Tampon detection system

• US 6,348,640 B1
• Filed: 03/20/2000
• Issued: 02/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nir Navot, Ronnie Botton
• Original Assignee: Nir Navot, Ronnie Botton
• Inventors: Botton, Ronnie, Navot, Nir
• Primary Examiner(s): PLUCINSKI, JAMISUE A
• Application Number:
  US09/508,966
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 604/361, 604/363, 604/904, 604/385.17, 604/385.18, 73/73, 340/604, 340/573
• US Class Current: 604/361
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/20 Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/2051 characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/42 with wetness indicator or alarm
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/904 Tampons

Abstract

This invention is a tampon wetness detection system which includes a housing (70) having a distal end, a proximal end, the proximal end being shaped, and dimensioned for insertion into a distal end of an absorbent body (12) inserted into a vagina, and the proximal end of the housing being fluid permeable; a radio frequency identification device (16) being implemented in the housing, and the radio frequency device including a transmitter (18); a conductive wetness sensor (20) being in the proximal end of the housing, and in electrical communication with the radio frequency identification device such that when the conductive wetness sensor senses wetness the radio frequency identification device is operable; a remote reporting device including a receiver for receiving a radio signal concerning the wetness of the absorbent body from the radio frequency identification device, and further including a reporting mechanism for reporting a user of the wetness of the absorbent body.

Claims

1. A tampon assembly comprising:

(a) an absorbent body insertable into a vagina;

(b) a radio frequency identification device being implemented in contact with said body, said radio frequency identification device including a transmitter; and

(c) a sensor being implemented in intimate contact with said body, said sensor being in electrical communication with said radio frequency identification device, such that when said sensor senses a substance or parameter said radio frequency identification device is operable.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency identification device is selected from the group consisting of passive radio frequency identification device and active radio frequency identification device.

3. A tampon wetness detection system comprising:

(a) a tack-shaped housing having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end being shaped and dimensioned for insertion into a distal end of an absorbent body insertable into a vagina, said proximal end of said housing being fluid permeable;

(b) a radio frequency identification device being implemented in said housing, said radio frequency identification device including a transmitter;

(c) a conductive wetness sensor being in said proximal end of said housing and in electrical communication with said radio frequency identification device, such that when said conductive wetness sensor senses wetness said radio frequency identification device is operable; and

(d) a remote-reporting device including a receiver for receiving a radio signal concerning the wetness of the absorbent body from said radio frequency identification device and further including a reporting mechanism for reporting a user of the wetness of the absorbent body.

4. A tampon assembly comprising:

(a) an absorbent body insertable into a vagina;

(b) a radio frequency identification device being implemented in contact with said body, said radio frequency identification device including a transmitter; and

(c) a sensor being implemented in contact with said body, said sensor being in electrical communication with said radio frequency identification device, such that when said sensor senses a substance or parameter said radio frequency identification device is operable.

5. The tampon assembly of claim 4, wherein said sensor is in intimate contact with said absorbent body and further wherein said radio frequency identification device communicated with said sensor via a wire.

6. The tampon assembly of claim 4, wherein said sensor communicates with said absorbent body via a capillary string and further wherein said sensor and said radio frequency identification device are integrated into a single device connected to said string.

7. A system for detecting a substance or a parameter of a body fluid comprising:

(a) a tampon assembly comprising;

(i) an absorbent body insertable into a vagina;

(ii) a radio frequency identification device being implemented in contact with said body, said radio frequency identification device including a transmitter; and

(iii) a sensor being implemented in contact with said body, said sensor being in electrical communication with said radio frequency identification device, such that when said sensor senses a substance or parameter said radio frequency identification device is operable; and

(b) a reporting device including a receiver for receiving a radio signal from said radio frequency identification device and further including a reporting mechanism for reporting a user of the wetness of the tampon.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said sensor is in intimate contact with said absorbent body and further wherein said radio frequency identification device communicates with said sensor via a wire.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said sensor communicates with said absorbent body via a capillary string and further wherein said sensor and said radio frequency identification device are integrated into a single device connected to said string.