Methods and apparatus for the detection of moisture and multifunctional sensor systems
First Claim
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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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An incontinence detection apparatus comprising
an 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, and a 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.
Specification