Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: An emergency alert bracelet assembly for inhibiting a user from being assaulted or kidnapped includes a bracelet that is wearable around a wrist of a user. A locking unit is integrated into the bracelet and the locking unit is actuated to lock the bracelet around the user's wrist to inhibit an unauthorized user from removing the bracelet from the user's wrist. A communication unit is integrated into the bracelet and the communication unit broadcasting an alert signal to contact emergency responders for assistance. A fingerprint scanner is integrated into the bracelet to scan a fingerprint. Furthermore, the locking unit is de-actuated when the fingerprint scanner scans a fingerprint of an authorized user thereby facilitating the bracelet to be removed from the user's wrist.

Abstract: An external protective interface is provided for intravenous infusion lines, drive lines, vacuum lines, and monitoring lines for percutaneous access. The interface acts as an airtight seal in concert with a vacuum line to promote accelerated tissue healing to reduce and prevent infection at insertion sites for infusion lines, drive lines, and medical devices. The interface provides additional mechanical stability to an implanted tube or PAD or so as to speed healing around a semi-permanent implanted tube or PAD, as well as connection points for vacuum lines and at least one drive line for the insertion of medical devices. The dense fibroblast ingrowth encouraged by the interface acts to strengthen barriers to infection at the insertion site.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for exchanging messages between a patient support apparatus and a headwall unit includes intelligence built into either or both of these devices (and/or a server) for detecting when a mismatch occurs between the communication capabilities of the patient support apparatus and those of the headwall unit. A warning is issued in those situations where a caregiver is relying on communication abilities that are not present in one or both of the devices. Examples of such situations include, but are not limited to, a nurse call cable not being coupled between the patient support apparatus and the nurse call system when the patient support apparatus does not have the capability to wirelessly communicate with the nurse call system. Alternatively, or additionally, the headwall unit may issue an alert to a nurse call system if it detects one or more conditions that warrant immediate caregiver attention.

Abstract: A sensor sheet of a wound monitoring and/or therapy apparatus can include one or more electrical connections. The electrical connections can include multiple conductive inks having different impedances. A track of first conductive ink having a first impedance can be coupled to an electrical connector of an electronic component. A track of second conductive ink having a second impedance can be coupled to the track of first conductive ink.

Abstract: A substrate suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article for automatic detection of wetness events therein, the substrate comprising a first surface capable of being arranged proximal to a body facing side of the absorbent article and a second surface opposite said first surface and capable of being arranged proximal to a garment facing side of said absorbent article, said substrate comprising a plurality of sensor tracks disposed on said first surface wherein said sensor tracks are in electrical communication with a clip-on data processing module when connected at a position proximal to a first end of the substrate such to form a closed electrical circuit, typically for measuring resistance, impedance and/or capacitance therethrough, wherein the substrate comprises one or more slits and an insulating layer placed over said first surface to sandwich said sensor tracks therebetween, and a pocket is formed between said first surface and said insulating layer proximal to at least said first end, said poc

Abstract: A system including a stimulation generator configured to delivery external stimulation to control or alleviate urinary or fecal incontinence. The system may also include sense electrodes configured to sense the presence of wetness. The system may provide closed loop therapy based on the presence of wetness.

Abstract: An electronic device for aggregating electronic medical records, in which electronic medical records are aggregated from multiple electronic repositories and displayed as a single set of records. The multiple electronic repositories may store records for a particular patient using varying identifying/access information to facilitate anonymous access to the electronic medical records. Emergency medical services providers may be able to access medical records for a patient using the electronic device after being authenticated as a valid/licensed medical services provider.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring wetness in a diaper or other absorbent article includes a housing that attaches to the absorbent article. The sensor may include inner and outer housing portions that capture an edge of the absorbent article between the housings. The sensor may include contacts that electrically connect with a pair of contact strips embedded in the absorbent article. The distance between the embedded strips may vary depending on the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may include multiple pairs of contacts that are spaced apart to match the distance between the contact strips for the variously sized absorbent articles. In this way, depending on the pair of contacts connected to the contact strips, the sensor may indicate the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may have a housing with a cavity and a lid that closes the cavity. The lid may be secured with a latch.

Abstract: A fluid detection system, method, and apparatus are disclosed. A fluid detection fabric includes a top layer, a middle layer, a bottom layer, a fluid detection sensor, and a control hub. The middle layer separates the top layer and bottom layer. The top layer, middle layer, and bottom layer are configured to connect electrically using a liquid pathway when liquid is present.

Abstract: A wound dressing for wireless communication with a transceiver includes a radio-frequency antenna circuit disposed on a flexible substrate, and an electrochemical moisture sensor circuit disposed on a surface of the flexible substrate. An adhesive is provided to attach the wound dressing skin of a user. The electrochemical moisture sensor is arranged between the adhesive and the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring wetness in a diaper or other absorbent article includes a housing that attaches to the absorbent article. The sensor may include inner and outer housing portions that capture an edge of the absorbent article between the housings. The sensor may include contacts that electrically connect with a pair of contact strips embedded in the absorbent article. The distance between the embedded strips may vary depending on the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may include multiple pairs of contacts that are spaced apart to match the distance between the contact strips for the variously sized absorbent articles. In this way, depending on the pair of contacts connected to the contact strips, the sensor may indicate the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may have a housing with a cavity and a lid that closes the cavity. The lid may be secured with a latch.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to techniques for coupling activation of sensor devices with use of authorized products. A system includes a sensor device. The sensor device includes a housing that attaches to an absorbent article configured to absorb and contain bodily exudates. The sensor device further includes at least one sensor formed on or within the housing configured to capture sensor data in association with wear of the absorbent article. The system also includes a processor that executes computer executable components. The computer executable components include a communication component that receives an activation code and an activation component that activates a functionality based on the receipt of the activation code.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and a sensor. The absorbent article may comprise a garment-facing layer and an absorbent assembly. The sensor may be disposed in and/or on the absorbent article. The sensor may be separable from the absorbent article. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A system includes a processor that executes computer executable components. The computer executable components include a battery monitoring component that monitors a power level of a power unit of a sensor device that removably attaches to an absorbent article configured to absorb and contain bodily exudates; and a notification component that generates a replacement notification based on a determination that the power level is below a threshold power level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting moisture that includes at least three conductors. One of the conductors has a different resistance than the other conductors. A liquid extends between the conductors. The difference between the impedance through a pair of conductors and the liquid and the impedance of through another pair of conductors and the liquid may be used to determine the position of the liquid along a length of the conductors. Similar methods may be used to determine an area of a liquid with respect to the conductors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a humidity sensor, comprising a substrate having a coating wire and at least one humidity detecting portion S, each humidity detecting portion S comprises at least two electrodes, and each of electrodes is connected to their respective coating wires, and an electrochemical medium which is electrically insulated when dry and conductive when wet is provided between electrodes. This kind of humidity sensors can be used to monitor humidity in a highly sensitive manner, especially monitor the amount and extent of urine.

Abstract: A system includes at least one wearable device configured to monitor a bladder volume of a user associated with the at least one wearable device, monitor moisture associated with the user, and transmit information regarding the bladder volume and moisture. The system also includes a display device configured to receive the information regarding the bladder volume and moisture from the at least one wearable device, and display information to the user based on the received information.

Abstract: An incontinence detection device and system is disclosed.

Abstract: A monitoring device for detecting wetness in a garment is disclosed. The monitoring device of the present disclosure includes a locking mechanism that slides back and forth relative to a clip that is removably attachable to a garment between a first position in which the locking mechanism locks the clip in a closed position and a second position in which the clip is in an open position. As the locking mechanism transitions from the first position to the second position, the locking mechanism opens the clip. Advantageously, the monitoring device of the present disclosure allows a caregiver to align and secure the monitoring device to a garment using only one hand.

Abstract: The invention provides an absorbent article comprising an indication means for indicating the presence of bodily exudates, the indication means comprising a color-changing indication means, wherein the absorbent article and the indication means form one integral unit, the article further comprising a indication device, which comprises a housing and a connection means, such that the indication device can be attached to the absorbent article and be detached from the absorbent article, wherein the indication device comprises a color sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing signals from sensors associated with disposable products are provided. Signals indicative of disposable product consumption and an available quantity of disposable products can be processed. Data associated with the signals can be communicated to an assessment module. The data can include location information associated with the disposable product consumption and available quantity of disposable products. The assessment module can estimate disposable product usage for different locations based on the data. The assessment module can provide notifications of inventory status for the different locations based on the estimated disposable product usage.

Abstract: A garment configured for detecting leakage from an absorbent article underlying the garment and methods of detecting leakage from an absorbent article using such a garment are disclosed. The garment can include a substrate and a wetness detection system. The wetness detection system can include a first wetness detection mechanism disposed at a first detection zone on the substrate. The wetness detection system can further include a second wetness detection mechanism disposed at a second detection zone on the substrate. The second detection zone can be different than the first detection zone. In preferred embodiments, the first wetness detection mechanism and the second wetness detection mechanism can be configured to sense wetness electronically.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: In one example, a sensor system of a patient monitoring system includes a voiding sensor that includes an electrical circuit configured to be transitioned from a first impedance state to a second impedance state in response to a voiding event in an absorbent region of an absorbent article worn by a patient. The sensor system also includes one or more processors configured to: determine, based on whether the impedance state of the electrical circuit is open or closed, that the voiding event has occurred; and generate, based at least in part on the occurrence of the voiding event, patient status data of the patient. The sensor system also includes a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit, via a relay module, the patient status data to a remote monitoring device that is distinct from the relay module.

Abstract: A diaper sensor for detecting and differentiating feces and urine in a diaper is described. The diaper sensor may include at least one pair of conductive elements positioned within an absorbent region of the diaper. The diaper sensor may also include a transmitter and a control circuit operatively connected to the at least one pair of conductive elements and the transmitter. The diaper sensor may further include a power source operatively connected to the control circuit. The control circuit may measure the conductivity between the at least one pair of conductive elements. The control circuit may also determine whether there is poop or pee present in the diaper using the conductivity. The control circuit may also transmit via the transmitter a signal indicative of whether there is excrement or pee present in the diaper.

Abstract: An absorbent article has one or more fluid filter layers to inhibit electrode traces from being exposed to low volumes of fluid to reduce the number of false positives that are indicated by an RFID tag of the incontinence detection pad. An antenna inlay has a sacrificial trace portion to permit testing for proper operation of an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna inlay. After testing, the sacrificial trace portion is severed. A fluid barrier layer blocks fluid from reaching portions of electrode traces that are located on a backsheet outside a periphery of an absorbent core of an incontinence detection pad. The power at which an antenna transmits to wirelessly energize a passive RFID tag of an incontinence detection pad is controlled to reduce the number of false positives indicated by the RFID tag.

Abstract: A 24-hour incontinence detection system contains a conductivity sensor being a passive device and is disposed in a vicinity of where a leak is most likely to occur. A liquid leak detection circuit is connected to the conductivity sensor and receives a resistance value sensed by the conductivity sensor. A Bluetooth transmitter is connected to the liquid detection circuit. An alarm receives a signal from the Bluetooth transmitter. The signal is representative of the output from the liquid leak detection circuit. The liquid leak detection circuit activates the alarm in dependence on the resistance value of the conductivity sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a stamper, a terminal and an operation method thereof. In performing stamp saving related to a store for a user by utilizing an electronic stamp and an application installed in the terminal, by limiting an irradiation angle of a beacon signal irradiated from the stamper and additionally applying authentication information, it is possible to prevent malicious and illegal use of stamps.

Abstract: A data capture and management system for providing an absorbent article, such as a diaper, a sanitary towel, an incontinence garment, a medical dressing and the like, with sensing and/or data logging capabilities is provided. The system includes a data logger configured to be detachably attached to or located in the vicinity of an absorbent article, a data link between the data logger and a data collection hub, and a user interface for permitting an operator to access the data collection hub from a remote location. For ease of identification, each data logger is provided with a user-friendly identifier, and the data collection hub includes a correlator that correlates the user-friendly identifier of the data logger with an IMEI number or other unique device identifier of that data logger. A method of capturing and managing incontinence data using the above system is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for predicting the local area impact of the spread of global infectious diseases are provided. The system includes: providing a global pathogen risk factors database having data related to local area vulnerability of a group of human pathogens across a plurality of areas, a global pathogen activity database having data related to the activity of the group of human pathogens in the plurality of geographies, and a global transport database having data related to travel patterns in and/or between the plurality of areas. A method of processing data in each of the databases to generate a pathogen vulnerability index, a pathogen activity index and a transportability index to generate a risk indicator indicative of the local area impact of individual global infectious diseases.

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 magnetically held diaper monitor comprises a power supply part and a control part. The power supply part comprises a lower shell, and a battery and a power circuit board embedded in the lower shell. The power circuit board is provided with a plurality of lower magnetic electrodes and two lower magnetic terminals. The control part comprises an upper shell and a control circuit board embedded in the upper shell. The control circuit board is provided with upper magnetic electrodes which are in one-to-one correspondence to the lower magnetic electrodes, and upper magnetic terminals which correspond to the lower magnetic terminals. A diaper sensor is clamped between the power supply part and the control part which are combined into a whole by attraction by means of a magnetic force and is connected to the control part via the magnetic electrodes. The control part obtains a power supply via the magnetic terminals.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system operable to gather physiological information about a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The information may be gathered from sensors, a user interface, or a hospital information system. The control system uses the data gathered to predict whether a patient is likely to be in need of care from a caregiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained electronic device for detecting and alerting of the saturation of a protection layer article used for urofecal incontinence, including at least one self-contained electrical generator module comprising an arrangement of pairs of elements having metal electrodes that are electrically connected to one another and distributed over a predetermined inner area of the article, made of zinc-copper in particular, intended for generating a current upon contact with an acidic and aqueous urofecal medium by means of a redox reaction, in order to electrically control, in a self-contained manner, the inner and outer means for giving notification of the saturation, in particular light means, sound means, or means for analogue or digital transmission of wired or wireless signals. The invention is useful in a protection layer article for urofecal incontinence for seniors or infants.

Abstract: A method for monitoring use of an absorbent product, such as an incontinence pad or a diaper, worn by a wearer is provided. The method includes obtaining, by way of a mobile device, intake information indicative of intake of fluid and/or solid material by the wearer, obtaining, by way of the mobile device, voiding information indicative of urinary and/or faecal voiding by the wearer, predicting, based on the intake and voiding information, future voiding by the wearer, and providing, by way of the mobile device, product-related information based on the prediction. In this way, the product-wearer or his caregiver can be provided with valuable information related to the use of the product, for example recommendations on when to change the product.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system operable to gather physiological information about a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The information may be gathered from sensors, a user interface, or a hospital information system. The control system uses the data gathered to predict whether a patient is likely to be in need of care from a caregiver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) moisture sensor. This moisture sensor includes one or more antenna structures having a tail. The tail is operable to transport a disturbance such as, but not limited to fluid or moisture from a monitored location wherein the antenna has an impedance and varies with proximity to the disturbance. An integrated circuit couples to the antenna structure. This IC includes a power harvesting module operable to energize the integrated circuit, an impedance-matching engine coupled to the antenna, a memory module, and a wireless communication module. The impedance-matching engine may vary a reactive component to reduce a mismatch between the antenna impedance and the IC and produce an impedance value (sensor code) representative of the reactive component impedance.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more patients has: i) a number of temperature sensors for attachment to the outer surface of an absorbent article at spaced locations for generating a number of signals indicative of the temperature measurements at such locations; ii) a transmitter for communicating the signals to a processor; iii) wherein the processor is provided with computer code which, when executed, determines whether a urination or defecation event has occurred in the absorbent article based on the temperature measurements; and iv) a display for displaying the urination or defecation event to a care-giver. An accelerometer can also be used to provide additional information of use to the caregiver in combination with incontinence information.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the electrical stimulation of a bladder of a patient including selecting a first subset of electrodes from a set of electrodes positioned adjacent to a set of nerves associated with the bladder. The set of electrodes may include one or more electrodes, each of which may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses generated by a stimulator device to the nerves. The method may further include delivering an electrical stimulation pulse through the selected first subset of electrodes and recording at least one parameter of the electrical stimulation pulse after receiving patient feedback.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing liquid discharge of a wearer when worn in the crotch region includes an absorbent core for doing the absorbing of the liquid discharge. A conductive layer is in electrical contact with the absorbent core. The article includes at least one set of first and second electrical contacts secured in intimate physical and electrical contact with the conductive layer such that when an electric potential is applied between the first and second electrical contacts, an electric current travels between them and through the conductive layer in such a way so as to follow a first relatively high impedance path along the conductive layer when the absorbent core is dry and a relatively low impedance path when the absorbent core is wet. This system allows a system verification check, even in the dry state, and the determination of the extent of the wet portion of the absorbent core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for presenting prioritized incident content. One embodiment takes the form of a method that includes receiving one or more status alerts from one or more public-safety devices associated with one or more public-safety responders. The method also includes correlating one or more of the received status alerts with one or more media sessions involving one or more of the public-safety responders. The method also includes prioritizing one or more of the media sessions based on prioritization criteria that includes the one or more status alerts correlated with those media sessions. The method also includes presenting one or more of the prioritized media sessions in a chronological view on respective user interfaces of one or more public-safety communication devices.

Abstract: A method for measuring the absorption of fluid in an absorbent product includes at least the following steps performed by a mobile device having an image capturing device: capturing at least one image of a used absorbent product; determining a measure of absorption of fluid by the product based on image information in the captured image; and displaying information relating to the use of the absorbent product based the measure of absorption of fluid on the mobile device. The method can aid a user of absorbent product to choose the right type of product for the user's individual needs.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing liquid discharge of a wearer includes conductive loops each in an open loop shape having terminal ends for electrically communicating with opposing poles of an electric potential generator such that current flows around the full conductive loop between the terminal ends when a space defined within the open loop shape is dry and such that liquid discharge in the space defined within the open loop shape is able to cause a short circuit in the conductive loop so that the current flows around a reduced impedance path. The impedance change is measurable to determine a location relative to the terminal ends where the liquid discharge has caused the short circuit. The conductive loops are oriented such that the direction in which the current travels up an outward leg of the respective conductive loop is in substantially the opposite direction for a first conductive loop as for a second conductive loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new non-invasive technique for organ, e.g., heart and lung, monitoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a subject is radiated with a non-harmful and relatively low power electromagnetic source diagnostic signal normally associated with a communications protocol such as, but not limited to a version of the IEEE 802.11(x) family of protocols in the 2.4, 3.6, or 5 GHz spectrum bands. After passing through the patient, a return signal is acquired from the patient and compared to the original source signal. The differences between the source and modified signals are then analyzed to monitor the heart, e.g., measure heart rate and detect defects within the heart, and the lung. For example, using Doppler Effect principles, heart rate and motion can be measured from the differences in frequency, phase, and/or wavelength between the source signal and the modified signal reflected back from the heart moving within the patient.

Abstract: A method is provided for dismissing or altering a user-configured alarm upon detection of the user's sleep state. The method includes associating an alarm device with the user's body by securing a wearable device to the user's wrist, placing the device in a pocket, integrating the device into the user's clothing such as a belt, or otherwise placing the device in contact with or adjacent to the user. The device includes one or more sensors for detecting physiological and/or environmental parameters such as heart, respiration, or pulse rate, body movements, eye movements, ambient light, and the like. If the user is asleep, the alarm is actuated in a typical manner. If the user is awake, the alarm is suppressed. If the user is neither asleep nor fully awake, the alarm is adjusted to provide an appropriate level of stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new non-invasive technique for organ, e.g., heart and lung, monitoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a subject is radiated with a non-harmful and relatively low power electromagnetic source diagnostic signal normally associated with a communications protocol such as, but not limited to a version of the IEEE 802.11(x) family of protocols in the 2.4, 3.6, or 5 GHz spectrum bands. After passing through the patient, a return signal is acquired from the patient and compared to the original source signal. The differences between the source and modified signals are then analyzed to monitor the heart, e.g., measure heart rate and detect defects within the heart, and the lung. For example, using Doppler Effect principles, heart rate and motion can be measured from the differences in frequency, phase, and/or wavelength between the source signal and the modified signal reflected back from the heart moving within the patient.

Abstract: A wetness notification system includes a detection unit, a clip unit and a receiver unit. The detection unit includes a sleeve body, a moisture detector, a casing, a processor, a wireless transmitter, and a battery. The processor configures the wireless transmitter to transmit a moisture signal outputted by the moisture detector when the moisture signal corresponds to a moist condition. The clip unit clips the detection unit onto the clothing article. The receiver unit includes a wireless receiver, a controller, and a notification module. When the controller receives the moisture signal via the wireless receiver, the controller drives the notification module to output a wetness notification signal.

Abstract: Provided is a band for holding a fluid detection system on a body of a wearer and methods of use thereof. The band comprises a strap having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is configured to couple to the first portion and to form a closed loop adjustable in diameter to fit around a body part of the wearer. The band further comprises a pouch configured to securely hold an alarm of the fluid detection system, and a flap configured to form a closed loop adjustable in diameter to fit the size of the alarm. The flap may include one or more openings to provide audibility and visibility of a signal produced by the alarm. The band may be securely attached to any body part including an arm, a hand, a waist, a head, a leg, a foot, a wrist, a trunk, a neck, or a chest.

Abstract: A moisture sensor unit for sending moisture in an environment includes a passive moisture sensor and two passive RFID tags. The two passive RFID tags are spaced apart from each other and disposed on opposite sides of the moisture sensor. Each of the RFID tags is electrically coupled to the moisture sensor and each of the RFID tags includes a circuit that determines an amount of moisture that is associated with the moisture sensor. Each of the RFID tags is configured to respond to a first radio frequency signal with a second radio frequency signal that includes information about the amount of moisture.