Elimination - absorber monitoring system
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Accused Products
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. The monitor and sensor are interconnected and attached to a diaper by particularly effective and unique means, and the monitor is equipped with a highly intuitive and convenient control interface, as well as improved assemblies for the transmission of audible and visual alarm indications. Also described is a convenient test-strip device which, when connected to the monitor/alarm unit of the system, can selectively simulate either a soiled or unsoiled elimination-absorber/sensor for test, caregiver-training or demonstration purposes.
210 Citations
48 Claims
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1-3. -3. (Canceled)
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4. A sensor for use with an elimination-absorber monitoring system said sensor comprising:
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sensing means and a flow-baffling layer disposed to divert direct flow of a liquid to be sensed around said flow-baffling layer prior to detection by said sensing means;
a first liquid-permeable flow-conducting layer disposed adjacent said flow-baffling layer on the side of said flow-baffling layer opposite said sensing means, to collect and conduct a liquid to be sensed across said flow-baffling layer; and
a second liquid-permeable flow-conducting layer, disposed opposite said first flow-conducting layer relative to said flow-baffling layer, to conduct liquid from said first flow-conducting layer, around said flow-baffling layer and toward said sensing means, wherein adjacent portions of said first and second liquid-permeable flow-conducting layers extend beyond an outer edge of said flow-baffling layer and are in fluid communication to conduct liquid around said flow-baffling layer and into said second flow-conducting layer. - View Dependent Claims (5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 23, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 48)
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6. A sensor for use with an elimination-absorber monitoring system, said sensor comprising:
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sensing means;
a flow-baffling layer disposed to divert direct flow of a liquid to be sensed around said flow-baffling layer prior to detection by said sensing means;
a cover layer disposed on the side of said flow-baffling layer farthest from said sensing means; and
a liquid-permeable flow-conducting layer disposed on the side of said flow-baffling layer closest to said sensing means to conduct liquid around said flow baffling layer and toward said sensing means. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8-9. -9. (Canceled)
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14. (Canceled)
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17-22. -22. (Canceled)
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24-26. -26. (Canceled)
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29. (Canceled)
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32. (Canceled)
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34-43. -43. (Canceled)
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44. A fluid-sealed or contaminant-resistant audible signal transmission means for a case, enclosure, or panel of an electronic device, said means comprising:
a sound permeable, structurally supportive opening in said case, enclosure or panel disposed behind an audibly transmissive, relatively thin flexible portion of a sealing membrane, said opening or a corresponding reduced thickness portion of said membrane allowing said membrane to vibrate freely in response to acoustic pressure waves traveling either to or from the outermost vibrating member of an electro-acoustic transducer disposed within said device, but whereby the maximum deflection of said membrane is constrained to be within its elastic limit, thereby protecting said membrane from mechanical damage without excessively attenuating the sound transmission to or from said transducer during intended operation.
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45. A fluid-sealed or contaminant-resistant, high viewing/acceptance-angle optical signal transmission means for the case, enclosure, panel or the like of an electronic device, said means comprising:
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an electro-optical source/detector having a relatively narrow beam exit/entrance angle, respectively, said source or detector being disposed within or behind a through-opening in said case, enclosure or panel, whereby said beam exit/entrance angle from/to said source or detector is substantially contained within said opening, said through-opening being sealed by a relatively thin, substantially optically-permeable, relatively permanent covering, said through-opening being further covered by a removable cover layer or flap of relatively thin, substantially optically-permeable material, whereby said removable cover layer acts to mechanically protect and help retain said case, enclosure or panel in a desired position while allowing the relatively unrestricted passage of said optical signal to or from said source/detector, and also whereby the presence and the optical properties of said cover layer or said permanent covering cause the useful viewing/acceptance-angle relative to said case, enclosure or panel to be substantially wider than said beam exit/entrance angle.
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46-47. -47. (Canceled)
Specification