Abstract: A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products.

Abstract: Methods of reducing sensor corrosion include providing a monitor adapted to electrically connect with a wetness sensor integrated with an absorbent article. The wetness sensor has a first conductor and a second conductor and the monitor includes programming instructions that, when the monitor is attached and activated, repetitively execute a sequence of steps that includes applying voltage to the first conductor; measuring the potential across the conductors; and discontinuing the voltage to the first conductor. The instructions may also repetitively execute a sequence of steps that includes alternatively applying voltage to the first and second conductors and/or grounding the first conductor and/or second conductors after discontinuing voltage.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. An absorbent article may be provided with selected electrical components used as wetness or other type sensors which may be determined by a coupled signaling device. An attached signaling device may automatically determine physiological changes of a wearer of the absorbent article including increases in void volume over time, increases in time between voids and proximity to bathroom fixtures. The signaling device may provide data analysis and/or display, and may provide remote alarm functions.

Abstract: Methods of reducing sensor corrosion include providing a monitor adapted to electrically connect with a wetness sensor integrated with an absorbent article. The wetness sensor has a first conductor and a second conductor and the monitor includes programming instructions that, when the monitor is attached and activated, repetitively execute a sequence of steps that includes applying voltage to the first conductor; measuring the potential across the conductors; and discontinuing the voltage to the first conductor. The instructions may also repetitively execute a sequence of steps that includes alternatively applying voltage to the first and second conductors and/or grounding the first conductor and/or second conductors after discontinuing voltage.

Abstract: A signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. A body exudate collection and detection system is also provided including an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. The signaling device can also include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article. The detection circuit can also include an electrical common and a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical common and with the body exudate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a sensor for detecting the presence of fluid in an absorbent article. The sensor may include a fluid activated battery. Fluid received in the absorbent article may connect electrodes of the fluid activated battery and cause a voltage to be generated between battery electrodes. The voltage generated between the electrodes may provide power to the sensor circuit. In one embodiment, the fluid activated battery may be configured to detect the presence of fluid in the absorbent article and the presence and/or amount of particular substances in the received fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.