, for example electronically, medical personnel and carers may be alerted when the vessel requires changing or emptying. This reduces the requirement for medical personnel or carers to visually monitor the bag. Furthermore, in monitoring the flow of urine from the subject, the rate at which the subject produces urine may also be determined. This provides an indication to medical personnel of the health and condition of the subject. The level of hydration of the subject may also be determined by monitoring the colour of the urine through the use of sensors. Additional use of sensors to detect particles, such as blood in the urine is also particularly advantageous. Such particles are clear health indicators and in recording the presence of such particles, medical personnel can be alerted and administer appropriate care. In some cases, detection of blood or other particles in the urine may provide medical personnel the opportunity to make an early diagnosis of a possible infection or complication, which otherwise may be missed. This could allow the subject to be treated in a suitable and more timely manner than if the blood or other particles in the urine had not been detected at an early stage. Ultimately this could lead to quicker recovery of the subject or avoidance of a more serious condition. Various devices for analysing the urine output of a subject are known in the art. However, many only fulfil a limited number of specific functions. For example, CN 213345677 discloses a urine volume detection device comprising a micro liquid flow meter. The liquid flow meter is positioned on a urine hose between the point of connection to the human body and a urine collection bag. The device comprises an impeller that rotates under the impingement of urine onto the impeller vanes. A magnet is positioned on one vane of the impeller. The flow meter monitors the flow of urine through the use of a Hall element and the changing magnetic field as urine flows through the meter, rotating the impeller. The device may also comprise various other features to aid use such as a processor, memory unit and display. This urine volume detection device has some limitations. Firstly, the liquid flow meter may be susceptible to free-wheeling effects and as such the accuracy of the volume measurement may be decreased. Depending on the rate of flow of urine the device may not turn until sufficient weight is placed on the vanes of the impeller and as such the volume of liquid may not be accurately recorded. Furthermore, the flow meter only records the output from the subject and not the condition of the urine or the presence of any other particles. More recently, US 2023 / 058553 discloses an automated urine output system for attachment to a hospital bed. The system for monitoring urine output of a subject comprises a urine output module configured to couple with a collection container. The urine output module comprises a load cell configured to measure the weight of urine within the container. The system further comprises a computational memory and logic unit that determines the volumetric urine output from the load cell and transmits the data across a network. The system further comprises an intermediate coupling device including a subject identification device that links to the logic unit. While this system may provide real time urine collection rates and volumes, it is a complex system and potentially has limited scope for additional analysis of the urine to assess the condition of the subjects health. Perhaps most recently, WO 2023 / 027871 discloses a urinary output monitoring system including a urine collection device and flow meter. The system further comprises a display monitor which receives wireless communication from the flow meter. The display monitor depicts urine flow rate information and the data is transmitted to an electronic medical record system. This urine output monitoring device has similar disadvantages to the other previously identified prior art. Firstly, while the flow rate and volume of urine can be recorded, there may be limited scope for additional analysis. Furthermore, the operation of the flow meter and the method of detecting the flow rate does not appear to be clearly established and may therefore be inaccurate or unreliable. There therefore remains a need for an improved urine flow monitoring solution for analysing the urine output of a subject. It would be advantageous to provide a urine flow monitoring system that can provide accurate measurements of flow rate and the volume of urine collected, reducing the need for visual monitoring by medical personnel or carers. It would also be advantageous to provide a urine flow monitoring system that also analyses the condition of the urine by detecting the colour of the urine and the presence of any particles and / or blood, in doing so, providing medical personnel with information regarding the health and condition of the subject. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for monitoring urine output by a subject, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising an internal chamber, a fluid inlet to allow urine to enter the chamber and a fluid outlet to allow urine to leave the chamber; a urine collection assembly disposed within the chamber, the urine collection assembly comprising a cavity for holding a volume of urine; wherein the urine collection assembly is moveable between a first position, in which the cavity is disposed to collect urine entering the chamber through the fluid inlet, and a second position in which urine can flow from the cavity and leave the chamber through the fluid outlet; movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position being caused by the volume of urine collecting in the cavity; a sensor for detecting a parameter of the urine collected in the cavity of the collection assembly; and a processor for receiving a signal from the sensor and generating an output signal indicative of the parameter of the urine. In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for monitoring the urine output of a subject, the method comprising: collecting a volume of urine in a cavity from an inlet of a urine monitoring apparatus; sensing a parameter of the urine in the cavity; moving the cavity to discharge the volume of urine through an outlet of the urine monitoring apparatus; and generating an output signal indicative of the sensed parameter. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention offers a number of advantages over prior art urine flow monitors and other urine analysis systems. Firstly, the apparatus may be configured to be compact and may be easily installed between a urine supply conduit from a subject and a urine collection vessel. The compact nature of the apparatus allows the user to monitor the flow of urine from the subject without the need for intrusive or large equipment. The apparatus is simple and easy to install allowing widespread use in a variety of scenarios and is suitable for use for subjects with a variety of medical needs. Secondly, the apparatus advantageously facilitates the sensing of one or more parameters of the urine being passed by the subject. In many cases monitoring the urine output of a subject provides medical personnel with an indication of the condition and health of the subject. The apparatus of the present invention may be used to accurately measure the volume and flow rate of the urine produced by the subject. This provides a useful set of data regarding the subject for medical personnel. Furthermore, by recording the volume of urine collected over a period of time, the apparatus may be configured to alert carers or medical personnel when the collection vessel is full and needs emptying or replacing. This reduces the need for frequent visual monitoring of the collection vessel and enables an efficient system for 7 monitoring the volume of urine within the collection vessel. This is particularly advantageous when multiple subjects may require care and attention and the apparatus facilitates efficiency and reduces the demand on carers or medical personnel. Finally, the apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention may advantageously employ sensors to detect parameters of the urine providing an indication of different aspects of the condition of the subject. For example, the colour and / or the presence of particles, such as blood, in the urine can provide useful indications of the condition and health of the subject. The apparatus may be advantageously provided with such sensors to detect these parameters of the urine in the volume collected in the internal chamber of the apparatus. It is of particular advantage to the sensing of parameters of the urine, such as colour and the presence of particulates, that a static volume of urine is collected. This avoids the need to overcome effects, such as surface effects and spiralling flows associated with urine flowing through a tube, that may prevent accurate sensing of the parameters of the urine. The complete removal of the static volume of urine through the operation of the apparatus allows a fresh volume of urine to be subsequently collected and avoids mixing of the fluids, which may hinder detection of parameters of the urine. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention, comprises a housing. In use, the housing functions to contain various components of the apparatus and provides structural support for these components. The housing may be formed from any suitable material. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is formed from plastic. Suitable plastics include nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and more preferably acrylic. In one embodiment, the housing is formed from a medical grade plastic. Suitable medical grade plastics are known in the art. The housing may alternatively be formed from any suitable metal including steel, aluminium and brass, more preferably corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing is transparent, in particular to allow at least a portion of the chamber within the housing to be observed. Preferably, a portion of the housing that is adjacent the cavity when the urine collection assembly is in the first position is transparent. In this way, sensors may be positioned to detect such parameters as the colour of the urine in the cavity and / or the presence of any particles in the urine. In addition, by providing at least a portion of the housing as transparent, movement of components and / or urine within the chamber may be observed, serving as an indication to a user or medical professional that the apparatus is functioning normally. The housing comprises an internal chamber. The urine collection assembly is disposed within the chamber and moves between the first and second positions within the chamber, as described in more detail hereinafter. The housing is provided with a fluid inlet to allow urine to enter the chamber and a fluid outlet to allow urine to leave the chamber. In use the urine produced by the subject enters through the fluid inlet, into the internal chamber of the housing and leaves through the fluid outlet. The chamber within the housing may have any configuration that is suitable to allow the urine collection assembly to move between the first and second positions, as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the chamber is substantially cylindrical. In use, the housing is preferably arranged to have the axis extending between the two ends of the cylindrical chamber substantially horizontal. As noted above, the housing comprises a fluid inlet to allow urine to enter the chamber and a fluid outlet to allow urine to leave the chamber. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet may be arranged in any suitable position in the housing that allows urine entering the chamber to be collected in the cavity of the urine collection assembly when in the first position and to allow urine discharged from the cavity in the second position to leave the chamber. Preferably, when the apparatus is in use, the fluid inlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing, more preferably in a top portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet is disposed in line with the centre of the chamber, that is, in use, the fluid inlet lies on a line extending vertically through the centre of the chamber. Preferably, the fluid inlet is disposed to one side of a centre line of the chamber, more preferably to one side of a line extending vertically through the centre of the chamber when the apparatus is in use. Preferably, the fluid inlet is disposed to the side of the centre line in the direction of movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position. In particular, in embodiments where the urine collection assembly rotates between the first and second positions in a single direction, as described in more detail below, it is preferred that the fluid inlet is disposed to the side of the centre line in the direction of rotation of the urine collection assembly. Preferably, when the apparatus is in use, the fluid outlet is disposed in a lower portion of the housing, more preferably in a bottom portion of the housing. Preferably, the fluid inlet is disposed to one side of a centre line of the chamber, 10 more preferably to one side of a line extending vertically through the centre of the chamber when the apparatus is in use. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet can be considered to lie on a straight line extending through the chamber. The straight line may extend at any suitable orientation. In one embodiment, the said line extends at an angle to a centre line of the chamber, more preferably at an angle to a vertical line extending through the centre of the chamber when in use. In one preferred embodiment, the said line is a vertical line when the apparatus is in use. The line joining the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may coincide with the centre of the chamber. Preferably, the line joining the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is offset and displaced to one side of a centre line of the chamber. More preferably, the line joining the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is offset and displaced to one side of a line extending vertically through the centre of the chamber when the apparatus is in use. References herein to a ‘centre line’ of the chamber are references to a straight line extending through the centre of the chamber. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is shaped to provide the chamber with a collection well in the portion of the chamber adjacent the fluid outlet. The collection well is formed by the chamber having an enlarged portion in the region adjacent the fluid outlet. In this way, urine may collect within the chamber in the region of the fluid outlet, before leaving the chamber through the fluid outlet. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is provided with a port extending through the housing and having an opening within the chamber. In embodiments in which the chamber is provided with a collection well, the port preferably has an opening in the collection well, such that urine may leave the collection well via the port. In use, the port may be used to withdraw a sample of urine from the chamber, which may be subjected to further analysis, as required by the medical personnel. When not being used to sample urine from the chamber, the port may be closed, for example by a plug. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet allow urine to enter and exit the internal chamber respectively. In one preferred embodiment the fluid inlet and outlet each comprise an extruded boss extending from the housing. The boss is preferably cylindrical in shape. More preferably the boss is hollow, having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter is preferably of a suitable size to receive a flexible conduit through which urine may flow. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention further comprises a urine collection assembly disposed within the internal chamber of the housing. The urine collection assembly comprises a cavity and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position is caused by a volume of urine collecting in the cavity. In use, with the urine collection assembly in the first position, the urine entering the chamber through the fluid inlet collects in the cavity. Once a sufficient volume of urine is collected in the cavity, the urine collection assembly is moved to the second position, in which the urine is discharged from the cavity and leaves the chamber through the fluid outlet. Thereafter, the urine collection assembly returns to the first position. The urine collection assembly may be moved between the first and second positions by any suitable means. For example, the urine collection assembly may be driven. More preferably, movement of the urine collection assembly between the first and second positions is under the action of gravity. In particular, it is preferred that the movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position is under the action of the weight of the urine collected in the cavity. The urine collection assembly may move in a first direction from the first position to the second position and a second direction from the second position to the first position. The urine collection assembly may comprise a stop to prevent movement of the urine collection assembly beyond the first position and / or the second position. For example, the urine collection assembly may be provided with a protruding stop, which engages with a formation on the inner wall of the housing, such as a shoulder, in one or both of the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the urine collection assembly is biased into the first position. Any suitable biassing means may be employed. For example, the collection assembly may be biased by a resilient member, such as a spring. Alternatively, the urine collection assembly may be biased into the first position by a counterweight. In use, the weight of urine collecting in the cavity of the urine collection assembly may overcome the action of the biassing means and move the urine collection assembly to move from the first position to the second position, preferably under the action of gravity. Once the urine has been discharged from the cavity, the biassing means acts to return the urine collection assembly to the first position. The urine collection assembly may move between the first and second positions in any suitable pattern. For example, the urine collection assembly may move in a linear pattern between the first and second positions. It is particularly preferred that movement of the urine collection assembly between the first and 13 second positions is by rotation of the urine collection assembly about an axis. The axis of rotation of the urine collection assembly may coincide with the axis of the chamber. Alternatively, the axis of rotation of the urine collection assembly may be offset and to one side of the axis of the chamber. The urine collection assembly may rotate in a first direction when moving from the first position to the second position and a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when moving from the second position to the first position. As noted above, the urine collection assembly may comprise a stop to prevent rotation of the urine collection assembly beyond the first position and / or the second position. Preferably, rotation of the urine collection assembly between the first position and the second position is in a single direction. In use, with the cavity containing the predetermined volume of urine, the urine collection assembly rotates in a first direction from the first position to the second position, where the urine is discharged from the cavity. Thereafter, the cavity continues to rotate in the first direction until returning to the first position. In particular, in embodiments where the urine collection assembly rotates between the first and second positions in a single direction, it is preferred that the fluid inlet is disposed to the side of the centre line of the chamber in the housing, as described above, in the direction of rotation of the urine collection assembly. In this way, the incoming flow of urine ensures that the urine collection assembly rotates in the selected single direction. It is preferred that the movement of the urine collection assembly between the first and second positions is damped. This is particularly the case in embodiments where the urine collection assembly moves between the first and second positions under the action of gravity. This is also particularly the case when the urine 14 collection assembly rotates between the first and second positions, especially when the urine collection assembly rotates in a single direction. In this way, constant rotation or so-called ‘free wheeling’ of the urine collection assembly can be avoided. The movement of the urine collection assembly may be damped by any suitable means. In one preferred embodiment, damping is provided by friction between the urine collection assembly and the housing. For example, in embodiments where the urine collection assembly rotates within the chamber, the rotation of the assembly may be damped by friction between the mounting between the urine collection assembly and the housing. The mounting may be a fixed shaft extending across the chamber on which the urine collection assembly rotates or, more preferably, circular spigots on opposing sides of the urine collection assembly, which engage with opposing bores in the housing. The amount of damping of the movement of the urine collection assembly may be controlled, for example, by varying the diameter of the fixed shaft or the spigots. Alternatively or in addition, a high friction material may be provided between the urine collection assembly and the housing or the fixed shaft. The urine collection assembly may comprise a single cavity. In one preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the urine collection assembly comprises a plurality of cavities. Preferably, in use, a first cavity is moved into the first position to receive urine from the fluid inlet, after which it moves to the second position to discharge the urine, with a second cavity moving into the first position and so on. In one preferred embodiment, when a first cavity is in the second position, the second cavity in the first position is a cavity adjacent the first cavity. The plurality of cavities may be an odd number of cavities or an even number of cavities. The urine collection assembly preferably comprises at least two cavities, 15 still more preferably at least three cavities. The urine collection assembly may have up to eight cavities, more preferably up to six cavities, still more preferably up to five cavities. In one preferred embodiment the urine collection assembly comprises four cavities. The plurality of cavities may be arranged on the urine collection assembly such that the assembly has rotational symmetry when rotated about an axis. In use, when a first cavity is filled with urine from the fluid inlet and the urine collection assembly moves out of the first position towards the second position, a second cavity moves into its first position to collect urine from the fluid inlet. In one preferred embodiment each cavity comprises a weir member. In use, urine is collected in the cavity, when the urine collection assembly is in the first position. In the first position the urine collection assembly may continue to collect urine in the cavity until the surface level of the urine reaches the edge of the weir member. In this way, the dimensions of the weir member may be used to control the volume of urine that is collected in the cavity. Once the full volume of urine has been collected in the cavity, the urine collection assembly is moved out of the first position to the second position. As noted above, preferably the weight of the volume of urine in the cavity causes the urine collection assembly to move, preferably rotate, to the second position. During and after the movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position, the collected urine is allowed to flow over the lip of the weir member and into the chamber, from where the urine flows out through the fluid outlet. The urine collection assembly comprises one or more cavities, as noted above. In one preferred embodiment each cavity is defined by a vane connected at its proximal end to a central portion of the urine collection assembly and extending outwards. A weir member as hereinbefore described is mounted on and extends from the distal end of the or each vane. A cavity is fully defined by the vane, a weir member and two opposing side walls. In one preferred embodiment, the or each vane extends radially outwards from the centre of the urine collection assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the or each weir member extends along an arc of a circle having its centre coincident with the centre of the urine collection assembly. As noted above, the dimensions of the weir, in particular the height of the weir from the distal end of the vane to the lip of the weir, determines the volume of urine held in the cavity. The weir may subtend any suitable angle a at the centre of the circle. Preferably, the angle subtended by the weir at the centre of the circle is from 5°, more preferably from 10°, still more preferably from 15°, more preferably still from 20°, especially from 25°. Preferably, the angle subtended by the weir at the centre of the circle is up to 50°, more preferably up to 45°, still more preferably up to 40°, more preferably still up to 35°. Preferably, the angle subtended by the weir at the centre of the circle is from 5° to 50°, more preferably from 10° to 45°, still more preferably from 15° to 40°, more preferably still from 20° to 35°, especially from 25° to 35°. In many embodiments it is preferred for the weir to subtend an angle of about 30° at the centre of the urine collection assembly. The weir of one cavity is separated from the weir of an adjacent cavity, the space between the adjacent weirs providing an opening through which urine may enter the cavity from the fluid inlet of the housing. The space between the tip of one weir and the weir of the adjacent cavity may subtend any suitable angle p at the centre of the urine collection assembly. Preferably, the angle subtended by the 17 space between the tip of one weir and the adjacent weir at the centre of the circle is from 35°, more preferably from 40°, still more preferably from 45°, more preferably still from 50°, especially from 55°. Preferably, the angle subtended by the space between the tip of one weir and the adjacent weir at the centre of the circle is up to 80°, more preferably up to 75°, still more preferably up to 70°, more preferably still up to 65°. Preferably, the angle subtended by the space between the tip of one weir and the adjacent weir at the centre of the circle is from 35° to 80°, more preferably from 40° to 75°, still more preferably from 45° to 70°, more preferably still from 50° to 65°, especially from 55° to 35°. In many embodiments it is preferred for the weir to subtend an angle of about 60° at the centre of the urine collection assembly. The sum of each of the pairs of angles a and p is preferably from 60°, more preferably from 65°, still more preferably from 70°, more preferably still from 75°, especially from 80°. The sum of each of the pairs of angles a and p is preferably up to 120°, more preferably up to 115°, still more preferably up to 110°, more preferably still up to 105°, especially up to 100°. The sum of each of the pairs of angles a and p is preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 65° to 115°, still more preferably from 70° to 110°, more preferably still from 75° to 105, especially from 80° to 100°. In many embodiments, with the cavities of equal size and distributed evenly around the urine collection assembly, the sum of the angles a and p will be determined by the number of cavities employed. In one preferred embodiment, the urine collection assembly comprises four cavities, preferably disposed evenly around the urine collection assembly. In such embodiments, the sum of each of the pairs of angles a and p is preferably 90°. As noted above, the dimensions of the weir, in particular the height of the weir from the distal end of the vane to the lip of the weir, determines the volume of urine held in the cavity. The weir may have any height sufficient to contain the volume of urine collected in the cavity. Preferably, the height of the weir is from 2mm, more preferably from 4mm, still more preferably from 6mm, more preferably still from 8mm especially from 10mm. Preferably, the height of the weir is up to 40mm, more preferably up to 38mm, still more preferably up to 36mm, more preferably still up to 34mm, still more preferably up to 32mm, especially up to 30mm. Preferably, the height of the weir is from 12mm to 28mm, more preferably from 14mm to 26mm, still more preferably from 16mm to 24mm, especially from 18mm to 22mm. In many embodiments it is preferred for the weir to have a height of about 20mm. The urine collection assembly preferably has opposing side walls defining the or each cavity. Each cavity may be defined by its own pair of opposing side walls. Alternatively, a pair of opposing side walls may define more than one cavity. In one preferred embodiment, each of a pair two opposing side walls is substantially circular and serve as side walls for all the cavities of the urine collection assembly. In use of the urine monitoring assembly, a volume of urine is collected in the cavity of the urine collection assembly. The volume of urine collected in the cavity may have any volume. Preferably, the volume of urine collected in the cavity is from 2ml, more preferably from 4ml, still more preferably from 6ml, especially from 8ml. Preferably, the volume of urine collected in the cavity is up to 30ml, more preferably up to 28ml, still more preferably up to 26ml, more preferably still up to 24ml, especially up to 22ml. Preferably, the volume of urine collected in the cavity is from 10ml to 20ml, more preferably from 12ml to 18ml, especially from 14ml to 16ml. In many embodiments it is preferred for the volume of urine collected in the cavity to have a volume of about 15ml. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention comprises a sensor for detecting a parameter of the urine collected in the cavity of the collection assembly. In one preferred embodiment the sensor is positioned adjacent to a transparent portion of the housing to allow the sensor to be located outside of the housing and to detect the parameter of the urine through the wall of the housing. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention may comprise a single sensor. In one preferred embodiment of the apparatus, a plurality of sensors are provided. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention may comprise any number of sensors for detecting any number of parameters of the urine. The apparatus preferably comprises at least two sensors. The apparatus may comprise up to four sensors. In one preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises three sensors. In one preferred embodiment, the plurality of sensors are positioned outside the housing and may preferably be arranged to be adjacent to a transparent portion of the housing to allow the sensors to detect parameters of the urine within the cavity of the urine collection assembly within the chamber in the housing. As noted above, the sensors may be used to detect and / or determine a range of different parameters of the urine passed by the subject. In one embodiment, the urine monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor configured to allow the volumetric flow rate of the urine output from the subject to be determined. The sensor may detect the volume of urine being passed directly, for example by determining when the cavity is filled with urine. Alternatively, the sensor may be configured to allow the volume of urine being passed by the subject to be determined indirectly, for example by measuring a parameter of the operation of the urine monitoring assembly, from which the volume of urine and / or its flowrate may be determined. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor is operable to detect the movement of the collection assembly from the first position to the second position. In detecting the movement of the collection assembly from the first position to the second position the sensor is able to provide an indication to the processor that the volume of urine collected in the cavity of the collection assembly has been released through the fluid outlet of the housing, that is passed from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the housing. In one preferred embodiment the volume of urine collected in the cavity is a known volume, for example determined by the height of the weir as described above. Therefore, in detecting the movement of the urine collection assembly to release the volume of urine through the fluid outlet, the output data of the sensor can be analysed to ascertain the volumetric flow rate of the urine output from the subject. Specifically, the number of times the collection assembly moves from the first position to the second position during a given time period gives the frequency at which the volume of urine collected in the cavity is released through the fluid outlet. This in turn allows the calculation of the volumetric flow rate of the urine and the total volume of urine collected through the fluid outlet. Determining the volumetric urine output from the subject is advantageous as it may provide an indicator to the condition and organ function of the subject. It may also be used to alert carers or medical personnel when the urine collection vessel is full and requires emptying or changing. The sensor may detect the movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position through any suitable means. For example, the urine collection assembly may be provided with an indicator, the passage of which in front of the sensor is detected by the sensor to generate a signal. Any suitable indicator that may be detected by the sensor may be used. In one embodiment, the indicator is a darkened or coloured region of the urine collection assembly. In one preferred embodiment the or each vane of the urine collection assembly is provided with an indicator, for example a darkened region of the edge of the vane, such as a spot or band. The darkened region may be formed in any suitable manner, for example from ink, paint or other types of dye applied to the edge of the vane or a coloured plastic, tape or other material attached to the edge of the vane. In this embodiment, the sensor is arranged to detect the movement of the darkened region past the sensor. Suitable sensors for detecting the passage of the darkened region are known in the art, an example of which is an optical sensor. In one embodiment, the urine monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor configured to detect the colour of the urine being passed by the subject, for example to detect the colour of the urine collected in the cavity of the urine collection assembly. In detecting the colour of the urine various aspects of the subject’s condition and health may be established. For example, the colour of the urine may indicate the hydration level of the subject or possible organ function. Suitable sensors for detecting the colour of the urine are known in the art, such as optical sensors. In one embodiment, the urine monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence of particles, such as blood in the urine. The presence of such particles may also indicate the condition and health of the subject. The detection of such particles may be useful to medical professionals in aiding the diagnosis of possible infections or complications and as an indicator of organ function. Suitable sensors for detecting the presence of particles, such as blood, in the urine are known in the art and include optical sensors. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow of the present invention comprises a processor. In use, the processor receives a signal from the or each sensor and generates an output signal indicative of the parameter or parameters of the urine being sensed. As noted above the sensor output data may include but is not limited to, signals for determining the volumetric flow rate of the urine output from the subject, the colour of the urine collected in the urine collection assembly, the presence of particles, such as blood, in the urine, or any combination thereof. Preferably the processor is configured to receive the sensor output data, process the data into a parameter value and generate an output signal. The processor may also advantageously perform analysis and collate the data into a readable metric such as a graph or table. In one embodiment, the urine monitoring apparatus further comprises a display. The output signals from the processor may be transmitted to the display, such that medical professionals are able to read and analyse the parameter values and metrics. Any suitable display may be employed and suitable displays are known in the art and commercially available. In one embodiment, the display is a touchscreen display, allowing the user to both view the data output by the processor and to input controls to the processor and other components of the apparatus. The urine monitoring apparatus may also comprise a transmitter, allowing the data output by the processor to be transmitted to a remote system. For example, the output signals may be transmitted to a remote receiver connected to a data storage system. This allows the data to be stored for future use and may also allow the data to be recorded in a patient record system associated with the subject. The transmission of data from the processor to external displays or remote receivers may be achieved through the use of wireless connections and / or cable connections. The processor may also be configured to perform analysis on the data to identify problems or indicators of the health of the subject. This may be advantageously used to alert medical personnel to the detection of adverse conditions. For example, the processor may identify no flow of urine, adversely low flow rate of urine and / or the colour of the urine, which may be indicative of the subject experiencing dehydration. The presence of particles, such as blood, could be identified and may indicate infection, organ damage or other complications. The processor may also be configured to identify failure of the apparatus, for example in the case when no data is received from one or more of the sensors. The identification of an adverse condition may initiate an output signal directed to medical personnel. The output signal may be used to alert medical personnel through any suitable means. For example, an alert may be sent to a personal device or computer, and / or an alarm may sound, therefore bringing the adverse condition to the attention of a carer or medical professional. The processor of the apparatus for monitoring urine flow, together with other components, such as a wireless transmitter and / or a display, may be contained 24 within a control unit mounted to or formed as part of the housing. The processor and the aforementioned other components may alternatively be remote from the housing and configured to receive the output signal from the sensors through wireless connections and or cable connections. As noted above, an advantage of the present invention is that a volume of urine passed by the subject is held in a static condition in the cavity of the urine collection assembly. By holding a volume of the urine in a static condition, sensing of parameters of the urine, such as colour and the presence of particulates, for example blood, is facilitated and rendered more accurate. In this way, problems arising from sensing a dynamic flow of urine, for example surface and film effects, are eliminated. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for sensing a parameter of the urine being passed by a subject, the apparatus comprising: a urine collection assembly comprising a cavity for holding a volume of urine in a substantially static condition; a sensor for sensing a parameter of the urine in the cavity; and a processor for receiving a signal from the sensor and generating an output signal indicative of the parameter being sensed. The apparatus is preferably disposed in a conduit extending from the subject to a vessel for containing urine passed by the subject, more preferably with the cavity of the urine collection assembly being comprised in the conduit. In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method for sensing a parameter of urine being passed by a subject, the method comprising: collecting a volume of urine from the subject and holding the volume of urine in a substantially static condition; and sensing a parameter of the volume of urine. 5 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a subject and an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view of the apparatus and the urine collection vessel of Figure 1; 10 Figure 3 is a diagrammatical representation of the components of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and the urine collection assembly contained therein; 15 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the urine collection assembly of the apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a diagrammatical representation of the urine collection assembly shown in Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and the urine collection assembly contained therein. Turning to Figure 1, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a subject and an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The subject, generally indicated as 2, is shown in a recumbent position. The apparatus for monitoring urine flow, generally indicated as 4, is shown adjacent the subject. The apparatus 4 may be mounted, for example, on the frame of the bed on which the subject 2 is lying or on another item, such as a medical stand. The apparatus 4 is connected to one end of a first conduit 6. In use, the other end of conduit 6 is connected to a device suitable for removing urine from the balder of the subject 2, such as a urinary catheter. The conduit 6 allows urine to flow from the subject 2 into the apparatus 4. The apparatus 4 is further connected to one end of a second conduit 8. The other end of conduit 8 is connected to a urine collection vessel 10, for example a bag. This allows urine to leave the apparatus 4 and flow via conduit 8 into the collection vessel 10. Turning now to Figure 2, there is shown a more detailed view of the apparatus 4 and urine collection vessel 10 of Figure 1. The apparatus 4 comprises a housing 20, the housing having a fluid inlet 22 and a fluid outlet 24. The conduit 6 is connected to the fluid inlet 22 to allow urine from the subject 2 to enter the housing 20 of the apparatus 4. The conduit 8 is connected to the fluid outlet 22 to allow urine to exit the housing 20 of the apparatus 4 and flow into the collection vessel 10. The apparatus 4 further comprises a control unit 26 for housing other components of the 27 apparatus not visible in Figure 2. The housing 20 further comprises a transparent portion 28 to allow the interior of the housing and the operation of the apparatus 4 to be observed. In one embodiment the collection vessel 10 comprises a flexible bag 30 and an opening 32 for receiving urine via the conduit 8. The bag 30 may be mounted on a stand or the frame of the bed, in known manner. Turning now to Figure 3, there is shown a diagrammatical representation of the components of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the conduit 6 brings urine passed by the subject to the apparatus 4. Urine leaves the apparatus 4 and passes along the conduit 8 to the collection vessel 10. Optical sensors 36a, 36b, 36c are arranged to sense a parameter of the urine passing through the apparatus. In particular, sensor 36a detects movement of components within the apparatus, as described in more detail hereinbelow, to allow a determination to be made of the volumetric flow rate of the urine. Sensor 36b detects the colour of the urine. Sensor 36c detects the presence of particles in the urine. The function of the sensor 36a to detect motion and the sensor 36b to detect the colour of the urine in the cavity may be combined into a single sensor, in particular where the movement of the urine collection assembly is detected by provision of a coloured portion on the urine collection assembly, as described in more detail below. Signals from the sensors 36a, 36b and 36c are transmitted to a processor 38. As shown in Figure 3, the transmission of signals from the sensors 36a, 36b, 36c is by signal cables. However, the signals may also be transmitted to the processor 38 wirelessly. This allows the processor to be located remotely. The apparatus further comprises a display 40, on which data generated by the processor 38 may be displayed. The display 40 may also be a touch-screen display, allowing a user, such as a medical professional, to control aspects of the operation of the apparatus, such as the generation and display of certain data sets. A wireless transmitter 42 is provided, allowing data from the processor 38 to be transmitted to a remote system, such as a patient record system within the facility in which the apparatus is being used, such as a hospital or clinic. In use, urine from the subject 2 enters the apparatus 4 via conduit 6 and is then collected in the apparatus 4. The sensors 36a, 36b and 36c, detect parameters of the urine and send output signals to the processor 38. The processor 38 processes the sensor signals and generates output data signals indicative of the parameters of the urine being sensed. The processor also generates parameter values and / or visual metrics which may be displayed on the display 40 and / or transmitted to remote receivers and / or data storage systems via the transmitter 42. The processor may also perform analysis of the sensor signals and may be, for example configured to identify adverse conditions, such as low or zero urine flow, indicating that the subject is dehydrated, dark coloured urine, indicating dehydration and / or other complications, and the presence of particles in the urine, such as blood, indicating possible organ failure or other complications. Warnings of the adverse conditions may be displayed on the display 40 and / or transmitted to personal devices or alarm systems via the transmitter 42 to alert medical personnel. The display may employ visual and / or audible indicators to medical personnel. Urine collected in the apparatus 4 is then allowed to flow into the collection vessel 10 via the conduit 8. Turning now to Figure 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the housing 20 of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and details of a urine collection assembly 50 contained therein. The housing comprises an internal chamber 52 which is generally cylindrical. As shown in Figure 4, the fluid inlet 22 and the fluid outlet 24 are arranged on a line that extends from the top of the chamber 52 to the bottom of the chamber 52 to one side of the centre of the chamber. The chamber 52 is provided with an enlarged portion adjacent the fluid outlet 24, which acts as a collection well 68. In use, urine discharged from the urine collection assembly 50 collects in the collection well 68 before leaving the chamber 52 through the fluid outlet 24. The internal chamber 52 of the housing 20 contains the urine collection assembly 50. The urine collection assembly 50 comprises four cavities 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d arranged symmetrically around the assembly 50. In use a volume of urine 54 is collected in each cavity 56a to 56d of the collection assembly 50. Each cavity 56a to 56d is fully defined by a weir member 60a to 60d extending in along an arc from the distal end of a respective vane 62a to 62d and two opposing side walls 64a and 64b (not shown in Figure 4). The vanes 62a to 62d are connected at their proximal ends at a central axis 58 extending between the two side walls 64a and 64b. The urine collection assembly 50, including the cavities 56a to 56d, is rotatable about the axis 58 and has rotational symmetry about the axis 58. The collection assembly 50 is provided with circular spigots 66a and 66b (not shown in Figure 4) on opposing sides of the urine collection assembly 50, which engage with opposing bores in the housing 20. The spigots 66a and 66b rotate within the bores in the housing 20 as the urine collection assembly 50 rotates within 30 the chamber 52. Friction between the spigots 66a, 66b and the inner surface of the bores in the housing 20 acts to dampen the rotation of the urine collection assembly 50. The extent to which rotation of the urine collection assembly 50 is damped may be varied, for example, by varying the diameter of the spigots 66a, 66b and the respective bores in the housing, with larger diameters resulting in increased friction and, therefore, increased damping of the rotation. In use, urine flows from conduit 6 connected to the fluid inlet 22 and enters the chamber 52. The volume of urine 54 is collected in the cavity 56a when the collection assembly 50 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 4. The sensors 36a to 36c detect parameters of the volume of urine 54. The maximum volume of urine collected in the cavity 56a is determined by the height of the respective weir member 60a, with a higher weir member allowing a greater volume of urine to collect in the cavity. Once a sufficient volume of urine 54 is collected in the cavity 56a to overcome the friction damping the rotation of the urine collection system 50, the urine collection assembly 50 rotates to the second position under the action of the weight of the volume of urine 54. The cavity 56d is shown in Figure 4 to be in the second position. During movement of the collection assembly 50 the volume of urine 54 flows over the lip of the weir member 60a and down into the collection well 68. The volume of urine 54 then exits the chamber 52 via the conduit 8 connected to the fluid outlet 24. As the cavity 56a moves out of the first position into the second position, the cavity 56b also moves into its first position in order to collect urine from the fluid inlet. This cycle is repeated as the urine collection assembly 50 rotates in an anticlockwise direction as viewed in Figure 4, with each of the cavities 56a to 56d moving 31 into the first position, collecting urine from the fluid inlet 22 and then moving round to the second position to discharge urine. The housing 20 comprises a port 70, positioned adjacent the collection well 68. The port 70 allows samples of urine to be collected from the collection well 68 for further analysis. When not in use the port 70 may be sealed by a plug 72. Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a perspective view of the urine collection assembly 50 of the apparatus 4 of Figure 4. The urine collection assembly 50 comprises two opposing, generally circular side walls 64a and 64b and the two circular spigots 66a and 66b at opposite ends of the central axis 58. The collection assembly 50 comprises the four cavities 56a to 56d, the four cavities being defined by the respective weir members 60a to 60d and the vanes 62a to 62d between the side walls 64a, 64b. The vanes 62a to 62d are each provided with darkened regions 74a to 74d along an edge, to allow detection of the movement of the collection assembly 50 from the first position to the second position. In particular, the sensor 36a is configured to detect the passage of a darkened region of the edge of each vane across its field of view and to generate a corresponding signal. The processor 38 functions to calculate the volumetric flow rate of urine through the apparatus 4 on the basis of the frequency of the signals received from the sensor 36a and being programmed with the volume of urine 54 collected in each cavity 56a to 56d. Turning now to Figure 6, there is shown a diagrammatical representation of the urine collection assembly 50 shown in Figure 5. As previously described, each cavity 56a to 56d is defined by a respective vane 62a to 62d and a weir member 60a to 60d extending in an arc from the distal end of the respective vane. As previously noted, the height of each of the weir members 60a to 60d from the distal end of the corresponding vane 62a to 62d to the lip of the weir member determines the maximum volume of urine 54 held within the corresponding cavity 56a to 56d. Each of the weir members 60a to 60d extends along an arc of a circle 76 having its centre coincident with the central axis 58 of the collection assembly 50. The weir members 60a to 60d subtend an angle a at the centre of the circle 76. In the embodiment, shown in Figure 5, the angle a is about 30°. The weir member 60a to 60d of one cavity 56a to 56d is separated from the distal end of the vane 62a to 62d and the respective weir member 60a to 60d of an adjacent cavity 56a to 56d, the space between the adjacent weirs 60a to 60d providing an opening through which urine may enter and leave the cavity 56a to 56d. The space between the tip of one weir member 60a to 60d and the weir member 60a to 60d of the adjacent cavity 56a to 56d subtends an angle p at the central axis 58 of the urine collection assembly 50. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the angle p is about 60°. Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a housing 80 of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and a urine collection assembly 82 contained therein. The housing 80 comprises a fluid inlet 84 connected to the conduit 6 and a fluid outlet 86 connected to the conduit 8. The housing 80 further comprises an internal chamber 88, which contains the urine collection assembly 82. The urine collection assembly 82 comprises a pivot 90 which is offset from the centre of the urine collection assembly 82. The urine collection assembly 82 is rotatable about the pivot 90. The chamber 88 is shaped accordingly to allow the free movement of the urine collection assembly 82 about the offset pivot 90, during the full range of motion of the urine collection assembly 82. The urine collection assembly 82 is generally cylindrical and comprises a generally cylindrical cavity 82a therewithin. An opening 82b in the urine collection assembly 82 allows urine to enter and leave the cavity 82a. In the first position shown in Figure 7, the opening 82b is aligned with the fluid inlet 84 and allows urine entering the chamber 88 to flow into the cavity 82a. The opening 82b is disposed to one side of a vertical centre line extending through the offset pivot 90. A ramp portion 94 is provided within the cavity 82a, to facilitate urine flowing out of the cavity 82a when the urine collection assembly 82 is in the second position. The urine collection assembly 82 comprises a counterweight 96 on the opposite side of the pivot 90 to the opening 82b and the ramp portion 94. When the cavity 82a within the urine collection assembly 82 is empty, the counterweight 96 biases the urine collection assembly into the first position, shown in Figure 7. The urine collection assembly 82 is provided with a stop 98 extending from its outer surface. In the first position shown in Figure 7, the stop is in contact with a shoulder 100 formed on the inner wall of the housing 80 adjacent the fluid inlet 84 and prevents rotation of the urine collection assembly 82 in a clockwise direction past the first position shown in Figure 7. A shoulder 102 is similarly formed on the inner wall of the housing 80 adjacent the fluid outlet 86. Contact between the stop 98 and the shoulder 102 prevents rotation of the urine collection assembly 82 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 7, past the second position. Sensors 36a, 36b and 36c are provided to sense parameters of the urine in the cavity 82a, in an analogous manner to the sensors of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and described above. In use, when the urine collection assembly 82 is in the first position shown in Figure 7, the cavity 82a within the urine collection assembly 82 is filled with a volume of urine 92 entering the chamber 88 via the fluid inlet 84. The sensors 36a to 36c detect parameters of the volume of urine 92. Once the weight of the urine collected within the collection assembly 82 exceeds the biassing effect of the counterweight 96, the collection assembly 82 rotates about the offset pivot 90, under the action of the weight of the volume of urine 92 until it reaches the second position. Rotation of the urine collection assembly 82 past the second position is prevented by the stop 98 engaging with the shoulder 102. In this position, the opening 82b in the urine collection assembly 82 aligns with the fluid outlet 86. The volume of urine 92 then flows out of the cavity 82a into the chamber 88 and out via the fluid outlet 86, the flow of urine out of the cavity 82a being aided by the ramped portion 94 on the urine collection assembly 82. Once empty, the urine collection assembly 82 rotates back from the second position to the first position under the action of the counterweight 96 of the urine collection assembly 82. The urine collection assembly 82 is prevented from rotating beyond the first position by the stop 98 on the urine collection assembly 82 engaging with the shoulder 100 on the inner surface of the housing 80.

Claims

12 01 241. An apparatus for monitoring urine output by a subject, the apparatus comprising: 5 a housing comprising an internal chamber, a fluid inlet to allow urine to enter the chamber and a fluid outlet to allow urine to leave the chamber;a urine collection assembly disposed within the chamber, the urine collection assembly comprising a cavity for holding a volume of urine; wherein the urine collection assembly is moveable between a first position, in which the cavity is disposed to collect 10 urine entering the chamber through the fluid inlet, and a second position in which urine can flow from the cavity and leave the chamber through the fluid outlet; movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position being caused by the volume of urine collecting in the cavity, wherein movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position is under the action of gravity;15 a sensor for detecting a parameter of the urine collected in the cavity of the collection assembly; anda processor for receiving a signal from the sensor and generating an output signal indicative of the parameter of the urine.20 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collection assembly is moveablebetween the first position and the second position by rotation of the collection assembly about an axis.

3. The apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the urine collectionassembly comprises a plurality of cavities.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the urine collection assemblycomprises four cavities.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each cavity ofthe urine collection assembly is defined by a vane member having its proximal end atthe centre of the urine collection assembly, a weir member extending from the distal10end of the vane member, and two opposing wall members.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the or each weir member extendsfrom the distal end of the respective vane member along an arc of a circle having itscentre coincident with the centre of the urine collection assembly.

157. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the weir member subtends anangle a at the centre of the circle; wherein the angle a is from 5° to 50°.8.The apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the urine collection20assembly comprises a plurality of cavities, wherein the space between the tip ofone weir and the weir of the adjacent cavity subtends an angle p at the centre ofthe circle; wherein the angle p is from 35° to 80°.9.The apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the height of the weir25from the distal end of the vane to the lip of the weir is from 10mm to 30mm.

10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the volume of urine collected in the or each cavity is from 10ml to 20ml.

11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement of the5 urine collection assembly between the first position and the second position is damped.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor detects the movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position.

13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor detects thecolour of the urine collected in the cavity.

14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor detects theCM15 presence of particles, such as blood, in the urine collected in the cavity.

15. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of sensors; wherein a first sensor detects movement of the urine collection assembly from the first position to the second position, a second sensor20 detects the colour of the urine in the cavity, and a third sensor detects the presence of particles in the urine in the cavity.

16. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a transparent portion to allow observation of a portion of the internal chamber.

17. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprisesa collection well in the portion of the chamber adjacent to the fluid outlet.

18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprisesa port extending through the housing and having an opening within the chamber, toallow the withdrawal of a sample of urine from the chamber.

19. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a display,wherein in use the output signal from the processor is depicted on the display.1020. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a wirelesstransmitter, wherein in use the output signal from the processor is transmitted to aremote receiver.1521. A method for monitoring the urine output of a subject, the method comprising:collecting a volume of urine in a cavity from an inlet of a urine monitoringapparatus;sensing a parameter of the urine in the cavity;moving the cavity under the action of gravity to discharge the volume of urine20through an outlet of the urine monitoring apparatus; andgenerating an output signal indicative of the sensed parameter.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the cavity is moved between theinlet and the outlet by rotation of the cavity about an axis.25

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