Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: A liquid detection system includes an absorbent article for personal wear having a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The article also includes at least one graphic element, a conductive pattern at least partially superposed with the graphic element, and a barrier layer disposed between the graphic element and the conductive pattern. A non-invasive signaling device is selectively attachable to the outer cover of the absorbent article in overlying relationship with the conductive pattern. The signaling device is adapted to detect the presence of liquid within the absorbent article.

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: A wetness sensing system for use with an absorbent article includes a holding fixture adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer, the holding fixture including a first attachment arm having an article-facing side including a first attachment material affixed thereto, and a sensor band including a sensor and having an article-facing side including a second attachment material affixed thereto, wherein the second attachment material has an area and is in a proportion of the area to the weight of the system, and wherein the sensor band has a bending stiffness of less than 30 gf cm^2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device coupled to the holding fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, wherein the system is adapted to sense wetness within the article without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A chemical gas sensor formed from a nonwoven material is described. The gas sensor includes a flexible, gas-permeable, nonwoven web-based material substrate having a matrix that is composed of a plurality of inert thermoplastic, pulp, cellulose or staple fibers as either a major or minor portion, with a plurality of gas-sensitive fibers formed from a polymer that can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a plurality of electrically conductive fibers. The gas-sensitive fibers are intermixed with and associated spatially among a network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers, such that a change in physical morphology of said gas-sensitive fibers as a result of interacting with volatile organic compounds, causes a change in dielectric properties that disrupts said network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers. The sensor can be configured as either a resistive or a capacitive chemisensor.

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 aspect, for instance, 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 capacitive sensor disposed within the housing, the capacitive sensor adapted to sense a change in capacitance due to an insult to the absorbent article. The signaling device can include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A heating article is provided including a heating element including a first layer of nonwoven fibers mixed with conductive fibers, wherein the layer is divided to include a conductive region and a nonconductive region, wherein the conductive region extends in a co-extensive and co-planar pattern in a majority of the layer, and wherein the conductive region has first and second ends, and a power source removably coupled to the first and second ends. The first layer can include nonwoven fibers mixed with non-metallic conductive fibers. The heating article can also include a second layer superposed with the first layer, wherein the second layer is substantially free of non-metallic conductive fibers.

Abstract: A wetness sensing system for use with an absorbent article includes a holding fixture adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer, the holding fixture including a first attachment arm having an article-facing side including a first attachment material affixed thereto, and a sensor band including a sensor and having an article-facing side including a second attachment material affixed thereto, wherein the second attachment material has an area and is in a proportion of the area to the weight of the system, and wherein the sensor band has a bending stiffness of less than 30 gf cm?2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device coupled to the holding fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, wherein the system is adapted to sense wetness within the article without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: A liquid detection system includes an absorbent article for personal wear having a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The article also includes at least one graphic element, a conductive pattern at least partially superposed with the graphic element, and a barrier layer disposed between the graphic element and the conductive pattern. A non-invasive signaling device is selectively attachable to the outer cover of the absorbent article in overlying relationship with the conductive pattern. The signaling device is adapted to detect the presence of liquid within the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are described. Embodiments of the present invention empower and educate patients and their advocates, while providing proximate (and in some cases, real-time) feedback to health care workers (HCWs) regarding their compliance with known protocols that reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

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: Presented is a variety of products and apparatuses employing a conductive nonwoven web. Products and apparatuses include an RFID system, a radiofrequency shielding system, a flexible electronic circuit component, a heating element, an antenna, an electromagnetic energy shield, a membrane switch, a keypad, and a packaging system. In one embodiment, the conductive nonwoven web contains conductive carbon fibers in combination with pulp fibers and/or synthetic fibers. Electric pathways are formed into the conductive material using ultrasonic energy. The electric pathways can be used to produce various electronic devices.

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: A wetness sensing system for use with an absorbent article having an inner surface and an outer surface includes a reusable signaling device adapted to sense wetness without the use of conductors within the absorbent article, and a holding fixture adapted to be attached to the inner surface or the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer, wherein the signaling device is configured to be coupled to the holding fixture such that the signaling device is positioned adjacent the inner surface or the outer surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: A chemical gas sensor formed from a nonwoven material is described. The gas sensor includes a flexible, gas-permeable, nonwoven web-based material substrate having a matrix that is composed of a plurality of inert thermoplastic, pulp, cellulose or staple fibers as either a major or minor portion, with a plurality of gas-sensitive fibers formed from a polymer that can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a plurality of electrically conductive fibers. The gas-sensitive fibers are intermixed with and associated spatially among a network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers, such that a change in physical morphology of said gas-sensitive fibers as a result of interacting with volatile organic compounds, causes a change in dielectric properties that disrupts said network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers. The sensor can be configured as either a resistive or a capacitive chemisensor.