System and method for calculating the volume of excreted urine and feces

Abstract

An excrement collection and evaluation system is provided that includes at least one waste receptacle including a waste collection area, and a sensor coupled to the toilet and selectively coupled to the at least one waste receptacle and configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited in the waste collection area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 344,302, filed on May 20, 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure provides systems and methods for evaluating excreta from a subject. In some aspects, a system is provided that can be used in combination with a commercially available toilet to evaluate and quantify the volume of feces and / or urine excreted from a subject.

Background Art

[0003] Hospital treatment of diseases related to the heart, lungs, and blood often requires tracking the urine and feces output of patients. For ambulatory patients, currently, the monitoring of waste output is a manual process. Patients are instructed to urinate and defecate into plastic collection hats placed under the toilet seat. When these hats are full or at the end of a shift, the nurse visually inspects the contents of the hat and records the volume using the graduations marked on the wall of the hat. If both urine and feces are present in the same hat, it is necessary to estimate the volume adjustment. The nurse then empties the contents of the hat into the toilet, washes and cleans them, and returns them to the toilet for reuse by the patient. The manual nature of the handling of the collection hats by patients and nurses can introduce significant errors in the patient's fluid balance, with numerous adverse effects including increased mortality, longer hospital stays, higher use of ventilators, and increased hospital costs. Beyond the patient's health, the current practice regarding the handling of the hats also exposes nurses to active chemotherapy drugs excreted in the patient's waste. Further, when diarrhea and urine are mixed in the same collection hat, it is difficult to estimate each volume separately. Thus, there is a continuing need for advancements in methods for tracking urine and feces, both to improve patient care and to protect the health of the nurses caring for them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The summary of the invention is provided to introduce an extract of the concepts that will be further described below in the detailed description. The summary of the invention is not intended to identify the main or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an excrement collection and evaluation system including at least one waste receptacle including a waste collection area, and a sensor coupled to a toilet, selectively coupled to the at least one waste receptacle, and configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited in the waste collection area.

[0006] In some embodiments, the sensor includes at least one load cell that is interlocked with the at least one waste receptacle.

[0007] In some embodiments, the at least one waste receptacle includes an overhanging area that is selectively coupled to the sensor.

[0008] In some embodiments, the overhanging area includes a receptacle locking feature configured to limit movement of the at least one waste receptacle relative to the sensor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a sensor locking feature configured to engage the at least one waste receptacle to limit movement of the at least one waste receptacle relative to the sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the receptacle locking feature includes an opening, and the sensor locking feature includes a protrusion sized to engage the opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one waste receptacle includes a urine receptacle and a feces receptacle. In some embodiments, the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are independently coupled to the sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle includes a urine receptacle and a feces receptacle. In some embodiments, the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are combined in a single sample collection container.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle includes a urine receptacle.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle includes a feces receptacle.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle includes a discharge portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle defines an inclined portion that directs the flow of liquid towards the discharge portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the excrement collection and evaluation system further includes a separator configured to prevent contact between the toilet seat, the sensor, or at least one waste receptacle. In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle includes a notch sized to receive the separator, and the separator is fixed to the toilet seat.

[0018] In some embodiments, the excrement collection and evaluation system further includes a controller that receives a signal from the sensor and evaluates the weight or volume of the excrement based on the signal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit data to an electronic medical station.

[0020] In other embodiments, the excrement collection and evaluation system is configured to be hingedly coupled to a toilet and includes a toilet seat with a separator extending from the bottom surface of the toilet seat, and a weight measurement sensor coupled to the toilet seat and positioned such that the separator prevents contact between the toilet seat and the weight measurement sensor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the measurement sensor includes a battery-powered load cell.

[0022] In some embodiments, the measurement sensor is configured to be directly coupled to a toilet, and the toilet seat includes a toilet seat hinge configured to couple the toilet seat to the measurement sensor.

[0023] In other embodiments, a waste receptacle for use with an excrement collection and evaluation system includes a waste collection area, a support flange extending from the waste collection area and including a receptacle locking feature, and a discharge portion positioned within the waste collection area and configured to allow excrement to flow out of the waste collection area during use. The support flange is configured to suspend the waste collection area within a toilet bowl, limit movement of the waste receptacle relative to the excrement collection and evaluation system, and engage a measurement sensor of the excrement collection and evaluation system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the waste collection area includes a urine receptacle and a separate feces receptacle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] The accompanying drawings are provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0027] The chapter headings used throughout this chapter and the entire disclosure are for organizing purposes only here and are not intended to be limiting.

[0028] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0029] 1. Definitions Unless otherwise noted, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, including definitions, these documents shall prevail. Preferred methods and materials are described below, but in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0030] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is made herein to preferred embodiments and specific terms are used to describe it. However, it is understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, and such changes and further modifications of the present disclosure as described herein are considered to be ordinarily contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0031] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or more (i.e., at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, "an element" means at least one element and may include more than one element.

[0032] "About" is used to give flexibility to the endpoints of a numerical range by defining that a given value may be slightly above or slightly below the endpoint, without affecting the desired result.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," or "having" and variations thereof mean including the elements listed hereinafter and their equivalents as well as additional elements. As used herein, "and / or" is to be construed to include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the absence of combinations when interpreted in the alternative ("or"), and to include them.

[0034] As used herein, the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" (and grammatical variations) should be construed to include the recited materials or steps of the invention described in the claims, "as well as those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics." Thus, as used herein, the term "consisting essentially of" should not be construed as equivalent to "comprising."

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the features or combinations of features described herein may be excluded or omitted. To illustrate, if the specification describes a composite as including components A, B, and C, it is specifically contemplated that any one of A, B, or C, or combinations thereof, may be omitted or waived, either alone or in any combination.

[0036] The description of the range of values herein is merely intended to act as a shorthand way of referring individually to each separate value falling within that range, and each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a concentration range is described as 1% to 50%, it is intended that values such as 2% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 1% to 3% be explicitly recited herein. These are merely illustrative of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between and including the recited minimum and maximum values are considered to be explicitly recited in this disclosure.

[0037] As used herein, "container", "collection container", or "sample collection container" is used in the broadest sense and refers to any suitable body used to collect a urine or fecal sample from a subject. In some embodiments, the sample collection container comprises a urine receptacle for collecting urine from the subject. In some embodiments, the sample collection container comprises a fecal receptacle for collecting feces from the subject. In some embodiments, the sample collection container comprises a urine receptacle for collecting urine from the subject and a fecal receptacle for collecting feces from the subject.

[0038] As used herein, "evaluating excreta" is used in the broadest sense and refers to any method of observing, identifying, or measuring urine and / or fecal excreta from a subject. In some embodiments, "evaluating" refers to measuring urine excreta and / or fecal excreta from a subject. Measuring such excreta can be said to be measuring the weight and / or volume of the excreta. For example, "evaluating" urine excreta can be said to be measuring the weight and / or volume of urine excreted by a subject in a given excretion event or over the course of a given time frame. As another example, "evaluating" fecal excreta can be said to be measuring the weight and / or volume of feces excreted by a subject in an excretion event or over the course of a given time frame. In some embodiments, "evaluating" fecal excreta can be said to be identifying the amount of solid feces versus diarrhea (e.g., by weight or by volume) in a given excretion event or over the course of a given time frame.

[0039] As used herein, "treatment", "therapy", and / or "treatment regimen" refer to clinical interventions performed in response to a disease, disorder, or physiological condition manifested by or to which a patient may be susceptible. The purposes of treatment include alleviation or prevention of symptoms, delay or arrest of the progression or worsening of a disease, disorder, or condition, and / or remission of a disease, disorder, or condition.

[0040] The term "effective amount" or "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount sufficient to affect a beneficial or desired biological and / or clinical result.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "subject" and "patient" are used interchangeably herein and refer to both human and non-human animals. The term "non-human animal" in the present disclosure includes all vertebrates, such as mammals and non-mammals including non-human primates, sheep, dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, amphibians, reptiles, etc.

[0042] 2. Systems and Methods for Evaluating Excreta from a Subject Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for evaluating excreta from a subject, including urine and / or fecal excreta, and a method of using the same. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are utilized in the context of monitoring various diseases, conditions, or responses of a subject to one or more therapeutic agents by evaluating excreta from the subject. The present disclosure generally relates to a system capable of collecting information (e.g., diagnostic information) related to the excretion events of a subject and improving the efficiency and convenience of toilet use in both home and healthcare facility environments (e.g., hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc.). The systems disclosed herein are particularly useful in a treatment environment such as a hospital or clinic where excreta from a subject are observed for various treatment purposes. For example, information regarding urine and / or fecal excreta from a subject can be used to assist in determining the health or disease state of the subject, the recovery of the subject from a medical treatment or procedure, and / or the response of the subject to a particular therapeutic agent. These data and other data can be collected in an automated manner by the disclosed system, thereby avoiding the need to manually evaluate urine or fecal output from the subject. Further, the systems described herein provide a cost-effective way of evaluating excreta from a subject and can be used in combination with any standard toilet without requiring modification of the standard plumbing or the toilet itself.

[0043] In some aspects, the system for evaluating excreta from a subject described herein can be used to measure the contents of waste receptacles such as the waste collection "hats" commonly found in hospitals. The waste receptacles are also referred to herein as "waste collection containers" and "sample collection containers". Waste receptacles are generally used in the patient care process to track the status of a patient's body fluids and to identify the severity of diseases related to diarrhea output. In the system provided herein, the container used to collect excreta from a subject is separate from the components of a system that measures urine and / or fecal output from the subject. In other words, the waste receptacle itself is not equipped for automatic measurement of excreta from a subject. Thus, waste receptacles can be obtained in a cost-effective and convenient manner without the need to equip them with commercially available containers for automatic measurement or to manufacture custom containers that include expensive equipment such as scales, sensors, detectors, etc.

[0044] In some aspects, a system for evaluating excreta from a subject is provided herein. In some embodiments, the system comprises a quantity measurement sensor. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor is configured to be coupled to a toilet. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor is configured for hinge attachment to a toilet. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor is configured to be positioned above the rim of the toilet and below the toilet seat (e.g., attached via a hinge). In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor is configured to selectively couple to at least one waste receptacle, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited in the waste collection area.

[0045] In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor can be any type of weight sensor. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor includes an optical sensor (e.g., an IR sensor), a Hall effect strain gauge, a laser sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, or any other type of sensor that generates a signal indicative of the amount of excrement deposited in the waste receptacle. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor comprises a scale. In some embodiments, the scale is configured for hinge attachment to the toilet. In some embodiments, the scale can be positioned above the edge of the toilet and below the toilet seat (e.g., attached via a hinge). In some embodiments, the scale comprises a quantity measurement sensor in the form of one or more load cells. In some embodiments, the quantity measurement sensor (e.g., the scale) comprises one or more load cells. The term "load cell" refers to a part of a scale that measures weight. In some embodiments, the load cell is configured to be interlocked with the waste receptacle. In some embodiments, one or more load cells are positioned on the scale to contact a receptacle support flange in the form of an overhanging region of at least one waste receptacle so as to measure the discharge amount of waste (e.g., urine and / or feces) from the subject. For example, in some embodiments, the scale comprises one or more load cells spatially positioned at a location on the scale corresponding to the location of the overhanging region of the waste receptacle (e.g., the lip of the container that overhangs on a suitable solid surface to prevent the collection container from falling into the toilet during use). Thus, the overhanging region of the waste receptacle contacts the load cell, and thus the force applied to the waste receptacle (e.g., the weight in the receptacle due to urine and / or feces) brings a force onto the load cell, thus facilitating the quantification of excrement from the subject.

[0046] Load cells above 1 can be of any suitable size and any suitable shape to facilitate the placement within the scale and the evaluation of excrement from the subject. In some embodiments, the scale comprises at least one urine load cell. The at least one urine load cell quantifies (e.g., weighs) urine excrement from the subject. In some embodiments, the scale comprises two urine load cells. For example, in some embodiments, the scale comprises a urine load cell on the left side of the scale and a urine load cell on the right side of the scale. In some embodiments, the scale comprises at least one feces load cell. The at least one feces load cell quantifies fecal excrement from the subject. In some embodiments, the scale comprises two feces load cells. In some embodiments, the scale comprises a feces load cell on the left side of the scale and a feces load cell on the right side of the scale. In some embodiments, the scale comprises at least one urine load cell and at least one feces load cell. For example, in some embodiments, the scale comprises a urine load cell positioned on one side of the front portion of the scale (e.g., the portion proximate where urine will be excreted from a subject using a toilet including the scale mounted thereon) and a feces load cell positioned on one side of the rear portion of the scale (e.g., the portion proximate where feces will be excreted from a subject using a toilet including the scale mounted thereon). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, the scale comprises two urine load cells positioned in the front portion of the scale and two feces load cells positioned in the rear portion of the scale. In some embodiments, the scale comprises a single urine load cell and a single feces load cell. The urine load cell and the feces cell may be positioned on the same side of the scale, or the urine load cell may be positioned on a first side and the feces load cell may be positioned on the opposite side of the scale. For example, each of the urine load cell and the feces load cell may be positioned on the left side of the scale, or each may be positioned on the right side of the scale. As another example, the urine load cell may be positioned on the left side of the scale and the feces load cell may be positioned on the right side of the scale, or vice versa.

[0047] In some embodiments, the load cell is exposed such that the load cell is in direct contact with the overhanging region of the sample collection container. Exemplary exposed load cells are shown, for example, in FIGS. 4A and 5A. In some embodiments, the load cell is surrounded by a solid structure (e.g., plastic) as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the load cell comprises a flexible membrane positioned between the solid structure and the load cell such that the weight applied to the solid structure is transmitted through the membrane onto the load cell.

[0048] In some embodiments, the weighing sensor comprises a battery-powered load cell. In some embodiments, the scale further comprises a battery. In some embodiments, the battery is operably connected to one or more load cells. In some embodiments, the battery is housed within a region of the scale that includes an access panel (e.g., a door, a latch, etc.) such that the battery can be removed and replaced with a new battery as needed. In some embodiments, the battery is non-rechargeable (i.e., disposable). In some embodiments, the battery is rechargeable.

[0049] In some embodiments, the weighing sensor (e.g., a scale) is configured for hinge attachment to a toilet. In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one hinge. In some embodiments, the weighing sensor further comprises a hinge that facilitates hinge attachment of the weighing sensor to the toilet. For example, in some embodiments, the scale of the weighing sensor comprises a hinge disposed proximate to the rear portion of the scale, thereby facilitating hinge attachment of the scale to the toilet. In some embodiments, the scale is disposed on the underside of the scale at a location proximate to the rear portion of the scale. Use of hinge attachment of the weighing sensor (e.g., a scale) to the toilet enables the weighing sensor (e.g., a scale) to be lifted away from the edge of the toilet, and thus enables easy cleaning of various components of the toilet (e.g., the toilet base, the toilet edge, the toilet bowl) and the weighing sensor (e.g., the underside of the scale, the edge of the scale, etc.).

[0050] In some embodiments, a measurement sensor (e.g., a scale) further comprises sensor locking features in the form of one or more locking protrusions. The locking protrusions are sized, spaced, and shaped as appropriate to be used in combination with a suitable collection container having receptacle locking features in the form of one or more opposing holes in the overhang region such that the locking protrusions on the scale are inserted into the one or more holes in the overhang region of the sample collection container. The use of such locking protrusions helps to secure the sample collection container in place and prevent significant movement of the collection container during use. In some embodiments, for each sample collection receptacle, one or more locking protrusions are present on one side of the scale and one or more load cells are present on the opposite side of the scale. Such an embodiment is shown, for example, in FIG. 1. For example, in some embodiments, one or more locking protrusions for a urine receptacle are present on one side of the scale and a urine load cell is present on the opposite side of the scale. In some embodiments, one or more locking protrusions for a feces receptacle are present on one side of the scale and a feces load cell is present on the opposite side of the scale. As shown in FIG. 1, the locking protrusions and load cells for the urine and feces receptacles can take opposing configurations (e.g., the locking protrusions for the urine receptacle are on the right side and the urine load cell is on the left side, while the locking protrusions for the feces receptacle are on the left side and the feces load cell is on the right side, or vice versa).

[0051] In some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions are in a generally circular shape. In some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions are in a generally rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions are shaped generally square. In some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions extend (e.g., protrude) upward from the upper surface of the scale by about 1 cm to about 10 cm. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions extend about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, or about 10 cm. In some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions have two or more concentric levels to further enhance locking to the protrusion of the sample collection container. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more locking protrusions include a first level that extends a first amount from the scale and a second level that extends a second amount from the scale. For example, the locking protrusions may comprise concentric circles, concentric rectangles, concentric squares, and the like.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more separators. The term "separator" refers to a component that creates a space between the surfaces of components during use. In some embodiments, the system comprises a toilet seat having one or more separators positioned on the bottom surface of the toilet seat. Thus, in some embodiments, the system comprises a toilet seat having one or more separators positioned on the bottom surface of the toilet seat, whereby the bottom surface has a different shape / contour than that of the bottom surface of an equivalent toilet seat that does not include the separator. In some embodiments, the separator is positioned on the bottom surface of the toilet seat so as to spatially prevent the toilet seat from contacting the sample collection container or the measurement sensor when the toilet seat is closed. In some embodiments, the separator is positioned on the bottom surface of the toilet seat so as to spatially prevent the toilet seat from contacting the sample collection container or the load cell when the toilet seat is closed. Thus, the separator can be used to prevent the weight of the subject sitting on the toilet seat from interfering with the measurement of feces and / or urine excreta by preventing the weight of the subject in contact with the toilet seat from being transmitted to the load cell of the scale. In some embodiments, the separator is spatially disposed on the bottom surface of the toilet seat in an area corresponding to a notch present in the overhanging area of the sample collection container (e.g., urine receptacle, feces receptacle). In some embodiments, the separator is spatially disposed on the bottom surface of the toilet seat in an area of the scale where there is no overhanging area of the receptacle and no load cell. Such an area may also be referred to as the "empty" area on the scale.

[0053] In some embodiments, the toilet seat is configured for hinged attachment to a measurement sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the toilet seat is configured for hinged attachment to a scale. In some embodiments, the toilet seat (e.g., a toilet seat including one or more separators) is connected to the scale by a hinge. In some embodiments, the toilet seat is configured for hinged attachment to a measurement sensor (e.g., a scale), and the measurement sensor (e.g., a scale) is configured for hinged attachment to the toilet. Thus, in some embodiments, the toilet seat is connected to the scale by a hinge, and the scale is connected to the toilet base by a hinge. This is herein referred to as a "double hinge". The use of the double hinge facilitates cleaning of all surfaces of each component of the system including the toilet seat and the measurement sensor (e.g., a scale).

[0054] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one waste receptacle. In some embodiments, the at least one waste receptacle comprises an overhanging region (e.g., a support flange) that facilitates attachment of the waste receptacle to the toilet and prevents the waste receptacle from falling into the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the system comprises a urine receptacle. In some embodiments, the system comprises a feces receptacle. In some embodiments, the at least one waste receptacle comprises a urine receptacle and a separate feces receptacle. A "urine receptacle" is a container for collecting urine from a subject, and a "feces receptacle" is a container for collecting feces from a subject. In some embodiments, the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are independently coupled to the scale (i.e., the waste receptacle and the feces receptacle are separate physical entities). In some embodiments, the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are combined into a single sample collection container (i.e., the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are present within a single physical entity / body).

[0055] In some embodiments, a urine receptacle (e.g., a urine container) includes a urine collection area and an overhanging area (e.g., a support flange). In some embodiments, a feces receptacle (e.g., a feces container) includes a feces collection area and an overhanging area (e.g., a support flange). As described above, in some embodiments, the scale includes a urine load cell that quantifies urine excrement from a subject. In some embodiments, the scale includes a feces load cell that quantifies fecal excrement from a subject. In some embodiments, the scale includes a urine load cell that quantifies urine excrement from a subject and a feces load cell that quantifies fecal excrement from the subject. In some embodiments, a portion of the overhanging area of the urine receptacle contacts the urine load cell, thereby transmitting the weight present in the urine collection area of the urine receptacle to the urine load cell. In some embodiments, a portion of the overhanging area of the feces receptacle contacts the feces load cell, thereby transmitting the weight present in the feces collection area of the feces receptacle to the feces load cell. In some embodiments, the one or more sample collection containers (e.g., urine containers, feces containers) include a notch in the overhanging area. In some embodiments, the spatial location of the notch in the container corresponds to the spatial location of one or more separators on the bottom surface of the toilet seat. Thus, when the toilet seat is lowered, the separator does not contact the load cell or the sample collection container. Such an embodiment is shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the overhanging area of the sample collection container are selected such that the overhanging area of the sample collection container does not contact the load cell without requiring a notch. This embodiment is shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle includes one or more discharge portions within the sample collection area that enable excrement from the subject to flow out of the container and pass through the toilet. For example, in some embodiments, the urine receptacle includes one or more discharge portions on the bottom surface of the urine collection area, thus enabling urine to flow out of the container. In some embodiments, the feces receptacle includes one or more discharge portions on the bottom surface of the feces collection area, thus enabling liquid feces / soft feces (e.g., diarrhea) to flow out of the container while solid feces remain within the container. Such a sample collection container is particularly useful for identifying portions of fecal excrement of a subject that are considered diarrhea as opposed to solid feces. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the collection container (e.g., the bottom surface of the urine collection area, the bottom surface of the feces collection area) is inclined toward the one or more discharge portions.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle (e.g., the urine receptacle) includes one or more inclined portions that direct the flow of liquid toward the one or more discharge portions. In some embodiments, the one or more discharge portions can be blocked (e.g., shut off), such as when a urine sample needs to be collected from the subject. In some embodiments, at least one waste receptacle (e.g., the urine receptacle) includes one or more chamfered portions that direct the flow of liquid toward the one or more discharge portions.

[0058] In some embodiments, the one or more discharge portions are sized and configured such that urine accumulates in the container before the container is completely emptied. In some embodiments, the one or more discharge portions are sized and configured such that the container is not in a urine-free state during the start to end of urination, but rather becomes urine-free (e.g., empty) after urination is completed by the subject. In some embodiments, this enables urine to accumulate at a rate that allows for accurate calculation of urine volume. The rate at which urine (or liquid feces / diarrhea) is discharged from the container is controllable by the size, shape, and number of the discharge portions in the container. In some embodiments, a system (e.g., one or more load cells) continuously measures the weight of the container over time as the container empties.

[0059] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a controller (e.g., a computer). In some embodiments, the controller comprises computing hardware and software including a processor, memory, software, and / or features of electronic / network communication. In some embodiments, the controller is operably connected to one or more load cells. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more load cells send signals to the controller (e.g., a computer) for further processing by the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is included within the scale. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is embedded within the scale. In some embodiments, the controller is external to / separate from other components of the system. For example, the one or more load cells may wirelessly transmit signals from the load cells to an external controller. In some embodiments, the controller evaluates excrement from a subject based on information collected and transmitted to the controller by the one or more load cells. In some embodiments, the controller calculates the mass and / or volume of the excrement based on factors such as the geometry of the hat, the weight change over time, the rate of emptying, and / or the material properties of the container. Exemplary methods for calculating the mass and / or volume of the excrement are shown in the accompanying examples. Cumulative data may be reported together over a defined period to assist in patient monitoring.

[0060] In some embodiments, the scale and controller are configured to measure the waste collected in real-time when the patient uses the toilet. For example, in some embodiments, the load cell transmits a signal to the controller to record the time-dependent change in the weight of the collection container and calculate the mass and / or volume of the waste at the end of the waste disposal event. In other embodiments, the input volume of urine and feces is calculated by measuring the liquid level in the container over time. In some embodiments, the system calculates the liquid content of the feces. This can be achieved, for example, by calculating the initial weight of the captured feces and measuring how much it decreases over time. Regardless of what the "lost" feces weight is when the feces are excreted, it provides an estimate of the liquid content (e.g., diarrhea).

[0061] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more sensors such as a camera, ultrasonic detector, radar, emitter-detector time-of-flight sensor, IR, microphone, capacitance, photogate, flow sensor, etc. The sensors can be mounted at any suitable location in the toilet, such as under the toilet seat or inside the toilet bowl. The level of waste in the container can optionally be calculated by any other suitable method. One non-limiting example includes using a float to track the height of the liquid. Another example is to place a drain hole in the side wall of the container along with an extension tube of an optional predefined length and diameter. The trajectory of the liquid flow leaving the container can be measured by one or more sensors of any suitable type. For example, the distance and / or angle that the stream of the flow moves can be captured by video as the liquid flows out of the container. This can be used to calculate the height of the liquid and can also be used to calculate the volume of the waste.

[0062] In some embodiments, data regarding an excretion event is transmitted to and stored by a controller. The controller, on the one hand, can be used for recording, analyzing, storing, displaying, etc. of the data. In some embodiments, the controller transmits the data to an electronic health system, such as for evaluation by a medical professional (e.g., a doctor, a nurse, etc.). The term "electronic health system" is used in the broadest sense and includes various suitable electronic systems, databases, records, etc. that can be used to monitor a patient's treatment, safety, efficiency, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic health system is a medical device hub or a hospital record system. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is operably connected to a medical device hub and / or a hospital medical record system for reporting and tracking a patient's waste output in real time and for updating the patient's body fluids and health status. In some embodiments, the controller receives a signal from a load cell and transmits data to an external device and / or system. Exemplary systems to which the controller can transmit data include, for example, a cleaning control system, a nurse monitoring station, a clinical test recorder, an electronic medical record (EMR), an electronic health record (EHR), etc. In some embodiments, the controller can analyze or modify the received data and provide instructions to an external system. Data that can be transmitted to the electronic health system includes, but is not limited to, subject identification, weight, height, gender, signs of disease, medications being taken, urine / stool characteristics (e.g., mass, volume, frequency, duration, time of day), and any other clinically relevant data / information. In some embodiments, the controller includes an internal power source (e.g., a battery including a replaceable or rechargeable battery).

[0063] The controller and the processes associated therewith can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. In some embodiments, the controller or the processes associated therewith can be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computer, cause the computer to perform operations. Suitable computer-readable media for implementing the control systems described herein include non-transitory computer-readable media such as disk memory devices, chip memory devices, programmable logic devices, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), optical read / write memory, cache memory, magnetic read / write memory, flash memory, and application-specific integrated circuits. The computer-readable media can be located on a single device or computing separator, or can be distributed across multiple devices or computing separators.

[0064] Optionally, the system can conserve energy by driving some of the circuitry only when a patient is present. This can be achieved via sensors. Exemplary sensors for detecting the presence of a patient include passive infrared sensors, capacitance sensors, electrodes on the toilet surface for measuring impedance, vibration sensors, accelerometers, microphones, and the like. In an exemplary method, the system is configured to identify a specific patient sitting on the toilet and link urine volume measurements to the patient's unique identifier when transmitting data from the toilet system to an external computing device. Exemplary sensor options for uniquely identifying a patient include identifying the location of a person as provided by a location tracking system and locating them within a geofence area around the toilet or RFID tags worn by the patient that uniquely identify the patient.

[0065] Referring more specifically to the exemplary embodiments, FIGS. 1A-1E show representative views of an exemplary system for evaluating excreta from a subject, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A is an exemplary view showing a system (100) in which the toilet seat (200) is raised and there are no sample collection containers (e.g., urine receptacle (110), feces receptacle (120)) disposed on the scale (130). The toilet seat (200) is attached to the toilet by a hinge (160), and the scale (130) is attached to the toilet by the hinge (160). Such a hinge is herein referred to as a "double hinge". The scale includes two urine load cells (140) and two feces load cells (150). The urine load cells are positioned relative to the front portion of the toilet seat (e.g., in the vicinity of the area where urine will be discharged from the subject), and the feces load cells are positioned relative to the rear portion of the toilet seat (e.g., in the vicinity of the area where feces will be discharged from the subject). The system (100) includes a toilet seat (200) shown as being raised in the figure. The lower surface of the toilet seat includes four separators (210). The separators are positioned such that they do not contact the load cells when the toilet seat is lowered. FIG. 1B is an exemplary view showing the arrangement of the sample collection containers (110 and 120) on the scale (130). The sample collection containers include overhang regions and sample collection areas. The overhang regions (110a and 110b; 120a and 120b) are shaped such that a portion of the overhang region contacts the load cells (140 and 150). The urine receptacle includes an overhang region that contacts the urine load cell, and the feces receptacle includes an overhang region that contacts the feces load cell. The overhang regions are additionally configured to have notches (see FIGS. 2A-2B) such that when the toilet seat (200) is lowered, the separators (210) on the lower surface of the toilet seat fit into the notches and contact the scale directly, rather than contacting the overhang regions. FIG. 1C is an exemplary view showing the system (100) when the toilet seat (200) is partially closed and the scale (130) is partially lifted, illustrating how the double hinge (160) facilitates the movement of both components of the system.FIG. 1D is an exemplary diagram showing the system (100) when the toilet seat (200) is closed, showing the appropriate positioning of the separator (210) on the lower surface of the toilet seat such that the load cell and the overhanging area of the sample collection container are not contacted by the separator when lowered. FIG. 1E shows an enlarged view of the double hinge (160).

[0066] FIGS. 2A-2B show representative diagrams of exemplary sample collection containers for use in the systems and methods provided herein, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A shows an exemplary diagram of the collection container (110 / 120). The container includes an overhanging area and a sample collection area (115). The bottom surface of the sample collection area includes a discharge portion (116). A plurality of discharge portions may be used. The container may also include an inclined portion (117) that directs the flow of liquid (e.g., urine) towards the discharge portion (116). The overhanging area may include a recess (118) that facilitates contact between the sample collection container and the scale (130). The overhanging area may additionally include one or more holes (119) that facilitate fixation of the sample collection container to the scale. The sample collection container includes a notch (121). One or more separators may be positioned on the lower surface of the toilet seat such that they descend into the notch (121) of the sample collection container. FIG. 2B shows a top view of the exemplary sample collection container.

[0067] Figures 3A - 3D show representative photographs of an exemplary system for evaluating urine excretions from a subject, located in a hospital washroom, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A shows a photograph of an exemplary system (100) without a sample collection container. The system includes a scale (130) housed above the edge of the toilet and below the toilet seat (200). The scale includes two urine load cells (140) for measuring urine. The system includes a toilet seat (200) equipped with four separators (210) on its lower surface. The upper surface of the scale (130) is attached to the underside of the toilet seat and includes a single hinge (160) that allows the toilet seat to be lifted from the scale. Figure 3B shows a view of the system including a sample collection container (e.g., a urine collection container). The urine collection container includes overhang regions (110a, 110b) and a notch (121) along with a urine collection area. A portion of the overhang region contacts the load cell, but the notch does not. Figure 3C shows a side view of the system shown in Figure 3B. Figure 3D shows a view of the system with the toilet seat lowered. The separators (210) on the toilet seat (200) contact the "empty" space on the scale (e.g., the notch of the urine collection container and / or a location on the scale that is not a load cell), thereby preventing weight from being transmitted from the toilet seat to the load cell or the sample collection container in an undesirable manner.

[0068] Figures 4A - 4D show photographs of an exemplary system for evaluating excreta from a subject, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A shows a photograph of an exemplary scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The scale includes two load cells for weighing the waste receptacle. In this embodiment, the scale includes a urine load cell at the front of the scale and a feces load cell at the rear of the scale. The locking protrusion, referred to as a "hat lock" in Figure 4A, fits into equivalent holes in the overhanging area of the waste receptacle and locks them in place. The waste receptacle resting on the locking protrusion has the physical characteristics of a beam that applies torque around the pivot point, so that the weight may be measured using only the load cell on the side of the receptacle itself, simplifying the design and reducing battery requirements. Figure 4B shows a photograph of an exemplary system including the waste receptacle. In this embodiment, the system includes a rear waste receptacle (i.e., feces receptacle), referred to as a "feces hat" in the figure, for capturing and weighing feces, and a front waste receptacle (i.e., urine receptacle), referred to as a "urine hat", for use with urine. The discharge portion at the bottom of the waste receptacle enables liquid to be discharged. Figure 4C is a photograph showing a system including a conventional commercially available toilet seat for patient comfort. The toilet seat includes a separator, referred to as a "standoff" in the figure, to prevent the toilet seat from directly contacting the hat or load cell and affecting the weight measurement. Figure 4D is a photograph showing a dual - hinge design that enables the scale to be lifted from the edge of the toilet for cleaning. The waterproof battery access portion is also concealed below the device.

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a method of evaluating excrement from a subject using any of the above systems. According to these embodiments, the method includes a step of measuring / collecting / acquiring a signal from at least one load cell. In some embodiments, the method includes a step of detecting the presence of the subject, a step of starting data collection using a controller, and a step of collecting a signal from at least one load cell. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of analyzing the signal from the load cell using a controller, and the controller may calculate the weight and / or volume of excrement (e.g., urine, feces) from the subject, and / or evaluate soft excrement against the liquid from the subject. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of transmitting data from the controller to an electronic health system.

[0070] Those skilled in the art should readily understand that the present disclosure is fully suitable for achieving the objectives, obtaining the aforementioned end points and advantageous effects, and those essentially inherent therein. The present disclosure described herein is currently representative of preferred embodiments, is illustrative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should envision modifications and other uses within the present disclosure that are encompassed by the gist of the present disclosure defined by the claims.

[0071] Any reference, including non-patent literature or patent literature cited herein, does not admit that it constitutes prior art. In particular, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, any reference herein does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art in the United States or any other country. Any description of the reference states what the author has claimed, and the applicant reserves the right to question the accuracy and appropriateness of the documents cited herein. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety unless otherwise expressly stated. The present disclosure addresses events where there are any differences between the definitions and / or descriptions found in the cited references.

Examples

[0072] Example 1 A cost-effective system for automatically evaluating excreta from a subject is provided herein. The system provided herein may evaluate urine excreta from a subject (e.g., measure the weight and / or volume of urine in an automated manner without the need for manual identification or calculation of the excretion amount), and can distinguish between liquid feces (e.g., diarrhea) and solid feces. An exemplary system is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the system can be used in combination with a standard toilet without modification to the toilet components (e.g., base, toilet bowl, rim) or piping. The system includes a scale that attaches to the toilet above the rim of the toilet and below the toilet seat. As shown in FIG. 4A, the scale includes a load cell and a locking protrusion referred to in the figures as a "hat lock". As shown in FIG. 4B, the system includes a urine collection container and a feces collection container referred to in the figures as a "urine hat" and a "feces hat", respectively. The urine collection container (e.g., urine receptacle) and the feces collection container (e.g., feces receptacle) may be separate containers or may be present within a single sample collection container. As shown in FIG. 4B, the collection container includes a discharge portion for allowing the liquid to flow out of the container. The collection container further includes notches and holes within the overhanging region. The locking protrusion of the scale is inserted into the hole in the overhanging region of the collection container, thereby fixing the container to the scale. As shown in FIG. 4C, the system further includes a standard toilet seat equipped with one or more separators referred to in the figures as "standoffs". The separators are spatially elongated on the bottom surface of the toilet seat to prevent the force from the toilet seat from being transmitted to the scale. Thus, the separators are placed spatially at a location corresponding to the location of the notch of the sample collection container so that when the toilet seat is lowered, the separators do not contact the container or the load cell. As shown in FIG. 4D, the system includes a double hinge, i.e., one hinge connects the scale to the rim of the toilet and the other hinge connects the toilet seat to the scale. This hinge mechanism can also be confirmed in FIG. 4C.

[0073] The system analyzes the load cell data over time to detect urination and defecation and to quantify the volume and consistency of the excretions (Figure 5A). Using a set of ordinary differential equations based on Torricelli's theorem, a model was derived that enables the calculation of urine volume using time - dependent measurements of how urine is discharged from the hat, and the solution was obtained (Figure 5B). The device calculates the urine volume using the specific gravity of urine (1.002 g / ml; this value varies only 3% over the range of hydration states). Coefficients (C, C d ; Figure 5C) enable the mathematical model to fit hats characterized by different geometric shapes and discharge port diameters.

[0074] Accuracy: Both the synthetic and field tests of the system indicate accuracy in grams. In one test, water of known volume (100 - 500 mL) was poured into the urine - receiving component of the device at a rate simulating urination (about 10 ml / sec) (number of trials, n = 25). Comparison of the resulting device measurements with the true water volume revealed that the mean absolute error was only 7.92 g per urination event, i.e., 2.68% (Figure 6A). Based on the robustness of these in - vitro tests, a cohort of healthy volunteers was recruited to test the device. The volunteers varied physiologically (6 males, 6 females, height 5 feet 4 inches - 6 feet 1 inch, weight 110 - 265 pounds, age 24 - 54 years). The device was tested over 250 times with high accuracy achieved. In one exemplary test, participants were asked to urinate into the device (total number of uses, n = 43). The calculated urine output was compared to the difference in the weight of the participants before and after device use, measured by a reference scale in the washroom. The ODE - type algorithm was "learned" using half of the uses to estimate the coefficients of Equation 4 (Figure 5C) taking into account the hat geometry and discharge port diameter. The resulting model was applied to the remaining "test" set of samples, confirming that the system and method are very accurate in calculating urine output with a mean absolute error of 12.174 g, i.e., 3.71% per urination event (Figure 6B).

[0075] Features optimized for hospitals: The system fits into the mounting part of a standard toilet seat and can be installed in a few minutes in a washroom including those in hospitals or nursing facilities without modifying the piping. Conventional "commercially available" molded toilet seats may be used and may be equipped with separators. All outer edges of the system components are chamfered to minimize injury in case a patient falls on the system (Figure 4C). The system also has no external wiring or components mounted on the floor, avoiding the risk of tripping. The system includes a "slow close" mechanism in its hinge, which slowly lowers the scale and the toilet seat while closing to prevent impact on the electrical components of the toilet seat or pinching the patient's fingers. The system was tested according to best practices for hospital washroom disinfection. All gaps where liquid can accumulate are eliminated and all surfaces are finished with smooth epoxy. The system is also double-hinged so that its underside can be lifted for cleaning (Figure 4D).

[0076] Computing, networking, and power requirements: The load cell is driven by an Atmel microcontroller running an Arduino operating system, but any suitable controller and operating system can be used. In some embodiments, a Bluetooth® module transfers data to a separate station such as a doctor's station or a nurse's station to monitor patient data. The station (e.g., a nurse's station, a doctor's station such as a computer or a tablet) displays patient data to medical staff in real time. This computing structure is also designed to be low-power and minimize the risk of impact within the patient's washroom.

Claims

1. a)At least one waste receptacle including a waste collection area; and b)A sensor coupled to the toilet and selectively coupled to the at least one waste receptacle, configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited in the waste collection area. An excrement collection and evaluation system comprising the above.

2. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes at least one load cell interlocked with the at least one waste receptacle.

3. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one waste receptacle includes an overhanging area selectively coupled to the sensor.

4. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein the overhanging area includes a receptacle locking feature configured to limit movement of the at least one waste receptacle relative to the sensor.

5. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sensor includes a sensor locking feature configured to engage the at least one waste receptacle to limit movement of the at least one waste receptacle relative to the sensor.

6. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 5, wherein the receptacle locking feature includes an opening, and the sensor locking feature includes a protrusion sized to engage the opening.

7. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one waste receptacle includes a urine receptacle and a feces receptacle, and the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are independently coupled to the sensor.

8. The at least one waste receptacle includes a urine receptacle and a feces receptacle, and the urine receptacle and the feces receptacle are combined into a single sample collection container, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The at least one waste receptacle includes a urine receptacle, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The at least one waste receptacle includes a feces receptacle, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The at least one waste receptacle includes a discharge part, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The at least one waste receptacle defines an inclined part that directs the flow of fluid toward the discharge part, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 11.

13. Further comprising at least one separator configured to prevent contact between the toilet seat, the sensor or the at least one waste receptacle, the at least one waste receptacle including a notch sized to receive the separator, the separator being fixed to the toilet seat, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Further comprising a controller that receives the signal from the sensor and evaluates the weight or volume of excrement based on the signal, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The controller is configured to transmit data to an electronic medical station, the excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 14.

16. a) A toilet seat configured to be hingedly coupled to a toilet, the toilet seat including a separator extending from the bottom surface of the toilet seat, b) A measurement sensor coupled to the toilet seat, the separator being positioned to prevent contact between the toilet seat and the measurement sensor; An excrement collection and evaluation system comprising the same.

17. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 16, wherein the measurement sensor includes a battery-powered load cell.

18. The excrement collection and evaluation system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the measurement sensor is configured to be directly coupled to the toilet, and the toilet seat includes a toilet seat hinge configured to couple the toilet seat to the measurement sensor.

19. A waste receptacle for use with an excrement collection and evaluation system, a. A waste collection area; b. A support flange extending from the waste collection area and including a receptacle locking feature, i. Suspending the waste collection area into the toilet bowl, ii. Restricting movement of the waste receptacle relative to the excrement collection and evaluation system, and iii. Engaging a measurement sensor of the excrement collection and evaluation system A support flange configured as such; c. A discharge portion positioned within the waste collection area configured to allow excrement to flow out of the waste collection area during use; A waste receptacle comprising the same.

20. The waste receptacle according to claim 19, wherein the waste collection area includes a urine receptacle and a separate feces receptacle.

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