Abstract: A subsea data switch is provided. The subsea data switch includes a subsea housing, a data switching unit disposed in the subsea housing, and at least three termination assemblies for terminating at least three subsea cables) to the subsea data switch. In an embodiment, each subsea cable includes a data line, the data lines of the at least three subsea cables being connected to the data switching unit. The data switching unit is configured to provide data switching between the at least three connected data lines.

Abstract: A device for detecting and signalising a leakage in a double-walled conduit system of a heat exchanger for heating fresh water by way of heat from waste water in the sanitary field as well as a heat exchanger including such a device. The device has an elastic element and a signalisation unit, wherein the elastic element is essentially liquid-tight and the signalisation unit is configured to generate an acoustic signal and the signalisation unit is activatable by way of a mechanical deformation of the elastic element.

Abstract: A building monitoring computer system for monitoring building integrity may be provided. Various types of sensors may be embedded throughout or within certain portions of different types of building or construction material making up the building, such as within roofing, foundation, or structural materials. The sensors may be in wireless communication with a home controller. The sensors may be water, moisture, temperature, vibration, or other types of sensors, and may detect unexpected or abnormal conditions within the home. The sensors and/or home controller may transmit alerts to a mobile device of the home owner associated with the unexpected condition, and/or that remedial actions may be required to repair the home or mitigate further damage to the home. The sensor data may also be communicated to an insurance provider remote server to facilitate the insurance provider communicating insurance-related recommendations, updating insurance policies, or preparing insurance claims for review for home owners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting liquid in a textile article using one or more flexible sensors integrated in the textile article. The sensor data is forwarded to a computing device via a communication link by an interface element associated with the textile article. The computing device detects a location of liquid in the textile article proximate to the one or more flexible sensors based on a determination that a criterion is met.

Abstract: An automatic flotation deployment system for mobile devices is disclosed herein. The floatation device automatically deploys when a mobile electronic device is submerged. The device includes sensors for detecting submersion in liquid, namely water. When the sensors detect submersion, automatic activation of a floatation bladder is activated as well as a signal for the mobile electronic device flashlight to begin flashing at repeated intervals. The floatation device can be located in an interior compartment in the rear of a mobile electronic device with a release door used when activated. A carbon dioxide cartridge is utilized for bladder inflation. Future versions can be manufactured for use with mobile electronic device cases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rain sensor detecting the size of rain drops based on optical effects. The rain sensor is mounted on a first surface of a pane in order to detect the amount of moisture on an opposing second surface of the pane. The rain sensor comprises at least one emitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation, directed from the first surface to the second surface to form at least two rain-sensitive areas on the second surface At least one receiver is included for sensing radiation emitted by the emitter and that has been internally reflected at the rain-sensitive areas. The rain sensor generates an output signal indicative of an amount of moisture on the rain-sensitive area. A control unit calculates a minimal droplet size based on the output signal.

Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system that is integrated with the water heater. The leak detection system includes a channel that extends circumferentially around the water heater. In one example, the channel is built into the water heater. In another example, the channel is formed by a sensor bracket that is coupled to the water heater. Further, the leak detection system includes a sensor assembly that is configured to detect water that leaks from the water heater. The sensor assembly includes a leak sensor and/or a wicking tube. The wicking tube is disposed around at least a portion of the leak sensor. Further, the wicking tube is disposed in the continuous channel and extends circumferentially along the water heater to create a circumferential area of leak detection around the water heater.

Abstract: A system includes: at least one resistive humidity sensor disposed on a window of a vehicle and configured to detect a presence of fog formed on a surface of the window and to output a signal indicating whether the presence of fog formed on the surface of the window has been detected; a defogging unit equipped in the vehicle and configured to defog the window of the vehicle; and a controller coupled to the at least one resistive humidity sensor and the defogging unit and configured to receive the signal from the at least one resistive humidity sensor, to determine whether fog has formed on the surface of the window based on the received signal, and to actuate the defogging unit when it is determined that fog has formed on the surface of the window.

Abstract: An intruder alarm and disorienting device for home security includes a housing that defines an interior space. A battery and microprocessor are coupled to the housing and are positioned in the interior space. A sensor, a horn, and a plurality of bulbs are coupled to a front of the housing. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the battery, the sensor, the bulbs, and the horn. The sensor is configured to detect an intruder who enters an area proximate to the front of the housing and to signal the microprocessor, positioning the microprocessor to sound the horn and to strobe the bulbs to disorient the intruder and to alert a user.

Abstract: A self-heating anti-ice-snow LED working lamp comprising a rear shell, a printed circuit board, a lens/reflector cup, a front cover, a mounting support and a power cord; the rear shell and the front cover are connected in a matched mode; the printed circuit board, the lens/reflector cup and an electric heating glass are sequentially arranged on the inner side of the rear shell from the inside out; a waterproof rubber ring is arranged between the lens/reflector cup and the electric heating glass; a pair of electrodes is symmetrically arranged on the electric heating glass; a temperature controller is arranged on the inner side surface of the electric heating glass; the lamp cover is an electric heating glass with a high transparency.

Abstract: The nozzle clog detection device, system, and method detect if a liquid flows through a nozzle via conduction of electricity. The clog detector provides an open circuit at an opening between two conductors. The two conductors are placed in the flow path of a liquid flowing from a nozzle. The liquid from the nozzle conducts electricity. The liquid flowing through the opening between the conductors closes the circuit. An alert system notifies the user whether liquid is flowing through the nozzle. The system detects flow of liquid from multiple nozzles and identifies the nozzles from which liquid flows. A break in the circuit at the opening between the conductors indicates that the liquid is not flowing sufficiently enough to close the circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting liquid in a textile article using one or more flexible sensors integrated in the textile article. The sensor data is forwarded to a computing device via a communication link by an interface element associated with the textile article. The computing device detects a location of liquid in the textile article proximate to the one or more flexible sensors based on a determination that a criterion is met.

Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.

Abstract: A fault-detection method, system, and device for a cryosurgical system that avoids a false-positive detection of a fault condition, such as fluid ingress within the system. The fault-detection mechanism may generally include a driver having an active mode and an inactive mode, the driver generating an output signal when the driver is in active mode, a detector, the detector capable of receiving the driver output signal, and a detector verification controller in communication with the driver and the detector, the detector verification controller changing the driver from the active mode to the inactive mode when the detector receives the driver output signal. The controller may determine a true fault condition if the controller determines there is a correlation between the signal received by the detector and the driver output signal. All other possible fault conditions may be ignored if the controller determines that the signals are not correlated.

Abstract: An axial piercing mechanism for a pressurized gas canister includes a housing, electric motor assembly, pushrod assembly, and lancet. The housing defines one or more radial exhaust ports and coaxial internal cavities. The electric motor assembly and pushrod assembly are disposed in the respective first and second cavities. The pushrod assembly is coupled to the electric motor assembly and is rotatably driven along the longitudinal axis thereby. The lancet is coupled to the pushrod assembly. The housing includes a second end that receives or couples to a sealed end of the pressurized gas canister proximate the lancet such that the electric motor assembly, when energized, causes the pushrod assembly and lancet to translate along the longitudinal axis, pierce a sealed end/diaphragm of the canister, and release pressurized gas through the exhaust port. A system includes the axial piercing mechanism and the pressurized gas canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater switch unit for voltage supply of electrical devices (11), particularly in the low voltage range, having a housing (19) which is preferably designed to be water-tight, in which an electronics unit (2) is arranged, by means of which an input voltage, which can be connected via an input connection of the underwater switch unit (14), can be distributed in parallel to a plurality of output connections (16) of the underwater switch unit (14), wherein at least two of the output connections (16) can be supplied with voltage separate from each other via at least one switch element (7, 8) of the underwater switch unit (14), and wherein the uncontrolled underwater switch unit (14) comprises a data bus connection having a related data bus interface, via which an informational signal concerning the voltage connection of an output connection (16) can be detected.

Abstract: A rain and fog testing apparatus, comprising a fluid channel that runs between a first fluid shutoff coupler and a second fluid shutoff coupler and has at least one dispersion head fluidly coupled to the fluid channel. A liquid pump can be fluidly coupled to the fluid channel at an output end. A liquid heater may also be fluidly coupled to the system along with a controller that provides electrical control of the first fluid shutoff coupler, the second fluid shutoff coupler, the dispersion head, the liquid pump, and the heater. Further, the second fluid shutoff coupler is capable of fluidly coupling a first fluid channel to a plurality of fluid channels and the controller can adjust the orientation of the first fluid shutoff coupler, the second fluid shutoff coupler, the dispersion head, the liquid pump, and the liquid heater to create a simulation of a plurality of rain or fog events.

Abstract: A water heater pressure relief valve alarm monitors the state of a discharge pipe of a water heater and produces an audible alarm upon detection of water being discharged through the pipe. A clamp with a pipe receiving aperture is removably attached to the pipe. A sensor is positioned adjacent to the pipe receiving aperture. A housing connected to the clamp contains a signal processing circuit, a sound producing device and a battery. The signal processing circuit receives a signal from the sensor and activates the sound producing device upon detection of discharge from the pipe.

Abstract: An electrical heating device including a heating resistor including a contacting device connecting the heating resistor to a current source. The contacting device includes a main electrode and a plurality of branch electrodes. The main electrode distributes current from the current source to a plurality of branch electrodes. The heating resistor includes one or more fire retardant recesses. The heating device includes one or more tire propagation blocker strips extending transversely to at least one of the plurality of branch electrodes.

Abstract: A toy vehicle assembly includes a housing structured to resemble a vehicle. A plurality of wheels is rotatably coupled to the housing such that each of the wheels may roll along a support surface. A sponge is positioned within the housing wherein the sponge may retain a fluid within the housing. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is engaged by a user such that the actuator urges the sponge onto the wheels. Thus, the sponge deposits the fluid onto the wheels wherein the wheels may leave skid marks on the support surface when the housing is rolled along the support surface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a surface and a pneumatic system cooperating to provide a microclimate system for reducing moisture at the interface of a patient and the surface. The patient support apparatus further includes a graphical user interface and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to adjust operation of the microclimate system in response to sensor outputs from sensors included in the microclimate system and caregiver inputs from the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating sensory element members are disclosed. The absorbent articles may be disposable pant like garments designed to assist urinary toilet training such as of young children. Upon urination by the wearer, the article produces a feedback response which is transmitted to the wearer by the sensory element member. Wetness based, temperature based and other feedback responses are disclosed. The feedback response should be immediate and unmistakable to the wearer and also be temporary and harmless.

Abstract: A safety device for attachment to a flotation device is disclosed comprising a light source, a housing, an actuator mounted within the housing and slideable between a first position wherein the light source is not illuminated and a second position wherein the light source is illuminated. The actuator further comprises a raised boss engageable from outside of the housing, a lanyard at least a portion of which is outside of the housing and a water activated switch wherein when the device is submerged in water, the water activated switch completes an electrical circuit illuminating said light source. The lanyard is releasably connected to an end of the actuator using a separable interconnection assembly. When the lanyard is pulled, the actuator moves from the first position to the second position and on reaching the second position the separable interconnection assembly separates thereby disengaging the lanyard from the actuator.

Abstract: A domestic water leak and humidity detection and control apparatus to monitor and detect water leaks and to alert a user by an aural buzzer and by illuminated green, red, or yellow LEDs of an operative state of the apparatus incorporates one or more sensor sets, each sensor set having one or more leak detectors connected to a central controller; the central controller having for each sensor set a respective comparator set and a respective LED set, and the central controller connected to and controlling the aural buzzer and controlling a water valve to control water leaks originating from a domestic water supply by electrically controlling the water valve.

Abstract: An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument.

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 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: An excrement detection sensor in which two pairs of conductors 1, 2 and 3, 4 are formed between a carrier body 6 and a coating body 7 both having water-proof property and insulating property, wherein the cover body is formed with an urine introduction port 8 correlating the paired conductors and with a faeces introduction port 9 correlating the other paired conductors, and when urine enters into the urine introduction ports, the one pair of the conductors are short-circuited and when faeces enters into the faeces introduction ports, the other one pair of the conductors are short-circuited, whereby the urination and the evacuation can be distinctively detected.

Abstract: An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument.

Abstract: An environmentally protected switch for activating a signalling device, such as a light source, powered by a battery and adapted for use with a conductive fluid. The switch comprises an open ended housing and a sensing element received within the housing along a longitudinal axis thereof, a tip of the sensing element being substantially flush with the open end. The sensing element is coupled to the signalling device for providing an electrical path connecting the battery and the signalling device. Upon submersion of the switch into the fluid and agitation of the switch, a surface tension at an interface between the fluid and the open end is broken and fluid penetrates the housing up to a predetermined depth to enable an electrical current to flow within the sensing element for closing the electrical path and activating the signalling device.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a backsheet having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation aspect, which sensation aspect may be provided between the core and the topsheet. The sensation aspect may be, for example, a temperature sensation aspect. A visible indicator may be associated with the sensation aspect.

Abstract: A power transfer apparatus includes: a casing into which liquid is injected; two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with the liquid within the casing; and a power source configured to emit a current into the liquid with each of the two metal plates as an electrode; with power being supplied from the power source to a functional module to be mounted within the casing through the liquid such that each of two electrodes comes into contact with the liquid; and with the functional module being mounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metal plates to the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for removably attaching one or more electronic components to an article of clothing. Opposing magnets and attachment members for the magnets are placed on opposite sides of clothing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: A battery operated moisture indicator for selective attachment to an existing diaper worn by a baby, having an audible alarm and having a liquid crystal display bulb, for providing an audible alert and a visual alert, respectively, when the diaper has been wet by the baby. The circuit includes a mechanism for selectively activating the alarm and the liquid crystal display bulb when an aqueous electrolyte-containing solution has wetted the diaper. The moisture indicator is provided with a diaphanous sac having a clip for selectively attaching the moisture indicator to the external surface of the front of an existing diaper, thereby providing a moisture indicator that is comfortable for a baby to wear.

Abstract: A personal care monitoring system is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, the monitoring system may include a wetness sensor configured to detect a wetness event occurring within an associated diaper, and a human life sensor configured to detect presence of human life relative to the associated diaper. A monitoring unit having a system controller in communication with the wetness and human life sensors may be utilized in such a manner that the system controller monitors the wetness and human life sensors and generates data associated with detected wetness events and presence of human life relative to the associated diaper.

Abstract: A leakage response system for an appliance includes a leakage sensor which is operative to change an electrical parameter upon contact by a conductive liquid, a controller circuit electrically coupled with the strip for generating an activation signal in response to contact of the strip by a conductive liquid and a response device coupled with the controller circuit and activated by the signal. The sensor includes a mat which is constructed of top and bottom outer layers of electrically conductive fabric separated by a central nonconductive fabric layer; and a pair of fusing layers fusing the top and bottom layers to the central nonconductive layer. The sensor may also include a pair of conductive pins for installation into a surface for detecting moisture hidden within the surface. The response device may include an audible alarm and/or a valve for shutting off the water flow in the appliance water supply line.

Abstract: An ink system is disclosed which includes a broken bag sensing feature for use with conductive ink. The ink system preferably includes an ink containment bag with a metallized layer insulated from the bag interior; a first electrical contact with the metallized layer; a second electrical contact communicating with conductive ink contained within the ink containment bag; an electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts; and a measurement device for measuring an electrical characteristic between the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A wetness monitoring system for a disposable diaper includes an elongated compliant sensor installable within the front portion of the diaper and having an inner conductive layer, a hydrophilic porous middle layer containing a water-soluble ionizable salt, and an outer conductive layer. The several layers are non-conductively interbonded at discontinuous sites. The upper extremity of the sensor provides electrical connector terminals. When urine contacts the sensor, the salt dissolves to form a highly conductive volume of solution that causes an electrical short circuit between inner and outer layers. The short circuit enables a low voltage direct current to activate an alarm mechanism.

Abstract: A fail-safe leak detection and flood prevention apparatus includes an induced current, transconductive darlington amplifier and tuned-frequency standing water detector mounted at a lowest point of a potential leak plane for sensing variations of standing water conditions on the potential leak plane, and an induced current amplifier in communication with the standing water detector. A sensitivity control device for controlling sensitivity of the standing water detector for humidity, or dampness, level and for detecting a standing water leak; the sensitivity control device being in communication with the induced current amplifier. A latching relay driver connected to the sensitivity control device with the latching relay driver being able to memorize a leak condition when electrical power is lost. A control rectifier driven by the latching relay driver, with the control rectifier driving a 120-volt AC line voltage load.

Abstract: A body fluid leak sensing device adapted for correctly informing only a caretaker of a leak of body fluid. The sensing device is miniaturized so as to properly operate in any worn state. A liquid sensor applicable to the body fluid leak sensing device is disposable and highly sensitive to even a small amount of body fluid. A sensor (1) comprises a water absorber (11) formed of a porous material with a high electrical resistance and an insulating coating film (14) on which the ends (12a, 13a) of the electrodes (12, 13) are secured at its sides and spaced from each other in such a way that one end (11a) of the water absorber (11) is exposed. There are provided means for detecting leak of body fluid by measuring the resistance of the sensor (1) and means for informing according to the detection.