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 method and system for an early warning detection of bioterrorism events includes obtaining temperature readings from a statistical sample of individuals in a community, and comparing the individual readings to one or more detection thresholds spaced apart by predetermined values with at least one of the thresholds being below the normally accepted temperature range defined as a low-grade fever. The comparison is then used to identify and evaluate a community's potential infection by a biological warfare agent so that early therapeutic action may be taken.

Abstract: An elimination-absorber monitoring system addresses diaper-monitoring problems with a unique, low cost, multi-layer disposable sensor structure that absorbs small volumes of urine, yet allows most urine volume to flow unimpeded through it, and into the diaper below. When connected with a reusable, miniature monitor/indicator unit, the sensor presents a clear and on-going change of measurement condition upon experiencing a rapid influx into the diaper of a significant volume of urine, and/or upon a significant reduction in the available absorbency of the diaper's top surface. The sensor additionally provides recessed, protected elements for similarly presenting a clear and on-going change in measurement condition upon experiencing the presence of fecal matter. Further provided is the monitor unit employing narrow, widely-spaced, fast rise-time, fast transition-time pulses for conductivity measurement and alarm activation.

Abstract: Cameras 31, 32 take images of an image space around a door. A distance calculation unit 33 calculates the distance to an object in the taken images. A coordinate transformation unit 34 detects the three-dimensional position of the object in the image space. The image space covered by the cameras 31, 32 is divided into a plurality of voxels. Some of these voxels are optionally set as constituents of the detection area. A judgement unit 36 judges whether the detected three-dimensional position of the object locates within or outside the detection area. If the object is present within the detection area, an output unit 37 produces an object detection signal, so that the door is allowed to open.

Abstract: A patient fluid discharge monitoring method and apparatus includes at least one article configured to be worn by a patient, the article having absorbent material and a RF tag received adjacent the absorbent material. The RF tag is excited with an excitation signal and the response of the RF tag to the excitation signal is detected. The detected response of the RF tag is compared to a predetermined response. The RF tag has a first detected response when the absorbent material has no fluid therein and a second detected response when the absorbent material has fluid therein.

Abstract: A disposable sensoring absorbent structure for detecting wetness comprises at least one absorbent layer and at least one sensing device comprising a magnetoelastic film. Such an absorbent structure enables the monitoring the status, e.g., wetness and/or at least one biological and/or chemical analyte, in an absorbent article. A change in status, such as wetness, may reflect an event, such as urination or a feces event. Also included are methods for detecting wetness and/or at least one biological and/or at least one chemical analyte, using the sensoring absorbent structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is a novel bodily worn device, preferably in the form of jewelry, a medallion or watch, which provides for the digital storage and retrieval of a user's medical records, drug prescriptions, medical history, organ donor instructions, and personal identification for use in an emergency or routine medical situation. Additional embodiments include an electronic dog-tag for military and law enforcement applications. The device includes: an outer safety shell, in the form of a medallion, or watch with markings which identify it as a medical device, and a digital storage media such as a computer chip or high density silicon media, and non-contact wireless electrical power to the device and non-contact wireless retrieval of records. Security features include encrypted software and user password for medical records confidentially.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is constructed to include a hydrophobic exterior and a hydrophilic interior for use in various absorbent constructions as an absorbent, capture and entrain liquids and attendant odors. A moisture monitoring device can be included in the absorbent fiber to detect a designated moisture level absorbed by the absorbent fiber. The moisture monitoring device includes a sensing device for detecting moisture absorbed by the absorbent fiber; and an alert device for receiving a signal from the sensor device when the sensor device detects a specified moisture level in the absorbent fiber. When the signal is received, the alert device issues an audible sound or otherwise notifies the user.

Abstract: The moisture sensor for detecting moisture comprises at least one first electrode provided with at least one IGP, at least one second electrode and a dielectric included between the first and the second electrode. The dielectric is of a type that can absorb moisture, so that the presence of moisture can be detected on the basis of an electric voltage difference between the first and the second electrode. The first electrode is provided with a ribbon-shaped carrier, to which the at least one IGP is applied.

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 electronic diaper includes a diaper, a sensor a controller, an LED lamp or a horn. The sensor senses dampness of a diaper and give a signal to the controller, which has a control circuit for calculating and converting the signal and gives out a warning signal to the LED lamp or the horn to give out light or sound for indicating that the diaper has become wet and needs to be replaced with a new one. And a timer may be further added to show the time of wetting of the diaper.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting existence of urine or excrement in a diaper includes a sensor mounted on a diaper, and a receiver mounted on a care-taker. When the sensing line of the sensor detects that the variation of moisture of the diaper exceeds a determined value during a period time, the sensor may emit a wireless signal that may be received by the receiver mounted on the body of the care-taker. At the same time, the wireless signal received by the receiver may be converted into a warning signal in the form of sound or vibration, so as to inform the care-taker to replace the diaper.

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: Sensor device and an analyzing device specifically adapted to be used in conjunction with diapers for incontinent patients, is adapted to transmit the sensed data to a remote analyzing system, the monitoring can be performed with the patient in various situations and positions, the sensor is adapted to be coupled to a computer system which can monitor and analyse the various data so as to manipulate the information and extract various types of valuable data, the sensor is adapted to sense both variations in moisture and in temperature as well as other physiological data such as the glucose level of the urine from the patient, or other biochemical data emanating from the patient.

Abstract: A remote control system, particularly for remotely controlling industrial equipment, has a sensor that detects the operator's safety-relevant medical data and transmits them as a control signal to a control circuit in a transmitter or receiver. The control circuit triggers a predefinable control sequence when the value of the control signal exceeds or falls below at least one predefinable value. A malfunction, especially of the “human component” of the total system, can be reliably detected as soon as it becomes safety relevant, i.e., as soon as there is a danger that the operator might no longer be able to control the industrial equipment properly and reliably with the remote control system.

Abstract: A dwelling permitting extended self reliance for compromised individuals is equipped with monitors for the position of the individual, sensors for the state of domestic equipment, the external environment television cameras, a controller, personal alarm, telephone, access to a remote (Internet) site where a remote user monitors the condition of occupants and the dwelling state and issue instructions to the dwelling, to be picked up and obeyed by the dwelling on next dwelling access. The dwelling can switch off/on equipment including electric stoves, electric fires and electric lights; telephone for help if a personal alarm is used; audibly address the occupant; open and close curtains, windows and doors; and advise the occupant of omitted acts. Various electric main supply sockets withhold electrical supply from the socket until plug insertion. The remote user can monitor the activity and state of any monitored and/or controlled item within the dwelling.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing moisture in a diaper comprises a portable alarm unit, a pouch-like diaper insert made from waterproof dental bib material with an opening at one end and a moisture sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material. The wick strip has a substantially short front non-conductive portion protruding out of the diaper insert for placement in a diaper crotch area and a substantially long back portion having a pair of screen-printed spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end to the alarm unit. The conductive ink bands include a terminal tortuous conductive ink pattern screen-printed in close proximity to the substantially short first wick portion to increase moisture contact surface area, minimize moisture transfer distance and significantly reduce the alarm unit response time.

Abstract: Sensor device and an analyzing device specifically adapted to be used in conjunction with diapers for incontinent patients, is adapted to transmit the sensed data to a remote analyzing system, the monitoring can be performed with the patient in various situations and positions, the sensor is adapted to be coupled to a computer system which can monitor and analyse the various data so as to manipulate the information and extract various types of valuable data, the sensor is adapted to sense both variations in moisture and in temperature as well as other physiological data such as the glucose level of the urine from the patient, or other biochemical data emanating from the patient.

Abstract: A patient position monitoring apparatus and method includes an article configured to be worn by a patient. The article includes a plurality of resonators with each resonator responsive to a wireless excitation signal for causing the unique change in the excitation signal or for outputting a unique wireless response signal. The resonators are stimulated with a first wireless excitation signal when the article is being worn by a patient. The unique change in the excitation signal and /or the unique response signal of each resonator responding to the first excitation signal is determined. From the thus detected response, a signal strength of the unique change in the excitation signal and/or the unique response signal for each responding resonator is determined. From the thus determined signal strengths, the relative locations of the responding resonators with respect to each other can be determined.

Abstract: A patient fluid discharge monitoring method and apparatus includes at least one article configured to be worn by a patient, the article having absorbent material and a RF tag received adjacent the absorbent material. The RF tag is excited with an excitation signal and the response of the RF tag to the excitation signal is detected. The detected response of the RF tag is compared to a predetermined response. The RF tag has a first detected response when the absorbent material has no fluid therein and a second detected response when the absorbent material has fluid therein.

Abstract: A detector unit (1) which, in the presence of moisture, operates a remote alarm via a wire-less link is contained within a sealed liquid-impermeable housing (2). The unit is powered by electrical charge stored in a capacitor, which may be rapidly recharged by inductive coupling. Remote sensing electrodes (69, 70) are formed by depositing an electrically conductive ink onto a disposable moisture-absorbent tail (65).

Abstract: The present invention introduces systems, as well as methods of operating such systems, within a position locator device for evaluating movement of a body relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a sensor and a processor. The sensor, which is associable with the body, is operable to repeatedly sense accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor, which is associated with the sensor, is operable to process the sensed accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic. The system, and, more particularly, the processor generates state indicia relative the environment, and determines whether the evaluated body movement is within environmental tolerance. In a preferred embodiment, the processor communicates various state indicia to a monitoring controller, preferably using at least one of a wired network and a wireless network. The monitoring controller cooperates with the processor to remotely monitor the body.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a living organism sensing device. Such device comprises a conductive loop extending over a substrate. The loop comprises carbon particles. The device further comprises a circuit which includes the conductive loop as a first circuit component and a transponder as a second circuit component. The transponder is configured to emit a first signal if the loop of conductive material is continuous and a second signal if the loop of conductive material is broken. The second signal is different than the first signal. The invention also encompasses a termite sensing device. Such device includes at least one wooden block, and a conductive loop proximate the wooden block. The loop comprises conductive particles of carbon. The termite sensing device further includes an electrical circuit comprising the conductive loop as a first circuit component and a transponder as a second circuit component.

Abstract: Condition detecting system has a detecting device (1) including a plurality of pieces of distance sensors arranged at one corner of an observing sector such as a toilet, a judging device for judging the condition of a staying person in the observing sector on the basis of the information from the detecting device (1), a signal transmitting section for transmitting the results of judgment, and a warning device for issuing a warning on the basis of the signal from the signal transmitting section, and the plurality of pieces of distance sensors are set to perform detection in a plurality of different directions by using infrared ray beams.