Abstract: An electrically powered integrity checking device for detection of breaches in protective garments under conditions of a potential for exposure to any one of bodily fluids and hazardous fluid materials. The device comprises a connector for electrically connecting a person wearing a protective garment to the device and a second connector to a fluid source. The device comprises a current source, an alarm, with constant monitoring of integrity of each connection during use of the device. A breach in the protective garment allows ingress of fluid through the breach, results in a completed circuit from the current source means, between the person wearing the protective garment and the fluid source, which triggers said alarm. The connector comprises a reusable spring loaded clamping structure which maintains pressure terminal contact with the person.

Abstract: A high sensitive water entry alarm system which prevents outside noise from falsely triggering the alarm system. A transmitter generates ultrasonic timed acoustic bursts at a fixed frequency when it is submerged in water. A receiver located in the body of water senses for acoustic signals similar in characteristic to the transmitter signal. A comparing circuit coupled to the receiver compares the acoustic signals received by the receiver to a reference signal having the same fixed frequency as the transmitter signal. The comparing circuit also measures the duration of the acoustic signals received by the receiver. The comparing circuit will generate a alarm signal which will sound off an audible alarm only when the acoustic signal received by the receiver has the same fixed frequency and is transmitted in controlled burst at the same timed intervals as the transmitter signal.

Abstract: For a diaper for a baby, a toddler, an old man, or the like, a device for informing a mother of the baby or the toddler or a person who looks after the user of the diaper that the diaper is wet and a sensor for use in the device are provided. A wet annunciator is comprised of: a wet sensor that forms electrostatic capacity between a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 adhesively formed so as to be slightly spaced apart from each other, such that the electrostatic capacity in the vicinity of the electrodes varies when the diaper gets wet; an oscillating device 11 for applying an alternating signal to the electrodes 3 and 4 of the wet sensor; a detector 13 for picking up a change of the electrostatic capacity between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4; and an alerting device such as a vibrator 15, a buzzer or the like, operative according to an output signal of the detector 13.

Abstract: A tampon wetness detection system which includes (a) a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being shaped and dimensioned for insertion into a distal end of an absorbent body insertable into a vagina, the proximal end of the housing being fluid permeable; (b) a radio frequency identification device being implemented in the housing, the radio frequency identification device including a transmitter; (c) a conductive wetness sensor being in the proximal end of the housing and in electrical communication with the radio frequency identification device, such that when the conductive wetness sensor senses wetness the radio frequency identification device is operable; and (d) a remote reporting device including a receiver for receiving a radio signal concerning the wetness of the absorbent body from the radio frequency identification device and further including a reporting mechanism for reporting a user of the wetness of the absorbent body.

Abstract: A garment diaper detector for detecting wetness conditions in diapers or undergarments comprising a capacitive sensor located within a housing and affixed to the exterior surface of the garment being monitored. The sensor is comprised of two substantially solid, coplanar conductor plates affixed to a common substrate and has a very high dynamic range. The inside of the garment becomes wet, the capacitance between the spaced conductors rises above a predetermined value whereupon the detector provides an output to a transmitter or an alarm. When the garment is being changed, the detector is removed from the exterior surface of the garment for reuse on the next. In one embodiment of the invention, multiple, uniquely addressed wetness detectors are employed to monitor the wetness conditions in a plurality of garments, such as in a hospital or nursing home. When a garment becomes wet, that unique address is transmitted to a central monitoring station which dispatches a care giver to change the garment.

Abstract: Floating Novelty for Drinks is motion operated to flash visual indication or aural indication.

Abstract: In a rain sensor system for a motor vehicle, a sensor element is provided as separate part for attachment in the vicinity of a vehicle window. The sensor element is wiped by a separate wiper blade which is fastened to a windshield wiper or driven by the latter. As a function of the a degree of wetness present on its top, the sensor element supplies electric signals to an evaluation electronics. Above a limit value of the signals, the evaluation electronics connects the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A galvanic cell is formed when ground water within a sump reservoir, tub or other pool, rises to contact electrodes constructed of dissimilar metals, the electrodes mounted in a bridge, with recessing, expansion brackets, to facilitate covering the sump hole and including an alarm device adapted to provide a warning signal should the water level exceed a predetermined level to contact the electrodes. Because an unsealed sump well is the major point of entry of radon gas, an scintillator with associated circuitry monitors the sump well to protect against the undesirable intrusion of radon gas. When the presence of radon is detected, an audible alarm is sounded when the level exceeds 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L.).

Abstract: The invented method can be applied to a house, building or other structure to detect the presence of a water problem, even in areas that are not visible to the naked eye. The method includes a step of changing the temperature of the structure relative to its temperature existing immediately before the start of the method. The method also includes a step of infrared scanning the structure. Because moist structure areas are slow to move to the changed temperature compared to dry areas due to the relatively high thermal capacity of water, the changed temperature enables the infrared scanning step to readily contrast moisture-suspect areas of the structure from dry areas thereof. The method can also include steps of determining whether a moisture-suspect area does in fact contain moisture, or is due to other causes unrelated to moisture.

Abstract: A walled enclosure assembly adapted to be installed around the base of a water-containing appliance and bonded to the support floor to contain leakage therefrom without disturbing the appliance. The walled assembly comprises a plurality of wall segments, each having base flange, an upright wall and wall ends, each adapted to be bonded to the end of an aligned wall segment to form a continuous walled enclosure assembly. The assembly is designed to surround the base of a water-containing appliance, with the undersurfaces of the base flanges being bonded to the supporting floor to contain any leakage from the appliance. Preferably an integral drain tube is incorporated, and/or an automatic alarm means is attached which is activatable to signal excessive leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods are provided for sensing and indicating moisture for garments such as diapers, training pants, or adult undergarments. The apparatus preferably has a sensor housing and at least one moisture sensor connected to the sensor housing for sensing moisture in a selected location of a garment. The apparatus also preferably has a separate audio indicator housing, an audible alarm sound generator positioned within the indicator housing and responsive to the at least one moisture sensor for generating an audible alarm sound, and an electroacoustic transducer responsive to the audible alarm sound generator and connected to the indicator housing for radiating acoustic power so as to audibly indicate that moisture on the garment wearer has been sensed.

Abstract: In a wristwatch type distress message sending device worn by the user, a positional information generator receives GPS signals sent by a plurality of GPS satellites and generates positional information on the latitude and longitude of the position of the user. When the user meets a disaster, a distress message signal generator generates a distress message signal containing the positional information generated by the positional information generator. A sender then sends out the distress message signal by radio.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a windshield wiper having an automatic wiper control. The apparatus is provided with a rain sensor having a light-emitting transmitter and a receiver that responds to the emitted light by emitting a sensor signal, and an evaluation device for the sensor signal. The evaluation device has a microcomputer and a capacitor that is outside of the microcomputer and to which the sensor signal is supplied. Also included is a comparator connected to the capacitor for comparing the voltage built up at the capacitor by the sensor signal to a threshold voltage and for emitting an output signal if the threshold voltage is exceeded. The microcomputer forms a measured value from the output signal, the value of which correspond to a time at which the threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A gas leak and cut-off device is provided including a gas-powered hot water heater having a cylindrical configuration with a circular top face, a circular bottom face, and a cylindrical periphery formed therebetween. The bottom face has a plurality of stanchions coupled thereto and extending downwardly for engaging a recipient surface. A gas input pipe is provided having a first end connected to a gas supply and a second end connected to the periphery of the hot water heater for supplying gas thereto to heat water. A plurality of monitors are each mounted in spaced relationship on the recipient surface with the outboard ends in line with the periphery of the water heater. Each monitor is adapted for generating an activation signal only during the detection of fluid.

Abstract: A engine kill switch system has a transmitter and receiver which are linked through specific transmitted codes within a frequency. The receiver is mounted directly on the boat and wired to an engine kill switch, maintaining the switch in the closed position as long as a signal is received from all of the activated transmitters. Once the transmitter signal is unintentionally deactivated, the receiver shuts down the engine. A range adjustment allows the separation distance between the transmitter and receiver to be changed, dependent upon the size of the boat and end use. A strobe and audio warning can also be attached to the receiver and activated simultaneously with, or as an alternative to, the deactivation of the engine. Automatic transmitter activation and deactivation can be provided through storage ports tied to the receiver. The transmitter is a battery powered remote device carried by a user. The transmitter has a programmed unique code recognized by the receiver.

Abstract: A wet diaper detector comprises an elongated strip of material sized to be positioned in a diaper with a portion of the strip residing in a region of the diaper subject to wetness and an end of the strip protruding from the diaper at the upper rear or front portion thereof. The strip carries a pair of spaced conductors that extend along the length of the strip and terminate at the protruding end thereof. A detector and alarm assembly is adapted to be releasably coupled to the protruding end of the elongated strip and is configured to monitor the electrical resistance between the spaced conductors of the strip. When the diaper is wet by its wearer, the resistance between the spaced conductors of the strips falls below a pre-established value whereupon the detector activates the alarm to alert an attendant to change the diaper. In one embodiment, wetness is detected capacitively.

Abstract: A device for signaling a predetermined soil moisture condition includes a switching tensiometer that closes a switch when the root water tension reaches a predetermined level; a power source connected to the switching tensiometer; and a signal connected to the switching tensiometer so that when the switching tensiometer closes the switch, power source is connected to the signal operate the signal to indicate that the predetermined soil moisture condition has been reached. The signal preferably includes a spring-loaded flag that operates between a retracted position and an extended signal position; a latch for releasably securing the flag in its retracted position, and an electrically operated release that releases the latch to allow the flag to operate to its extended signal position.

Abstract: A toy that can sense contact with a fluid. The toy preferably contains a conductive member and an adjacent conductive screen. An indicator circuit has one terminal connected to the conductive member and another terminal connected to the conductive screen. The screen and conductive member are in relative close proximity so a fluid which flows through the screen will provide an electrically conductive path between the two conductive members. The conductive path closes the indicator circuit. The indicator circuit has an audio unit and/or light source that are activated when the circuit is closed by the fluid. The conductive members can be attached to a shield which also has a spray device. A player can spray another player with the spray device of the shield. The player can also block the spray of an opposing player with the shield. If the fluid makes contact with the conductive members the indicator circuit provides an indication that a "hit" has occurred.

Abstract: In a rain sensor, a sensor field is arranged between two windshield wiper blades which lie one above the other on a windshield. The sensor field is thus located outside of the field of view of the driver and is wiped by the lower windshield wiper blade. The sensor field is connected to an evaluation circuit arranged on a wiper motor by connecting lines which pass around the lower wiper blade.

Abstract: A roof moisture sensing system includes (1) a radio frequency pulse transter, (2) a moisture sensor disposed on a roof, and (3) a radio receiver adapted to monitor resonance of the moisture sensor activated by a pulse transmitted by the pulse transmitter. The receiver is adapted to analyze the resonance of the sensor to determine the presence of moisture in the sensor. The transmitter and the receiver can be remote from the sensor and the roof.

Abstract: A diaper liner comprising an electrically insulating sheet material having disposed thereon first, second and third separated electrically conductive tracks which become short-circuited when the liner is exposed to moisture, at least one end of each of the electrically conductive tracks being in the form of a conductive pad printed on the liner for permitting easy connection thereto of a moisture alarm circuit. The third conductive track is commonly connected so that the first and the third tracks are short-circuited by urine whilst the second and third tracks are short-circuited by feces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring road surface conditions. In the method of measuring road surface conditions, the conditions prevailing on the surface of a road are measured by a sensor head mounted in the pavement of the road with the top surface of the sensor head aligned substantially flush with the pavement of the road. According to the invention, an optical signal is impinged from below the road to the top surface of the road, the reflection/backscatter of the optical signal is measured inside the pavement layer of the road, and weather/driving conditions prevailing on the road top surface are determined from the reflected and backscattered signal values.

Abstract: This invention describes a sensing device useful as a wet condition indicator, and is composed of a sensing element that produces electric energy when it becomes wet, and an informing means such as an integrated circuit/piezoelectric buzzer (speaker), light source or electrochromic device. The sensing element incorporates small amounts of non-toxic, non-allergenic substances and operates as a battery when wet. That battery produces enough electric energy to power the informing device without need of any other circuitry or batteries. This has the advantage of lower cost so that it can be used for a wet condition indicator in disposable diapers. One sensing element is incorporated in each diaper, and can be discarded with it, while the informing element is reused.

Abstract: A galvanic cell is formed when ground water within a sump reservoir, tub or other pool, rises to contact electrodes constructed of dissimilar metals, the electrodes mounted in a bridge, with recessing, expansion brackets, to facilitate covering the sump hole and including an alarm device adapted to provide a warning signal should the water level exceed a predetermined level to contact the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of electrically conductive fluids, including urine and other body fluids such as exudate from wounds, includes a pair of spaced-apart electrodes covered by absorbent material, together with a housing containing a signaling device which produces a palpable vibration, a sound, a light, or a radio signal when fluid in the absorbent material provides a conductive path between the electrodes. Spring contacts on the housing provide reliable connections with the electrodes and also serve to attach the housing of the signaling device to structure supporting the absorbent material, and may also be used to attach the absorbent material to the housing in embodiments where the housing is otherwise supported. Disposable sensing pad material which is comfortably soft and flexible can be produced in indefinite lengths with moisture-previous outer layers and an inner layer of absorbent thermally-weldable material.

Abstract: This invention provides a wetness alarm device to detect the temperature deviation or the new wetness in the diaper to indicate the new urine issue and to transmit the wetness alarm to human. The number of urine issue is counted, and will be used to affect the wetness alarm. A remote alarm may also be used. An emergency alarm may be activated when the whole device is submerged in the water or urine.

Abstract: A rain sensor system automatically controls windshield wiper action such as the length of time between windshield wiper strokes and/or wiper motor speed and is preferably integrated with a vehicle antenna. The rain sensor system comprises first and second electrical conductors spaced uniformly from one another and an electrical insulator interposed therebetween. A dual network voltage divider circuit couples the first conductor to an applied reference DC voltage level, and the second conductor is coupled to ground potential via a similar network. Airborne raindrops and moisture temporarily adhere to the exposed surfaces of the insulator to electrically couple the exposed surfaces of the first and second conductive surfaces to lower the electrical resistance therebetween. The magnitude of the applied voltage changes in relation to the intensity of rainfall or amount of raindrops adhering to the conductors to affect the rate of windshield wiper action.

Abstract: A pair of spaced electrodes within an area subject to wetness couple non-conductively with a sensor protected from wetness, and an alarm sounds in response to moisture decreasing the resistance between the electrodes. For example the electrodes project into the absorbent material of a diaper and extend along the inside of the diaper sheath opposite a pouch on the outside of the sheath. The pouch contains a sensor capacitively coupled to the electrodes.

Abstract: A safety signaling device, usable by persons would fall overboard from a vessel, with a rechargeable battery activated by the present of water to transmit both a light signal and a radio signal. A housing contains both transmitting sources and has spaced sets of probe contacts to recharge the unit. Reset and test buttons are also provided on the housing's front to reset the operating transmitters and to test their performance.

Abstract: Ceiling tiles and a moisture detection system in which an array of electrodes placed preferably on the top unseen surface of the ceiling tiles typically used in commercial-type buildings. A detection or controller circuit then monitors the electrical characteristics of these electrodes for any changes that would be indicative of water formation on the ceiling tiles. Generally, current will flow between the electrodes only in the presence of water or some other conducting fluid. When this current is detected, an alarm, for example, can be generated to notify security monitoring personnel to investigate the possible existence of water intrusion. Alternatively, coded signals can be generated at the ceiling tiles individually in the presence of water.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of rain droplets on a windshield employs a source of light, such as an LED, and a photodetector installed on the instrument panel of a vehicle. The LED and the photodiode are arranged with respect to one another such that light from the LED cannot reflect directly off the windshield into the photodiode. Only when the light from the LED is backscattered by an environmental condition, such as the raindrops on the exterior of the windshield, the condensation of moisture on the interior of the windshield, or the presence of smoke in the cabin, will the photodiode receive the light from the LED. Each of these environmental conditions has a predeterminable characteristic signature which permits the processing of data to detect same.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting a containment failure. The device has a gas supply means (18) for providing a gas to a containment failure volume (16, 60) and for maintaining a constant gas pressure in the containment failure volume. The device also has gas flow monitoring means (26) for monitoring flow of the gas into the containment failure volume. The flow of gas into the containment failure volume is indicative of a containment failure.

Abstract: An overflow protection shut-off device for use with a water heater for shutting off a supply of water to the water heater when a leaking or an overflow condition occurs, the device including a valve mechanism coupleable to an input water line of a water heater and having an opened orientation for allowing flow of water within the input line and a closed orientation for preventing such flow; a water sensing mechanism positionable at a location proximal to the water heater for providing a signal when it is placed in contact with water when the water heater experiences the leaking or the overflow condition; and a switching mechanism coupled to the valve mechanism and the water sensing mechanism and with the switching mechanism being responsive to receipt of the signal from the water sensing mechanism for placing the valve mechanism in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A probe for measuring the moisture content of wood in the center of a stack of wood has a moisture content sensor near a first or forward end thereof. The forward end of the probe is bendable and in one form is articulated. An extendable member also is mounted at the forward end of the probe. The extendable member is pivoted by a slide handle at an opposite end of the probe between reclined and extended positions. The forward end of the probe is inserted into a stack of wood between layers of the stack. The extendable member is extended to press the sensor against wood in the center of the stack. A meter connected to the sensor then registers the moisture content of the wood.

Abstract: A warning device for the prevention of drowning includes a sensor 10 incorporating a transmitter, the sensor being attachable to the body of a person. The transmitter is actuated upon submersion in water. The signal emitted by the transmitter is received by receiver 12 which is then adapted to initiate an alarm in the form of a siren, flashing light or lights or a transmission to other alarm systems. A directional antenna may be included for nautical situations where the wearer is thrown overboard.

Abstract: Ice in particular and also other substances such as water and glycol-containing anti-icing fluids can be detected and distinguished by means of differences in their optical index of refraction. A plurality of beams at different angles of incidence are multiplexed onto the reverse side of an optical surface which is embedded in a surface to be monitored or otherwise positioned in a sampling environment. The reflected beams at the different angles are measured and refractive indexes calulated form the measured reflected beams. If the calculated refractive indexes are the same at all angles, then the substance is positively identified. If the values do not agree, then there is partial coverage, and the substance may be identified by comparison with predetermined values. The system is applicable to aircraft, where in-flight and pre-flight monitoring of icing conditions and surface contamination is needed.

Abstract: A system for detecting wetness in diapers for the propose of calling the attention of a caretaker. The system is based on the nonlinear interaction of an implanted device inside the diaper with a low distortion background electromagnetic field. The background field is generated by a transmitter external to the diaper. The device is a combination of an antenna, a nonlinear element and two electrodes. Upon a wet condition the resistance between the two electrodes decrease, resulting in an increase in coupling between the antenna and the nonlinear element. The ensuing nonlinear interaction between the antenna and the background field gives rise to harmonics of the field which are detected by a receiver. The receiver which is also external to the diaper triggers a suitable alarm.

Abstract: Early detection and warning of wetness in a diaper leads to an early change of diapers, keeping the infant dry and healthy. This invention monitors the diaper for dryness by sensing the conductance between two terminals in contact with the diaper. The device aids in toilet training the infant by learning wetting patterns and providing early warning. The device promotes the efficient use of diapers and reduces the cost of using diapers.

Abstract: A sound-generating toilet training device for use with a conventional potty chair is provided comprising a self supporting base member having a generally planar top face and a bottom face, the base member is adapted to be removably received within a receptacle of the potty chair, an actuating member is positioned on the top face for actuating an electronic circuit, the actuating member including a pair of interleaved contact members insulated from each other, a generating member coupled to the actuating member is also provided for generating an output signal, the generating member being sealed against fluid contact and an emitting member, the emitting member is responsive to the output signal and emits an audible sound, the generating member and the emitting member are positioned on the base member whereby when the device is positioned within a potty chair receptacle and a child urinates thereon, the contact members are caused to be bridged by the urine enabling an output signal to be generated that is emitte

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of electrically conductive fluids, including urine and other body fluids such as exudate from wounds, includes spaced-apart electrodes (44, 46, 96, 98) covered by absorbent material (58, 106, 108, 126, 128), together with a housing (30, 86, 154) containing a signaling device (32, 152, 172, 175) which produces a palpable vibration, a sound, a light, or a radio signal when fluid in the absorbent material provides a conductive path between the electrodes. Spring contacts (50, 138, 146) on the housing provide reliable connections with the electrodes and also serve to attach the housing of the signaling device (32) to structure (12, 78) supporting the absorbent material, and may also be used to attach the absorbent material to the housing in embodiments where the housing is otherwise supported.

Abstract: A device and method for containing spills and leaks from fuel handling equipment is provided in which differential sensing means detect the presence of hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons such as water. Signals and the responses generated according to them may depend upon the nature and quantity of the substance contained in the device. Signalling may be conducted remotely and excavation and reconstruction of service station grounds is minimized with these devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of unitary construction with the differential sensing means formed as a portion of the surface of a containment vessel.

Abstract: An electronic water utility safety apparatus comprising a control box positionable within the house of a user. A display indicates a sensed water pressure. An indicator is mounted in the box to generate an audible signal upon the pressure being modified from an acceptable range. An electrical line is positioned from the box to a source of potential within the house. A second line is positioned from the box to a water line for the house. A sensor is mounted on the line to determine the pressure within the line and to allow the indicator to display such pressure read. A valve is located within the water line adjacent to the sensor to shut off the flow of water upon the pressure being outside of a predetermined range. An electrical circuit is provided for controlling the box.

Abstract: An electric alarm which includes a dual tone electronic chime, light emitting diode (LED) indicators, electronic circuitry, batteries, and with the exception of the AC adapter and the water sampler, all active and passive devices are housed in a small box to detect wet environments such as water that leaks from defective hot water heater tanks, flooded basements, storage spaces, room spaces below sea level, or any other spaces or tangible things not readily accessible or observable. It uses a water-activated-dielectric capacitor as a water sampler to absorb a small amount of water as the sample. And when it becomes wet or damp, the water dielectric signal controls the current required to energize the gate of the silicon control rectifier (SCR). In turn, the SCR turns "ON" a dual tone electronic chime and also turns "ON" a LED that simply glows. This action provides the audible and visual alert warning signals to indicate that the water does in fact exist.

Abstract: An incontinence detection device comprising a pad with a plurality of circuits. The circuit conductors are spaced on the pad, with each of the circuits defining a linear dimension across a respective pair of the circuit conductors. The linear dimension has a correlation to a predetermined liquid volume of an incontinent event desired to be detected. A controller applies voltage from a power source to and checks continuity of the spaced circuits and totals the circuits. The controller indicates to a care provider that an incontinent event has occurred at a certain minimum liquid volume.

Abstract: A sensor includes a hollow tube having first and second ends; a cap secured at said first end; said second end being substantially open to allow fluid to enter the tube; a floatation element slidably arranged within said tube; means at said second end for preventing the floatation element from leaving said tube; a contact switch arranged within said tube between said cap and said floatation element; and a fluid exhaust means provided in said tube adjacent said contact switch. The sensor may be used to detect a motion or displacement of water in a swimming pool.

Abstract: A sensor includes a hollow tube having first and second ends; a cap secured at said first end; the second end being substantially open to allow fluid to enter the tube; a floatation element slidably arranged within said tube; an element at the second end for preventing the floatation element from leaving the tube; a contact switch arranged within the tube between the cap and the floatation element; and a fluid exhaust opening provided in the tube adjacent the contact switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool monitoring device which can be attached to the wrist or other place on a child to constantly transmit an electromagnetic radio wave of a desired frequency. The monitoring device contains a water submersion sensor, which will deactivate the transmitter upon submersion. Whenever transmissions from the monitoring device are interrupted, due to immersion or battery failure, a receiver will sense this condition and activate an alarm, which may be visual, audible, or a signal that is relayed to further remote wireless equipment such as a pager or telephone dialing equipment that is used to dial an emergency telephone number.

Abstract: A detector circuit in a moisture detector having an oscillator, a detector electrode and a common electrode for measuring the moisture content of wood and structural materials in buildings comprises a clamping diode network which couples an AC signal generated in the oscillator to a detector electrode. The clamping network clamps the AC signal to a reference voltage. The clamping network is balanced by a second clamping diode network which, together with a low pass filter, establishes the reference voltage. A low pass filter connected to the first clamping network produces an output voltage signal related to the impedance between the electrodes. To maintain the circuit's stability, the diodes in the clamping networks are thermally coupled.

Abstract: An electronic soap bubble sensing and responsive device which is activated upon making contact between a soap bubble and an electronic sensor. The device consists of two electrodes mounted on a support frame and electrically coupled to internal electrical signal generation circuitry. The soap bubble sensor includes electrodes which are positioned so as to contact the soap bubble conjointly. Soap bubble fluid being conductive allows such contact to complete a trigger circuit, which contact also bursts the bubble, thereby breaking the circuit. The electrodes have a geometric configuration so as to maximum the conjoint contact with spherical bubbles, and the electrodes are supported on a frame so as to minimize wetting of the frame and triggering inadvertent activation. The completed electrical circuit can activate any sensory output as a result of the triggering, including sounds, lights or motion.

Abstract: A wet diaper detector comprises an elongated strip of material sized to be positioned in a diaper with a portion of the strip residing in a region of the diaper subject to wetness and an end of the strip protruding from the diaper at the upper rear or front portion thereof. The strip carries a pair of spaced conductors that extend along the length of the strip and terminate at the protruding end thereof. A detector and alarm assembly is adapted to be releasably coupled to the protruding end of the elongated strip and is configured to monitor the electrical resistance between the spaced conductors of the strip. When the diaper is wet by its wearer, the resistance between the spaced conductors of the strips falls below a pre-established value whereupon the detector activates the alarm to alert an attendant to change the diaper. In one embodiment, wetness is detected capacitively.