LIQUID ACTIVATED DEVICES POWERED BY HYDROGEL BATTERIES AND METHODS THEREFORE
First Claim
1. A liquid detection device comprising:
- at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery configured to generate an electric current responsive to contact with a liquid, the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery comprising;
at least one hydrogel comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one electrolyte; and
at least one anode and at least one cathode in contact with the at least one hydrogel;
wherein the at least one electrolyte supports ionic communication between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode responsive to the hydrogel being hydrated with the liquid and does not support the ionic communication responsive to the hydrogel being dehydrated by an effective absence of the liquid, the ionic communication generating an electric current for the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery; and
at least one circuit in operative communication with the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery and configured to be energized by the electric current, wherein a detection event is initiated responsive to the at least one circuit being energized.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Liquid detection devices and perspiration-activated materials powered by liquid-activated hydrogel batteries are disclosed. A liquid detection device and a perspiration-activated material may be powered by a liquid-activated hydrogel battery comprising hydrogel permeated with electrolyte and an anode and a cathode in contact with the hydrogel. The hydrogel may become hydrated responsive to contact with a liquid, supporting ionic communication between the anode and the cathode via the electrolyte. The ionic communication may generate a voltage operative to power the liquid detection device or the perspiration-activated material connected thereto. The liquid detection device may operate to detect a liquid in contact therewith when powered by the hydrated liquid-activated hydrogel battery and to generate a detection event responsive to detecting the liquid. The perspiration-activated material may operate to evaporate and to eliminate odor associated with perspiration in contact therewith.
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Citations
53 Claims
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1. A liquid detection device comprising:
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at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery configured to generate an electric current responsive to contact with a liquid, the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery comprising; at least one hydrogel comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one electrolyte; and at least one anode and at least one cathode in contact with the at least one hydrogel; wherein the at least one electrolyte supports ionic communication between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode responsive to the hydrogel being hydrated with the liquid and does not support the ionic communication responsive to the hydrogel being dehydrated by an effective absence of the liquid, the ionic communication generating an electric current for the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery; and at least one circuit in operative communication with the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery and configured to be energized by the electric current, wherein a detection event is initiated responsive to the at least one circuit being energized. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18)
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4-8. -8. (canceled)
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17. (canceled)
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19-28. -28. (canceled)
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29. A method of preparing a liquid detection device, the method comprising:
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providing at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery configured to generate an electric current responsive to contact with a liquid, the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery comprising; at least one hydrogel comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one electrolyte; and at least one anode and at least one cathode in contact with the at least one hydrogel; wherein the at least one electrolyte supports ionic communication between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode responsive to the hydrogel being hydrated with the liquid and does not support the ionic communication responsive to the hydrogel being dehydrated by an effective absence of the liquid, the ionic communication generating an electric current for the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery; and arranging at least one circuit in operative communication with the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery, the at least one circuit being configured to be energized responsive to the electric current; wherein a detection event is initiated responsive to the at least one circuit being energized. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33)
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34-39. -39. (canceled)
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40. A method of detecting liquid using at least one liquid detection device, the method comprising:
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providing the at least one liquid detection device comprising; at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery configured to generate an electric current responsive to contact with a liquid, the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery comprising; at least one hydrogel comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one electrolyte; and at least one anode and at least one cathode in contact with the at least one hydrogel; wherein the at least one electrolyte supports ionic communication between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode responsive to the hydrogel being hydrated with the liquid and does not support the ionic communication responsive to the hydrogel being dehydrated by an effective absence of the liquid, the ionic communication generating an electric current for the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery; and at least one circuit in operable communication with the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery and configured to be energized by the electric current, wherein a detection event is initiated responsive to the at least one circuit being energized; and exposing the at least one liquid detection device to liquid such that the liquid hydrates the at least one hydrogel of the at least one liquid-activated hydrogel battery. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 49, 52)
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45-48. -48. (canceled)
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50-51. -51. (canceled)
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53-97. -97. (canceled)
Specification