Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for urine self-test intended for use in a toilet

US6156272A · kind A · utility

3Cited by
5References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 16, 1998
Grant dateDec 5, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 16, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T436/255
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for urine self testing wherein the apparatus is placed directly into the toilet after urination which avoids the direct placement and retention of an apparatus in the stream of urine as is common with urine testing devices. The apparatus detects the presence of certain chemicals in dilute urine such as the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine of a pregnant woman. An opening in the apparatus is fitted with a fluid absorption device which acts to concentrate the diluted urine on an indicator strip which contains antibodies, enzymes and antibody blockers which will provide a reactive change, usually of color, when subjected to a predetermined chemical such as hCG. The apparatus functions in dilute urine when placed in a toilet after urination and is largely constructed of biodegradable materials so that it can be flushed into the sewage system or a septic tank. The apparatus may be fitted with an optional tether so that the apparatus may be removed from the toilet after use if flushing the apparatus is not desirable.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.