Apparatus for incontinence detection and notification

• US 7,053,781 B1
• Filed: 05/12/2004
• Issued: 05/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Healthcare SRQ Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Daniel R. Bowe, Glen Haire, Terry L. Lakin
• Inventors: Lakin, Terry L., Bowe, Daniel R., Haire, Glen
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HUNNINGS, TRAVIS R
• Application Number:
  US10/843,818
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.5, 340/604, 340/605, 340/652
• US Class Current: 340/604
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/42 with wetness indicator or alarm

Abstract

An apparatus for incontinence detection and notification comprises a notification component, for providing notice that an incontinent event has occurred, and a sensor. The sensor includes a sensing pad for collecting and retaining fluid resulting from the incontinent event, and a circuit housed within the sensing pad. The circuit has a pair of stainless steel electrodes, which are in electronic communication with the notification component. A closed circuit is created between the electrodes by the fluid resulting from the incontinent event, causing an electronic signal to be communicated to the notification component. The circuit may also include a plurality of connectors placed in electronic communication with the notification component to diagnose a disconnected or poorly connected circuit.

Claims

1. An apparatus for incontinence detection and notification, comprising:

a notification component for providing notice that an incontinent event has occurred; and

a washable sensor, including

a sensing pad for collecting and retaining fluid resulting from the incontinent event, said sensing pad including a first layer of a washable material for contacting the skin of a wearer, a second layer of washable soaker material for absorbing the fluid resulting from the incontinent event, and a third layer of fluid-resistant material joined to said first and second layers, said third layer preventing fluid from escaping from the sensing pad, and

a circuit integrated within the second layer of said sensing pad having a first and a second electrode, a closed circuit being created between said electrodes by the fluid resulting from the incontinent event, causing an electronic signal to be communicated to the notification component;

wherein said electrodes are constructed from a material having the ability to withstand harsh heat and chemical treatments, such that said sensor, including the sensing pad and integrated circuit, may be cleaned, sanitized, and thereafter reused.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the notification component is a transmitter.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, and further comprising a remote receiver for receiving a notification of and/or data regarding the incontinent event from the notification component.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, and further comprising an analysis component receiving information from the notification component for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to incontinent events.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, and further comprising an analysis component receiving information from the notification component for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to incontinent events.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said electrodes are constructed from stainless steel.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said electrodes are constructed from a stainless steel continuous filament yarn.

8. An apparatus for incontinence detection and notification, comprising:

a notification component for providing notice that an incontinent event has occurred; and

a sensor, including

a sensing pad for collecting and retaining fluid resulting from the incontinent event, and

a circuit housed within the sensing pad having a first and a second electrode, a closed circuit being created between said electrodes by the fluid resulting from the incontinent event, causing an electronic signal to be communicated to the notification component, the circuit further including

a first connector placed in electronic communication with the first electrode;

a second connector placed in electronic communication with the first connector;

a third connector placed in electronic communication with the second electrode; and

a fourth connector placed in electronic communication with the third connector,

wherein a closed circuit is created between the first and second connectors and another closed circuit is created between the third and fourth connectors, and all connectors are placed in electronic communication with the notification component, an electronic signal being communicated to the notification component upon the formation of an open circuit between the connectors, indicating that the sensor can not function.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the notification component is a transmitter.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, and further comprising a remote receiver for receiving a notification of and/or data regarding the incontinent event from the notification component.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, and further comprising an analysis component receiving information from the notification component for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to incontinent events.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, and further comprising an analysis component receiving information from the notification component for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to incontinent events.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the electrodes are constructed from stainless steel.