Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a training pant includes wetness indicating graphics that provide an interactive training aid. The interactive graphics can include a permanent character graphic and one or more active object graphics, which “appear” or “disappear” from view in response to exposure to urine or the environment. Various mechanisms are employed to conceptually and/or visually separate the permanent character graphic from the interactive wetness indicating graphic, such that the character graphic remains independent in the child's mind from the process of toilet training.

Abstract: Circuitry for providing playback of an audio message responsive to activation of a device is provided. The playback circuitry and storage for the voice signal may be provided in the form of a module that plugs into a receptacle in the device, and receives an activation signal and electrical power from the device. In some embodiments, the module may be recorded by an instructor or clinician for instructional or therapeutic purposes and changed as a subject progresses. In other embodiments the module may be prerecorded and selected depending on a situation. Applications range from instructional audio messages in a toothbrush or rental car, to advertising modules responsive to proximity of a potential customer or instructions in a medical device such as a defibrillator or glucose monitor. In another embodiment, the module may record audio responsive to activation of a driver upon which a crime is being committed, such as a carjacking.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: A seat face part 20 of a chair 1 is provided with a stimulating coil 3. A projection 10 is made on the top of the stimulating coil 3. When a treated patient sits in the chair 1, the anus of the treated patient is placed on the top of the projection 10, whereby the treated patient can be made to sit at the optimum position for urinary incontinence treatment relative to the stimulating coil 3.

Abstract: A moisture detection system (11) of the invention provides a disposable wicked dual electrode strip as a sensor wick and conductor assembly (31) which can be used in conjunction with any type of diaper or garment. The dual electrode strip includes two conductive strips (41, 43) which have a wick located in contact with the conductive strips. Even a small amount of urine is absorbed by the wick and distributed between the conductive strips to quickly change the resistance between the strips. A detector/transmitter (35) engages the sensor wick and conductor assembly (31), and can use the sensor wick and conductor assembly (31) as a transmitting antenna for increased range at low power, to alert a receiver (13) carried by a care giver.

Abstract: An electrical wetness sensor powered by the electrogalvanic action of an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. In the preferred embodiment the electrolyte is urine and the device is used to warn of incontinence. This device contains the following features: sensitivity to wetness; electrical battery-less operation; hermetic and permanent sealing; no-maintenance operation; portability, inexpensiveness, and disposableness. The alarm unit may be configured to produce a visual and/or audible signal. In the preferred embodiment the alarm unit transmits a signal to a remote FM radio receiver or dedicated device to announce incontinence. Incontinence is announced by a tone, visual signal, silencing of the radio station the receiver is tuned to, or activation of a microphone within the alarm unit to allow remote listening. Any or all of these indications may be designed into the device and are discussed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring patient bedding zone means, which include providing monitoring means spaced from the bedding zone means; providing ducting communicating between the bedding zone means and the monitoring means; effecting air flow via the ducting from the bedding zone means to the monitoring means, and operating the monitoring means to detect waste gaseous contents in the air flow.

Abstract: Devices and methods to simply prompt and record medical events provide improved medical treatment devices and methods. A hand-held electronic device can prompt patients regarding and train patients in a medical event. Physicians or other health care workers can program pre-determined time intervals for scheduled medical events into the device. An alarm can prompt the patients regarding the scheduled medical events at the pre-determined time intervals. Patients can enter scheduled and non-scheduled medical events into the device. The health care workers can access this information from the device directly or the information can be downloaded to an office personal computer for permanent recording in the patient's chart. In another embodiment, the device can determine a compliance rate based upon the occurrence of the medical events. This compliance rate can be compared with a pre-determined target rate.

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: 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: A leakpoint wetness sensor for urological investigations including an instrument having a passage therethrough to pass a catheter intended for insertion into the bladder through the urethra. A temperature sensitive reference sensor mounted to the body and exposed to and responsive to ambient temperature. A receptacle in the body so disposed and arranged to receive liquid which leaks from the urethra past the catheter. A temperature sensitive detector sensor mounted to the body where it will be contacted by the leaked liquid and detector sensor being responsive to the temperature of the liquid. A circuit device is responsive to outputs from the sensors to provide a response reflective of a difference between the temperatures when the detector sensor is wetted by leaked liquid.

Abstract: A bowel and bladder training system is provided. A sensor strip is constructed of a tissue paper-type or other woven or sheet material having conductive sensor threads longitudinally positioned in the strip. A pocket may be formed at one end of the strip for holding a microprocessor-based indicator which is coupled to the sensor threads. The microprocessor may have several modes of operation including a vibration mode, an audio mode, and a visible mode, these modes activated when the sensor threads are bridged by bodily fluids containing electrolytes. Additionally, one of the modes may activate a voice module that is replacable or rerecordable with a personalized instructional or educational message.

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: 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 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 portable multi-purpose device for monitoring patient movement in a number of different ways. The device includes a data processor programmed to respond to signals from multiple different external sensors that easily connect to the device through a jack in the device housing. If patient movement beyond a limit is sensed, the device generates an alarm for an attendant. To sense the different types of patient movement, one sensor is simply substituted for another. Examples of sensors include tether, door monitoring, and weight sensors. The device protects against unauthorized disabling of the sensors by sounding an alarm if a sensor is unplugged from the device impermissibly. The device provides power to sensors that require power to operate, reducing the need for additional power sources. The device also stores patient data (e.g., number of alarms, time before attendance response, etc.) during a given time period for evaluating a patient's care.

Abstract: A body waste detector that includes a gas sensor adapted to detect the presence of at least one of gas associated with urine and gas associated with solid body waste and an indicator, operably connected to the gas sensor, adapted to provide an indication that waste has been detected. The detector may be used in combination with a remote alarm unit.

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: 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: 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 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 attaching to and detecting wetness in diapers. The device including a pair of probes (28) supported on a module box (10) slidably mounted between the guides (36) of a slide section (34). The device is attachable to the diaper (56) by sliding the module box (10) toward the slide section (34) such as to trap a fold of the fabric item between the probes (28) and the slide section (34). The module box (10) contains a signal circuit (14) which is activated when wetness is present between the probes (28) in the fold of the fabric item. The signal can be a melody playing IC chip or LCD time display, or both.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting urine includes an electric circuit for activating an indicator, having a break in continuity bordered by a pair of electrodes, a sheet of material for absorbing and retaining urine to permit the urine to provide a conductive path to complete the circuit and activate the indicator, two lead members attached to the sheet of material, the lead members being in a spaced apart relationship from each other, and a mechanism for snap fastening or magnetically fastening each electrode to one lead member. The mechanism for snap fastening includes a male or female snap fastener half attached to one electrode and a female or male snap fastener half attached to the sheet of material and in electrical contact with one lead member, wherein the male snap fastener half can be removably inserted into the female snap fastener half to establish electrical contact between the electrode and the lead member.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (10), which is connected to a sampling/recording meter (14), is imbedded in a diaper (22). The meter measures and records the temperature of the sensor at time intervals of, for example, one minute over a predetermined period of, for example, three days. The temperature and time data are then loaded from the meter to a computer (30), which causes a printer (40) to plot temperature versus time data in graphical format, and numerical format. Voiding events are identified. Thereafter, at a short time before the person will void, the person can voluntarily use a toilet or bed pan either alone or with the assistance of care giver. This voluntary voiding is an example of intervention. The meter includes an event button (44) that allows the recording and later printing of a symbol representing a specific event and the time the event occurred. The symbols may be used in identifying voiding events.

Abstract: A device for signaling a wet condition in a diaper (12). The device includes a sensing means (10) for sensing wet conditions in the diaper (12) and signal means (15) connected to the sensing means (10) for producing a signal substantially concurrently with sensing the wet conditions in the diaper (12). The sensing means (10) are insulated from the wearer when the diaper (12) is dry and are activated by the diaper (12) once the diaper (12) becomes wet.

Abstract: A compact self-contained bedwetting alarm uses intermittent vibration to awaken the user. Sensors on the surface of the alarm enclosure sense the presence of urine and activate a low frequency vibration. The vibration is turned on and off by a timer so that the user is not lulled to sleep by the vibration. The alarm may be worn in close proximity to the source of urine. There are no external wires to entangle, and the position of the alarm close to the source of urine reminds the user to control the emission of urine when the alarm is on.

Abstract: An monitoring system for detecting urine includes an electric circuit for activating an indicator, having a break in continuity bordered by a pair of electrodes, a lead member extending from each electrode, the lead members being in a spaced apart relationship from each other, and a sheet of hydrophilic material extending over and resting against the lead members for absorbing and retaining urine to permit the urine to provide a conductive path between the lead members to complete the circuit and activate the indicator. The indicator is either a light or a sound generator. The system may additionally include a flexible sheet of waterproof material to which the lead members are joined. The flexible sheet of waterproof material optionally fits into a pocket of a bed pad. The system may additionally include a heat sensor for monitoring the temperature of a person resting against the sheet of hydrophilic material.

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. When the diaper is changed, the detector and alarm assembly is decoupled from the strip for reuse and the strip is discarded along with the soiled diaper.

Abstract: A device for signaling a wet condition in a diaper. The device includes a sensing means for sensing wet conditions in the diaper and signal means connected to the sensing means for producing a signal substantially concurrently with sensing the wet conditions in the diaper. The sensing means are insulated from the wearer when the diaper is dry and are activated by the diaper once the diaper becomes wet.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (10), which is connected to a sampling/recording meter (14), is imbedded in a diaper (22). The meter measures and records the temperature of the sensor at time intervals of, for example, one minute over a predetermined period of, for example, three days. The temperature and time data are then loaded from the meter to a computer (30), which causes a printer (40) to plot temperature versus time data in graphical format, and numerical format. Voiding events are identified. Thereafter, at a short time before the person will void, the person can voluntarily use a toilet or bed pan either alone or with the assistance of care giver. This voluntary voiding is an example of intervention. The meter includes an event button (44) that allows the recording and later printing of a symbol representing a specific event and the time the event occurred. The symbols may be used in identifying voiding events.

Abstract: A bed covering device provides monitoring signals responsive to movement and urination of a person lying upon a bed. The device is constructed of a fitted bedsheet having a perimeter adapted to embrace a mattress, a waterproof sheet disposed above the fitted bedsheet, moisture detectors disposed upon the upper surface of the waterproof sheet, and pressure sensors disposed upon the lower surface of the waterproof sheet. The moisture and pressure sensors generate electrical signals that can be used for monitoring or alerting purposes.

Abstract: A patient monitoring device for notifying through an alarm, a nurse or health care provider of a wet or distressed condition of a patient that involves a detecting pad for a bed or wheelchair to conduct an electric current when wet with urine. The monitoring device that is hard wired in one embodiment to provide for alerting a nurse at a nurses station of a bed ridden patient's wet condition and in a wheelchair embodiment to notify through a ratio linkage, a nurse of patient's wet condition or that the wheelchair has tipped over.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for detecting the moisture content of material such as a diaper using a change in bulk dielectric constant. More particularly, the invention relates to a moisture sensing device which provides an accurate indication of the moisture content of a material such as a diaper when merely placed in the vicinity of the diaper. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a hand-held device which can be readily transported and which can detect diaper moisture without piercing the diaper or attaching electrodes directly to the diaper.

Abstract: A programmed computer having an integral speech synthesizer and pre-programmed scripts conducts interactive methods of treating a person suffering from enuresis. The computer, preferably at the bedside of the person being treated, communicates with the person by means of a display panel, a plurality of input keys, and synthesized speech. The computer uses primarily uttered procedural instructions and verbal rewards, such as congratulatory statements, and visual displays to conduct the treatment methods. The person communicates selections and responses to the computer by means of the key. The computer receives RF signals broadcast from two sources: a device for sensing wetness which attaches to the underpants of the person, and a momentary remote key preferably located next to or on a toilet. The signals are encoded to enable the computer to distinguish between the sources.

Abstract: An apparatus which detects urination by a user includes a urine sensing pad for placement over the pubic and/or perianal areas of a user. The sensing pad includes a pair of electrodes on a backing sheet, and an absorbent cover sheet which is glued or heat sealed to the backing sheet. An indicator box is carried by the user and coupled to the sensing pad for generating a digitally encoded signal when urine moistens the pad and completes a circuit which includes the electrodes. Either a local alarm or remote signal is triggered by the indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a diagnostic and biofeedback study and treatment of enuresis having an undergarment to be worn by the patient and sensors for detecting the presence of urine positioned thereon, a monitoring device with a time keeping component, a computer chip for recording the time of each detected enuresis incident, an alarm generating component having several operating modes and a power source component. Further, the apparatus has wires for electrically interconnecting the sensors and the monitoring device, and a clip for attaching the monitoring device to the undergarment.

Abstract: An apparatus for specific fluid detection in prophylactic prognosis of a medical condition known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, that in one embodiment features a casing which is removably affixable to a sensor configured for receiving and transmitting the information of manifestation of micturition to an embodied acquisitioning accommodation embracing a variable frequency oscillator, the output of which interconnects with a signal converter conceptualized to transition a switching provision into energizing a built-in alarm system consequential to the signal converter's having sampled and found the oscillator's frequency to be representative of a manifestation of micturition in precursor to a CNS agonal episode derived laryngospasm attack, while in another embodiment, a switching structure provides for the energizing of an alarm configuration that injects its modulation into the signal circuitry of a baby listening device, and in yet another embodiment, provides for the switching on of a code modulator and t

Abstract: A wetness detection system for detecting dampness in diapers or other articles of clothing includes a detector/transmitter which is attachable to the diaper or clothing. The detector/transmitter produces and transmits a signal when no urine or other conductive matter is present in the diaper or clothing, and this signal is received by and retransmitted from a retransmitting station which may, for example, be located on the bed of the person wearing the diaper or clothing. The retransmitted signal is ultimately received at a central station for alerting an attendant when a wetness condition is detected. Since signals are transmitted when no urine is present, the absence of signals over some predetermined period of time indicates that wetness is present.

Abstract: A urine-detecting device adapted to be associated with a baby's diaper detects and signals the presence of urine after a sufficient time delay from the initiation of urination so as not to interfere with the baby's act of urination. The signal is audio and optionally with visual. The device is aiming at safety, compactedness and convenience. It combines sensing means and fastening means with signalling means attached to it. A fastening means such as a safety pin with spaced apart electrical conductors on it is used to engage the device to a diaper. When urine bridges the space between the conductive a detection circuit is completed which activates the signal.