DIMENSIONALLY-SENSITIVE MOISTURE SENSOR AND AN ALARM SYSTEM FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE
First Claim
1. A sensor for detecting moisture in an absorbent article, the sensor comprising:
- a housing made of material that is dimensionally-sensitive to a presence of moisture;
a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed on or in the housing;
wherein the electrically conductive contacts are selectively coupled to, or decoupled from, each other as a result of a dimensional change of the housing arising from exposure to moisture; and
wherein an electrical signal routable through the selectively coupled electrically conductive contacts creates a closed or an open circuit to indicate the presence of moisture.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for detecting moisture in a diaper is disclosed. A moisture sensor apparatus is comprised of a housing made of material dimensionally-sensitive to moisture, such that the housing will expand or contract. Electrically conductive contacts disposed on/in the housing, are selectively coupled to, or decoupled from, each other based on a dimensional change of the sensor device when it comes into contact with moisture. An electrical signal routable through the electrically conductive contacts detects a change in state, e.g., from open to closed, and activates a local or remote alarm to indicate the presence of moisture. The consumable low-cost sensor and the optional non-metallic leads and contacts, that are at least partially biodegradable, are coupled via a convenient slidable brush connector to a resusable alarm system having optional low duty cycle transmitting capability to a receiver base station, thereby providing a cost-effective, eco-friendly and user-friendly system.
128 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sensor for detecting moisture in an absorbent article, the sensor comprising:
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a housing made of material that is dimensionally-sensitive to a presence of moisture; a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed on or in the housing; wherein the electrically conductive contacts are selectively coupled to, or decoupled from, each other as a result of a dimensional change of the housing arising from exposure to moisture; and wherein an electrical signal routable through the selectively coupled electrically conductive contacts creates a closed or an open circuit to indicate the presence of moisture. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for detecting moisture, the system comprising:
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a moisture-resistant layer; an absorbent material coupled to the moisture-resistant layer; a moisture sensor disposed in or on the absorbent material, wherein the sensor has a plurality of electrical contacts coupled thereto, and wherein the sensor detects moisture by changing a state of the plurality of electrical contacts from a normally open to a closed, or from a normally closed to an open position, under the force of mechanical expansion or contraction of the sensor in the presence of moisture; a plurality of electrically conductive leads, wherein each of the electrically conductive leads is respectively coupled to one of the plurality of electrically conductive contacts on the moisture sensor; and an alarm system coupled to the electrically conductive leads, wherein the alarm system is activated by the change of the state of the electrical contacts in the moisture sensor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An alarm system for indicating a presence of moisture in an absorbent article, the alarm system comprising:
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a sensor for detecting moisture, the sensor having a housing made of material dimensionally sensitive to the presence of moisture; logic for determining when an electrical circuit coupled to the sensor changes from a normally open position to a closed position or from a normally closed position to an open position; and a power source coupled to the logic. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification