Abstract: A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A release unit is configured to releasably attach the alarm unit to the user. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The release unit is configured to release the alarm unit from the user when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time, and the alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the alarm unit is released from the user.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments of the invention, at least one sensing capacitor is supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitor(s) having a field that is affected by moisture (e.g., rain) on a surface of the window. The at least one sensing capacitor may have a fractal geometry in certain example embodiments of this invention. The sensing circuit may output an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the sensing capacitor(s). The analog output of the circuit may be converted to a digital signal, and subjected to processing (e.g., correlation) for determining whether moisture (e.g., rain, dew, fog, etc.) or the like is present on the surface of the window.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a plurality of sensing capacitors are supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitors each having a different field and/or pattern. A sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitances of one or more of the sensing capacitors. In certain example embodiments, a switching circuit is provided in order to selectively switch between different sensing capacitors or combinations thereof (or even possibly antennas and/or bands), in order to change the sensing field being analyzed and/or change the feature being searched for.

Abstract: A soil moisture or dryness monitoring apparatus and method, having a moisture sensor, multiplicity of LED drivers, and one or more multicolor LEDs. The sensor signal modulates the current output of the LED drivers such that the hue of the displayed color is proportional to the moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: An access site disconnection system and method are disclosed. RFID sensors are sensitive to moisture and their presence may not be detected if the sensor is wetted. When a patient receives dialysis treatment, wetness may arise from blood if the access needle becomes disconnected from the access site. At least one RFID sensor is mounted on or near gauze or other absorbent material placed adjacent the access site. After the sensors are placed, the dialysis machine and RFID control circuit may be initialized and dialysis treatment, such as hemodialysis, begun. If blood leaks from the access site, such as if the access needle is dislodged, the RFID sensor is wetted and sends a different or no response to periodic inquiries from an RFID reader. A signal is sent to a controller or to an output device to raise an alert or sound an alarm.

Abstract: A neural network learns the operating modes of a system being monitored under normal operating conditions. Anomalies can be automatically detected and learned. A control command can be issued or an alert can be issued in response thereto.

Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including a counter to count the number of discrete insults, a timer to monitor the elapsed time that the article has been worn, and an alarm to indicate that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit or that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, whichever occurs first. The signaling device can be adapted to indicate one of first, second, and third conditions, the first condition being that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit, the second condition being that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, and the third condition being the first to occur of either of the first and second conditions, and wherein the condition to be indicated is selected by the wearer or by a caregiver.

Abstract: A capacitance type sensor installed in a vehicle includes the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. The first electrode is arranged inside a seating portion of a seat or a backrest portion of the seat, or both. The second electrode is arranged adjacent to the first electrode inside at least one of the seating portion and the backrest portion of the seat, whatever the first electrode is arranged. The second electrode forms an electric field together with the first electrode between them in a wetness determination mode in which a wet condition of the seat is determined. The third electrode forms an electric field together with the first and the second electrode between them in an occupant determination mode in which an occupant in the seat is determined.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments of the invention, at least one sensing capacitor is supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitor(s) having a field that is affected by moisture (e.g., rain) on a surface of the window. A sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitance(s) of the sensing capacitor(s). The analog output of the circuit may be converted to a digital signal via sigma-delta modulation, and subjected to processing (e.g., correlation) for determining whether moisture (e.g., rain, dew, fog, etc.) or the like is present on the surface of the window.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid. Furthermore, the apparatus optionally includes an integral leveling mechanism to accommodate leveling of the apparatus when placed on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: A method of monitoring moisture in a building is carried out using moisture detectors, which provide an output resistance value ranging from a dry value in the absence of moisture and different wet values in the presence of moisture depending on the quantity of moisture. Rather than emit an alarm based solely on a moisture threshold, a risk assessment of potential damage is calculated for at least a part of the building using the wet values from the moisture detectors for the sensor zones using as input data the wet values and as a first additional factor a value which is indicative of a total area of the moisture as provided by the number of sensor zones that are responding with a wet value and as a second additional value the number of consecutive time periods that the sensor zone has reported wet value.

Abstract: The teachings herein are directed to devices for detecting and signaling the presence of urine or another electrically conducive liquid in an undergarment, fabric, or other thin material. Preferred devices include a clip configured to safely and releasably secure a liquid detecting sensor to a fabric or undergarment, wherein said sensor is operably coupled to a detection device that emits a notification signal when liquid is present in the fabric.

Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least two conductive elements that form an open circuit within the article. Each conductive element is connected to a conductive pad member that has sufficient surface area in order to facilitate connection to a signaling device. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the pad members to a signaling device. In particular, although the absorbent articles are disposable, the signaling device is intended to be used with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, a simple and efficient method of connecting the signaling device to the pad members provides various advantages. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material that is attached to a corresponding conductive hook-type material on the signaling device.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a clothes dryer having a dryness sensing device and method of use comprising at least two electrically conductive sensor bars placed closely together but not touching one another so that articles in the dryer can contact two of the sensor bars at the same time. At least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical current source and at least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical ground. A microcontroller is electrically connected between the electrical current source and the electrical ground so as to be capable of measuring the voltage across the sensor bars when the sensor bars are contacted by the articles being dried. The microcontroller is configured so as to determine the dryness of the articles by calculating the electrical resistance of the articles by using the value of the voltage across the sensor bars and the value of the current through the sensor bars.

Abstract: An absorbent article may include one or more circuits formed on the exterior of the article that are configured to connect to a monitoring device. When connected to a monitoring device, the circuit(s) can be used to provide input data to the monitoring device. The monitoring device may provide audio, visual, and other feedback that changes based on user input data. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can further connect to one or more circuits internal to the article to sense changes in the state of the article. For example, interactive features supported by the monitoring device may relate to the wetness state of the article and/or may be used to control the type of indication(s) provided by the monitoring device when wetness (or another state) is detected. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can be used to provide interactive games for the user of the article.

Abstract: A float assembly light indicator for use in detecting water levels within a container, such as a Christmas tree stand, includes a float housing having multiple float switches therein and are operably connected to a remotely locatable water level light indicator.

Abstract: A remote sensing device includes a sensor and reference circuit. A resonant circuit of the sensor has a resonant characteristic modifiable by exposure to an external condition. The sensor is configured to produce a sensor signal associated with the modifiable resonant characteristic. A reference circuit of the remote sensing device is configured to produce a reference signal suitable for use in conjunction with the sensor signal. The reference signal is used to account for variations of the sensor signal due to variations in the inductive coupling between the remote sensing device and a reader designed to detect the reference signal and the sensor signal.

Abstract: A sensor can detect the presence of fluid by the changing of the response characteristics of an RLC circuit. A window in the sensor is used to position a short caused by the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insult-sensing absorbent article including an absorbent assembly, an insult-sensing means coupled to the absorbent assembly, and a tuned antenna system coupled to the insult-sensing means. Also disclosed is a method for indicating an insult to an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer, the method including providing an absorbent article including a conductive element; providing an antenna system associated with the absorbent article, the antenna system including a signal generator and an antenna, wherein the antenna includes the conductive element, and wherein the antenna system is adapted to transmit a signal; and maximizing the receivability of the signal by optimizing an aspect of the antenna system.

Abstract: A signaling device for absorbent articles is disclosed. A signaling device is configured to be electrically connected to a wetness sensor contained in the absorbent article. When a conductive substance is detected in the absorbent article, the wetness sensor is activated causing the signaling device to emit an audible signal. In accordance with the present disclosure, the signaling device is adjusted and configured such that the audible signal emits and adjusted so that the audible signal has a frequency or range of frequencies that maximizes perceived loudness in a particular environment.

Abstract: A standalone smart disposable diaper, kit and method of using same are presented for use in indicating a need to change the device when soiled. The standalone smart disposable diaper includes an inner panel, an outer panel, an absorbent pad, an absorbent composition, at least one pair of detector electrodes interposed between the inner and outer panels; a circuit coupled to the detector electrodes; a signaling beacon coupled to the circuit; and a power supply coupled to the detector electrodes, to the circuit and to the beacon. The kit includes detector electrodes, the circuit, the beacon and the power supply operatively coupled to the detector electrodes, the circuit and the beacon. The method of using the kit to convert a standard disposable diaper into a standalone smart disposable diaper device includes the steps of acquiring, allowing, inserting, observing, obtaining, removing, taping, and wearing.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide drying procedure information through a user interface. A monitoring device transmits drying procedure data measured by sensors within a structure undergoing the drying procedure to a server. In response to requests received through a communication network from a user interface, the server transmits the drying procedure information that is presented through the user interface. A variety of information and services related to the drying procedure may be provided through the user interface.

Abstract: A wiper control method and a wiper control device which can stabilize wiping rhythm of a wiper while ensuring required wiping and smoothly respond to change of a rainfall situation are provided. An adhesion cycle of a raindrop adhering on a detection surface is detected, a current adhesion cycle to be the basis when determining an intermittence time of a wiper is determined based on the detected raindrop adhesion cycle, the wiper intermittence time is determined based on the current adhesion cycle, a raindrop adhesion cycle shorter than the current adhesion cycle is detected, and when the raindrop adhesion cycle shorter than the current adhesion cycle is detected a predetermined number of times, the current adhesion cycle is changed to a shorter adhesion cycle and the wiper intermittence time is determined based on the changed current adhesion cycle.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.

Abstract: A water detection and alarm system to monitor household plumbing fixtures for leaks. A wick attached to a water activated battery cell connects to a charge accumulator, pulse timer, and audio transducer. The wick draws water from the leak and transports it into the battery cell. A sponge inside the cell absorbs the water and expands, chemically activating the cell, and subsequently providing the electrical energy for the charge accumulator and timer. The timer utilizes the energy stored in the charge accumulator to generate a pulse that drives an audio transducer. No conventional battery is used or required; thus periodic battery replacement is not necessary nor is there a need for a battery monitoring circuit to test for battery depletion.

Abstract: A moisture detection sensor is used in a building structure to detect moisture penetration. The sensor is a flat adhesive tape of a substrate of dielectric, hydrophobic material. Three or four elongate, parallel, conductors are secured to the top surface and a protective layer of non-hygroscopic, water pervious material is secured over two of the conductors so that they are exposed to surface moisture. One or two of the conductors are covered by an insulating layer to prevent moisture access. Pairs of moisture probes along the length of the tape penetrate the insulating layer, the respective conductors and the substrate and to extend into a building component to which the substrate has been adhered. A diode guide arrangement allows a monitoring unit to monitor the exposed conductors for surface moisture and the penetrated conductors for moisture in the component by reversing polarity of the voltage across the conductors.

Abstract: An especially simple and economical moisture sensor with temperature compensation is provided. To this end, in addition to a measuring capacitor, a second capacitor is arranged on a window of a motor vehicle, wherein the second capacitor is not affected by the moisture and/or water droplets. For analysis, a differential measurement of the capacitances of the measuring capacitor and of the second capacitor is carried out, from which is determined a degree of wetting of the window not influenced by the window temperature.

Abstract: A measuring device is used to measure the state of a liquid product which is to be measured, in particular oil or fat. Said measuring device comprises a housing, a hollow connecting element which is secured therein and a carrier which is applied to the opposite end of the connecting element (10), said carrier being used to receive a sensor which can be used to measure the electric property of a product which is to be measured. The sensor is in contact with the measuring unit by means of at least one electric line, which is arranged in the region of the housing and/or with the end of the connecting element oriented towards the housing. The measuring device comprises means which can be used to minimize the falsifying effect of the water content in the product, which is to be measured, on the measuring result.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting fogging on a glass pane, the arrangement including a support plate, a sensor element in thermal communication with the glass pane, wherein the sensor element is arranged on the support plate and is sensitive to moisture and a contact element that thermally couples the sensor element with the glass pane. The contact element is fastened on the support plate so as to enclose the support plate to a large extent in a contact area where the contact element contacts the glass pane.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide drying procedure information through a user interface. A monitoring device transmits drying procedure data measured by sensors within a structure undergoing the drying procedure to a server. In response to requests received through a communication network from a user interface, the server transmits the drying procedure information that is presented through the user interface. A variety of information and services related to the drying procedure may be provided through the user interface.

Abstract: A leak sensor and a leak sensing system are provided. The leak sensor preferably includes a fluid sensing member that is capable of sensing and indicating the presence of a fluid leaked from a fluid storage or transport member. The leak sensor further preferably includes at least two wires communicating with the fluid sensing member. The wires are preferably configured to be short-circuited when they contact the fluid leaked from the fluid storage or transport member. An electrical signal corresponding to a leak sensor location can thereby be sent to a control terminal of the leak sensing system. A portion of the wires may be arranged in a cable coated with a protective material such as Teflon®. The control box (or terminal) preferably receives electrical signals from a plurality of leak sensors. The electrical signals can provide information on whether the fluid has leaked and on which leak sensor or sensors have detected the fluid leak.

Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least two conductive elements that form an open circuit within the article. Each conductive element is connected to a conductive pad member that has sufficient surface area in order to facilitate connection to a signaling device. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the pad members to a signaling device. In particular, although the absorbent articles are disposable, the signaling device is intended to be used with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, a simple and efficient method of connecting the signaling device to the pad members provides various advantages. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material that is attached to a corresponding conductive hook-type material on the signaling device.

Abstract: A diaper product is formed by the steps of first installing a sensor element onto a first layer of the plurality of layers of material: second installing a layer of absorbent material onto the first layer of the plurality of layers material: and forming the combined first layer of the plurality of layers of material with the sensor element installed thereon and the layer of absorbent material into a disposable diaper product. Electrical contacts communicate with the sensor element. A transmitter is installed within a transmitter housing that has first and second portions that are pivotally joined to one another, and is arranged to transmit a signal responsive to the sensor element and to a duration of a predetermined period of time that corresponds to the duration of a selectable condition of the diaper. A receiver responds to predetermined transmitters, each transmitter being associated with a respective patient.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a keyboard, a housing, a liquid sensor, a plurality of groove portions, and a water-transmitting material. The housing has a mounting surface on which the keyboard is mounted. A liquid sensor is provided in the mounting surface. The groove portions are formed in the mounting surface, and connect the liquid sensor and a peripheral edge portion of the mounting surface. The water-transmitting material is arranged inside the groove portions and has a spongy internal structure.

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

Abstract: A warning alarm diaper device including a moisture detecting device and a warning alarm device. Preferably, the diaper and moisture-detecting device are disposable, and the warning alarm device is reusable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and device for detecting non-nutritive sucking events produced by an infant; patterns comprising such events (i.e., rhythmic sucking patterns, or RSPs); and relating said events and/or RSPs to performance of a disposable absorbent article worn by the infant. The frequency and/or amplitude and/or other characteristics of non-nutritive sucking changes in response to liquid insults introduced to a disposable absorbent article. Accordingly, changes to RSPs offer detectable and measurable indicia of an infant's perception of the performance of a disposable absorbent article. Furthermore, such information may be used to support and/or substantiate marketing communications to consumers, or to guide selection and/or management of research-and-development programs.

Abstract: A moisture absorbent sanitary apparatus is provided with a body, moisture absorbent material, a moisture sensor in the body, and an actuator in the body for imparting a motion to a user for indicating a level of moisture absorption. A computer-readable medium is disclosed with instructions for performing a method including receiving a signal of a moisture level in a sanitary apparatus, and transmitting a signal for driving an actuator in the sanitary apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: A moisture sensing apparatus, system and method. In general, a surface can be provided, and one or more conductor pairs located in a plane of the surface. Each conductor of the conductor pair(s) is insulated from one another. Water droplets forming on the conductor pair(s) thereby provide a quantifiable measurement of water on the surface. A controller can be electrically connected to the conductor pair(s), wherein the controller provides data indicative of whether or not the conductor pair is shorted.

Abstract: An elongated substantially flat four-conductor moisture detection and location sensor is described. The sensor includes four parallel conductors laminated to a dielectric substrate. Two of the conductors are protected by a water pervious dielectric layer and form the water-sensing element. Two other conductors are covered by a water impervious dielectric layer and are used to loop-back one or more of the water-sensing conductors. Precise location of a water leak location is determined by connecting the four conductors to a resistance bridge. The design allows for the connection of a four-conductor cable to extend the monitoring and detection point to a convenient location without loss of location accuracy.

Abstract: An electronic spray deposition sensor for sensing deposition of liquid on an exterior surface is disclosed. The deposition sensor has a sensing surface comprising a plurality of electrically conductive elements disposed across the sensing surface. The conductive elements are closely spaced apart from each other and insulated from each other on the sensing surface. A comparator circuit is coupled to the conductive elements to detect the presence of liquid at the conductive element. In particular, conductive elements are disposed in an array across the sensing surface such that the presence and location of the liquid on the sensing surface may be determined.

Abstract: A novel moisture detector for detecting moisture in potting media or soil for plants includes a body formed to represent a creature. Inside the body is a processor and a battery. One or more probes adapted to be inserted into soil extend from the body and send an electrical signal to the processor to indicate a level of moisture proximate to said probes. At least one eye of the creature carries a light emitting diodes (LED) that lights up when the probes are inserted into soil having insufficient moisture. Furthermore, when the user touches one of the eyes, the LED lights as long as the battery has sufficient power to operate the processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wetness monitoring system that includes a data collection device that sends wetness measurement data to a central computer that detects changes in wetness measurement data caused by the presence of urine or other dielectric fluids. The data collection device includes a semi-reusable sensor and reusable data collector that are worn on a garment of the person. The data collector includes an internal power source so that the person can live a normal ambulatory life. The data collector has an electrical circuit that uses the changing resistance characteristics in the sensor to gather wetness measurement data. The data collector periodically generates and transmits a signal containing the actual wetness measurement data. The signals are coded to identify the particular data collector or person sending the signal. The data collector is programmed to conserve power by sending signals less frequently during periods when the sensor is clearly dry.

Abstract: A holding clip (16) for a sensor (10) includes a plate (22), the plate (22) being able to cover the sensor, at least one holding arm (26) and at least one detent arm (28), the holding arm (26) and the detent arm (28) being constructed such that they can engage on a holding frame (12) for the sensor (10), the holding clip (16) being formed integrally.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.