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Methods and apparatus for the detection of moisture and multifunctional sensor systems

  • US 10,022,277 B2
  • Filed: 09/11/2014
  • Issued: 07/17/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An incontinence detection apparatus comprisingan incontinence pad having a flexible substrate, at least two sensor traces situated on the substrate, and a passive RFID tag situated on the substrate, the passive RFID tag being in electrical communication with the at least two sensor traces, wherein an open circuit is formed between the at least two sensor traces when the incontinence pad is dry, wherein the presence of a threshold amount of incontinence on the incontinence pad forms a closed circuit with the at least two sensor traces due to the incontinence pad being wet,a pair of antennae to receive wireless energy emitted by the passive RFID tag indicating whether the incontinence pad is dry or wet, each antenna of the pair of antennae being spaced apart from the other so that two monitoring zones are created,a reader to supply power to the pair of antennae, the reader receiving signals from the pair of antennae and transmitting a notification message in response to at least one of the signals from the pair of antennae indicating that the incontinence pad is wet, anda patient bed having a frame and a mattress, the incontinence pad being situated atop the mattress, the reader being coupled to the frame, wherein the frame comprises a mattress support deck that supports the mattress and the pair of antennae are situated above the deck and beneath the mattress.

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