Apparatus for Analyzing Biological Samples
An apparatus for analyzing excreta samples in a toilet comprising one or more fluid inlets configured to receive fluids from a toilet including excreta samples; at least one outlet configured to discharge the fluids to the toilet; a connection for receiving electrical power; and at least one sensor configured to measure at least one property of the fluids in the apparatus is disclosed.
1 . An apparatus for analyzing excreta samples in a toilet comprising:
one or more fluid inlets configured to receive fluids from a toilet;
at least one outlet configured to discharge the fluids to the toilet;
a connection for receiving at least one of data and electrical power; and
at least one sensor configured to measure at least one property of the fluids in the apparatus.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to be in fluid communication with a toilet manifold supplying fluids to the apparatus and receiving waste fluids from the apparatus.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the manifold system comprises multiple flow paths for providing fluids to and from the apparatus.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the manifold system supplies fluids in segmented flow.
5 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the manifold system comprises at least one standardized interface between the one or more receptacles and analytical test devices.
6 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor comprises an active component located on the sensor such that it will contact the fluids supplied by the manifold.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to receive electrical power from a toilet.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to have a data connection with a toilet.
9 . The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the data connection is a wireless connection.
10 . The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a processor adapted to receive signals from the at least one sensor.
11 . The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the processor is part of the toilet.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one analytical test device measures at least one of excreta content, excreta temperature, and excreta color.
13 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor further comprises one or more of an MOSFET, CCD, bioFET, an electrochemical cell, spectrometry, laser excitation, ultraviolet excitation, electrophoresis, amperometry, colorimetric analysis, and chromatography.
14 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one sensor comprises a device for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid biological sample through a transparent wall of the analytical test device.
15 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluids received by the one or more fluid inlets include at least one of excreta, buffer solutions, chemical reagents, air, biomarkers, dilution solutions, calibration solutions, fragrances, sterilizers, flushing fluid, rinsing fluid, cleansing fluids, electrolyzed water, air, and water.
16 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises a microfluidic chip or a lab-on-chip.
17 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one fluid reservoir.
18 . The apparatus of claim 18 wherein at least one fluid reservoir contains a reagent.
19 . The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the fluid is ejected from the internal reservoir by applying electrical current to a piezoelectric crystal.
20 . The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the fluid is ejected from the internal reservoir by applying electrical current to a heating element.