Intelligent Pump-Based Fluid Collection System and Related Methods

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 the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 193,891, filed May 27, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] A person may have movement limitations or disabilities such that a typical urination process is difficult or impossible. For example, a person may have a surgery that impairs mobility or a physical disability. In another example, a person may have restricted movement conditions such as those experienced by, for example, pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Further, fluid collection from a person may be required for monitoring purposes or for clinical trials.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Bedpans and urethral catheters such as Foley catheters can be used to address some of these situations. However, bedpans and urethral catheters have several problems associated with their use. For example, bedpans are likely to cause discomfort, spillage, and other hygiene problems. Urethral 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 body fluids.

Means for Solving the Problems

[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 draw 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 having at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of the characteristics 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 characteristics 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 positioning a fluid collection device at least proximate to a user's urethra and receiving fluid discharged from the user into the fluid collection device. The method can further include receiving fluid discharged from the fluid collection device into a fluid collection container. The method can also include determining at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system using at least one sensor. The method can also include transmitting at least one of the characteristics 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. Additionally, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, and like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or features in different figures or in the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

[0010] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid collection system comprising at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of the characteristics or status of a 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 body fluids. Embodiments of the fluid collection system disclosed herein can include a controller operably coupled to at least one sensor that communicates at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system to a control panel. At least one characteristic of the fluid collection system can be related to at least the amount of fluid within the fluid collection container.

[0011] In some embodiments, the above characteristics can include at least one of the volume or mass of the fluid within the fluid collection container. At least one of the means for detecting can include a sensor disposed adjacent to an inner portion of the fluid collection container, the sensor being a capacitance sensor configured to detect a characteristic related to the volume or mass of the fluid within the fluid collection container.

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

[0013] In some examples, a computing device or system that receives at least one of the detected flow characteristics or volume of a fluid can include a module attached to a wheelchair arm or smartphone. As further described herein, the computing device can comprise 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 a controller.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 100 according to an embodiment. The fluid collection system 100 includes a fluid collection device 102 configured to collect fluid (e.g., urine) discharged from a user. The fluid collection device 102 can include male or female collection devices. 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 hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, the fluid collection device 102 can be interchangeable within the fluid collection system 100 between different types, variants, and sizes of male or female fluid collection devices. The fluid collection device 102 can be configured to be proximate or adjacent to the user's urethra. configured and can be configured to be proximate or adjacent to the urethra. configured sized to be away from the user and can include a surface configured to wicking direct the fluid or other fluid away from the user. Urine or other fluid may be wicked from the surface into a container within the fluid collection device 102.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fluid collection system 100 can include a tube 104 that couples the fluid collection device 102 to the fluid collection container 106 and the vacuum device or pump 108. The tube 104 may include a flexible material such as a plastic tube (e.g., a medical tube). Such plastic tubes can include tubes of thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. In some embodiments, the tube 104 may include silicone or latex. In other embodiments, the tube 104 can include a reinforced tube having a metal or other conductive component inside. The fluid collection device 102, the container 106, and the pump 108 can be fluidly coupled to each other via one or more tubes 104. For example, the fluid collection device 102 can be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid collection container 106 or the pump 108 via the tube 104. Fluids (e.g., urine or other body 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 can be introduced into the internal chamber of the fluid collection device 102 via the inlet of the tube 104 in response to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the outlet of the tube 104.

[0016] A vacuum or suction force may be applied directly or indirectly to the tube 104 by the pump 108. The vacuum may be applied indirectly via the fluid collection container 106. For example, the outlet of the tube 104 may be connected to or disposed within the fluid collection container 106, and an additional tube 104 may extend from the fluid collection container 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 container 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. A further tube 104 may extend from the pump 108 to a point outside the fluid collection device 102, such as the fluid collection container 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, the 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 can include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a scroll pump, a positive displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a tube pump, or any pump configured to generate a vacuum. The pump 108 can provide a vacuum or suction force to remove fluid that may have been discharged by the user from the fluid collection device 102. 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 force (e.g., a manually 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] Referring now to FIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the fluid collection container 106 can be sized and shaped to hold fluid therein. The fluid collection container 106 can include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other sealed container for storing body fluids such as urine. In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 106 can include a generally rigid outer housing that houses an inner portion configured to contain fluid. In some examples, the tube 104 can extend from the fluid collection device 102 and be attached to the fluid collection container 106 at an internal first point. A further tube 104 can be coupled to the fluid collection container 106 at an internal second point and extend to be attached to the pump 108. Thus, the pump 108 can be configured to draw at least a partial vacuum to draw fluid from the fluid collection device 102 through the tube 104 into the fluid collection container 106. Fluid such as urine can be caused to flow from the fluid collection device 102 through the pump 108 into the fluid collection container 106.

[0019] The fluid collection system 100 can 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 can include a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the fluid collection container 106, a battery sensor, and / or a power consumption sensor operably coupled to the pump. The fluid collection system 100 can also include a control system 111 including a controller 112 operably coupled to the at least one sensor to communicate at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100 to a control panel 114. Further details regarding the schematic diagram, power source, and communication of the at least one sensor 110, controller 112, and 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 properties of the fluid to the controller 112, and then the controller 112 can communicate the properties of the fluid to the control panel 114, and the control panel 114 can record data including the amount of fluid received or consumed by the user, display the amount of fluid discharged by the user, and / or include a software application configured to display trends and totals regarding the amount of fluid discharged by the user. The control panel 114 may be located on the housing of the pump 108 or on a remote controller (not shown). In some examples, the pump 108, at least one sensor 110, the controller 112, and the control panel 114 may be powered by one or more batteries 118.

[0021] In some embodiments, the control panel 114 can be remotely operated. The control panel 114 may be at least a part of a remote controller. In some embodiments, one or more touch sensor displays and / or buttons may be provided on the device. For example, the remote controller may include a touch screen that occupies a part of the front surface of the device. The remote controller can also include indicator lights and / or displays for indicating the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system 100. In some embodiments, the remote controller can include a physical connection to the fluid collection container 106 such as electrical wiring, or can be a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, proximity sensors, etc. For example, the remote controller can include a fob that enables a user sitting in a wheelchair 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. The seated user can view the system status via visual LEDs and / or other indicators and enable control of the fluid collection system from the remote control unit and / or fob. In some examples, the remote controller can be a personal computing device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or any other form of electronic device.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the control system 111 can 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 sensor shown in FIG. 2 may be configured to be the only sensor, or may be used in combination with other sensors. Each of the sensors shown in FIG. 2 may optionally be included in the fluid collection system 100.

[0023] At least one sensor 110 can include a fluid level sensor 116 disposed within and / or adjacent to the fluid collection container 106. The fluid level sensor 116 can be configured to detect a characteristic related to the volume or mass of fluid within the fluid collection container 106. In some embodiments, the fluid level sensor 116 can include a capacitance sensor. The fluid level sensor 116 can 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 container 106 is filled with fluid, the fluid has a higher capacitance than air, so the capacitance of the fluid level sensor 116 generally increases linearly with the fluid level in the fluid collection container 106. In some embodiments, the fluid level sensor 116 can be positioned along the wall of the fluid collection container 106.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one sensor 110 can include a vacuum sensor 120 operably coupled to the pump 108. The vacuum sensor 120 can include a piston / cylinder sealed to measure pressure changes. Mechanical deflection can use an elastic or flexible element that deflects mechanically with pressure changes, such as a diaphragm, Bourdon tube, or bellows. In other embodiments, the vacuum sensor 120 can include a piezoelectric pressure sensor that measures dynamic and quasi-static pressures. The bidirectional transducer consists of a metallized quartz or ceramic material with naturally occurring electrical properties. These can convert stress to potential and vice versa. In other embodiments, the vacuum sensor 120 can include a variable capacitance pressure device. The capacitance pressure device can measure pressure using capacitance changes resulting from the movement of a diaphragm element. The capacitance pressure device can use a thin diaphragm as one plate of the capacitor. The applied pressure deflects the diaphragm and changes the capacitance. The deflection of the diaphragm can cause a change in capacitance detected by a bridge circuit. A capacitance absolute pressure sensor with a vacuum between the plates can prevent errors by maintaining 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 configure the pump to start and stop. The control system can operate the pump according to a predetermined schedule start and / or stop. The control system 111 can operate the pump when the fluid level sensor 116 reaches a predetermined limit level. startWhen the fluid collection container 106 is empty or the urine level is below a predetermined threshold, the pump can be stopped. In some embodiments, the control system 111 can increase or decrease the 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, at least one sensor 110 can include a battery monitor 122. The life of the battery 118 is determined by the number of cycles that must be executed and the depth of discharge. Typically, the optimal life-to-usefulness ratio occurs when the battery is not discharged below 50%. The ampere-hour meter counts the rate and time of current from the discharged battery and does the same when the battery is being charged and restored. When the battery monitor 122 identifies the full point, capacity, and effectiveness of the battery, the ampere-hour meter serves to provide an immediate reading of the state of charge in ampere-hours or the percentage of the total at any point in the cycle. In some embodiments, the battery monitor can include an impedance-based meter for measuring the state of charge of the battery 118. The impedance-based meter measures the battery impedance and generates a reading of how full the battery is using the impedance by referring to stored data. The impedance-based meter can 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 may be included to determine the useful life of the battery 118, the fluid collection device 102, the pump 108, the tubing 104, and / or any other component of the fluid collection system 100. The timer 124 can indicate predictive maintenance procedures. Notifications and / or reminders can indicate the replacement intervals of components, including filters and batteries. The user input 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 confirmation, and / or other suitable inputs.

[0028] The control system 111 can also include an indicator light and / or a display 128. In some embodiments, the display can include an alphanumeric display. In other embodiments, the display 128 can include light-emitting diode (LED) light. The display 128 can 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 can indicate high urine levels in the container 106, electrical faults or other conditions related to the controller 112, timer 124 responses, low battery, replacement indications for components 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 can be integrated into at least one sensor 110 discussed above or the computing device 134 described herein, according to some embodiments. The controller 112 can be configured to communicate with any of at least one sensor 110 having a wired or wireless connection, etc. In some embodiments, at least one sensor 110 can include the controller 112. In an embodiment, the controller 112 can include at least a printed circuit board (PCB) equipped with an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) for the memory of data collected by at least one sensor 110. For example, the controller 112 can be configured to calculate the level or volume of fluid in the fluid collection container 106, or the battery discharge rate. The controller 112 can be configured to send notifications or alerts to other electronic devices. For example, the controller 112 can 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, can supply power to the controller 112.

[0030] In some embodiments, the controller 112 can be configured to at least send 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 within 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 within the fluid collection container 106 reaches a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the controller 112 can wirelessly transmit alerts, as well as selected frequencies such as selected times and / or amounts of periods. The controller 112 can communicate with the control panel 114 when the remaining amount of the battery 118 is low. The controller 112 can send an alert to the user or caregiver module 140 and / or the smartphone 142 when the pump 108 or the 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 can include at least one computing device 134. The at least one computing device 134 can be an exemplary computing device configured to perform one or more of the operations described above. The computing device 134 can 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 can include hardware for executing instructions, such as instructions that make 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 can retrieve instructions from internal registers, internal caches, memory 138, or storage device 140 and decode and execute them. In some examples, the processor 136 can be configured to perform one or more portions of any of the exemplary 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 execute any of the operations disclosed herein or cause at least one of the operations disclosed herein to be executed on one or more portions of the computing device 134 or the controller 112. Such a configuration can include one or more operation programs (e.g., a computer program product) executable by at least one processor 136. For example, the processor 136 can be configured to automatically determine the amount of urine in the urine collection container, automatically determine the proximity to the urine sensor in the urine collection container, automatically send an alert when the amount of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically send an alert when fluid is detected in the fluid collection device 102, determine the difference in the user's fluid intake and fluid output, and / or automatically send an alert when a battery change or recharge is proposed.

[0034] At least one computing device 134 can include at least one memory storage medium (e.g., memory 138 and / or storage device 140). The computing device 134 can include a memory 138 operatively coupled to a processor 136. The memory 138 can be used to store data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor 136. The memory 138 can 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 can be internal or distributed memory.

[0035] The computing device 134 can include a storage device 140 having storage for storing data or instructions. The storage device 140 can be operatively coupled to at least one processor 136. In some examples, the storage device 140 can include a non-transitory memory storage medium such as any of those described above. The storage device 140 (e.g., non-transitory storage medium) can include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. The storage device 140 can include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. The storage device 140 can be internal or external to the computing device 134. In some examples, the storage device 140 can include non-volatile solid state memory. In some examples, the storage device 140 can include read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM can be a mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these. In some examples, one or more portions of the memory 138 and / or the storage device 140 (e.g., memory storage medium) can 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 recharge can be stored in a memory storage medium such as one or more of the processor 136 (e.g., internal cache of the processor), the memory 138, or the storage device 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 transfer data in other forms between the user and the computing device 134. These I / O devices / interfaces 142 can include, but are not limited to, a touch screen, switches, network interfaces, web-based access, modems, ports, other known I / O devices, or combinations of such I / O devices / interfaces 142. The touch screen can be operated with a stylus or a finger.

[0038] The I / O devices / interfaces 142 can include one or more devices for presenting output to the 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, the I / O devices / interfaces 142 are configured to provide graphic data to a display for presentation to the user. The graphic data can represent any other graphic content as long as it can serve one or more graphical user interfaces and / or a particular implementation.

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

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

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, display 128b can include at least one display light. In some embodiments, display 128b can include several display lights, and the status of the light being on or off indicates the status of the components of fluid collection system 100. In some embodiments, the color of the display light can indicate the status of the component. For example, the fluid level display light of display 128b shows green light when fluid collection container 106 is capable of holding fluid, shows yellow light when fluid collection container 106 is approaching full level, and shows red light when fluid collection container 106 needs to be emptied. In another example, the "filter replacement" display light can be turned off while timer 124 indicates that the filter does not need to be replaced, and can be turned on when timer 124 completes a predetermined cycle and indicates to the user and / or caregiver that the filter should be replaced. Control panel 114 may include a speaker for providing an audible alert indicating a situation requiring immediate attention by the user or caregiver. For example, it indicates that fluid collection container 106 is full or that the battery level is extremely low.

[0042] In some embodiments, displays 128a, b can be configured to provide in real time at least one of the characteristics or status of fluid collection system 100 when communicated by controller 112. Controller 112 can transmit the characteristics or status of fluid collection system 100 to computing device 134 or send an alert to the user's or caregiver's electronic device when the remaining amount of the battery that powers at least one of controller 112, control panel 114 or pump 108 is low. Controller 112 can send an alert when the cleaning or replacement due date of fluid collection device 102 or other components may be approaching. In an embodiment, displays 128a, b can provide at least the current status of battery 118, the filling level of fluid collection container 106, input from the user or caregiver for including the amount of moisture consumed by the user, the time since the last replacement or cleaning of fluid collection device 102, and the time since the last cleaning or replacement of fluid collection container 106. Exemplary control panels 114 are shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, but the components shown in FIGS. 4A-4B are not intended to limit controller 112 or control panel 114. In some examples, additional or alternative components may be used. In some examples, controller 112 or control panel 114 may include fewer components than those shown in FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 200 of using a fluid collection system according to an embodiment. Method 200 can include an operation 210 of disposing a fluid collection device in proximity to at least the user's urethra and an operation 220 of receiving fluid discharged from the user into the fluid collection device. Method 200 includes 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 the fluid collection container.

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

[0045] Method 200 can 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 can be executed in a different order, divided into multiple operations, modified, captured, or combined. In an embodiment, one or more of the operations of method 200 can be omitted from method 200. Any of the operations of method 200 can 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 "embodiment". Further, the terms "less than", "below", "greater than", "more than", or "above" include, as endpoints, the value modified by the terms "less than", "below", "greater than", "more than", or "above".

[0047] Although various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A fluid collection system, comprising: A fluid collection device including a medical tube configured to be disposed adjacent to the urethra for collecting fluid 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 being configured to draw at least a partial vacuum to draw the fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container; At least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of the characteristics 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 characteristics or status of the fluid collection system to a control panel, a control system comprising: Comprising: 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 such that the pump is started when the fluid level sensor reaches a predetermined limit and the pump is stopped when the fluid collection container is empty or the urine level is below a predetermined threshold. A fluid collection system characterized by that.

2. The fluid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid level sensor is a capacitance sensor configured to detect a characteristic related to the volume or mass of the fluid in the fluid collection container. A fluid collection system characterized by that.

3. The fluid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a power consumption sensor operatively coupled to the pump. A fluid collection system characterized by that.

4. The fluid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid collection system further comprises a battery operatively coupled to the pump, and the control system is configured to communicate the battery status to the control panel. A fluid collection system characterized by that.

5. The fluid collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump is disposed within a housing configured to be coupled to the fluid collection container. A fluid collection system characterized by that. **Claim 6**: The fluid collection system according to claim 5, wherein the control panel is located on the housing or on a remote controller. **Claim 7**: The fluid collection system according to claim 5, wherein the control panel includes at least one status indicator. **Claim 8**: The fluid collection system according to claim 7, wherein the status indicator includes at least one of a digital display or indicator light. **Claim 9**: The fluid collection system according to claim 7, wherein the status indicator includes an audible indication. **Claim 10**: The fluid collection system according to claim 5, wherein the control panel includes user input to the control system. **Claim 11**: The fluid collection system according to claim 5, wherein 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. **Claim 12**: The fluid collection system according to claim 11, wherein the programmable timer is configured to indicate when a component of the fluid collection system requires replacement. **Claim 13**: The fluid collection system according to claim 5, wherein the control system is configured to provide at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system in real time when communicated by the control panel. **Claim 14** A method of using a fluid collection system, comprising disposing a fluid collection device including a medical tube in proximity to at least a user's urethra, receiving fluid discharged from the user into the fluid collection device, receiving fluid discharged from the fluid collection device into a fluid collection container, and determining at least one of the characteristics or status of the fluid collection system using at least one sensor. Transmitting at least one of the characteristics or the status of the fluid collection system from the control system to the control panel; comprising; 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 such that the pump is started when the fluid level sensor reaches a predetermined limit and the pump is stopped when the fluid collection container is empty or the urine level is below a predetermined threshold. A method characterized by this.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising creating a vacuum in a tube in fluid communication with the fluid collection device using the pump, which is effective for drawing fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container. A method characterized by this.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein determining at least one of the characteristics or the 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, pump status, or battery status. A method characterized by this.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein transmitting at least one of the characteristics or the status of the fluid collection system from the control system to the control panel includes transmitting to a control panel located on the housing of the pump or on a remote controller. A method characterized by this.

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

Images