Abstract: Various embodiments relate to additive manufacturing in which the Langmuir equation can be used to predict composition in the processing. This equation can be integrated into a model with knowledge of elemental solubility and relative reactivity of relevant elements in the additive manufacturing processing. Use of thermodynamic principles can be programmed into a finite element modeling strategy integrating the Langmuir equation, coupling the thermal fields of additive manufacturing and the surrounding environments with the rules and/or equations to predict solute pickup and/or solute loss. The modeling strategy can be implemented to identify the elements in relative concentrations to be used in the additive manufacturing processing to provide for the controlled loss of certain elements to prevent absorption of unwanted elements into molten material, formed by additive manufacturing, from the atmosphere around the molten material. Additional systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to additive manufacturing in which the Langmuir equation can be used to predict composition in the processing. This equation can be integrated into a model with knowledge of elemental solubility and relative reactivity of relevant elements in the additive manufacturing processing. Use of thermodynamic principles can be programmed into a finite element modeling strategy integrating the Langmuir equation, coupling the thermal fields of additive manufacturing and the surrounding environments with the rules and/or equations to predict solute pickup and/or solute loss. The modeling strategy can be implemented to identify the elements in relative concentrations to be used in the additive manufacturing processing to provide for the controlled loss of certain elements to prevent absorption of unwanted elements into molten material, formed by additive manufacturing, from the atmosphere around the molten material. Additional systems and methods are disclosed.

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: 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: Presented is a method for quantifying breastfeeding between a mother and a baby, the method including measuring a physiological volume indicative of stomach fullness volume for the baby; setting a signal threshold value of the physiological volume to correspond to a stomach level that is less than or equal to the stomach fullness volume; obtaining an objective measurement of the physiological volume indicative of a level of fullness of the baby's stomach; and providing an indication to the mother when the objective measurement equals or exceeds the signal threshold value. In one embodiment, for instance, the baby's swallows may be recorded for determining the volume of breast milk consumed by the baby.

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: A monitor, for use with an absorbent article having a wetness sensor, includes a power management system. The monitor may include a hinge, a housing, and a power management system. The power management system may include an integrally activated and deactivated power circuit. The power circuit includes a first contact associated with the hinge and a second contact associated with the housing. The first contact is electrically connected with the second contact when the monitor is in a closed condition. The first contact is electrically disconnected with the second contact when the monitor is in an open condition. A monitor having a power management system may further include an attachment circuit and/or a continuity circuit.

Abstract: A monitor, for use with an absorbent article having a wetness sensor, includes a microprocessor and a current source, the microprocessor forms part of a wetness monitoring circuit and part of a continuity monitoring circuit. A method of providing a system for monitoring an absorbent article with a wetness sensor includes programming a microprocessor to (1) provide notification when the monitor is not electrically connected with the wetness sensor, (2) provide notification when the monitor is electrically connected with the wetness sensor, and (3) provide notification when the absorbent article is wet.

Abstract: A method for assisting a caregiver who is addressing a lack of urination control in a subject includes manufacturing a plurality of wetness sensing systems, each including a plurality of wetness sensing components; providing the wetness sensing systems to a plurality of geographically-distributed retail outlets; and increasing consumer awareness of the wetness sensing systems by promoting the wetness sensing systems through a plurality of channels.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising one or more sensors capable of detecting the presence of a body waste in the absorbent article are described. In particular, the absorbent articles comprise at least one chemiresistor capable of detecting the presence of volatile organic compounds associated with a body waste.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an insult in an absorbent article. An electrical property of the article is measured and digitized. To detect an insult, the digital values are used by a microprocessor to determine at least one of the following: (a) a slope in the electrical property compared to a threshold value; (b) a comparison of the electrical property over a period of time to a threshold value; and/or (c) a comparison of the electrical property to a determined threshold value.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head having a cleaning device, a control handle connected to the cleaning head for controlling the cleaning head and a micro power source in communication with the cleaning device. The micro power source is lightweight, compact, and rechargeable or replaceable for generating energy to power the cleaning device.

Abstract: A system for analyzing biological waste in an undergarment includes a mannequin with a simulated skin surface. An evacuation port is formed in the mannequin for eliminating a simulated human excretory product from the mannequin. A plurality of sensors is located about the evacuation port to sense the excretory product as it is eliminated through the evacuation port into an undergarment placed on the mannequin. A computer in communication with the sensors converts the sensed excretory product into a dispersion pattern for analysis.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an insult in an absorbent article. An electrical property of the article is measured and either a proportional difference or a rate of change of the electrical property is determined. The proportional difference or the rate of change is compared to a difference indicator value and a rate indicator value, respectively, to determine the presence of an insult in the article.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of an insult in an absorbent article is disclosed. The amount of time that elapses between the activation of an alarm and the determination of the presence of a subsequent insult is determined. This elapsed time is compared to a time threshold value and either an insult alarm or a saturation alarm is activated as a function of the comparison. After activation of the alarm for an alarm period, the electrical property of the article is determined at a second time occurring at least a preset period after the end of the alarm period to allow the electrical property to stabilize before determining the electrical property.