Abstract: A patient monitoring system according to one embodiment includes a real-time wetness sensor configured to detect the rate of change in wetness occurring within an associated diaper, and automatically adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor to account for a wetness event unrelated to urination. A monitoring unit may be utilized in such a manner that the monitoring system controller-monitors the wetness sensor and generates data associated with detected-wetness events relative to the diaper. A wireless transmitter configured with the monitoring unit and in communication with the monitoring system controller may be further utilized to send the generated data, through a host computer, to a caregiver unit having a caregiver system controller in communication with the host computer. The caregiver can then check the status of the patient, provide a service, and annotate the patients history by transmitting the recorded observation and service provided back to the base station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent core located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article also includes skin care compositions thereon for maintaining and/or improving skin health.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: An ostomy device that comprises an adhesive wafer for attaching to the skin around the stoma. The wafer comprises an adhesive layer having a proximal adhesive side and a distal side, where the distal side is covered with a backing layer. The wafer comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion, and it comprises a proximal section located on the proximal side of the central portion and a distal section visually arranged on the distal side of peripheral portion, wherein the distal section changes colour when the proximal section is exposed to fluid.

Abstract: A wetness indicator material may be used on a substrate to form a wetness sensor. The sensor may show either the presence or absence of an aqueous-based fluid or water-containing medium, such as vaginal fluid or urine in a personal hygiene article. The wetness sensor may be incorporated into the article. The wetness indicator material includes a standard colorant that does not change color when wetted. The standard colorant increases the range of hues exhibited by the wetness indicator material.

Abstract: A method for correctly placing an absorbent article in the crotch portion of an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing an absorbent article having at least one indicator marker visible from the body-facing surface, the indicator marker disposed to indicate proper alignment of the absorbent article with respect to the curved leg openings; positioning the absorbent article in the crotch portion such that the indicator marker is aligned with at least one leg elastic of the curved leg openings; and, affixing the article to the crotch portion of the undergarment.

Abstract: An absorptive article in which a terminal section of a sensor is less likely to be damaged in production, packaging, and transportation. An output terminal (115) of a sensor member (110) is placed at a side end of a front edge (180) of a urine pad (100). The side end of the front edge (180) is constructed only from a front face sheet (105) and a rear face sheet (106). The front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are not joined together and are separably arranged. When the urine pad (100) is not in use, the output terminal (115) is covered by the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106). In use, the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are separated in the thickness direction and the output terminal (115) of the sensor member (110) is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system suitable for monitoring multiple leakage events such as wetting of a diaper or alike sanitary product. The system includes two or more than two electrodes that are supported in a spaced apart relationship and a liquid permeable substrate between the electrodes that lacks or has a low capacity for holding or storing liquid. In the event of liquid leakage, an electrical bridge connecting the electrodes can be formed by the liquid, and before the product becomes saturated liquid can freely drain from the permeable substrate and disconnect the electrodes. Upon further liquid leakage, electrical connection between the electrodes can be reformed indicating multiple liquid leakage events. In the situation where the sanitary product becomes saturated and liquid is prevented from draining from the permeable substrate, the electrical connection will continue, indicating that the sanitary product requires changing.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a number of visual fullness indicating areas arranged in a distinct pattern. The pattern has an overall shape that is triangular or trapezoidal.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.

Abstract: A wetness sensing system includes a first wetness sensing article; a first signaling device producing a first signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the first signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article; and a second signaling device producing a second signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the second signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article. Also, a method for enhancing a wetness sensing system includes producing a wetness sensing absorbent article compatible with at least one component of the wetness sensing system, wherein the wetness sensing system includes as components a wetness sensing article and a first signaling device compatible with the wetness sensing article.

Abstract: An absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer is provided. The article includes at least a first appearing graphic that changes from an initial, less visible state to a subsequent, more visible state in the absence of wetness, thereby to provide positive encouragement to a child during toilet training. The appearing graphic becomes less visible if subjected to liquid. A wetness sensation member may also be provided to give tactile, negative sensation to the child, thereby giving feedback received by at least two different senses. Additionally or alternatively, a second appearing graphic, different from the first appearing graphic, may be provided to increase a child's interest in the toilet training process. The first and second appearing graphics may become visible at different times, thereby providing a sequential or spaced reveal of the image.

Abstract: An array of feminine hygiene articles for placement in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. Each feminine hygiene article of the array has a body-facing surface, a first end region and a second end region, the array of feminine hygiene articles comprising at least first and second the feminine hygiene articles differing in at least one functional characteristic. The first and second feminine hygiene articles each comprise a functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator of the first and second feminine hygiene articles being visibly different to distinguish the first feminine hygiene article from the second feminine hygiene article.

Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a self-supporting substrate and an electrically conductive trace carried by the substrate. The trace is patterned to provide at least a portion of a tuned RF circuit, which may be disposed on only one side of the substrate and characterized by an impedance or resistance. The trace is not self-supporting. The substrate is adapted to dissolve, swell, or otherwise degrade when contacted by a target fluid. Such degradation produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit, which can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the substrate by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or 1000, and/or may cause the trace to disintegrate so as to provide the RF circuit with an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.

Abstract: A monitor for an extracorporeal therapy access site is disclosed. The monitor includes a bandage atop or adjacent the access site and a sensor for monitoring the bandage. The bandage includes a layer of polymer that expands when wetted with blood. The expansion causes a break in continuity of the sensor, or in an alternate embodiment, causes a sensor to cease detecting a target. When the break occurs, the control circuit monitoring the bandage sends a signal that a break has occurred, and a remote monitor then takes appropriate action, such as ceasing therapy, sending an alert, or sounding an alarm. In another embodiment, connecting wires in a continuity circuit are held apart by a polymer that dissolves when contacted by blood. If a leak occurs and a small portion of the polymer dissolves, the wires make contact, thus detecting a blood leak.

Abstract: A diaper having wetness detectors, a system thereof and a wetness detecting method are adapted to detect the excreting status of an animal. The diaper includes a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts which are constituted by conductive material. The first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are respectively disposed on proximal and distal area of the diaper corresponding to the excretory organ of the animal. A detecting circuit detects the electrical property of the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts and then determines the excretion status of the animal to be a reference for a caregiver.

Abstract: Absorbent articles and methods for making absorbent articles incorporate unbleached fibers in an absorbing core. Example embodiments provide unbleached fibers which are totally chlorine free. Such unbleached fibers provide features and advantages not present or recognized over prior articles. According to one embodiment, a disposable absorbent article having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region located between the front and back waist regions, is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet. Additionally, the disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and bottom sheet. This absorbent core comprises a superabsorbent material and pulp material where at least a portion of the pulp material includes unbleached fibers having constituents which alter the performance properties of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An excretion detection device comprises a radio transmission unit that is configured to transmit radio signals to a transmitter-receiver, the radio signals containing temperature information detected by a temperature sensor and a diaper identifier which is unique to a disposable diaper. The transmitter-receiver comprises: a diaper identifier authentication unit configured to authenticate the diaper identifier which is contained in the radio signals received from the excretion detection device when a field intensity of the received radio signals is higher than a predetermined threshold; and a reception processing unit configured to execute processing of the diaper identifier authenticated by the identifier authentication unit and the temperature information that is associated with the authenticated diaper identifier.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an enclosure with an aperture which is adapted for being placed in communication with an anus for the purpose of directing fecal matter into the enclosure. In one embodiment, the enclosure may include a polyethylene material with a thickness of less than 50 microns. In another embodiment, the enclosure may include an air hole formed therein for remaining open to allow air to escape therefrom upon the receipt of the fecal matter into the enclosure. In still yet another embodiment, the aperture may be circular and the enclosure may include a flexibility sufficient to allow the enclosure to be placed on an intended wearer in any orientation about an axis defined by the aperture.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training. The wearable article includes a temperature change element providing a cool/wet signal when wetted which causes discomfort to the wearer. The temperature change element comprises a temperature change substance disposed on an impermeable material in order to maximize the thermal signal provided to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article for preventing leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly. Also disclosed is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer.

Abstract: An excretion detection device comprises: electrode unit configured by using materials with different ionization tendencies; a neutralizer retention unit configured to retain a neutralizer for reducing the hydrogen ion index of the bodily waste; and an active tag configured to notify the excretion from the living body to outside the excretion detection device. The electrode unite is provided at a position where the electrode unit can be in contact with the bodily waste. The neutralizer retention unit is provided at a position where the neutralizer can be in contact with the bodily waste.

Abstract: An absorbent article may include one or more circuits formed on the exterior of the article that are configured to connect to a monitoring device. When connected to a monitoring device, the circuit(s) can be used to provide input data to the monitoring device. The monitoring device may provide audio, visual, and other feedback that changes based on user input data. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can further connect to one or more circuits internal to the article to sense changes in the state of the article. For example, interactive features supported by the monitoring device may relate to the wetness state of the article and/or may be used to control the type of indication(s) provided by the monitoring device when wetness (or another state) is detected. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can be used to provide interactive games for the user of the article.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to disposable diapers having absorbent cores comprising superabsorbent polymer particles which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores are attached to the backsheets of the disposable diapers in certain attachment zones to reduce see-through and the formation of tension lines on the backsheets.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and a sensor. The absorbent article may comprise a garment-facing layer and an absorbent assembly. The sensor may be disposed in or on the absorbent article. The sensor may be separable from the absorbent article. A portion of the sensor may have a first dimension and a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is at least 1 inch and the second dimension is at least 2 inches. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and an auxiliary article. The absorbent article may comprise a garment facing layer and an absorbent assembly. The auxiliary article may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be oriented externally adjacent the garment facing layer when the auxiliary article is fitted over the absorbent article. The sensor may not be physically attached to the absorbent article. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An excretion detection device that includes a power supply unit having an electrode and an electrode configured by using materials having different ionization tendencies; a solution retention unit configured to retain an electrolyte solution, a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature information, and an active tag including a radio transmission unit configured to transmit the temperature information detected by the sensor to outside the excretion detection device. The electrode and the electrode are installed at a position where the electrodes can be in contact with the bodily waste and the electrolyte solution, and can also be in contact with the electrolyte solution before the excretion of the bodily waste.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a pouch for the collection of bodily waste are generally disclosed. The pouch can generally be located on or within the wearer contacting surface of an absorbent article. The pouch can have an opening ready to receive the bodily waste or can include a pouch opening mechanism. Additionally, a pouch closing mechanism can be included within the absorbent article to close the opening of the pouch upon collection of the bodily waste.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pant diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard etc., includes components that are joined together by a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern has color-changing properties triggered by heat and/or pressure exerted during the bonding process, the color-changing properties being either irreversible or reversible. The color-changing properties may be accomplished by thermochromic pigments, thermochromic fibers and/or pressure-sensitive pigments. A laminate is formed from two or more web material layers joined together by a bonding pattern having color-changing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring the condition of a person, which comprises: (a) a casing; (b) electronic circuitry; and (c) at least one secure attachment mechanism, each comprising a first member which is capable of moving in a forward direction up to a locking state, at which it is interlocked by at least one second member, so that said first member cannot be moved backward by applying a first backward force, unless said interlock is unlocked, by applying at least one second force, independent of said first force. Preferably, said first member is a spike having at least one recess, wherein at said locking state said second member is introduced into said recess, thereby preventing said spike from moving backward.

Abstract: An aid is usable with a wearer's garment, the aid including a structural layer having a skin-facing side, wherein the structural layer is adapted to be positioned within the garment such that the skin-facing side is in at least partial skin contact with the wearer; and a thermal grill disposed on the structural layer. Also, an absorbent article delivers discomfort without causing physiological damage, the article including a bodyside liner; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the bodyside liner; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the bodyside liner, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: The diaper change alerting means includes an oblong sensor, speaker, processing means, and powering means. The oblong sensor is positioned about a main portion of the diaper where said sensor can detect the presence of moisture associated with soiling of the diaper. The alerting means can be integrated into the design of a reusable diaper or a removable embodiment that fits within a pouch located about the main portion of a disposable diaper. The processing means receives a signal from the oblong sensor, and transmits an alarm in the form of music via the speaker.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and incontinence guard, in which on the inside of the liquid impervious backsheet (3), i e on the side adjacent the absorbent body, there is arranged a wetness indicator (9) in a certain pattern, which is visible through the backsheet material. The wetness indicator (9) is applied on or adjacent at least one strip (10) having a color or tint different from the rest of the backsheet material (3). The color or tint of the strip (10) can also be an indication of the product type, size absorption capacity or the like of the article. Moreover there can on the strip (10) be printed symbols (11), codes or the like indicating product type or the like.

Abstract: A method for placing a feminine hygiene article in the crotch portion of an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. The method comprising the steps of providing a feminine hygiene article having a body-facing surface and at least one functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator providing a distinct visual emphasis to a portion of the feminine hygiene article; orienting the feminine hygiene article with respect to the crotch portion such that the at least one functional enhancement indicator is oriented toward the front of the undergarment; and, affixing the feminine hygiene article to the crotch portion of the undergarment.

Abstract: Garments may include signaling devices. The signaling device may be configured to indicate to a user that a body fluid is present in the garment. The garment may include a chassis including an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The chassis may include a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region. The garment may also include a signaling device including at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene pad having at least a top and bottom layer comprised of the same varying solid colors which match the color of undergarments and/or outerwear of a user to further mask the existence of the pad. The top layer of the feminine hygiene pad may also include a small center area devoid of color in order to detect saturation.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates, the article comprising a front region, a back region and a crotch region disposed between said front and back region, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges, and wherein said article further comprises a window on any one of said regions for viewing a sensor suitable for measuring a condition selected from the group consisting of temperature, dehydration, rash, pH, analyte levels, humidity, and combinations thereof and wherein the sensor is placed adjacent to and facing said window placed adjacent to and facing said window.

Abstract: A disposable medical probe for detecting a leak of physiological fluid comprising: a support layer, a conductive layer on top of the support layer, the conductive layer comprising two conducting electrodes both placed exclusively on each side of a longitudinal axis, a hydrophilic layer on top of at least a part of the conductive layer, where the conductive layer defines two zones: a proximal zone where two proximal electrode parts being are placed parallel to each other and being spaced apart by a distance d, and a distal zone where two distal electrode parts are symmetrical with respect to said longitudinal axis and are spaced apart from each other by a gap e greater than said distance d.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates that comprises a first waist region, a second waist region and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges; wherein said article further comprises a pocket for a non-electronic temperature sensor wherein said pocket is disposed on any one of said regions and wherein said pocket has two opposing sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates, the article comprising a front region, a back region and a crotch region disposed between said front and back region, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges, and wherein said article further comprises a window on any one of said regions for viewing a removable sensor placed adjacent to and facing said window.

Abstract: A mass produced absorbent article having an image of a quality that is commercially acceptable. The image is produced by ink jet printheads applying ink to a web moving at high speed under the jets in the course of manufacturing the article. The image is printed at low resolution but is characterized in part by a higher coverage area ratio and brightness.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training. The wearable article includes a temperature change element providing a cool/wet signal when wetted which causes discomfort to the wearer. The temperature change element comprises a temperature change substance disposed on an impermeable material in order to maximize the thermal signal provided to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one embodiment, for instance, conductive zones are formed directly into the outer cover for forming the signaling system. Alternatively, a sensor may be mounted to the outer cover of the article for monitoring changes within the article. The sensor may comprise, for instance, a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, an optical sensor, a vibration sensor, a humidity sensor, a material expansion sensor, a chemical sensor, or the like.

Abstract: On the back sheet side, back-side recessed portions recessed toward the top sheet are provided in a surface of the absorber of the disposable diaper. The back-side recessed portions include multiple grooves, which are continuous in the longitudinal direction L of the absorber. The back-side recessed portions is visible from an outside of the back sheet in a state before the disposable diaper is used, and when the absorber absorbs liquid, the depth D of the back-side recessed portions is made smaller than that before the absorber absorbs liquid. When the hydrophilic fiber and the particulate SAP swells, and thereby the absorber expands in at least the thickness direction thereof, the back-side recessed portions seems to disappear from the outside.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A health monitoring apparatus for determining whether or not a diaper wearer has excreted based on spectrum information detected from an acoustic signal generated from the diaper, and monitoring the diaper wearer's physical condition according to the characteristics of the body wastes through color pattern-based image processing, and a health monitoring method using the same are provided. The health monitoring method of a health monitoring apparatus includes: receiving an acoustic signal from a sensing device attached to a diaper; determining whether any body wastes have been discharged based on a spectrum extracted from the acoustic signal; when it is determined that body wastes have been discharged, obtaining an image of the diaper by using a camera; obtaining characteristic information of the body wastes based on a color pattern extracted from the obtained image; and transmitting information regarding the diaper wearer's physical condition to an external terminal based on the characteristic information.

Abstract: Dark colored absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins. More specifically, dark colored absorbent articles are disclosed comprising an apertured topsheet, an underlying layer visible through the apertures of the topsheet and a backsheet, wherein both the topsheet and underlying layer have a L Hunter value of less than 60. Preferably the topsheet, the backsheet and the underlying layer have the same color (e.g., black).