Abstract: The novel impedance matching toilet seat apparatus in general, includes a cavity, an acoustic transducer, orifices, and an impedance matching substance dispenser. The cavity is positioned on a top surface of the toilet seat. The acoustic transducer is positioned within the cavity. The orifices are positioned on the top surface adjacent the acoustic transducer. The impedance matching substance dispenser is within an interior portion of the toilet seat. The dispenser includes a reservoir, a conduit, and a pump. The reservoir contains an impedance matching substance and is connected to the conduit and pump. The conduit fluidly connects the reservoir to the orifices.

Abstract: An otoscope apparatus is disclosed which, in general, includes a left-ear housing and a right-ear housing connected together by a tensioning band. The left-ear housing and right ear housing each include a light source and a camera. The left-ear and right-ear housings each include a speculum which corresponds to a user's left and right ear canals, respectively.

Abstract: We disclose an in-toilet urinalysis system which includes a system for collection urine and applying the urine to a urine test strip. The system may include an orifice within a toilet bowl which leads into a channel. The channel may be connected to a capillary which has an orifice at each end. Urine may pass through the orifice, into the channel, then may be moved by capillary action through the capillary. A urine test strip dispenser may move reaction pads on a urine test strip to the distal end of the capillary to load the reaction pads with urine. The reaction pads may absorb the urine from the most distal orifice of the capillary. A measurable chemical reaction may occur in the reaction pads in response to urine analytes.

Abstract: We disclose a system which may be used to analyze data collected from a customized test strip. The customized test strip may include a set of reaction pads which are selected to address the medical needs of a specific user. The system may include a data analysis platform which analyzes the data and proposes a second customized test strip. The second test strip may comprise of a set of reaction pads that the data analysis platform selects for the user based on the analysis of the first customized test strip. The data analysis platform may propose that additional diagnostic metrics be collected from the user to assist in diagnosis. The customized test strips and the additional diagnostic metrics may be within a medical toilet.

Abstract: We disclose a novel diagnostic test strip which may be used to conduct biochemical assays for analytes in liquid samples. The disclosed test strip may be loaded with much smaller volumes of sample than traditional test strips. The disclosed test strip may be loaded with a precision dispenser instead of submersing the test strip into a larger volume of liquid sample. In addition, the disclosed test strip dissolves in aqueous fluid so it may be flushed into the sewer system. Consequently, it is not necessary to dispose of the disclosed test strip in biological waste containers.

Abstract: A toilet seat apparatus is disclosed herein which, in some embodiments, includes a cavity, an acoustic transducer, orifices, and an impedance matching substance dispenser. The dispenser may include a reservoir, a conduit, and a pump. The reservoir dispenses an impedance matching substance may be connected to the conduit and pump. The toilet seat apparatus performs ultrasound analyses of a user seated on the toilet. The impedance matching substance may be what is known as ultrasound gel which improves conduction during the acoustic transduction of an ultrasound analysis. This apparatus permits a user to receive an ultrasound analysis of the thigh, including automatically dispensing the ultrasound gel, while seated on a toilet seat.

Abstract: We disclose a device that both extracts and preconcentrates volatile analytes in preparation for separation by gas chromatography. The device includes a conduit that may include two, and sometimes three, separate sections that are connected end-to-end, but which may be separated prior to inserting into a gas chromatograph port. The inner surface of each section is coated with one or more sorbents, each with a different affinity for volatile analytes. The sorbents may be positioned along the sections of the column in order of relative affinity for volatile analytes. The sections may be heated independently of each other to release the volatile analytes from the sorbents more quickly. This device reduces the time and the temperature required to achieve separation by gas chromatography. The device may be used to perform gas chromatography in ubiquitous environments such as the home or a mobile situation.

Abstract: We disclose a microfabricated device for both extracting and preconcentrating samples for gas chromatography analysis. The device includes a conduit with at least two sections and multiple ports which may be connected to multiple gas chromatography columns. The inner surface of the conduit may be coated with multiple sorbents which bind volatile analytes with different affinities. The sections of the conduit may be divided by a thermal barrier which inhibits heat transfer between sections. Consequently, each section may be independently heated to encourage desorption of volatile analytes. The disclosed device separates and concentrates volatile analytes into different pools according to their chemical and physical properties before they enter a gas chromatography column that is optimized for that pool. The device reduces the amount of heat and time needed to perform gas chromatography analysis as well as avoids the need for purified gas sources typically used for the moving phase.

Abstract: We disclose a device and method for collecting a urine sample as a user urinates into a toilet. The device further conducts analytical measurements which may include spectral, colorimetric, and chemical assays. The user need only urinate normally into the toilet. A urine collection trap, which includes a vertical slit, may capture a urine sample which has a volume in the microliter range. Pumps may divert the urine from the vertical slit into a conduit that is connected to spectral analysis devices and other devices for analyzing the urine sample. The disclosed device is both convenient and prevents unsanitary urine spills.

Abstract: We disclose a telemedicine station for providing healthcare services outside of a staffed healthcare facility. The telemedicine station may include an audiovisual device through which a user may communicate with a remote healthcare provider. The telemedicine station may include cabinets with multiple compartments. The compartments may house medical devices that are adapted for an untrained user to operate. The telemedicine station may include a medical toilet which collects and analyzes urine and fecal samples. Other compartments house medical supplies which may include prescription medication. A user may receive authorization to access a compartment that houses a medical supply based on the results of the health metric and/or discussion with the remote healthcare provider. The telemedicine station and the compartments may require a user to be given access permission to open a compartment. The telemedicine station may include a compartment to deposit unused medications for destruction.

Abstract: We disclose a telemedicine device for tracking, dispensing, and retrieving medical supplies as well as methods of its use. The device includes a medical supply dispensing and retrieving station which includes a medical supply dispenser and medical supply receptacle. Both the medical supply dispenser and medical supply receptacle may include multiple compartments which house medical supplies. The device may include a communication port for receiving prescription information. The device includes a personal identification indicator which verifies the identity of the user and links the identity to the user's prescription information. The device may include medical devices. The medical devices may conduct measurements to confirm efficacy of a medical supply or screen for side effects. The device may confirm proper usage of a medical supply by weighing an unused portion of the medical supply and comparing it to the weight expected for the amount that should be remaining.

Abstract: Body temperature of a toilet user may be non-intrusively obtained on a regular basis using one or more non-contact optical temperature sensors having a field-of-view between a surface of a toilet bowl and a user of the toilet while the user is releasing body excrement into the toilet. An output of the non-contact optical temperature sensor is used to determine a body temperature of the user based on at least one of: a temperature of the body excrement while the body excrement is in the field-of-view of the non-contact optical temperature sensor, a temperature of a perineal area of the user while using the toilet, a temperature of the body excrement while the body excrement is detached from the body and falling toward the surface of the toilet bowl, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Body temperature of a toilet user may be non-intrusively obtained on a regular basis using one or more non-contact optical temperature sensors having a field-of-view between a surface of a toilet bowl and a user of the toilet while the user is releasing body excrement into the toilet. An output of the non-contact optical temperature sensor is used to determine a body temperature of the user based on at least one of: a temperature of the body excrement while the body excrement is in the field-of-view of the non-contact optical temperature sensor, a temperature of a perineal area of the user while using the toilet, a temperature of the body excrement while the body excrement is detached from the body and falling toward the surface of the toilet bowl, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: We disclose a medical toilet that includes a system for interpreting measurements collected by medical devices on or in the medical toilet and for customizing the measurements to each user. The system may use information about the user to selecting which measurements to perform, select or modify parameters that apply to the measurement techniques, and select follow-up measurements that may be performed based on the first set of measurements. These decisions may be made according to the user's physical, demographic, or medical status information that may be entered into a controller connected to the medical toilet. The controller may apply a set of rules to the measurements and thereby determine a value which provides an estimate of the validity of the measurements and which may be used to make adjustments to subsequent measurements.

Abstract: A toilet is disclosed which, in general, includes a toilet bowl and a housing. The toilet bowl includes multiple apertures and a blower, wherein the blower is fluidly connected to one or more of the apertures. The housing is fluidly connected to the blower. The housing includes a gas permeable substrate and a gas chemical sensor. The gas permeable substrate comprises a first side, a second side, intercalated sorbent media, and a rapid desorption heater.

Abstract: We disclose a method of tagging pharmaceutical and nutritional products with nanoparticles which include noble metals. The disclosure describes a plurality of nanoparticles each with either a different size and/or shape. The nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes are distinguishable using spectroscopic techniques because each is associated with different optical properties and have a different spectral signature. The different optical properties are at least due to the unique size or shape of the nanoparticles. Each of the plurality of nanoparticles may be associated with a different characteristic of the tagged pharmaceutical or nutritional product. The method includes mixing the nanoparticles with or adhering the nanoparticles to the tagged pharmaceutical or nutritional product. Two or more of the plurality of nanoparticles may be mixed with or adhered to the tagged pharmaceutical or nutritional product in a ratio and the ratio may be associated with a characteristic of the product.

Abstract: We disclose a device for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. The device includes a cover which may be a mask. The cover fits over a user's face as the user breathes. The cover includes one or more removably attached filters which collect VOCs. Some embodiments include reference filters which measure VOCs in the air the user inhales. Reference filter measurements may be subtracted from total VOCs collected from exhaled breath to exclude VOCs that did not originate in the user's body. The filters may be removed from the device and sent for analysis by a gas analyzer which may be a gas chromatograph. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The device may be used to assess a user's health status, identify or quantify compounds to which a user may have been exposed, or to aid in medical diagnosis.

Abstract: A helical drain for a toilet is disclosed. The present invention relates to a novel toilet drain configuration. Specifically, the novel toilet drain configuration comprises a helical loop trapway. The drain of the present invention exits the toilet bowl and forms a substantially vertical tubular loop running generally parallel to the width of the bowl or stool, or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bowl or stool, before being connected to a sewer. The drain of the present invention functions like a P-trap syphon in removing the contents of the bowl. The diameter of the looped tubular portion of the drain may vary by approximately 20 percent or less in the direction of the sewer connection. Sensors may be placed on the drain to monitor drain contents, fluid levels, and drain performance. The drain may be fitted with valves to control the flow of fluids and gases through the drain.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing method using an unattended medical kiosk is disclosed. The pharmaceutical dispensing method securely dispenses medication to users, and provides a format for dispensing that can be easily localized, such as in the form of an unattended medical kiosk while maintaining security, privacy, and verified user identification. In some embodiments the pharmaceutical dispensing method relies on medical testing in the kiosk in order to verify user identification before dispensing medication. In an embodiment a user payment bypass may be utilized in cases of high medical risk allowing the user to get life-saving medication quickly, and in another embodiment a method of remote prescription approval is provided. Further varieties and embodiments of pharmaceutical dispensing using an unattended medical kiosk are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toilet that includes a slanted fill tube with an optical proximity sensor positioned on or within the inner surface of the fill tube. The optical proximity sensor includes an incoherent light source and a photodiode. The optical proximity sensor as disclosed herein detects small changes in volumes added to a toilet bowl. Consequently, small volumes of excrement that are deposited in the toilet bowl by a user may be detected with greater accuracy. In some embodiments, information about the volume of urine or feces deposited into the toilet bowl is recorded and calculated by a processor. Other sensors, including a toilet bowl water level sensor and a gas sensor may collect data in combination with the optical proximity sensor to provide more complete information about the user's health.