Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the article further comprises at least two volume indicators, and wherein at least one volume indicator comprises a masking layer comprising a water-soluble colorant and a stationary color layer comprising a permanent colorant.

Abstract: Disclosed are an excrement alarming apparatus and an excrement alarming method, the excrement alarming apparatus includes: a temperature sensor provided on one side of the excrement alarming apparatus and configured to measure temperature; a humidity sensor provided on one side of the excrement alarming apparatus and configured to measure humidity; a controller configured to detect excrement using temperature information measured by the temperature sensor, first humidity information measured by the humidity sensor, and second humidity information received from an external device; and a communication unit configured to transmit an excrement detection signal indicative of the detection of the excrement.

Abstract: An absorbent article with a body-facing surface, a first end region a second end region, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is described. The absorbent article can be asymmetric about the transverse centerline, and can have a first functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface and a second functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface. The first functional enhancement indicator can provide visually-perceptible indication of the first end region, and the second functional enhancement indicator can provide visually-perceptible indication of a region of fluid entry in the absorbent article.

Abstract: A humidity detecting device includes a substrate, a humidity sensor mounted on the substrate, a vent mounted to the humidity sensor, wherein the vent is configured to guide moisture and air from interior of a sample to the humidity sensor, and a spike fixedly coupled to the humidity sensor. The spike can penetrate and hook to the sample, which attaches the humidity sensor to the sample.

Abstract: There is provided a method of monitoring a subject, the method comprising obtaining measurements of the movements of the subject over time; obtaining measurements of the skin temperature of the subject over time; and processing the obtained measurements of the movements and the obtained measurements of the skin temperature to identify a urination event of the subject. An apparatus for monitoring a subject is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and apparatus for detecting moisture or fluid using a processing unit and a sensor pad comprising interdigitated conductive leads connected to a coupling unit. The processing unit and coupling unit may be connected wirelessly or via wires. The presence of moisture or fluid may be determined as a function of at least one aspect of the complex impedance as determined by a signal analysis unit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one characteristic of biological material of an individual includes a wearable product. The wearable product includes an outer surface and a skin contact surface defining an internal area. An analysis portal is disposed in the internal area, and includes a sensing portion and an investigation portion. The sensing portion has at least one sensor, and the investigation portion that includes a computing device having a health screener. The sensing portion of the analysis portal comes into contact with a biological material of the individual, and the health screener is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the biological material. The computing device is communicatively coupled to the sensors and the display.

Abstract: A leakage assessment system for use with an absorbent article having an outer surface, the system including a computer and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device adapted to sense wetness in the absorbent article, wherein the signaling device is in electronic communication with the computer. The system also includes a wetness detection mat in electronic communication with the computer, and an image capture device configured to continuously detect an absorbent article wearer position, wherein the image capture device is in electronic communication with the computer, wherein the computer is configured to electronically record wetness incidents using the signaling device, the wetness detection mat, and the wearer position captured by the image capture device.

Abstract: A smart nursing consumable includes an absorbent body and a sensor module. The absorbent body includes a water-absorbing layer. The sensor module is disposed above the water-absorbing layer and includes a plurality of wires. A physiological monitoring device employing the aforementioned smart nursing consumable is also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article may be constructed by printing on a web that forms a portion of the side panels using a first printing method; and by printing on a backsheet using a second printing method. Seams may be formed by attaching the side panels to a chassis and by attaching the side panels to each other to form a waist opening and leg openings.

Abstract: A process of utilizing a water-sensitive fluorophore for moisture content evaluation in a hygroscopic polymer includes forming a blend that includes a hygroscopic polymer resin and a water-sensitive fluorophore. The process includes forming pellets having a particular geometry from the blend, determining fluorescence properties of at least one of the pellets, and determining moisture content of at least one of the pellets. The process also includes generating a calibration curve for the particular pellet geometry by correlating the fluorescence properties with the moisture content. The process further includes providing the calibration curve for non-destructive moisture content evaluation of a material derived from the pellets.

Abstract: A wetting sensor includes a stretchable circuit board having stretchability, a first stretchable wiring line as a wiring line formed on a main surface of the stretchable circuit board and having stretchability on the main surface, a second stretchable wiring line as a wiring line formed on the main surface of the stretchable circuit board and having stretchability on the main surface, a first electrode connected to the first stretchable wiring line, a second electrode connected to the second stretchable wiring line, a water absorbing member configured to cover at least a part of each of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a measurer configured to measure an electric characteristic between the first electrode and the second electrode which are contacting the water absorbing member.

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 or on the absorbent article. The sensor may be separable from the absorbent article. A portion of the sensor may have a first dimension and a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is at least 1 inch and the second dimension is at least 2 inches. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.

Abstract: Wounds and temporary appliances can be protected against liquid contamination using a prophylactic dressing. The dressing includes a liquid resistant sheet and disposed thereon a first liquid barrier/adhesive strip and a second liquid barrier/adhesive strip wherein the first and second liquid barrier/adhesive strips are concentric; located at or near the periphery of the liquid resistant sheet; and are separated from one another by a gap. Adsorbent's and liquid indicators can be employed within the gap to add further functionality to the dressing. Also disclosed herein is a support useful for stabilizing leads to transcutaneous or percutaneous devices.

Abstract: One example embodiment is a device for detecting fullness of a bladder of a subject. The device includes a distension sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor and a microcontroller. The distension sensor is located on a waistband of a pant and detects changes to a curvature of skin adjacent the bladder. The EMG sensor is located in the pant and includes two EMG electrodes that detect potential difference caused by contractions of the bladder. The microcontroller processes signals received from the distension sensor and the EMG sensor and generates, based on the signals, an output value that indicates the fullness of the bladder.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for detecting a short circuit between adjacent micro-bumps. The method includes setting outputs of a pull-up driver and a pull-down driver of a data output circuit connected with a micro-bump to be suitable for a test type and determining whether a short circuit is generated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides diaper prediction and correction system and method. This system includes a diaper sensor, a server and a mobile device. The server is configured to store crowdsourcing data including a plurality of sensing criteria corresponding to a plurality of geographic regions, different genders, a plurality of ages, a plurality of diaper data. The mobile device is configured to execute a mobile application to pair with the diaper sensor and to transmit a location information, a wearer's sex and age, and a brand or a model of a diaper to the server, so that the server selects a corresponding sensing criterion from the sensing criteria and returns the corresponding sensing criterion to the mobile device, and the mobile device is based on the corresponding sensing criterion to determine whether a diaper sensing signal from the diaper sensor reflect that the diaper needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a radio frequency identification tag positioned at an outer surface of a casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are fixedly connected to one or more of the casing, a water absorbent material and a fiber fabric positioned over the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a garment, such as a smart pull-up, includes at least one outer section and a midsection attached to the outer section. The midsection includes a first antimicrobial membrane patch layer configured to contact a wearer's body, a second antimicrobial membrane patch layer disposed adjacent to the first antimicrobial patch layer, and an air gap disposed between the first patch and second antimicrobial patch layers. The first and second antimicrobial patch layers each are formed from respective balanced warp big tows and fill tows in a plain-weave pattern, and each layer include copper filaments disposed in a plurality of the tows, each of the copper filaments including at least Cu+/Cu+++ ions. Such a smart pull-up may be suitable for either adult who cannot use the toilet, or child, or healthy adult and, therefore, may urinate and defecate himself/herself.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a backsheet, a wetness indicator composition having good stability, and an absorbent core. The wetness indicator composition includes a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. The colorant has first and second color states associated with first and second wetness indicator states. The wetness indicator exhibits no color change after 10 days when measured according to the CTH Stability Test.

Abstract: A combined apparatus for indicating the elevated temperature of an infant and for sensing moisture in a diaper. The combined apparatus includes an elongated sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material having a first end disposed in engagement with the diaper. The elongated sensing strip has a first side having a pair of screen-printed, spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end with a portable alarm unit and a second side having an elongated band of thermochromic ink printed thereon a segment of which is visible proximate the second end of the elongated sensing strip.

Abstract: A system having a user configurable and sizeable planar sensor pad having electrical circuits thereon, adjacent to a trough or groove formed in the sensor pad. These circuits are energized upon the application of a conductive fluid into the trough and once activated initiates a wireless communication device to transmit an alarm to a mobile device of the user, such as a smart phone, alerting the user of the detected fluid leak. The device may be self contained, operating on its own DC power source and may not require the use of a computer, a WI-Fi signal, or the internet.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a fecal insult, includes: detecting the concentration of at least one gas indicative of feces at a plurality of locations in a defined space; and determining whether said concentration of said gas exceeds a predetermined first threshold value. The method includes: detecting the concentration of hydrogen gas at each of said locations; detecting the concentration of at least one further gas component being indicative of feces in said space; and determining that a fecal insult has occurred in a location where said detected concentration of hydrogen gas exceeds said first threshold value, provided that the detected concentration of said further gas component also exceeds a predetermined second threshold value in said location.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an outer cover with an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface, an absorbent core positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, and a wetness indicator graphic located on the outer cover. The wetness indicator graphic has a permanent graphic defining at least one non-printed area and a changing graphic located within the at least one non-printed area of the permanent graphic such that the permanent graphic and the changing graphic together give the appearance of a uniform graphic.

Abstract: A mass produced absorbent article having an image of a quality that is commercially acceptable. The image is produced by ink jet printheads applying ink to a web moving at high speed under the jets in the course of manufacturing the article. The image is printed at low resolution but is characterized in part by a higher coverage area ratio and brightness.

Abstract: A patient monitor apparatus utilizing a base member holding a moisture sensor to form a moisture sensor unit. The moisture sensor unit includes a plurality of perforations to permit passage of urine. The moisture sensor unit generates a signal upon the presence of urine. A tilt sensor is also mounted to the base member and generates a signal upon the absence of turning movements of the patient. The moisture sensor is covered by a porous sheet which prevents premature alarms from moist skin.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided that is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in a biological sample. The device comprises a sampling portion (11), the sampling portion comprising flexible material adjustably conformable to a part of a human or animal body, at least a portion of the sampling portion being absorbent and configured to receive a biological sample directly from the body; and a test portion (12) in fluid engagement with the sampling portion, the test portion comprising one or more test zones (14). The sampling portion and test portion are configured such that at least a portion of the sample received by the sampling portion is transferable to the test portion such as to contact one or more of the test zones, and wherein each test zone is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in the sample.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core having at least two longitudinally extending channel-forming areas and a wetness indicator. The core wrap comprises a top side and a bottom side, which are attached to each other through areas substantially free of absorbent material, so that when the absorbent material swells upon absorption of a liquid the core wrap forms channels along these areas substantially free of absorbent material. The wetness indicator is placed between the channel-forming areas or between at least one channel-forming area and at least one longitudinally extending side edge of the article, as seen for the exterior of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid detection comprises a fluid sensor positioned near a patient's body, an alarm connected to the fluid sensor, a closeable casing having a size that allows it to maintain the alarm within a space that is defined by the closeable casing, and a fastener coupled to the closeable casing. The fluid sensor provides a signal whenever the fluid sensor detects fluid. The alarm includes one or more status indicators that are responsive to the signal. The closeable casing allows the patient to see, hear, or otherwise sense, the alarm through the closeable casing. The fastener is affixed to: the patient's body, the patient's clothing, or both. The casing can be opened and closed, and optionally, the alarm can be removed and replaced in the space the casing defines.

Abstract: A signal layer for an absorbent article provided to absorb menstrual fluid includes a pattern of capillary channels allowing capillary action such that discharged menstrual fluid that comes across one of the openings in the capillary channels enters into the capillary channels and is retained therein due to the capillary force. The color of the retained menstrual discharge dyes or colors the pattern for signaling purpose, and the pattern is directly or indirectly visible to an observer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensor signal analysis. It relates particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, systems and devices for monitoring and processing the sensor signals to determine automatically characteristics of events represented by the sensor signals. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, related to methods, systems and devices for monitoring moisture in absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, dressings and pads resulting from wetness events caused by, for example, urinary and/or faecal incontinence. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for processing sensor signals representing an event in an absorbent article. The method comprises: receiving sensor signals from a sensor representing one or more events in an absorbent article; and processing the sensor signals to determine a characteristic of at least one event in the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal hygiene item. In simple terms, one of the main features of the present invention is to provide a low-cost personal hygiene item capable of providing a multi-component detection function. The personal hygiene item of the present invention mainly comprises a first material layer and a second material layer. The first material layer is made of hydrophobic material, and the second material layer is disposed thereon. Also, the second material layer comprises a discolored portion. In actual practice, a fluid under test contacts with the corresponding discolored portions via the hydrophobic layer of second material layer for a color changing reaction. Meanwhile, since the hydrophilic performance of the discolored portion is better than the hydrophilic performance of the hydrophilic layer, the back permeation of the fluid under test can herein be prevented.

Abstract: A patient monitor apparatus utilizing a base member having first and second surfaces used in conjunction with an undergarment. The base member first surface supports a moisture sensor which generates a signal upon the presence of urine. A tilt sensor is also mounted to the base member and generates a signal upon the absence of certain movements of the patient. The moisture sensor is covered by a porous sheet which prevents premature alarms from moist skin.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the article further comprises at least two volume indicators, and wherein at least one volume indicator comprises a masking layer comprising a water-soluble colorant and a stationary color layer comprising a permanent colorant.

Abstract: A method for detecting a liquid discharge event in an absorbent article including a sensor adapted to generate an electrical output signal representative of a degree of wetness of the absorbent article, wherein the electrical output signal is received by a processing unit. The method including the steps of providing reference data over time representative of a liquid discharge; acquiring liquid discharge data over time in form of the electrical output signal; analyzing the liquid discharge data over time in relation to the reference data over time by the processing unit; and detecting a liquid discharge event based on the analysis. Also disclosed is a system for detecting liquid discharge event in an absorbent article including an absorbent article including a sensor being arranged to generate an output signal representative of an electrical property, and a processing unit adapted to process the output signal generated by the sensor of the absorbent article.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of hydrophilic-rich, rake-type alkylmethylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymers. typical values (ranges) x=10-30 y=2-6 z+q=4-5 (q?0.8) p=12 R=dodecyl R?=H, Me A hydrophilic-rich alkylmethylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymer is hereby defined as an alkylmethylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymer possessing sufficient hydrophilic content such that it can be readily taken up by water at a concentration of at least 15% by mass copolymer with simple stirring at room temperature to yield a stable dispersion of micron and sub-micron sized particles. This definition supercedes the typical values of the formula variables x, y, z, q, and p specified above to include all values that result in the copolymer being hydrophilic-rich. This definition also supercedes the typical identity of R=dodecyl shown above to include R being any alkyl or branched-alkyl chain of any length such that the resulting copolymer is hydrophilic-rich.

Abstract: A sensor that is sensitive to the presence of aqueous-based fluids is described. The sensor has a wetness indicating material immobilized or printed on a substrate. The indicating material contains at least one electron-donating leuco dye and one electron deficient receptor, and exhibits a visual signal (e.g., vivid or strong color intensity) in a dry state, which fades or disappears when in contact with a water-containing liquid. An absorbent article incorporating such a sensor to communicate to a user that the article has been exposed to water-containing fluids is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates at least in part to devices which are capable of indicating the presence of moisture. Embodiments of the present invention involve the provision of a solid dispersion of a color-forming material in a hydrophilic polyurethane material. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to devices comprising foam, e.g., hydrophilic polyurethane foam and a color former. Also included in the embodiments of the present invention are methods comprising the use of the devices, and other subject matter.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper having a central inelastic region in at least one of a front waist region and a rear waist region, and a method for manufacturing the same. Front and rear waist regions of a disposable pull-on diaper are respectively of an elastically non-stretchable exterior sheet and elastically stretchable interior sheets. In lateral elastic regions of this waist region, the interior sheets are attached under tension to an interior surface of the exterior sheet and, in a central inelastic region, the interior sheets are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction and regions of the interior sheets are in an elastically contracted and relaxed state in vicinities of the lateral elastic regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing liquid discharge when worn on the crotch region of the body of a user includes a plurality of detection zones for detecting the liquid discharge. Each detection zone is provided by first and second electrically conductive paths that are electrically isolated from one another and arranged so that a liquid discharge between the first and second conductive paths allows electrical current to flow between the first and second conductive paths which is able to be detected to detect the presence of liquid discharge in the respective zone. The plurality of zones are longitudinally distributed with respect to the absorbent article along an absorbent core of the absorbent article, to allow the longitudinal extent of the discharge to be ascertained. The first and second conductive paths are longitudinally spaced from one another. The first and second conductive paths are elongate and are laterally aligned.

Abstract: A method for monitoring use of an absorbent product, such as an incontinence pad or a diaper, worn by a wearer, includes registering a movement of the wearer by way of a mobile device having a movement sensing device, evaluating whether the registered movement is indicative of urinary and/or faecal voiding by the wearer, and providing product-related information to the wearer or a caregiver of the wearer based on said evaluation. In this way, the product-wearer or the caregiver can be provided with valuable information related to the use of the product, such as recommendations on when to change the product, displayed on the mobile device or a mobile device of the caregiver.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a chassis and a liquid-absorbent structure. The chassis has an inner sheet lying on a skin-facing side and an outer sheet lying on a garment-facing side. The outer sheet has a first outer sheet and a second outer sheet lying inside the first outer sheet. The second outer sheet is formed on its outer surface with a display area extending in a longitudinal direction. The liquid-absorbent structure is formed with a central void and lateral voids in which core material for a core is not present. The display area can be visually recognized from the garment-facing side through the first outer sheet and from the skin-facing side also through the central void of the liquid-absorbent structure.

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 feminine care absorbent article that contains multiple printed patterns of graphical objects visible from a body facing surface is provided. The layout and design of the patterns are carefully selected in the present invention to achieve a synergistic masking effect that helps visually disguise the presence of bodily fluids or stains around the periphery of the article. Such “passive” stain masking is achieved, in part, through the use of printed patterns that are distributed in an asymmetric manner about both the longitudinal and transverse centerlines of the article. The printed patterns are also located at or near the periphery of the article and at least partially extend into portions of the body facing surface that overlie the absorbent core. The pattern design is also such that a majority of an interior zone of the absorbent article is generally free of printed graphical objects.

Abstract: An array of personal care absorbent articles includes a menstrual absorbent article having a perimeter, a first transverse midline, a first minimum width line, and a menstrual absorbent layer having a menstrual absorbent shape, the perimeter defining a first article shape and a first article size. The array also includes an incontinence absorbent article having a perimeter, a second transverse midline a second minimum width line, and an incontinence absorbent layer having an incontinence absorbent shape, the perimeter defining a second article shape and a second article size, wherein the first article shape is substantially the same as the second article shape, and wherein the first article size is substantially the same as the second article size.

Abstract: A liquid detection system includes an absorbent article for personal wear having a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The article also includes at least one graphic element, a conductive pattern at least partially superposed with the graphic element, and a barrier layer disposed between the graphic element and the conductive pattern. A non-invasive signaling device is selectively attachable to the outer cover of the absorbent article in overlying relationship with the conductive pattern. The signaling device is adapted to detect the presence of liquid within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A portable electronic device may have a dock connector moisture infiltration indication structure for indicating whether moisture has infiltrated the device. The structure may be located within a dock connector port. The dock connector may have a viewing hole that enables viewing of the moisture indicator. The moisture indicator may have four layers: upper and lower moisture barriers, a wicking layer and a dyeing layer. After becoming wet, the moisture indicator may change from one color to another color. A menu button in the device may have a transparent and opaque member with a viewing aperture. A moisture indicator may be formed on the button and may be viewed through the viewing aperture.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.

Abstract: An improved absorbent hygiene article, such as a tampon, has a detachably connected saturation indicator. The saturation indicator is calibrated, and preferably indicates the degree of saturation of the corresponding article by staining or swelling. One may check saturation of the hygiene article through various means including visual or tactile inspection of the indicator after it has been pulled out of the article. In this manner it is possible, without having to remove the article, to determine whether or not it is advisable to change the article. In one embodiment, the saturation indicator is detachably connected to the underlying article by an adhesive that releases when it becomes moist. In this manner the inability to easily remove the indicator is, in itself, an indication of lack of saturation beyond a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that convey information to a user. In particular, the absorbent articles include an active graphic that comprises a machine readable code. The active graphic, for instance, may comprise a disappearing graphic, an appearing graphic, and/or a color-change graphic. The change in appearance of the graphic may occur once contacted with a suitable activation agent, such as urine. The machine readable code contained in the active graphic, once scanned by a suitable reader device, may convey information to a user related to the absorbent article.