Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100030173 | Absorbent Products with Wetness Sensors - A sensor that is sensitive to the presence of aqueous-based fluids is described. The sensor has a wetness indicating material immobilized or printed on a substrate. The indicating material contains at least one electron-donating leuco dye and one electron deficient receptor, and exhibits a visual signal (e.g., vivid or strong color intensity) in a dry state, which fades or disappears when in contact with a water-containing liquid. An absorbent article incorporating such a sensor to communicate to a user that the article has been exposed to water-containing fluids is also described. | 02-04-2010 |
20100114047 | Absorbent Articles with Impending Leakage Sensors - In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an absorbent article capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine as well as impending leakage of urine is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a substantially liquid impermeable layer, a liquid permeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the substantially liquid impermeable layer and the liquid permeable layer. A plurality of sensors are integrated into the article across the width of the article and positioned such that the sensors are in fluid communication with urine when provided by a wearer of the article. At least one of the sensors comprises a pH indicator. At least one of the sensors is capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine and at least one of the sensors is capable of indicating impending leakage of urine from the article. | 05-06-2010 |
20100145294 | Three-dimensional vertical hydration/dehydration sensor - A three-dimensional fluidic assay device or sensor is described. The sensor has a porous substrate with a first face or plane defined along x-y coordinate axes, and a second face remote in a z-direction from the first face. The first face contains a sample deposition zone and the second face has at least one detection zone, such that when a fluid sample is deposited in the sample deposition zone, fluid is transported by means of capillary action along the z-direction to the detection zone and manifests a signal development. An absorbent article, such as a diaper or feminine hygiene product, having such a three-dimensional sensor integrated across the thickness of the absorbent article, from an inner layer to an outer layer, is also described. | 06-10-2010 |
20100159599 | LATERAL-FLOW POROUS MEMBRANE ASSAY WITH FLOW RATE CONTROL - Various modifications to a porous substrate, such as employed in lateral flow assay devices, to regulate or modify the flow rate and/or flow path pattern of a fluid through the porous substrate is described. The lateral flow assay device has a porous substrate matrix in fluid communication with a flow-rate control zone having a number of flow-rate control devices arranged as features in or on a substrate surface or laminates thereof in a body. The flow-rate control devices may include: a density gradient, porosity gradient, ion affinity gradient, micro-channels, and combinations thereof. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159611 | HYDRATION/DEHYDRATION SENSOR - A fluidic assay device or test format that can regulate or control the sample flow rate and modulate the manifestation of test results to reduce or eliminate errors is described. The assay device has a substrate with a flow-rate control zone that regulates the amount of time needed for development and appearance of a visual signal in the observation-feedback zone until the color transition in the detection zone reaches color stability. The present invention also describes absorbent articles incorporating such an assay device and methods of monitoring dehydration or testing ion strength of a urine sample using such a test format. | 06-24-2010 |
20110015063 | Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a multiple-component material including a substrate and a film layer on the substrate. The film layer includes a color-changing composition to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing composition includes a water-insoluble, film-forming polymer, a charged surfactant, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015597 | Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a multiple-component material including a substrate and a film layer on the substrate. The film layer includes a color-changing composition to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing composition includes a water-insoluble, film-forming polymer, a pH adjuster and a water-insoluble particle. The water-insoluble particle has a charged colorant immobilized on it. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015598 | Color-Changing Materials And Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015599 | Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a multiple-component material including a substrate and a printed layer on the substrate. The printed layer includes a color-changing composition to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing composition includes a matrix-forming component, a colorant, a surfactant and a pH adjuster. The pH adjuster includes a low molecular weight organic acid and a high molecular weight organic acid. | 01-20-2011 |
20110144603 | Aqueous-Triggered Color-Appearing Inks - The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least four major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an electron-withdrawing color-developer agent or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, (3) a separator or combination of separators that when present in sufficient amounts, can prevent the formation of the colored complexes between the color-developer and leuco dyes, all contained within (4) an encapsulation matrix that includes at least one film-forming and one aqueous-insoluble polymer. All of the foregoing components are dissolved together in a volatile organic solvent medium to form a homogeneous solution that can be applied as an ink on substrates, which can be incorporated as part of absorbent articles or personal care products. | 06-16-2011 |
20110152816 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING IMPROVED SIGNAL MEMBER - An absorbent article comprises a signal element having a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a z-direction. The signal element includes a water-soluble polymeric buffering film and a stimulation material. The water-soluble polymeric buffering film comprises a water-soluble base polymer. In some aspects, the stimulation material comprises a temperature change agent, and the signal element exhibits a surface temperature change of at least +/−2° C. In some aspects, the signal element exhibits a stimulation effect over at least two aqueous insults. | 06-23-2011 |
20110158917 | ANTI-VIRAL TISSUE PRODUCT WITH VISUAL EFFICACY INDICATOR - Anti-viral tissues are provided with a pH indicator which can communicate to a tissue user by means of visual indicia, via color changes, that the tissue has active ingredients. Furthermore, the pH indicators can be used to illustrate neutralization of the pH of infected nasal discharge, which has a higher pH than healthy nasal discharge, giving the user a reason to believe that the product is working to deactivate virus. | 06-30-2011 |
20120042722 | Dehydration Sensors with Ion-Responsive and Charged Polymeric Surfactants - A lateral flow assay device for determining the relative ionic strength of urine is described. The device includes a buffering zone having a polyelectrolyte disposed therein, and an indicator zone having a pH indicator non-diffusively immobilized therein, the indicator zone being separate from the buffering zone and positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the buffering zone. A detection zone is part of the buffering zone, and has a buffering component comprising a weak polymeric acid and weak polymeric base with a pKa≦10 | 02-23-2012 |
20120046628 | DEHYDRATION SENSORS HAVING BUFFERED INKS - A dehydration sensor having a stable, printable, buffered-ink composition that enables one to miniaturize the detection zone and permits both buffer and indicator dye to be applied in the same area of a detection zone, without need for a conventional, large buffer pad region. | 02-23-2012 |
20120143159 | DEHYDRATION SENSORS HAVING POLYMERIC BASE-BUFFERED INKS - A dehydration sensor having a stable, printable, buffered-ink composition that enables one to miniaturize the detection zone and permits both buffer and indicator dye to be applied in the same area of a detection zone, without need for a conventional, large buffer pad region. The ink composition includes a weak polymeric base as its primary buffering agent. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143160 | Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a color-changing composition and a multiple-component material including a substrate and a printed layer on the substrate. The printed layer includes a color-changing composition to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in wetness. The color-changing composition includes a matrix-forming component, a leuco dye, a Lewis Acid, a neutral surfactant and an organic solvent. | 06-07-2012 |
20120328485 | Color-Changing Materials And Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species. | 12-27-2012 |
20130066289 | Wetness Indicator Having Varied Hues - A wetness indicator material may be used on a substrate to form a wetness sensor. The sensor may show either the presence or absence of an aqueous-based fluid or water-containing medium, such as vaginal fluid or urine in a personal hygiene article. The wetness sensor may be incorporated into the article. The wetness indicator material includes a standard colorant that does not change color when wetted. The standard colorant increases the range of hues exhibited by the wetness indicator material. | 03-14-2013 |
20130116644 | Non-Tacky Wetness Indicator Composition for Application on a Polymeric Substrate - The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least three major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an color-developer or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, and (3) a desensitizer to temporarily remove the effect of the developer so the leuco dye appears in its colorless form. An optional binder may be included so that the composition may be applied to a substrate as an ink. The ink composition may be applied to synthetic polymeric substrates and other substrates that are incorporated into absorbent articles or personal care products. | 05-09-2013 |
20130157236 | Dynamic Article for Toilet Training - A dynamic inflatable pillow for toilet training children has a compartment wherein a gas-generating composition disposed. Once water enters the pillow compartment through water permeable sides, gas is generated and bubbles are released from at least one gas-release outlet. Dyes may be added to the gas-generating composition to create colored effluent. Functional dyes may be printed on the pillow surface(s), which may appear or, disappear when wetted. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158492 | Absorbent Article With Moisture Indicator - A personal absorbent article (e.g., feminine care pad, sanitary napkin, diaper, incontinence pad etc.) has a color change indicator that employs a synergistic combination an acid component and a basic component for signaling to a user when the absorbent article may foster bacterial growth due to moisture absorption. After a certain period of time, the user can visually inspect the color of the color change indicator to obtain an indication of when it is time to replace or remove the article. | 06-20-2013 |
20130289508 | Dryness Indicator For An Absorbent Article - A dryness indicator includes a wicking strip continuous between a reservoir end and an opposed open end; a liquid-impermeable top layer disposed on one side of the wicking strip; and a liquid-impermeable bottom layer disposed on the opposite side of the wicking strip, wherein the top layer is affixed to the bottom layer to at least partially enclose the wicking strip, and wherein the indicator is configured such that the open end of the wicking strip can be placed in liquid communication with an object or surface. The dryness indicator also includes a reservoir including an oil-based colorant with the potential to be in liquid communication with the reservoir end of the wicking strip, wherein the wicking strip is configured such that colorant wicking from the reservoir end and an unreacted water-based fluid wicking from the open end meet to define a timing line. | 10-31-2013 |
20140004506 | Membrane-Based Lateral Flow Assay Devices that Utilize Phosphorescent Detection | 01-02-2014 |
20140066870 | Color-Changing Composition And Material - The present disclosure relates to a color-changing composition and to a substrate having the color-changing compositions disposed thereon. The color-changing composition includes a leuco dye, a color-developer and a desensitizer. The color-changing composition changes from a colorless or largely colorless composition to color upon being wetted with an aqueous liquid. The color-changing composition remains colorless or largely colorless prior to exposure to high relative humidity conditions. | 03-06-2014 |
20140128827 | TRIGGERABLE COMPOSITIONS FOR TWO-STAGE, CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ACTIVE CHEMISTRY - A triggerable composition for two-stage, controlled release of a functional active chemical includes an encapsulation material for encapsulating a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative including a functional active. The encapsulation material is triggerable to release the betaine ester or betaine ester derivative at a first stage upon the occurrence with an environmental stimulus, such as a pH change, an enzymatic change, and a temperature change. The betaine ester or betaine ester derivative of a functional active with at least one hydroxyl group releases the functional active through a hydrolysis reaction upon contact with an aqueous medium. | 05-08-2014 |
20140207095 | Aqueous-Triggered Color-Appearing Inks - The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least four major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an electron-withdrawing color-developer agent or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, (3) a separator or combination of separators that when present in sufficient amounts, can prevent the formation of the colored complexes between the color-developer and leuco dyes, all contained within (4) an encapsulation matrix that includes at least one film-forming and one aqueous-insoluble polymer. All of the foregoing components are dissolved together in a volatile organic solvent medium to form a homogeneous solution that can be applied as an ink on substrates, which can be incorporated as part of absorbent articles or personal care products. | 07-24-2014 |
20140241954 | Water-Based Wetness-Indicating Composition and Sensor - A color-appearing ink composition includes a surfactant blend of at least two non-ionic surfactants having hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values greater than 10, or a non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value greater than 10 and a charged surfactant. The composition includes one or more water-insoluble leuco dyes, a developer and a desensitizer. The composition may be applied to a substrate to form a sensor. | 08-28-2014 |
20140242715 | Detection of Volatiles in Personal Care Products - Color-change compositions for detecting urine and feces volatiles include the following pH indicator dyes: m-Cresol Purple, Basic Fuchsin, Brilliant Blue G, Brilliant Blue R, Cresol Red and Thymol Blue. The compositions may be applied to various substrates. Such substrates may be used in the construction of a personal care absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant or incontinence garment. | 08-28-2014 |
20140324004 | AQUEOUS MEDIUM-SENSITIVE COATING COMPOSITIONS FOR TRIGGERED RELEASE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND VISUAL INDICATION FOR WETNESS - An absorbent article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer and one absorbent core layer. The topsheet layer, absorbent core layer and backsheet layer each include a longitudinally directed side peripheral edge. The absorbent article further includes an aqueous medium-sensitive coating composition for triggered release of active ingredients from the absorbent article. The aqueous medium-sensitive coating composition is affixed to the absorbent article adjacent a longitudinally directed side peripheral edge. The coating composition includes a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative having a functional active group derived from a fragrance with a hydroxyl group, a color changing visual indicator chemistry, where the visual indicator chemistry is selected from at least one of the group of a pH indicator dye and pH adjuster, a thermochromic dye and a polarity-sensitive dye. | 10-30-2014 |
20140363354 | Water-Based Wetness-Indicating Composition and Sensor - A color-appearing ink composition includes a surfactant blend of at least two non-ionic surfactants having hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values greater than 10, or a non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value greater than 10 and a charged surfactant. The composition includes one or more water-insoluble leuco dyes, a developer and a desensitizer. The composition may be applied to a substrate to form a sensor. | 12-11-2014 |