AU2021105360A4

AU2021105360A4 - Alarm Generating System for a Collection Bag

Info

Publication number: AU2021105360A4
Application number: AU2021105360A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dieter Stalmann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-11-25
Filing date: 2021-08-12
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alarm generating system for use with a collection bag worn by a user for collecting a bodily material from the user, such as an ostomy bag, a catheter bag, or a drainage bag. The system comprises at least one sensor attached to the collection bag to detect the shape of the bag; a control system to receive signals from the at least one sensor; and at least one alarm generating device. Upon receipt of one or more signals from the at least one sensor indicate that the bag is nearly full, the control system activates the at least one alarm generating device to cause the at least one alarm generating device to generate a vibratory alarm. 0100 S20/25/30/40 10 FIGURE 1

Description

S20/25/30/40

FIGURE 1

ALARM GENERATING SYSTEM FOR A COLLECTION BAG FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an alarm generating system for a collection bag, such as an ostomy bag. The system senses the fullness of the bag and generates an alarm/alert when the bag is nearly full and is

therefore ready to be emptied or changed.

BACKGROUND

A stoma is a temporary or permanent body opening, either naturally or surgically created, which connects

a portion of the abdominal cavity to the outside environment, via a stoma, to allow bodily waste to leave

the body. The point of exit, or stoma, is connected to a collection bag, via an opening or inlet of the bag,

which collects and contains the waste output from the stoma for later disposal.

In the case of a colostomy, the stoma is formed by drawing the healthy end of the large intestine or colon

through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing the end of the large intestine in place.

In the case of an ileostomy, the stoma is formed by drawing the healthy end of the small intestine, usually

on the lower right side of the abdomen, through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing

the end of the small intestine in place.

The collection bag is flexible and can cause leaks at the connection points between the bag inlet and the

stoma. Leaks are more common as the fullness of the collection bag increases such that the downward

weight of the increasingly heavy bag pulls on the connection point with the stoma, breaking the seal

between the stoma and the collection bag.

The liquid nature of the ileostomy or urostomy effluent can cause a collection bag to rapidly overfill, resulting in leaks from the stoma and/or from the bag.

Patients with an ileostomy or colostomy tend to have an impaired quality life because of the difficulties

resulting from having a collection bag and from the fact that patients with a stoma have no control over

the timing or volume of waste matter released into the collection bag.

Overfilling and breakage or leakage of the collection bag can affect the patient's ability to function in social

environments, go out in public, have intimate relationships with significant others, and can interfere with sleep patterns, due to the high waste output and night-time overfilling of the collection bag. There is

therefore a need for a convenient device that can prevent unexpected bag overfilling and night-time

accidents.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alarm generating system for a collection bag that

goes at least some way towards overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art or that at least provides

the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides an alarm generating system for use with a collection bag to be

worn by a user and for collecting bodily material from the user, the system comprising: at least one sensor

attached to the collection bag to detect the shape of the bag; a control system to receive signals from the at least one sensor; and at least one alarm generating device comprising at least one movable component

that is locatable on the user's skin during use, wherein upon receipt of one or more signals from the at

least one sensor indicate that the bag is nearly full, the control system causes the at least one alarm

generating device to generate a vibratory alarm by vibrating the at least one movable component.

The alarm generating device may generate both a vibratory alarm and an audio alarm.

In some forms, the system comprises at least one first alarm generating device to generate the vibratory

alarm and the system further comprises a second alarm generating device to generate an audio alarm

upon activation by the control system upon receipt of one or more signals from the at least one sensor

that indicate that the bag is nearly full.

Optionally, the second alarm generating device is remote from the collection bag and comprises a speaker through which the audio alarm is provided.

In some forms, the second alarm generating device comprises a hospital call alarm.

In some forms, the collection bag is an ostomy bag, a catheter bag, or a drainage bag. Optionally, the at

least one movable component is located on a portion of a wearable device, to be worn by a user of the

bag.

In some forms, the at least one moveable component of the at least one alarm generating device is located on a portion of the collection bag that touches the user's skin during use, or on a wrist strap for wearing by the user.

In some forms, the alarm generating device is remote from the collection bag.

In some forms, the alarm generating device comprises a speaker through which the audio alarm is provided.

In some forms, the alarm generating device generates both a vibratory alarm and a visual alarm.

In some forms, the alarm generating device is remote from the collection bag and comprises a display screen on which the visual alarm is provided.

In some forms, the sensor comprises a hinge sensor.

In other forms, the sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

o Inyet other forms, the sensor comprises an inductive sensor. In some forms, the alarm generating system comprises two or more sensors consisting of any one or more of a hinge sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the

accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of one form of an alarm generating system according to the present

invention and in which the system comprises two hinge sensors to sense the fullness of the bag;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of another form of an alarm generating system according to the present

invention and in which the system comprises a capacitive sensor to sense the fullness of the bag;

Figure 3 is a schematic front view of another form of an alarm generating system according to the present

invention and in which the system comprises inductive sensors to sense the fullness of the bag;

Figure 4 is a schematic front view of another form of an alarm generating system according to the present

invention and in which the system comprises two hinge sensors, as shown in Figure 1, in cooperation with

a communication system that communicates signals from the sensor to a remote device to generate an

alert;

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of another form of an alarm generating system according to the present invention and in which the system comprises a capacitive sensor, as shown in Figure 2, in cooperation

with a communication system that communicates signals from the sensor to a remote device to generate

an alert;

Figure 6 is a schematic front view of another form of an alarm generating system according to the present

invention and in which the system comprises inductive sensors, as shown in Figure 3, in cooperation with

alert;

Figure 7 is a diagram showing one form of an alarm generation method using the system of the present

invention;

Figure 8 is a diagram showing another form of an alarm generation method using the system of the

present invention; and

Figure 9 is a diagram showing one form of alarm generating system of the invention in which the system

is connected to a hospital call alarm via an adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that

the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

As exemplified by embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9, the present invention relates to an alarm

generating system 100 for use with a collection bag 200 for collecting a material, such as a bodily fluid or

bodily waste material or any other material where it is important to prevent leakage and overflow from

the bag 200. In preferred forms, the collection bag 200 comprises an ostomy bag, drainage bag or catheter

bag for collecting bodily waste material.

The invention will be described in relation to an ostomy bag, for the sake of simplicity, but it should be

appreciated that the invention may be used with any form of collection bag for collecting any form of

material during a collection procedure that is not consistently visually monitored and for which it is useful

for a warning or alert to be generated as the bag nears full capacity.

The system 100 comprises at least one sensor 10 that is attached to the collection bag 200 to detect the

shape or change in shape of the bag 200. Preferably, the sensor is removably attached to the collection

bag 200. The system 100 also comprises a control system 20 to receive signals from the sensor(s) 10, a

o power supply 25 connected to the sensor(s) 10 and to the control system 20, and at least one alarm

generating device 30 that is activated by the control system 20 to generate an alarm 50 when the control

system receives one or more signals from the sensor(s) 10 that indicate that the bag 200 is nearly full.

Optionally, the alarm generating device 30 is also connected to the power supply 25.

The power supply 25 may be any suitable power supply, but is typically a battery, such as a rechargeable

battery, or a slow-release capacitor.

In some forms, the system 100 comprises a monitoring unit located on the collection bag 200. The monitoring unit may comprise the at least one sensor 10 and the control system 20. In some forms, at

least one alarm generating device 30 may also form part of the monitoring unit located on the collection

bag 200 so that the monitoring unit may comprise the at least one sensor 10, the control system 20, and

at least one alarm generating device 30. The monitoring unit is preferably removably attachable to a

collection bag 200. In other forms, the control system 20 may be remotely located from the bag 200, such

that only the at least one sensor 10 and optionally also at least one alarm generating device 30 forms part

of the monitoring unit located on the bag 200. In other forms, the alarm generating device 30 may be remote from the collection bag 200 and may be connected to the control system 20 via a wired or wireless connection, (such as a Bluetooth or radio frequency, RF communication connection). Preferably, Bluetooth is used to connect a remote alarm generating device 30 to the control system 20.

Different forms of the invention comprise different sensors 10 and/or different forms of alarm 50 to notify the wearer of a collection bag 200, or a caregiver/nurse attending to a wearer of a collection bag, that the bag 200 is nearing full capacity and needs to be emptied or changed. By providing such a notification, the alarm generating system 100 of the invention reduces the risk of overflow and leaks from the bag 200 and reduces the risk of leaks from the connection points between the bag and the o stoma.

A collection bag 200 typically comprises a first surface and an opposing second surface that are sealed together to form an internal bladder that may configured to be filled with material, such as waste material for example. In some forms, the first and second surfaces are joined together at opposing side edges to form sealed edges of the bladder. The first and second surfaces of the bag 200 are also sealed together at the top and bottom of the bladder. Preferably, the side seals of the bladder form side edges of the bag 200 and preferably the bottom seal of the bladder forms a bottom edge of the bag. The bladder comprises an opening or inlet that attaches to a stoma located on the patent. The opening/inlet provides a flowpath/ fluid connection from the stoma to an interior of the bladder of the bag 200. In some forms, a flanged portion extends above the top seal of the bladder and may optionally comprise an opening, such as an eyelet, from which the bag 200 can be hung or to which components of the system 100 of the invention may be removably attached (such as the control system 20 and/or user interface 40 and/or alarm generating device 30). In some forms, the bag 200 comprises a flanged portion that extends partially or entirely around the sealed perimeter of the bladder.

In some forms, as shown in Figure 1, the alarm generating system 100 of the invention comprises at least one hinge sensor 10 located at least one side edge of the bag 200 and electrically connected to the power supply 25. Preferably, the system 100 comprises at least two hinge sensors 10, one of which is located on opposing side edges of the bag 200. Each hinge sensor 10 comprises a first part and a second part hinged together at a corner. The hinge sensor 10 is located on the bag 200 so that the corner of the hinge sits adjacent to a side edge of the bag 200. An inner surface of the first part of the sensor 10 overlays and contacts a portion of the first surface of the bag 200. An inner surface of the second part of the sensor 10 overlays and contacts a portion of the second surface of the bag 200. As the bag fills, the shape of the bag changes, causing the first and second side surfaces of the bag to move away from each other, pushing the first and second parts of the hinge sensor 10 away from each other. Preferably, each hinge sensor 10 is located at a side edge of the bag 200 near the bottom of the collection bag as this is the area of the bag

200 that undergoes the most significant shape change as the bag 200 fills. Each hinge sensor 10 senses the fullness of the collection bag 200 and sends a signal to the control system 20 when the fullness reaches

a predetermined level, i.e., when the bag 200 forms a predetermined shape, which is sensed by the extent

to which the first and second parts of the hinge sensor 10 are pushed apart from each other as the bag

200 fills.

Each sensor 10 comprises a resistive potentiometer/rotary encoder to measure the extent that the hinged

first and second parts of the sensor 10 have hinged away from each other as the bag 200 fills. Once the

hinged first and second parts of the hinge sensor 10 are opened to a predetermined extent, such as when

a predetermined angle is formed between the first and second parts, an electrical circuit is closed within

the hinge sensor 10, which causes the sensor 10 to generate at least one signal that is sent to the control

system 20. In preferred forms, the maximum angle formed between the first and second parts of the

sensor 10 is an acute angle and is typically between 45 and 70 degrees, preferably between 50 and 60

degrees, such as 55 degrees. In some forms, each hinge sensor 10 may be connected to a microcontroller to smooth the sensor signals.

In some forms, each hinge sensor 10 comprises an integrated switch or potentiometer. Preferably, the

switch or potentiometer is enclosed in a 3D-printed housing.

In other forms, as shown in Figure 2, the system 100 comprises at least one capacitive sensor 10 that is

electrically connected to the power supply 25 and that comprises at least one flexible strip that is attached

diagonally across the first or second surface of the collection bag 200. Preferably, the capacitive sensor

10 comprises at least two flexible strips 11, each attached on the opposite diagonal on the same first or

second surface of the bag 200 to form a cross-shape, as shown in Figure 2. The capacitive sensor 10

measures the change in resistance as the flexible strip 11 bends around the increasing curve of the bag

200 as the bag fills. In some forms, the capacitive sensor 10 may comprise three or more flexible strips

attached to one or both of the first and second surfaces of the bag 200 to detect the bend radius of the bag and therefore the extent of fullness of the bag. The use of multiple strips 11 enables sensing in

multiple directions and therefore provides for a more accurate sensing system. When the resistance

exceeds a predetermined threshold (i.e., a minimum resistance), because the bag 200 has reached a

predetermined level of fullness, the capacitive sensor 10 sends a signal to the control system 20to activate

the alarm generating device 30.

In yet other forms, as shown in Figure 3, the system 100 comprises at least one Inductive sensor 10 that is electrically connected to the power supply 25 and that detects the distance between the first surface of the bag 200 and the second surface of the bag 200 as the collection bag 200 fills, i.e., the inductive sensor detects the width of the bladder, which increases as the bag fills. The inductive sensor 10 comprises two or more inductive-sensing strips to enable sensing of the bag 200 in multiple locations. In preferred forms, at least one inductive-sensing strip is located in the bottom one-third of the bag 200 because this is where maximum deformation of the bag typically occurs. The inductive sensor 10 sends a signal to the control system 20 when the distance between the first and second surfaces of the bag 200 at particular locations exceeds a predetermined threshold, therefore indicating that the collection bag 200 is nearly full. The maximum distance between the first and second surfaces of the bag at which the sensor will signal that the bag is nearly full will depend on the dimensions of the bag. For commonly found ostomy bags, the distance between the first and second surfaces at which the sensor signals that the bag is nearly full may be between 8cm to 12cm and is typically about 10cm.

In some forms, the system 100 of the invention may comprise multiple sensors 10 that may be of the same type or of any combination of two or more types of sensor, including but not limited to a hinge sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

In all forms, the sensor signal is sent to the control system 20, which may be located on the bag 200 or on a remote device. The control system 20 then activates the alarm generating device(s) 30 to generate an alarm 50 to notify the bag wearer and/or to notify a caregiver of the person wearing the bag that the bag needs to be emptied or replaced.

In some forms, the control system 20 comprises a micro-controller configured to smooth false signals received from the sensor, such as when a wearer of the collection bag is running, to prevent triggering a false alarm. The micro-controller comprises a processor and is preferably programmed to assess all signals received from the sensor(s) 10 and to determine whether the signal(s) is/are accurate and to activate the alarm generating device 30 when the signal(s) is/are determined to be an accurate signal that the collection bag 200 needs to be emptied or replaced.

When the collection bag 200 is nearing full capacity, the bag will adopt a particular shape, at which point the sensor(s) 10 will send a signal to the control system 20, as discussed above. The control system 20 will, upon receiving such a signal, activate the alarm generating device 30 to cause the device 30 to generate an alarm 50.

The alarm generating device 30 may generate any suitable form of alarm 50 to notify a bag wearer (where the collection bag is an ostomy bag, catheter bag or drainage bag) and/or a caregiver attending to the bag wearer that the bag 200 is nearly full. For example, the alarm 50 may be a vibratory alarm, a visual alarm, or an audible alarm.

The alarm generating device 30 may be removably attachable to a collection bag 200 or to the user/wearer of a collection bag, such as by adhering the device 30 to the wearer or locating the device on or within a wearable device that is then worn by the bag wearer, or the system may comprise a remote alarm generating device that generates an alarm for a caregiver of the wearer.

In some forms, the system 10 may comprise at least two alarm generating devices 30, one device 30 being located on the bag 200 or attached to or worn by the wearer, and the other device 30 being a remote device that generates an alarm 50 for a caregiver. For example, the first alarm generating device may comprise a vibratory alarm that may comprise at least one moveable component that is located next to and in contact with the skin of the user or wearer. In some forms, the moveable component of the vibratory alarm may be located on the collection bag, on a wrist band, a thigh band, an arm band, leg band, waist band or any other item that may be placed against the skin of the user of the bag. The second alarm generating device may comprise an audio alarm and/or a visual alarm. In some forms, the second alarm generating device may comprise a hospital alarm that is activated by the control system upon receipt of one or more signals that indicate that the collection bag is nearly full.

In some forms, a single alarm generating device 30 may generate more than one type of alarm 50. For example, a single alarm generating device 30 may provide both a vibratory alarm and an audio alarm. In other forms, a single alarm generating device 30 may provide both a vibratory alarm and a visual alarm. Typically, a device 30 worn by a bag wearer may provide a vibratory alarm in addition to an audio alarm or a visual alarm, as shown in Figure 7. A remote alarm generating device 30 typically provides an audio alarm and/or a visual alarm. In some forms, the remote device 30 may be worn by a caregiver and may comprise a vibratory alarm. In some forms, the system 100 comprises at least one alarm generating device 30 attached to the collection bag or worn by a bag wearer and at least one remote alarm generating device 30 to generate an alarm for a caregiver.

In some forms, the control system comprises a transmitter to transmit a wireless alarm command to a remote alarm generating device 30, as shown in Figures 4 - 6 and 8. The control system 20 sends an alarm command to the at least one alarm generating device 30 upon receipt of one or more signals from the sensor(s) 10 that indicate that the collection bag 200 is nearly full. The remote alarm generating device comprises a receiver to receive the command transmission. Preferably, the transmission is via Bluetooth or any other suitable form of wireless communication. The remote alarm generating device 30 may also comprise a processor that causes the alarm 50 to be generated after the alarm command is received. The remote alarm device 30 may comprise a mobile phone, a computer, a wearable device, or any other device that comprises an interface such as a speaker to generate an audio alarm and/or a display screen to generate a visual alarm and/or at least one moveable component to generate a vibratory alarm, as shown in Figure 8. In some forms, the remote alarm generating device 30 comprises a user interface 35 for receiving one or more inputs from a user to select the type of alarm 50 to be generated by the remote alarm generating device 30. A remote alarm generating device 30 may be used to generate an alarm to notify a caregiver that a patient's collection bag 200 needs to be emptied or replaced. In other forms, the remote alarm generating device 30 comprises a wearable device that is worn by a wearer of the bag 200.

This arrangement is useful as it means that the alarm generating device 30 does not need to be wired to

the bag.

In some forms, the remote alarm generating device 30 comprises a hospital call button/member that is activated by the control system upon receipt of one or more signals from the at least one sensor 10

indicate that the bag 200 is nearly full. In this form, the system may need to be wired to the call

button/member electrical circuit so that a caregiver or nurse can correctly identify the bed and therefore

the patient whose collection bag 200 needs to be emptied or replaced. Optionally, as shown in Figure 9,

o the patient is provided with an existing hospital call button 60 that comprises a plug-in connector 65 that

typically plugs into a wall-mounted socket 80. The socket 80 is connected to an alarm generating device

30 via a wired connection to generate an alarm 50 when the patient presses the call button 60. The system

100 of the present invention aims to work with this existing arrangement and comprises a programmable

control system 20 that receives one or more signals from one of more sensors 10 of the system 100 when

the collection bag 200 is nearly full. The control system 20 is connected to a plug-in connector 70 that can

be plugged directly into the wall-mounted socket 80, as discussed above. Alternatively, the system 100

may comprise a two-plug input adaptor 90 comprising two sockets 90a, 90b for receiving each of the

connectors 65 and 70. The adaptor 90 also comprises a single output plug 90c configured to be received within the wall-mounted socket 80, so that both the call button 60 and the system 100 of the invention

can be plugged into the wall-mounted socket 80 at the same time. In this arrangement, the patient can

call for assistance with the call button 60, as usual, which will cause the alarm generating device 30 to

generate an alarm 50 to a nurse or caregiver. The system 100 of the invention may also result in an alarm

50 being generated where the control system 20 sends a command signal to the alarm generating device

30 (the signal passing though the connector 70, the adaptor 90, and the wall-mounted socket 80 before

reaching the alarm generating device 30) to generate an alarm 50 to alert a nurse or caregiver that the patient's collection bag/ostomy bag 200 needs to be emptied or replaced when the control system 20 receives one or more signals from one or more sensors 10 that indicate that the collection bag 200 is nearly full.

In some forms, the system 100 may comprise a user interface 40 and the control system 20 may be

programmed to allow the type of alarm to be selected by a user of the system 100, via the user interface

40. For example, a wearer of an ostomy bag 200 may select a vibratory alarm when the wearer is in public

and may select an audio alarm when the wearer is at home. In other forms, the control system 20 may be

programmed to allow more than one type of alarm 50 to be produced by the alarm generating device 30

at the same time. For example, a caregiver of a person wearing an ostomy bag 200 may select both an

audio and a visual alarm, via the user interface 40. In this arrangement, when the collection bag 200 is

nearing full capacity, the caregiver will simultaneously receive a visual alarm and an audio alarm. The user

interface 40 may comprise one or more manual or electronic inputs or switches to enable the type of

alarm 50 to be selected.

Where the system 100 comprises a vibratory alarm, the alarm generating device 30 comprises at least

one moveable component that contacts a person's skin and that vibrates when the alarm generating

device 30 generates a vibratory alarm upon receipt of an alarm command from the control system 20.

o To generate a vibratory alarm, the at least one moveable component may be located on a portion of the

collection bag 200 that touches the bag wearer's skin. In some forms, the collection bag may need to be

positioned or manipulated so that the moveable component is in contact with the wearer's skin.

Alternatively, the moveable component may be tethered to the collection bag and may be located at any

desired location on the wearer's skin such as by adhering the moveable component to the skin with

adhesive tape, a sticking plaster, or the like. In yet other forms, the moveable component forms part of a

remote alarm generating device located on a wearable device that is wired or wirelessly connected to the

control system and that vibrates when the alarm generating device 30 receives an alarm command from

the control system 20. In some forms, the wearable device may be a wrist band, thigh band, arm band, waist band or any other suitable wearable device. Where a wireless connection is used between the

control system 20 and the alarm generating device 30, any means of wireless communication may be used

to communicate between the two components 20, 30, such as Bluetooth or RF communication.

In some forms, the sensor 10 may be removably attached to the first and/or second surface of the bag.

For example, the sensor 10 may be attached with one or more adhesive strips or hook and loop fasteners.

The control system 20 and/or user interface 40 and/or an alarm generating device 30 may also be removably attached to the bag 200, such as by one or more adhesive strips or by the use of hook and loop fasteners. In other forms, the control system 20 and/or user interface 40 and/or alarm generating device 30 may be clipped onto, clamped onto, or hooked onto the collection bag 200 or otherwise be removably attached to the collection bag using any suitable method that does not involve or risk piercing the bladder portion of the bag 200.

In preferred forms, any components of the system that are attached to the bag or the wearer are

washable and/or able to be sterilized and re-used. In some forms, the control system 20 and any sensitive

components of the user interface 40 or alarm generating device 30 may each ortogether be located within

a housing, such as a plastic housing, that is waterproof or at least resistant to fluids.

The alarm generating system 100 of the invention therefore provides a system and method for a collection

bag wearer, or a caregiver of a collection bag wearer (such as a nurse), to manage filling of the collection

bag in orderto reduce leakage and overflows. Such a system can provide a sense of comfort to the wearers

of collection bags, especially wearers of ostomy bags, drainage bags and catheter bags.

The system 100 is adaptable for use with various sizes of collection bag 200, including ostomy pouches,

drainage bags and catheter bags.

o The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or

indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of

two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known

equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments

described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant

advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of

the invention.

For example, although the system of the invention has been described in relation to ostomy bags,

drainage bags and catheter bags in the medical environment, it is envisaged that the system may be used to manage the filling of any bags where a supervisor of the filling may not be actively watching the filling of the bag at all times.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS

1. An alarm generating system for use with a collection bag to be worn by a user for collecting a

bodily material from the user, the system comprising:

at least one sensor attached to the collection bag to detect the shape of the bag;

a control system to receive signals from the at least one sensor; and

at least one alarm generating device comprising at least one movable component that is locatable

on a person's skin during use;

wherein upon receipt of one or more signals from the at least one sensor that indicate that the bag is

nearly full, the control system causes the at least one alarm generating device to generate a vibratory

alarm by vibrating the at least one movable component.

2. The alarm generating system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least one first alarm

generating device to generate the vibratory alarm and wherein the system further comprises a second

alarm generating device to generate an audio alarm upon activation by the control system upon receipt of one or more signals from the at least one sensor that indicate that the bag is nearly full.

3. The alarm generating system of claim 2, wherein the second alarm generating device is remote

from the collection bag and comprises a speaker through which the audio alarm is provided.

4. The alarm generating system of claims 2 or 3, wherein the second alarm generating device

comprises a hospital call alarm.

5. The alarm generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable

component of the at least one alarm generating device is located on a portion of the collection bag for

touching the user's skin, or on a wrist strap for wearing by the user.

200 100 2021105360

20/25/30/40

10 10

FIGURE 1

200 2021105360

20/25/30/40

10/11

FIGURE 2

2021105360

20/25/30/40

10

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

50 10 30 20

Audible alarm Alarm generating Sensor Controller Vibratory alarm device Visual alarm

FIGURE 7

10 20

Bluetooth 2021105360

Sensor Controller Transmitter

30 50

Sensor Controller Alarm

FIGURE 8

60

65 90 90a 80 30

90b 90c 20

70

FIGURE 9