Electrogalvanic-powered diaper wetness sensor
First Claim
1. A body waste detecting device, comprising:
- an elongated flexible sensor comprising a flexible conductor energized by electrogalvanic action to produce a signal in response to contact with body waste, said flexible sensor comprises an axial conductor, a coaxial conductor positioned coaxial with and substantially surrounding said axial conductor and a dielectric located between said axial conductor and said coaxial conductor; and
an electrical circuit responsive to said signal to produce an alarm;
wherein said axial conductor comprises a first metal and said coaxial conductor comprises a second metal different than the first metal such that when said dielectric absorbs said body waste an electrical current flows between said axial conductor and said coaxial conductor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical wetness sensor powered by the electrogalvanic action of an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. In the preferred embodiment the electrolyte is urine and the device is used to warn of incontinence. This device contains the following features: sensitivity to wetness; electrical battery-less operation; hermetic and permanent sealing; no-maintenance operation; portability, inexpensiveness, and disposableness. The alarm unit may be configured to produce a visual and/or audible signal. In the preferred embodiment the alarm unit transmits a signal to a remote FM radio receiver or dedicated device to announce incontinence. Incontinence is announced by a tone, visual signal, silencing of the radio station the receiver is tuned to, or activation of a microphone within the alarm unit to allow remote listening. Any or all of these indications may be designed into the device and are discussed.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A body waste detecting device, comprising:
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an elongated flexible sensor comprising a flexible conductor energized by electrogalvanic action to produce a signal in response to contact with body waste, said flexible sensor comprises an axial conductor, a coaxial conductor positioned coaxial with and substantially surrounding said axial conductor and a dielectric located between said axial conductor and said coaxial conductor; and an electrical circuit responsive to said signal to produce an alarm; wherein said axial conductor comprises a first metal and said coaxial conductor comprises a second metal different than the first metal such that when said dielectric absorbs said body waste an electrical current flows between said axial conductor and said coaxial conductor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification