Patent Description:
Body fluid meter assemblies are known as such in the art, especially for measuring diuresis.

Collection of urine output is typically carried out by catheterizing the patient, namely by passing a urinary catheter through the urethra of the patient and connecting the other end of the urinary catheter to a container or drainage bag through a length of flexible tubing. Typically, the container or bag collecting urine is supported below the patient from the patient's bed or an associated support system, and urine drains by gravity from the patient through the flexible tubing and into the container or bag.

A widespread solution for measuring diuresis consists in making manual, visual readings directly on the container or bag collecting urine. Many of these systems use urine collection bags formed of a clear and flexible plastic material provided with indicia in the form of graduations that represents the volume of urine being collected in the bag. In other systems, the urine collection receptacle includes a rigid and clear plastic reservoir in fluid communication with an additional collection bag, the reservoir being likewise provided with indicia in the form of graduations that represents the volume of urine being collected in the reservoir. In this latter case, urine initially flows and is stored in the reservoir, which acts as a measurement chamber, prior to being emptied into the additional collection bag. A determination of the quantity of urine being collected is performed visually at periodic intervals by means of the relevant graduations, which allows to derive an indication of the flow rate of urine. This solution is not entirely satisfactory in that measurement readings on the graduations are inherently inaccurate and dependent upon the caregiver making the relevant measurement readings at precise time intervals. Furthermore, measurement readings are sometimes difficult to make depending on where the system is located. This solution moreover requires emptying the bag or reservoir at regular intervals so that it has room to be filled again.

US Patent No. <CIT> discloses a body fluid meter assembly used for the purpose of measuring diuresis, i.e. monitoring and measuring the quantity of urine produced by a patient during urination. More precisely, the assembly comprises a drainage collection bag configured to collect urine, a measuring and processing unit comprising a load cell and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the drainage collection bag to the load cell, and flexible tubing attached to an inlet port of the drainage collection bag and configured to be connected to a urinary catheter. The drainage collection bag is coupled mechanically to the load cell via a handle assembly that is secured to an upper portion of the bag, which handle assembly is supported onto a pair of arms secured to the load cell. The measuring and processing unit processes sensor data supplied by the load cell and derives a measurement of the amount of urine being collected. In effect, the measuring and processing unit measures urine amount with regard to its weight and converts weight to volume by accounting for urine volumetric mass density. The variation of urine volume over time provides a reliable indication of the urine flow rate, which can be used to monitor the evolution of the clinical condition of the patient.

The coupling mechanism disclosed in US Patent No. <CIT> to couple the drainage collection bag to the load cell is not robust or reliable enough, especially in that the drainage collection bag can be inadvertently released, which is not desirable. Furthermore, movements or shocks can unsettle the drainage collection bag and cause erroneous sensor measurements.

Other similar solutions are known in the art, for instance from International (<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, US Patent Publication No. <CIT> and US Patent Publication No. <CIT>. All of these solutions suffer from substantially the same drawbacks as the solution disclosed in US Patent No. <CIT>, namely an unreliable and unstable connection between the measuring and processing unit and the collection bag.

There is therefore a need for a solution which prevents inadvertent release of the container used to collect the body fluid and ensures a more reliable and stable connection between the container and the associated measuring and processing unit, while not compromising handling operations.

US Patent Publication No. <CIT> discloses a urine output collection and monitoring system that does not rely upon the use of a load cell to derive a measurement of a quantity and/or flow rate of urine accumulating in a urine collection container. Rather, such measurement is derived by optical means, namely using a light detector array detecting a fan beam signal emitted by a light source through a portion of the urine collection container where urine accumulates.

A general aim of the invention is to provide an improved body fluid meter assembly.

More precisely, an aim of the invention is to provide such a solution which prevents inadvertent release of the body fluid collection container from the coupling mechanism of the associated body fluid meter unit.

A further aim of the invention is to provide such a solution which ensures a reliable and stable connection between the body fluid collection container and the associated body fluid meter unit.

Yet another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution where assembly and disassembly of the body fluid collection container is easy to handle.

These aims are achieved thanks to the solutions defined in the claims.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a body fluid meter assembly, in particular for measuring diuresis, as defined in claim <NUM>, namely a body fluid meter assembly comprising (i) a body fluid collection container configured to collect body fluid, such as urine, (ii) a body fluid meter unit comprising a load cell and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the body fluid collection container to the load cell, which body fluid meter unit is configured to process sensor data supplied by the load cell and derive a measurement of a quantity and/or flow rate of the body fluid accumulating in the body fluid collection container as a function of load applied on the load cell, and (iii) tubing attached to an inlet port of the body fluid collection container and configured to be connected to a source of the body fluid. According to the invention, the body fluid collection container is a substantially rigid container and the coupling mechanism is a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism configured to cooperate with one or more interlocking members provided on the body fluid collection container and interlock with the body fluid collection container to form a stable connection between the body fluid meter unit and the body fluid collection container.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism comprises at least one spring-loaded release lever comprising a locking portion configured to cooperate with a locking section (preferably shaped as a locking indentation) provided on a corresponding one of the one or more interlocking members. In particular, each spring-loaded release lever may be supported so as to pivot between a first position in which the locking portion of the spring-loaded release lever engages with the locking section of the corresponding interlocking member and prevents disengagement of the body fluid collection container and a second position in which the locking portion of the spring-loaded release lever is disengaged from the locking section of the corresponding interlocking member and allows disengagement of the body fluid collection container.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the body fluid collection container comprises at least one locking extension acting as interlocking member and projecting from the body fluid collection container, each locking extension being configured to mate with a corresponding locking aperture provided on the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism. More specifically, referring to the preferred embodiment discussed in the preceding paragraph, the body fluid collection container preferably comprises first and second locking extensions acting as interlocking members and projecting from the body fluid collection container, each locking extension being configured to mate with a corresponding locking aperture provided on the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism. In this latter preferred context, the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism comprises first and second spring-loaded release levers cooperating respectively with the first and second locking extensions.

Each of the aforementioned locking extensions may in particular project substantially horizontally from the body fluid collection container, preferably rearward from a front side of the body fluid collection container.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism extends from a lower side of the body fluid meter unit and an upper portion of the body fluid collection container exhibits a recess configured to receive the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism, each interlocking member being located within the recess. This ensures reliable guidance of the body fluid collection container upon engaging or disengaging the body fluid collection container from the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism.

By way of preference, a portion of the tubing is secured to a lateral side of the body fluid meter unit. In particular, the tubing may advantageously include a drip chamber placed upstream of the inlet port of the body fluid collection container. In this latter context, the body fluid meter unit may further comprise a secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism provided on the lateral side of the body fluid meter unit, which secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism is configured to cooperate and interlock with one or more lateral interlocking members provided on an outer portion of the drip chamber. This ensures that any tension applied on the tubing will not cause inadvertent movement of the body fluid collection container that may otherwise interfere with the measurement process. The inlet port of the drip chamber is preferably provided with a venting air inlet including an antibacterial air filtration membrane, which ensures optimal flow of the body fluid at the inlet port and prevents bacterial contamination.

The aforementioned secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism may in particular comprise at least one secondary spring-loaded release lever comprising at least one locking portion configured to cooperate with a locking section (preferably shaped as a locking indentation) provided on a corresponding one of the one or more lateral interlocking members. Preferably, the secondary spring-loaded release lever is supported so as to pivot between a first position in which the locking portion of the secondary spring-loaded release lever engages with the locking section of the corresponding lateral interlocking member and prevents disengagement of the drip chamber and a second position in which the locking portion of the secondary spring-loaded release lever is disengaged from the locking section of the corresponding lateral interlocking member and allows disengagement of the drip chamber.

In accordance with a variant of the invention, the drip chamber comprises at least one lateral locking extension acting as lateral interlocking member and projecting outwardly from the drip chamber, each lateral locking extension being configured to mate with a corresponding locking aperture provided on the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism. More specifically, referring to the embodiment discussed in the preceding paragraph, the drip chamber preferably comprises first and second lateral locking extensions acting as lateral interlocking members and projecting from the drip chamber, each lateral locking extension being configured to mate with a corresponding locking aperture provided on the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism. In this latter preferred context, the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism comprises only one said secondary spring-loaded release lever cooperating with both of the first and second lateral locking extensions.

By way of preference, the tubing further includes a flexible tubing portion interposed between an outlet port of the drip chamber and the inlet port of the body fluid collection container. This flexible tubing portion may in particular be configured as a coiled tubing portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the body fluid meter unit comprises a processing unit in operative communication with an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter coupled to the load cell to convert analog signals from the load cell into digital sensor data, the processing unit being configured to digitally process the sensor data supplied by the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter to derive the measurement of the quantity and/or flow rate of the body fluid accumulating in the body fluid collection container. Preferably, the processing unit is in further operative communication with one or more of the following electronic components of the body fluid meter unit, namely:.

Further claimed in independent claim <NUM> is a body fluid collection container configured to collect body fluid, such as urine, the body fluid collection container being suitable for use as part of the aforementioned body fluid meter assembly, which body fluid collection container is a substantially rigid container comprising one or more interlocking members configured to cooperate and interlock with the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism of the body fluid meter unit. This body fluid collection container is preferably further characterized by the relevant features of the body fluid collection container discussed hereabove in connection with the body fluid meter assembly of the invention, which preferred features are recited in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Also claimed in independent claim <NUM> is a body fluid meter unit suitable for use as part of the aforementioned body fluid meter assembly, which body fluid meter unit comprises a load cell and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the body fluid collection container of the body fluid meter assembly to the load cell, the body fluid meter unit being configured to process sensor data supplied by the load cell and derive a measurement of a quantity and/or flow rate of the body fluid accumulating in the body fluid collection container as a function of load applied on the load cell. The coupling mechanism is likewise a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism configured to cooperate and interlock with one or more interlocking members provided on the body fluid collection container. This body fluid meter unit is preferably further characterized by the relevant features of the body fluid meter unit discussed hereabove in connection with the body fluid meter assembly of the invention, which preferred features are recited in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and illustrated by the attached drawings in which:.

The present invention will be described in relation to various illustrative embodiments. It shall be understood that the scope of the invention encompasses all combinations and sub-combinations of the features of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As described herein, when two or more parts or components are described as being connected, secured, attached or coupled to one another, they can be so connected, secured, attached or coupled directly to each other or through one or more intermediary parts.

The invention will be described in relation to various embodiments of a body fluid meter assembly as shown in <FIG>, which assembly is especially intended to measure diuresis.

<FIG> are illustrative of a particularly preferred embodiment of the body fluid meter assembly according to the invention, which assembly is generally designated by reference numeral <NUM>. The body fluid meter assembly <NUM> basically includes three main components, namely a body fluid meter unit <NUM>, a body fluid collection container <NUM> configured to collect body fluid (i.e. urine in the present example), and tubing <NUM> attached to an inlet port 20A of the body fluid collection container <NUM> and configured to be connected to a source of the body fluid (namely a urinary catheter in the present instance, not shown) by means of tubing portion <NUM>. While not specifically shown, the inlet port 20A may advantageously be provided with an anti-reflux valve to prevent retrograde flow of urine into the tubing <NUM>, thereby preventing retrograde migration of bacteria.

The body fluid meter unit <NUM> comprises a load cell (not shown in <FIG>, but visible in <FIG>) and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the body fluid collection container to the load cell (see also the functional diagram of <FIG>). The body fluid meter unit <NUM> is in essence configured to process sensor data supplied by the load cell and derive a measurement of a quantity and/or flow rate of the urine accumulating in the body fluid collection container <NUM> as a function of load applied on the load cell. The basic measurement principle is known per se in the art, for instance from US Patent No. <CIT>.

In use, the body fluid meter unit <NUM> is attached to a bed frame, or to a separate, stable support structure, by means of a suitable attachment mechanism (not shown), such as fastening straps or clamps. A suitable attachment mechanism may in particular be provided on a rear side of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>.

Improvements are achieved in terms of measurement accuracy and reliability thanks to the invention. More specifically, in the context of the present invention, use is made of a substantially rigid container as the body fluid collection container <NUM>, which ensures that accumulation of urine in the container is made in a deterministic way and does not lead to uncontrolled deformation of the collection container, which could negatively impact measurement accuracy and reliability. In that regard, the body fluid collection container <NUM> can be made of any suitably rigid material, including plastic materials, such as polycarbonates. The material can be opaque or substantially transparent, in which case the container <NUM> could additionally be provided with graduations, as known in the art, to allow visual measurements of the diuresis.

As is conventional in the art, the container <NUM> may be provided with a drainage port 20B to allow emptying of the container <NUM>. While not shown, a suitable, manually-actuatable rotary flush valve could be provided at the drainage port 20B to facilitate the emptying operation. In that respect, an upper side <NUM> of the body fluid collection container <NUM> can additionally be provided with a venting air inlet <NUM> (with antibacterial air filtration membrane) which ensures optimal and quick emptying of the container <NUM>.

Furthermore, the coupling mechanism used to couple the container <NUM> to the meter unit <NUM> is specifically designed as a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism, designated by reference numeral <NUM>, that is configured to cooperate with one or more interlocking members (not visible in <FIG>) provided on the container <NUM>. This is a fundamental difference compared to the known solutions that make use of rather rudimentary handle and hook arrangements. Thanks to the invention, a stable connection is formed between the body fluid meter unit <NUM> and the body fluid collection container <NUM>. Furthermore, inadvertent release of the container <NUM> from the meter unit <NUM> is prevented. While more robust and reliable, this solution does not negatively impact handling operations, as the container <NUM> can easily be coupled to or uncoupled from the meter unit <NUM> by simple engagement or disengagement of the interlocking mechanism <NUM> as this will be explained below.

In the illustrated example, a pair of interlocking members are provided for cooperation with the spring-loaded locking mechanism <NUM>, as shown for instance in <FIG> and <FIG>. More precisely, first and second locking extensions 250a, 250b acting as interlocking members are provided, which locking extensions 250a, 250b project from the body fluid collection container <NUM>. By way of preference, as shown, each locking extension 250a, 250b projects substantially horizontally from the body fluid collection container <NUM>, namely rearward from a front side <NUM> of the body fluid collection container <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the locking extensions are advantageously located within a recess 20a formed in an upper portion of the body fluid collection container <NUM>, the locking extensions 250a, 250b being supported by and projecting rearward from a wall section <NUM> extending partly in the recess 20a, along the front side <NUM> of the container <NUM> (see especially <FIG>).

The locking extensions 250a, 250b are configured to mate with corresponding locking apertures 50a, 50b provided on the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>, as shown in particular in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The overall shape of the locking extensions 250a, 250b and associated locking apertures 50a, 50b may vary, but are preferably chosen in such a way as to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the interlocking mechanism <NUM> with or from the locking extensions 250a, 250b and ensure a stable and reliable guidance and support of the container <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, one may appreciate that the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> advantageously extends from a lower side <NUM> of the body fluid meter unit <NUM> and that the recess 20a formed in the upper portion of the body fluid collection container <NUM> is configured to entirely receive the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>, which also favors and facilitates engagement and disengagement of the container <NUM>. The recess 20a in effect advantageously acts as a guide for engagement and disengagement of the container <NUM> with respect to the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>. This also leads to an overall compact assembly as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in greater detail in <FIG>, the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> is directly coupled to the associated load cell, designated by reference numeral <NUM>, of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>, which load cell <NUM> is housed within the unit <NUM>. To this end, an upper housing part <NUM> of the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> is provided with an extension 51A (also partly visible in <FIG>) projecting upward through a corresponding opening (not shown) formed in the lower side <NUM> of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>. This upper housing part <NUM> is secured to a lower housing part <NUM> to house the various mechanical components of the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> which will be detailed hereafter.

As this is readily visible in <FIG>, the load cell <NUM> is preferably an S-type load cell comprising an S-shaped block that is secured, at an upper end, to a suitable portion of the body fluid meter unit <NUM> and, at a lower end, to the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> (and the associated container <NUM>, when engaged), thereby allowing a measurement of the load applied on the load cell <NUM>. S-type load cells (as well as other types of load cells) are commercially available on the market, for instance from company Mettler-Toledo (Schweiz) GmbH (www. com), and are used for a large variety of applications. Load cells with increased resistance to traction (exceeding e.g. <NUM> of traction or more) are of particular interest with a view to prevent damage to the load cell, for instance as a result of the body fluid collection container <NUM> getting stuck during movement of the patient's bed or someone stepping up on the body fluid collection container <NUM>.

By way of preference, the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> comprises at least one spring-loaded release lever cooperating with the aforementioned one or more interlocking members. More precisely, in the illustrated example, two such spring-loaded release levers 55a, 55b are provided, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for cooperation with, respectively, the first and second locking extensions 250a, 250b. Each of these spring-loaded release levers 55a, 55b comprises a locking portion 55A, respectively 55B, that is partly visible in <FIG> and <FIG> and more fully in <FIG>. Each locking portion 55A, 55B is configured to cooperate with a locking section 250A, respectively 250B, provided on the corresponding interlocking member 250a, 250b. In the illustrated example, the locking sections 250A, 250B advantageously take the shape of locking indentations (see also <FIG> and <FIG>) formed at a distal end of the locking extensions 250a, 250b. As shown in greater detail in <FIG> (where the upper housing part <NUM> of the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> has been omitted for the purpose of illustration), each locking portion 55A, 55B engages with the associated locking indentation 250A, respectively 250B, upon full engagement of the container <NUM> with the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>, thereby locking the container <NUM> in place. Conversely, disengagement of the locking portions 55A, 55B from the associated locking indentations 250A, 250B frees the locking extensions 250a, 250b, thereby allowing disengagement of the container <NUM> from the interlocking mechanism <NUM>.

As this is more readily visible in <FIG>, each release lever 55a, 55b is preferably supported (here between the upper and lower housing parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the interlocking mechanism <NUM>) so as to pivot about a pivot point <NUM>, respectively <NUM>, thereby allowing each release lever 55a, 55b to move between a first position (as depicted in <FIG>) in which the locking portion 55A, respectively 55B, engages with the locking section 250A, respectively 250B, (thereby preventing disengagement of the body fluid collection container <NUM>) and a second position in which the locking portion 55A, respectively 55B, is disengaged from the locking section 250A, respectively 250B, (thereby allowing disengagement of the body fluid collection container <NUM>).

By default, when no action is applied on the release levers 55a, 55b, the release levers 55a, 55b are pushed to the aforementioned first position under the action of a spring element (not shown) located in a recess portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) between the two release levers 55a, 55b.

The geometry and arrangement of the locking extensions 250a, 250b and of the release levers 55a, 55b (especially the shape of the leading, frontal face of the locking extensions 250a, 250b and the shape of the locking portions 55A, 55B) is chosen in such a way that insertion of the locking extensions 250a, 250b inside the associated locking apertures 50a, 50b causes the release levers 55a, 55b to be pivoted away from their first, engaging position, towards the second, disengaging position. Upon full and complete engagement of the container <NUM>, the release levers 55a, 55b are automatically pushed back to the first, engaging position under the action of the associated spring element, thereby locking the container <NUM> in place on the interlocking mechanism <NUM>. Disengagement of the container <NUM> is achieved by simply pressing the two levers 55a, 55b towards each other, against the action of the spring element.

A further advantageous aspect of the invention will now be discussed with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, namely in relation to the tubing <NUM> that is attached to the inlet port 20A of the body fluid collection container <NUM>. Considering that the tubing <NUM> is connected to the container <NUM>, which is suspended below the meter unit <NUM>, movement of the tubing <NUM>, such as caused by manipulation of the tubing portion <NUM>, may negatively impact the measurement accuracy. To prevent this from happening, a portion of the tubing <NUM> is preferably secured to a lateral side <NUM> of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>, which in effect isolates the body fluid collection container <NUM> from any perturbation caused by movement of the tubing <NUM>.

Even more preferably, the tubing <NUM> includes, as shown, a drip chamber (also referred to as Pasteur drip chamber) <NUM> placed upstream of the inlet port 20A of the body fluid collection container <NUM>, which drip chamber <NUM> is secured to the lateral side <NUM> of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>. In the illustrated example, this is advantageously achieved by providing the meter unit <NUM> with a secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>, secured to the lateral side <NUM> of the meter unit <NUM>, which secondary spring-loaded mechanism is configured to cooperate and interlock with one or more lateral interlocking members (not visible in <FIG>) provided on an outer portion of the drip chamber <NUM>.

An inlet port 32A of the drip chamber <NUM>, which is connected to the tubing portion <NUM>, is preferably provided with a venting air inlet <NUM> including an antibacterial air filtration membrane, which improves the flow of body fluid at the inlet port 20A of the container <NUM>, while preventing bacterial contamination.

In the illustrated example, a pair of lateral interlocking members are provided for cooperation with the spring-loaded locking mechanism <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. More precisely, the drip chamber <NUM> comprises first and second lateral locking extensions 360a, 360b acting as lateral interlocking members, which lateral locking extensions 360a, 360b project outwardly from the drip chamber <NUM>. Each lateral locking extension 360a, 360b is configured to mate with a corresponding locking aperture 60a, respectively 60b, provided on the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>, as depicted for instance in <FIG> and <FIG>. The overall shape of the lateral locking extensions 360a, 360b and associated locking apertures 60a, 60b may once again vary, but are preferably chosen in such a way as to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the secondary interlocking mechanism <NUM> with or from the lateral locking extensions 360a, 360b of the drip chamber <NUM>.

The secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> is functionally similar to the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> and ensures a stable and reliable connection between the drip chamber <NUM> and the body fluid meter unit <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> includes an outer cover part <NUM> and an inner cover part <NUM> secured to the lateral side <NUM> of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>, the outer cover part <NUM> and inner cover part <NUM> jointly housing the mechanical components of the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>.

By way of preference, the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> comprises at least one secondary spring-loaded release lever cooperating with the aforementioned one or more lateral interlocking members. More precisely, in the illustrated example, one such spring-loaded release lever <NUM> is provided, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for cooperation with both the first and second locking extensions 360a, 360b. In the illustrated example, the spring-loaded release lever <NUM> comprises first and second locking portions 65A, 65B that are partly visible in <FIG> and <FIG> and more fully in <FIG>. Each locking portion 65A, 65B is configured to cooperate with a locking section 360A, respectively 360B, provided on the corresponding lateral interlocking member 360a, 360b. In the illustrated example, the locking sections 360A, 360B advantageously take the shape of locking indentations (see in particular <FIG>) formed at a distal end of the locking extensions 360a, 360b. As this may be appreciated from looking at <FIG> and <FIG> (where the outer cover part <NUM> of the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> has been omitted for the purpose of illustration), each locking portion 65A, 65B is positioned in such a way as to engage with the associated locking indentation 360A, respectively 360B, upon full engagement of the drip chamber <NUM> with the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>, thereby locking the drip chamber <NUM> in place. Conversely, disengagement of the locking portions 65A, 65B from the associated locking indentations 360A, 360B frees the lateral locking extensions 360a, 360b, thereby allowing disengagement of the drip chamber <NUM> from the secondary interlocking mechanism <NUM>.

As this is more readily visible in <FIG>, the secondary release lever <NUM> is preferably supported (here between the outer cover part <NUM> and the inner cover part <NUM> of the secondary interlocking mechanism <NUM>) so as to pivot about a pivot point <NUM>, thereby allowing the release lever <NUM> to move between a first (lowered) position (as depicted in the illustrations) in which the locking portions 65A, 65B engage with the locking sections 360A, 360B (thereby preventing disengagement of the drip chamber <NUM>) and a second (raised) position in which the locking portions 65A, 65B are disengaged from the locking section 360A, 360B (thereby allowing disengagement of the drip chamber <NUM>).

By default, when no action is applied on the release lever <NUM>, the release lever <NUM> is pushed to the aforementioned first, lowered position under the action of a spring element (not shown) located in a blind recess portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed in cover parts <NUM>, <NUM>, above the position of the lever <NUM>.

The geometry and arrangement of the locking extensions 360a, 360b and of the release lever <NUM> (especially the shape of the leading, frontal face of the locking extensions 360a, 360b and the shape of the locking portions 65A, 65B) is chosen in such a way that insertion of the locking extensions 360a, 360b inside the associated locking apertures 60a, 60b causes the release lever <NUM> to be pivoted away from its first, engaging position, towards the second, disengaging position. Upon full and complete engagement of the drip chamber <NUM>, the release lever <NUM> is automatically pushed back to the first, engaging position under the action of the associated spring element, thereby locking the drip chamber <NUM> in place on the secondary interlocking mechanism <NUM>. Disengagement of the drip chamber <NUM> is achieved by simply pushing the lever <NUM> upward, in the illustrated example, against the action of the spring element.

As this can be appreciated from looking at the illustrations of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the drip chamber <NUM> is advantageously further provided with a guide member 360c formed as a further lateral extension projecting outwardly from the drip chamber <NUM>, which guide member 360c is configured to mate with a corresponding guiding aperture 60c provided on the secondary spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM> to ensure a stable connection between the drip chamber <NUM> and the meter unit <NUM>.

In addition to the aforementioned drip chamber <NUM>, the tubing <NUM> preferably further comprises a flexible tubing portion <NUM> interposed between an outlet port 32B of the drip chamber <NUM> and the inlet port 20A of the body fluid collection container <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated, this flexible tubing portion <NUM> may advantageously be configured as a coiled tubing portion, which adequately copes with the fact that the container <NUM> is suspended under the meter unit <NUM> and prevents any interference with the measurement process.

<FIG> is a functional block diagram illustrating functional electronic components of the body fluid meter unit <NUM> in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the body fluid meter unit <NUM> is preferably battery-operated and includes a battery <NUM> providing power to the body fluid meter unit <NUM>. Also schematically depicted in <FIG> is the load cell <NUM> coupled to the body fluid collection container <NUM> via the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism <NUM>.

The illustrated meter unit <NUM> further includes a printed circuit board <NUM> carrying electronic components necessary to condition and process the sensor signals produced by the load cell <NUM>, including an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter <NUM> coupled to the load cell <NUM> and designed to convert analog signals from the load cell <NUM> into processable digital sensor data. The A/D converter <NUM> is in operative communication with a processing unit <NUM> (such as a suitable CPU or microcontroller) that is programmed to digitally process the sensor data supplied by the A/D converter to derive the measurement of the quantity and/or flow rate of the body fluid accumulating in the container <NUM>.

The processing unit <NUM> is preferably in further operative communication with additional electronic components of the body fluid meter unit <NUM> that are likewise provided on the PCB <NUM>, namely:.

The wireless transceiver <NUM> is in particular of use to wirelessly communicate data representative of the measured quantity and/or flow rate of body fluid to a remote device such as a computer, tablet or the like. Additional software could be implemented on said computer or tablet to provide high-level information to the end-user, such as an indication of the actual flow rate of body fluid being recorded, as well as statistics illustrative of the evolution of the body fluid output and other information relating to the clinical condition of the patient.

The NFC transceiver <NUM> may especially be of interest to establish a secure communication link between the body fluid meter unit <NUM> and a configurator device for the purpose e.g. of configurating and setting up the body fluid meter unit <NUM>. This NFC transceiver <NUM> may in particular be of use for authentication purposes to ensure that only authorized personnel can have administrative access to functionalities and configuration options of the body fluid meter unit <NUM>.

With regard to the battery controller <NUM>, the battery <NUM> may especially be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, in which case a suitable monitoring and control of the battery charge status and charge cycle needs to be ensured. Reference numeral 10A in <FIG> designates a suitable connector for connection to an external battery charger, which connector 10A is also visible in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, here provided on the lower side <NUM> of the meter unit <NUM>. Reference numeral 10B in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> designates a status LED (not shown in <FIG>) which can be used to provide a visual indication of the power status of the body fluid meter unit <NUM> and of the charge status of the battery <NUM>.

The accelerometer <NUM> is of particular interest to detect and monitor movements of the body fluid meter unit <NUM> that could interfere with or otherwise affect the measurement accuracy. In that respect, movements that could cause spurious sensor signals from the load cell <NUM> can be detected by the accelerometer and the relevant spurious data be discarded or filtered out. The accelerometer <NUM> may in particular be a triaxial (or three-dimensional) accelerometer <NUM> configured to detect movements in all directions.

Further electronic components or functionalities could be contemplated. In particular, the processing unit <NUM> can be configured to monitor the quantity and/or flow rate of body fluid and allow setting up of corresponding detection thresholds to trigger alarms, such as in case the detected quantity or flow rate of body fluid exceeds or falls under a predetermined detection threshold. An alarm may for instance be set up to be triggered when the body fluid collection container <NUM> needs to be emptied. In that context, the body fluid meter unit <NUM> could additionally be provided with an integrated sound-generating device and/or visual indicator to generate an audible and/or visual alarm.

Various modifications and/or improvements may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

For instance, while the illustrated embodiments show a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism comprising at least one spring-loaded release lever, this preferred feature is optional, and one may alternatively contemplate to design the spring-loaded interlocking mechanism in such a way that release of the interlocking members is caused by insertion of an adequate tool or dedicated release element. The use of one or more spring-loaded release levers is nevertheless preferred in that this greatly facilitates handling operations.

Claim 1:
A body fluid meter assembly (<NUM>), in particular for measuring diuresis, comprising :
- a body fluid collection container (<NUM>) configured to collect body fluid, such as urine;
- a body fluid meter unit (<NUM>) comprising a load cell (<NUM>) and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the body fluid collection container (<NUM>) to the load cell (<NUM>), which body fluid meter unit (<NUM>) is configured to process sensor data supplied by the load cell (<NUM>) and derive a measurement of a quantity and/or flow rate of the body fluid accumulating in the body fluid collection container (<NUM>) as a function of load applied on the load cell (<NUM>); and
- tubing (<NUM>) attached to an inlet port (20A) of the body fluid collection container (<NUM>) and configured to be connected to a source of the body fluid,
wherein the body fluid collection container (<NUM>) is a substantially rigid container and wherein the coupling mechanism is a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism (<NUM>) configured to cooperate with one or more interlocking members (250a, 250b) provided on the body fluid collection container (<NUM>) and interlock with the body fluid collection container (<NUM>) to form a stable connection between the body fluid meter unit (<NUM>) and the body fluid collection container (<NUM>).