Method and apparatus for indicating the conditions in an absorbent article
First Claim
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1. A diaper comprising:
- a liquid impervious outer layer having opposite side edges and opposed end edges connecting the side edges, said outer layer defining a shape and dimensions of the diaper, the diaper having a crotch portion adapted to engage a crotch of a wearer to capture and retain waste material when the diaper is folded medially and worn engaging a waist area and stomach area of the wearer;
a first layer adapted to contact skin of the wearer;
an electrochemical indicator for measuring pH of an interior environment of said diaper, said electrochemical indicator being located between said first layer and said liquid impervious outer layer, wherein said electrochemical indicator is operable to measure a series of pH levels over time and generate a series of electrical signals based on said series of pH levels;
a pathological prediction unit operable to receive said series of electric signals, wherein said pathological prediction unit performs curve matching on said series of pH levels and determines a time at which said interior environment of said diaper is predicted to reach a set of conditions where pathogenic microbes or pathological environments are present, which will deleteriously affect the wearer, based on a selected curve.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for gauging the levels of pH in the interiors of articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, pads, catamenial products, bedding, and would dressings are disclosed. This method and apparatus include sensing devices and relay systems for displaying the pH on the outside of the articles that provide visual and/or audible warnings that toxic levels are approaching and that it is time to remove and replace the article.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A diaper comprising:
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a liquid impervious outer layer having opposite side edges and opposed end edges connecting the side edges, said outer layer defining a shape and dimensions of the diaper, the diaper having a crotch portion adapted to engage a crotch of a wearer to capture and retain waste material when the diaper is folded medially and worn engaging a waist area and stomach area of the wearer;
a first layer adapted to contact skin of the wearer;
an electrochemical indicator for measuring pH of an interior environment of said diaper, said electrochemical indicator being located between said first layer and said liquid impervious outer layer, wherein said electrochemical indicator is operable to measure a series of pH levels over time and generate a series of electrical signals based on said series of pH levels;
a pathological prediction unit operable to receive said series of electric signals, wherein said pathological prediction unit performs curve matching on said series of pH levels and determines a time at which said interior environment of said diaper is predicted to reach a set of conditions where pathogenic microbes or pathological environments are present, which will deleteriously affect the wearer, based on a selected curve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of predicting remaining safe life of a diaper comprising the steps of:
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measuring a series of pH levels of an interior environment of said diaper;
matching a selected curve to said series of pH levels by comparing said series of pH levels with a series of curves; and
predicting a time at which said interior environment of said diaper is predicted to reach a set of conditions where pathogenic microbes or pathological environments are present, which will deleteriously affect the wearer, based on said selected curve. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A diaper comprising:
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a liquid impervious outer layer having opposite side edges and opposed end edges connecting the side edges, said outer layer defining a shape and dimensions of the diaper, the diaper having a crotch portion adapted to engage a crotch of a wearer to capture and retain waste material when the diaper is folded medially and worn engaging a waist area and stomach area of the wearer;
a first layer adapted to contact skin of a wearer;
an electrochemical indicator for measuring pH of an interior environment of said diaper, said electrochemical indicator being located between said first layer and said liquid impervious outer layer, wherein said electrochemical indicator is operable to measure a series of pH levels over time and generate a series of electrical signals based on said series of pH levels;
a pathological prediction unit operable to receive said series of electric signals, wherein said pathological prediction unit analyzes said series of pH levels and determines a time at which said interior environment of said diaper is predicted to reach a set of conditions where pathogenic microbes or pathological environments are present, which will deleteriously affect the wearer.
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Specification