INTELLIGENT PUMP-BASED FLUID COLLECTION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Patent application

Abstract

The examples relate to devices, systems and methods for collecting drained fluid. The fluid collection system 100 comprises a fluid collection device 102 configured to collect drained fluid from a user and a fluid collection container 106 configured to receive fluid from the fluid collection device. The fluid collection system also comprises a pump 108 configured to pull at least a partial vacuum to draw fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container. The fluid collection system 100 also comprises a control system 111 comprising at least one sensor 110 configured to monitor at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system 100 and a controller 112 operably coupled to the at least one sensor 110 and configured to communicate at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system 100 to a control panel.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid collection systems and related methods.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 193,891, filed May 27, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] A person may have mobility limitations or impairments such that typical urination processes are difficult or impossible. For example, a person may have surgery or a physical disability that impairs mobility. In another example, a person may have limited mobility conditions, such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, fluid collection from a person may be required for monitoring purposes or clinical trials. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Bedpans and urinary catheters, such as Foley catheters, may be used to address some of these situations. However, bedpans and urinary catheters have several problems associated with their use. For example, bedpans can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters can be uncomfortable, painful, and can cause urinary tract infections.

[0005] Accordingly, users and manufacturers of fluid collection devices continue to search for new and improved devices, systems, and methods for collecting bodily fluids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid collection device and a method of using the fluid collection device. In an embodiment, a fluid collection system can include a fluid collection device configured to collect fluid discharged from a user and a fluid collection container configured to receive fluid from the fluid collection device. The fluid collection system can also include a pump in fluid communication with the fluid collection device and the fluid collection container. The pump can be configured to pull at least a partial vacuum to draw fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container. The fluid collection system can include a control system including at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensor configured to communicate at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system to a control panel.

[0007] In an embodiment, a method of using a fluid collection system can include at least positioning a fluid collection device proximate to a user's urethra and receiving fluid discharged from a user into the fluid collection device. The method further includes receiving fluid discharged from the fluid collection device into a fluid collection container. The method also includes determining at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system with at least one sensor. The method also includes transmitting at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system from the control system to a control panel.

[0008] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with each other without limitation.In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, with the same reference numbers referring to the same or similar elements or features in different figures or embodiments shown in the drawings. [Figure 1A] 1 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an isometric view of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a controller for a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a control panel having a display that indicates characteristics or status of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a control panel having a display that indicates characteristics or status of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow diagram of a method of using a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid collection system comprising at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of a property or status of the fluid collection system, and a method of using the fluid collection system. The devices and systems disclosed herein are configured to collect fluid from a person and comprise a fluid collection device, a fluid collection container configured to receive fluid from the fluid collection device, and a pump in fluid communication with the fluid collection device and the fluid collection container. The fluid collected by the fluid collection device can include at least urine or other bodily fluids. The embodiments of the fluid collection system disclosed herein can include a controller operably coupled to the at least one sensor that communicates at least one of the properties or status of the fluid collection system to a control panel. The at least one property of the fluid collection system can relate to at least the amount of fluid in the fluid collection container.

[0011] In some embodiments, the characteristic can include at least one of a volume or a mass of fluid in the fluid collection container. At least one of the means for sensing can include a sensor disposed adjacent to an interior portion of the fluid collection container, the sensor being a capacitive sensor configured to detect a characteristic related to the volume or mass of fluid in the fluid collection container.

[0012] The fluid collection system may also include a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to communicate at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system to the control panel. By sensing at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system and having the controller communicate at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system to the control panel, more accurate information and / or status of a user and / or the fluid collection system may be determined, collected and / or utilized in real time.

[0013] In some examples, the computing device or system that receives at least one of the detected flow characteristics or volume of the fluid may include a module attached to an arm of a wheelchair or a smartphone. As described further herein, the computing device may include a programmable timer, an alert or alarm, or a display configured to display at least one fluid characteristic or status of the fluid collection system. In some examples, the computing device may be wirelessly coupled to the controller.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 100, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection system 100 comprises a fluid collection device 102 configured to collect fluids (e.g., urine) discharged from a user. The fluid collection device 102 can include a male or female collection device. For example, PCT International Patent Application PCT / US2019 / 029616 describes various embodiments of both male and female fluid collection devices, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, the fluid collection device 102 can be interchangeable between different types, variations and sizes of male or female fluid collection devices in the fluid collection system 100. The fluid collection device 102 can be configured to be positioned near or adjacent to a user's urethra. Typically, the fluid collection device 102 is sized to be positioned near or adjacent to the urethra and can include a surface configured to wick fluid or other fluids away from the user. Urine or other fluids may be wicked from the surface to a container within the fluid collection device 102.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fluid collection system 100 can include tubing 104 coupling the fluid collection device 102 to the fluid collection container 106 and the vacuum device or pump 108. The tubing 104 can include a flexible material such as plastic tubing (e.g., medical tubing). Such plastic tubing can include thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. In some embodiments, the tubing 104 can include silicone or latex. In other embodiments, the tubing 104 can include reinforced tubing having metal or other conductive components therein. The fluid collection device 102, container 106, and pump 108 can be fluidly coupled to one another via one or more of the tubes 104. For example, the fluid collection device 102 can be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid collection container 106 or pump 108 via the tube 104. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluids) collected in the fluid collection device 102 can be removed from the fluid collection device 102 via the tube 104 coupled to the fluid collection device 102. A vacuum may be drawn into the interior chamber of the fluid collection device 102 via the inlet of the tube 104 in response to a suction (eg, vacuum) force applied to the outlet of the tube 104 .

[0016] The vacuum or suction force may be applied to the tube 104 directly or indirectly by the pump 108. The vacuum may be applied indirectly via the fluid collection reservoir 106. For example, the outlet of the tube 104 may be connected to or disposed within the fluid collection reservoir 106, and an additional tube 104 may extend from the fluid collection reservoir 106 to the pump 108 or other suitable vacuum device. Thus, the pump 108 can apply suction to the fluid collection device 102 via the fluid collection reservoir 106. The vacuum may be applied directly via the pump 108. For example, the outlet of the tube 104 may be disposed within the pump 108. The additional tube 104 may extend from the pump 108 to a point outside the fluid collection device 102, such as the fluid collection reservoir 106. In other embodiments, the pump 108 may be coupled to the outside of the tube 104 to draw a vacuum. In such an example, a pump 108 or other vacuum device may be disposed between the fluid collection device 102 and the fluid collection container 106 .

[0017] The pump 108 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a tube pump, or any pump configured to generate a vacuum. The pump 108 may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device 102 that may have been expelled from the user. In some examples, the pump 108 may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a hand-operated vacuum pump). In some examples, the pump 108 may be sized and shaped to fit outside, on, or within the fluid collection device 102. For example, the pump 108 may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micropumps.

[0018] 1B, in some embodiments, the fluid collection container 106 may be sized and shaped to hold fluid therein. The fluid collection container 106 may include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other sealed container for storing bodily fluids, such as urine. In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 106 may include a generally rigid outer housing that houses an inner portion configured to contain fluid. In some examples, a tube 104 may extend from the fluid collection device 102 and be attached to the fluid collection container 106 at a first point therein. A further tube 104 may be coupled to the fluid collection container 106 at a second point therein and may extend and be attached to a pump 108. The pump 108 may thus be configured to draw at least a partial vacuum to draw fluid from the fluid collection device 102, through the tube 104, and into the fluid collection container 106. Fluid, such as urine, may be drained from the fluid collection device 102 through the pump 108 and into the fluid collection container 106.

[0019] The fluid collection system 100 may include at least one sensor 110 (not shown in FIG. 1B, see FIG. 2) configured to monitor at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100. The at least one sensor may include a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent the fluid collection container 106, a battery sensor, and / or a power consumption sensor operably coupled to the pump. The fluid collection system 100 may also include a control system 111 including a controller 112 operably coupled to the at least one sensor that communicates at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100 to a control panel 114. Further details regarding the schematic, power source, and communication of the at least one sensor 110, the controller 112, and the control panel 114 are provided below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller 112 can be integrated with the control panel 114. In some embodiments, the sensor 110 can be configured to communicate the fluid characteristics to the controller 112, which in turn can communicate the fluid characteristics to the control panel 114, which can include a software application configured to record data including the amount of fluid received or drunk by the user, display the amount of fluid expelled by the user, and / or display trends and totals regarding the amount of fluid expelled by the user. The control panel 114 can be located on the housing of the pump 108 or on a remote controller (not shown). In some examples, the pump 108, the at least one sensor 110, the controller 112, and the control panel 114 can be powered by one or more batteries 118.

[0021] In some embodiments, the control panel 114 may be operated remotely. The control panel 114 may be at least a portion of a remote controller. In some embodiments, one or more touch-sensitive displays and / or buttons may be provided on the device. For example, the remote controller may include a touch screen occupying a portion of the front of the device. The remote controller may also include indicator lights and / or displays to indicate characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100. In some embodiments, the remote controller may include a physical connection to the fluid collection container 106, such as electrical wiring, or may be a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, proximity sensors, etc. For example, the remote controller may include a fob that allows a wheelchair user to communicate with and / or control the fluid collection system 100 when the fluid collection container 106 is disposed in a bag and / or suspended on the wheelchair or otherwise inaccessible. A seated user may view system status via visual LEDs and / or other indicators and enable control of the fluid collection system from the remote control and / or fob. In some examples, the remote controller may be a personal computing device such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, or any other form of electronic device.

[0022] 2, in some embodiments, the control system 111 may include at least one sensor 110. In some embodiments, the control system 111 may include one sensor 110 or two or more sensors 110. The sensors shown in FIG. 2 may be configured to be the only sensors or may be used in combination with other sensors. Each of the sensors shown in FIG. 2 may be optional for inclusion in the fluid collection system 100.

[0023] The at least one sensor 110 may include a fluid level sensor 116 disposed within and / or adjacent to the fluid collection reservoir 106. The fluid level sensor 116 may be configured to detect a characteristic related to the volume or mass of the fluid in the fluid collection reservoir 106. In some embodiments, the fluid level sensor 116 may include a capacitive sensor. The fluid level sensor 116 may include two conductive plates or electrodes. When a charge is applied to the conductive plates, the space between the plates also becomes charged. The magnitude of the charge between the two plates depends on the dielectric. When the fluid level is below the sensor, the dielectric is air, and when the fluid collection reservoir 106 is filled with fluid, the fluid has a higher capacitance than air, so the capacitance of the fluid level sensor 116 rises approximately linearly with the fluid level in the fluid collection reservoir 106. In some embodiments, the fluid level sensor 116 may be located along a wall of the fluid collection reservoir 106.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 110 can include a vacuum sensor 120 operably coupled to the pump 108. The vacuum sensor 120 can include a sealed piston / cylinder to measure pressure changes. Mechanical deflection uses an elastic or flexible element, such as a diaphragm, Bourdon tube, or bellows, that mechanically deflects with pressure changes. In other embodiments, the vacuum sensor 120 can include a piezoelectric pressure sensor that measures dynamic and quasi-static pressure. Two-way transducers are made of metalized quartz or ceramic materials that have naturally occurring electrical properties. They are capable of converting stress into electrical potential and vice versa. In other embodiments, the vacuum sensor 120 can include a variable capacitance pressure device. Capacitive pressure devices can measure pressure using capacitance changes resulting from the movement of a diaphragm element. Capacitive pressure devices can use a thin diaphragm as one plate of a capacitor. Applied pressure deflects the diaphragm, changing the capacitance. The deflection of the diaphragm can cause a change in capacitance that is detected by a bridge circuit. A capacitive absolute pressure sensor with a vacuum between the plates can thwart errors by keeping the dielectric constant of the material constant. Other suitable vacuum sensors 120 may be included. The vacuum sensor 120 can provide data regarding pump speed and pump life. In some embodiments, the vacuum sensor 120 can provide information regarding when the pump is pumping urine or air. In some embodiments, the vacuum sensor can provide information regarding the effectiveness of the pump 108.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control system 111 can control the operation of the pump 108. The control system 111 can be configured to start and stop the pump. The control system can start and / or stop the pump according to a predetermined schedule. The control system 111 can start the pump when the fluid level sensor 116 reaches a predetermined limit and stop the pump when the fluid collection container 106 is empty or the urine level is below a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the control system 111 can increase or decrease power to the pump 108 and / or adjust the speed of the pump 108 when the pump 108 includes a variable speed pump.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 110 may include a battery monitor 122. The number of cycles that must be performed and the depth of discharge determine the lifespan of the battery 118. Typically, the optimal life-to-use ratio occurs when the battery is not discharged below 50%. The amp-hour meter counts the rate and time of current from the battery being discharged and does the same when the battery is being charged and restored. Once the battery monitor 122 identifies the full point, capacity and validity of the battery, the amp-hour meter is responsible for giving an instant reading of the state of charge in amp-hours or the percentage of the total at any point in the cycle. In some embodiments, the battery monitor may include an impedance-based meter for measuring the state of charge of the battery 118. The impedance-based meter measures the battery impedance and uses the impedance to generate a reading of how full the battery is by referencing stored data. The impedance-based meter may provide the battery voltage and charge percentage.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control system 111 can include a timer 124 and / or various user inputs 126. For example, the timer 124 can include inputs from a user or caregiver to replace components of the fluid collection system 100, empty the fluid collection container 106, or start or stop the pump 108. The timer 124 can be included to identify the usable life of the battery 118, the fluid collection device 102, the pump 108, the tubing 104, and / or any other components of the fluid collection system 100. The timer 124 can indicate predictive maintenance procedures. Notifications and / or reminders can indicate replacement intervals for components, including filters and batteries. The user inputs 126 can include switches and / or control buttons to control pump status, power to the fluid collection system 100, pump speed, timer settings and alarm confirmations, and / or other suitable inputs.

[0028] The control system 111 may also include indicator lights and / or a display 128. In some embodiments, the display may include an alphanumeric display. In other embodiments, the display 128 may include a light emitting diode (LED) light. The display 128 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor (TFT) display, an OLED display, an AMOLED display, and / or a QLED display. In some embodiments, visual alerts 130 and audible alerts 132 may be included. The alerts 130, 132 may indicate a high urine level in the container 106, an electrical fault or other condition with respect to the controller 112, a timer 124 response, a low battery, an indication to replace a component of the fluid collection system 100, and / or a failed or defective pump condition.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a controller 112 that may be integrated into the at least one sensor 110 discussed above or the computing device 134 described herein, according to some embodiments. The controller 112 may be configured to communicate with any of the at least one sensor 110, such as with a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 110 may include a controller 112. In an embodiment, the controller 112 may include at least a printed circuit board (PCB) equipped with an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) for storage of data collected by the at least one sensor 110. For example, the controller 112 may be configured to calculate the level or volume of fluid in the fluid collection container 106, or the battery discharge rate. The controller 112 may be configured to send notifications or alerts to other electronic devices. For example, the controller 112 may be configured to send notifications or alerts to the control panel 114. An external or internal battery, such as a rechargeable or single-use battery, may power the controller 112.

[0030] In some embodiments, the controller 112 can be configured to send at least an alert related to the status of the pump 108 to the control panel 114. In some embodiments, the controller 112 can be configured to operate and / or control the pump 108. In some embodiments, the controller 112 can control the pump 108 based on the status of the volume of fluid detected by the fluid level sensor 116 in the fluid collection container 106. For example, based on data from at least one sensor 110, the controller 112 can start the pump 108 to flow fluid from the fluid collection device 102 to the fluid collection container 106. The controller 112 can cause the pump 108 to stop when the volume of fluid in the fluid collection container 106 reaches a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the controller 112 can wirelessly send the alert and a selected frequency, such as for a selected time and / or amount of time. The controller 112 can communicate to the control panel 114 when the battery 118 is low. The controller 112 can send an alert to the user or caregiver's module 140 and / or smartphone 142 when the pump 108 or fluid collection system 100 has a malfunction. In some embodiments, the controller 112 can be configured to control all operations of the pump 108.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the controller 112 may include at least one computing device 134. The at least one computing device 134 may be an exemplary computing device that may be configured to perform one or more of the operations described above. The computing device 134 may include at least one processor 136, a memory 138, a storage device 140, an input / output ("I / O") device / interface 142, and a communication interface 144.

[0032] In some examples, the processor 136 may include hardware for executing instructions, such as instructions making up a computer program (e.g., instructions for performing one or more portions of the methods disclosed herein). For example, to execute instructions, the processor 136 may retrieve, decode, and execute instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, the memory 138, or the storage device 140. In some examples, the processor 136 may be configured to perform one or more portions of any of the example methods disclosed herein (e.g., including instructions stored on or executed by the processor 136).

[0033] In some examples, the processor 136 can be configured to perform any of the operations disclosed herein or to cause one or more portions of the computing device 134 or the controller 112 to perform at least one of the operations disclosed herein. Such a configuration can include one or more operating programs (e.g., computer program products) executable by at least one processor 136. For example, the processor 136 can be configured to automatically determine the amount of urine in a urine collection container, automatically determine the proximity of urine in the urine collection container to a sensor, automatically send an alert when the amount of urine in the urine collection container is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically send an alert when fluid is detected in the fluid collection device 102, determine differences in the user's fluid intake and fluid output, and / or automatically send an alert when a battery change or recharge is suggested.

[0034] At least one computing device 134 may include at least one memory storage medium (e.g., memory 138 and / or storage device 140). The computing device 134 may include memory 138 operatively coupled to the processor 136. The memory 138 may be used to store data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor 136. The memory 138 may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), solid-state disk (SSD), flash, phase-change memory (PCM), or other types of data storage. The memory 138 may be internal or distributed memory.

[0035] The computing device 134 may include a storage device 140 having storage for storing data or instructions. The storage device 140 may be operatively coupled to at least one processor 136. In some examples, the storage device 140 may include a non-transitory memory storage medium, such as any of those described above. The storage device 140 (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. The storage device 140 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. The storage device 140 may be internal or external to the computing device 134. In some examples, the storage device 140 may include a non-volatile solid-state memory. In some examples, the storage device 140 may include a read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically alterable programmable ROM (EAROM), or a flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these. In some examples, one or more portions of memory 138 and / or storage device 140 (e.g., memory storage media) may store one or more databases.

[0036] In some examples, one or more of the history of the amount of fluid in the fluid collection container 106, the trend of the amount of fluid in the fluid collection container 106, the history of fluid collection device 102 replacement, and / or the history of battery 118 replacement or recharging may be stored in a memory storage medium, such as the processor 136 (e.g., an internal cache of the processor), the memory 138, or one or more of the storage devices 140.

[0037] The computing device 134 also includes one or more I / O devices / interfaces 142 provided to enable a user to provide input, receive output, and otherwise transfer data to and from the computing device 134. These I / O devices / interfaces 142 may include touch screens, switches, network interfaces, web-based access, modems, ports, other known I / O devices, or combinations of such I / O devices / interfaces 142. A touch screen may be operated with a stylus or a finger.

[0038] I / O device / interface 142 may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen or monitor), one or more output drivers (e.g., a display driver), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In some examples, I / O device / interface 142 is configured to provide graphical data to a display for presentation to a user. The graphical data may represent one or more graphical user interfaces and / or any other graphical content as long as it is capable of serving a particular implementation.

[0039] The computing device 134 may further include a communication interface 144. The communication interface 144 may include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface 144 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (e.g., packet-based communication, etc.) between the computing device 134 and one or more networks. For example, the communication interface 144 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network, or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as WI-FI, Bluetooth, a proximity sensor, etc. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the computing device 134 may communicate with and / or control the operation of the pump 108.

[0040] In some embodiments, the computing device 134 can be in communication with the control panel 114. Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, in an embodiment, the controller 112 can be configured to send a signal to the control panel 114 that includes at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100. In some embodiments, the control panel can include a display 128a that can include at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100. For example, the display 128a can include one or more of a battery status, an amount of fluid in the fluid collection container 106, an indicator light and / or text that the pump is running, a button for turning the fluid collection system 100 on and off, a time since the last change of the fluid collection device 102, a time since the last cleaning of a component of the fluid collection system 100, a water intake by a user, a difference in a water intake by a user and a amount of fluid in the fluid collection container 106, or a system integrity status.

[0041] 4B, in some embodiments, the display 128b can include at least one indicator light. In some embodiments, the display 128b can include several indicator lights, with the status of the lights being on or off indicating the status of the components of the fluid collection system 100. In some embodiments, the color of the indicator light can indicate the status of the components. For example, the fluid level indicator light of the display 128b can show a green light when the fluid collection container 106 is able to hold fluid, a yellow light when the fluid collection container 106 is approaching a full level, and a red light when the fluid collection container 106 needs to be emptied. In another example, the "filter change" indicator light can be off while the timer 124 indicates that the filter does not require change and can be on when the timer 124 has completed a predetermined cycle, indicating to the user and / or caregiver that the filter should be changed. A speaker can be included in the control panel 114 to provide an audible alert indicating a situation that requires the immediate attention of the user or caregiver. For example, it may indicate that the fluid collection container 106 is full or that the battery is critically low.

[0042] In some embodiments, the displays 128a,b can be configured to provide at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100 in real time as communicated by the controller 112. The controller 112 can transmit the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100 to the computing device 134 or send an alert to a user or caregiver's electronic device when the battery powering at least one of the controller 112, the control panel 114, or the pump 108 is low. The controller 112 can send an alert when cleaning or replacement of the fluid collection device 102 or other components may be due. In embodiments, the displays 128a,b can provide at least the current status of the battery 118, the fill level of the fluid collection container 106, input from the user or caregiver to include the amount of fluid consumed by the user, the time since the last replacement or cleaning of the fluid collection device 102, and the time since the last cleaning or replacement of the fluid collection container 106. Although an example control panel 114 is illustrated in Figures 4A-4B, the components illustrated in Figures 4A-4B are not intended to limit the controller 112 or the control panel 114. In some examples, additional or alternative components may be used. In some examples, the controller 112 or control panel 114 may include fewer components than those illustrated in Figures 4A-4B.

[0043] 5 is a flow diagram of a method 200 of using a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. Method 200 can include an operation 210 of positioning a fluid collection device proximate to a user's urethra and an operation 220 of receiving fluid discharged from the user into the fluid collection device. Method 200 can include an operation 230 of drawing a vacuum in a tube in fluid communication with the fluid collection device using a pump, which is effective to draw fluid from the fluid collection device into a fluid collection container.

[0044] The method 200 also includes an operation 240 of receiving fluid discharged from the fluid collection device into a fluid collection container. The method 200 also includes an operation 250 of detecting at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system with at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor may include a fluid level sensor in the fluid collection container. The operation 250 may include at least one of an amount of fluid in the fluid collection device or fluid collection container, a pump status, or a battery status. The method 200 also includes an operation 260 of transmitting at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system from the control system to a control panel. In embodiments, the method 200 may also include an operation 270 of providing the control system with at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system in real time as communicated by the control panel.

[0045] Method 200 may include any of the fluid collection systems and / or devices described herein or incorporated by reference. It should be understood that the operations of method 200 described above are exemplary. For example, the operations of method 200 may be performed in a different order, divided into multiple operations, varied, supplemented, or combined. In embodiments, one or more of the operations of method 200 may be omitted from method 200. Any of the operations of method 200 may include using any of the portable fluid collection systems disclosed herein.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "about" or "substantially" refer to an acceptable variation of ±10% or ±5% of the term modified by "about" or "in an embodiment." Additionally, the terms "less than," "less than," "greater than," "greater than," or "more than" include the value modified by the term "less than," "less than," "greater than," or "more than" as an endpoint.

[0047] While various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid collection system comprising: a fluid collection device including a medical tube configured to be placed adjacent to the urethra to collect fluids discharged from a user; a fluid collection container configured to receive the fluid from the fluid collection device; a pump in fluid communication with the fluid collection device and the fluid collection container, the pump configured to draw at least a partial vacuum to draw the fluid from the fluid collection device and into the fluid collection container; a control system comprising at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to communicate at least one of the characteristic or status of the fluid collection system to a control panel; Equipped with the at least one sensor includes a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the fluid collection container; The control system is configured to control the pump to start when the fluid level sensor reaches a predetermined limit and to stop the pump when the fluid collection container is empty or the urine level is below a predetermined threshold.

2. A fluid collection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the fluid level sensor is a capacitive sensor configured to detect a characteristic related to the volume or mass of the fluid in the fluid collection container.

3. 2. The fluid collection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a power consumption sensor operatively coupled to the pump.

4. 10. The fluid collection system of claim 1, further comprising a battery operatively coupled to the pump, the control system configured to communicate a battery status to the control panel.

5. A fluid collection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pump is disposed within a housing configured to be coupled to the fluid collection container.

6. A fluid collection system as described in claim 5, characterized in that the control panel is located on the housing or on a remote controller.

7. The fluid collection system of claim 5, wherein the control panel includes at least one status indicator.

8. A fluid collection system as described in claim 7, characterized in that the status indicator includes at least one of a digital display or an indicator light.

9. The fluid collection system of claim 7, wherein the status indicator includes an audible indication.

10. The fluid collection system of claim 5, wherein the control panel includes user input for the control system.

11. A fluid collection system as described in claim 5, characterized in that the control system includes at least one of a programmable timer, an alert or alarm, or a display configured to display at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system.

12. The fluid collection system of claim 11, wherein the programmable timer is configured to indicate when a component of the fluid collection system requires replacement.

13. A fluid collection system as described in claim 5, characterized in that the control system is configured to provide at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system in real time as communicated by the control panel.

14. 1. A method of using a fluid collection system, comprising: placing a fluid collection device including a medical tube at least proximate to the user's urethra; receiving fluid discharged from the user into a fluid collection device; receiving fluid discharged from the fluid collection device into a fluid collection container; determining, with at least one sensor, at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system; transmitting the at least one of the characteristics or the status of the fluid collection system from a control system to a control panel; Including, the at least one sensor includes a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the fluid collection container; The method, wherein the control system is configured to control the pump to start when the fluid level sensor reaches a predetermined limit and to stop the pump when the fluid collection container is empty or the urine level is below a predetermined threshold.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising using the pump to draw a vacuum in a tube fluidly connected to the fluid collection device, which is effective to draw fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container.

16. A method as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that determining at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system using at least one sensor includes detecting at least one of the amount of fluid in the fluid collection device or the fluid collection container, a pump status, or a battery status.

17. A method as described in claim 16, characterized in that transmitting at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system from a control system to a control panel includes transmitting to a control panel located on the housing of the pump or on a remote controller.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing to the control system the at least one characteristic or status of the fluid collection system in real time as communicated by the control panel.

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