Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080264180 | System and method for measuring volume of ingested fluid - An audio sensor and receiver detect, discriminate and count the number of liquid swallows to determine the volume of fluid ingested. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265170 | UV detection devices and methods - A portable UV detection apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device integrated with a skin type measuring device. A controller can be included in the apparatus that is in communication with the skin type measuring device and the UV detection device. The controller can provide information to the user regarding the amount of ultraviolet radiation present in the environment. In an alternative embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device in conjunction with a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to activate the UV detection device should light at a particular intensity be present in the environment. The UV detection device as described above can be configured to measure UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266117 | SENSORS AND DISPOSABLE ARTICLES THAT CONTAIN THE SENSORS - Embodiments of the invention provide a sensor for detecting the presence of fluid in an absorbent article. The sensor may include a fluid activated battery. Fluid received in the absorbent article may connect electrodes of the fluid activated battery and cause a voltage to be generated between battery electrodes. The voltage generated between the electrodes may provide power to the sensor circuit. In one embodiment, the fluid activated battery may be configured to detect the presence of fluid in the absorbent article and the presence and/or amount of particular substances in the received fluid. | 10-30-2008 |
20090112538 | VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention provide virtual reality tools and simulations used for improved health care customer management. The virtual reality tools may be used by a product manufacturer or seller to assist in relationship management with health care partners including identifying improved solutions for a variety of problems, strengthening infection prevention processes and systems, improving order and flow in the operating room and other care-delivery environments, identifying benefits from new products, providing techniques for evaluating new health care systems and processes, etc. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112541 | VIRTUAL REALITY TOOLS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INFECTION CONTROL SOLUTIONS - Embodiments of the invention provide virtual reality tools used to develop improved infection control solutions. The virtual reality tools may be applied to a variety of health care environments to develop improved infection control solutions, including improved training systems for modifying human behavior regarding hand washing (or other infection control behaviors), improved systems for evaluating the effectiveness of a proposed infection control solution, and for a producer/seller of anti-microbial products to demonstrate the superiority of one product over another or the superiority of one proposed solution over another. | 04-30-2009 |
20090161918 | IMAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR DETECTING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE - Embodiments of the invention relate to an image analysis system for detecting compliance with requirements for using personal protective equipment (PPE). An image capturing device may be used to acquire an image of an individual requesting entry into a restricted area. In turn, a PPE analysis tool may be configured to analyze the image to detect the presence of the PPE, e.g., by recognizing markings made using UV fluorescent dye, reflective ink, or other marking materials visible in the captured image and/or the physical shape of the PPE. The image analysis tool may be further configured to demine not only whether the required PPE is present, but also determine whether the PPE is being worn correctly by the individual requesting access to the restricted area. | 06-25-2009 |
20090294435 | Heating Articles Using Conductive Webs - A heating article is provided including a heating element including a first layer of nonwoven fibers mixed with conductive fibers, wherein the layer is divided to include a conductive region and a nonconductive region, wherein the conductive region extends in a co-extensive and co-planar pattern in a majority of the layer, and wherein the conductive region has first and second ends, and a power source removably coupled to the first and second ends. The first layer can include nonwoven fibers mixed with non-metallic conductive fibers. The heating article can also include a second layer superposed with the first layer, wherein the second layer is substantially free of non-metallic conductive fibers. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295657 | Radiating Element For A Signal Emitting Apparatus - A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306536 | Method and Device For Monitoring Thermal Stress - A method and device for monitoring thermal stress in a user is described. The device is designed to include a material having specific thermodynamic properties and physical dimensions defined as a function of those thermodynamic properties. A system for thermal stress monitoring including a thermal stress monitoring device configured within a garment is also described. | 12-10-2009 |
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 |
20100168694 | Infrared Wetness Detection System For An Absorbent Article - A signaling device for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article includes a housing and a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector adapted to sense a change in infrared light reflectance due to an insult to the absorbent article, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor. In addition, a body exudate collection and detection system includes an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article for detecting the presence of a body exudate therein, the signaling device including a housing and a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor. | 07-01-2010 |
20110133939 | Thermal Stress Indicator - The present invention provides a device for non-invasive monitoring thermal stress of a user. The device is capable of monitoring the internal body temperature and changes in the internal body temperature of a user. Also, the device is capable of alerting a user when the user is in danger of thermal stress. | 06-09-2011 |
20120017897 | Tracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Indicator - A pressure indicator for cuffed tracheal tubes is provided. This indicator uses an indicator balloon on the proximal end of the inflation lumen and in fluid communication with the tracheal tube cuff. As the pressure in the cuff changes, the balloon will inflate and deflate. An indicator needle rests on the balloon and moves in response to the inflation and deflation of the balloon, thus showing the state of inflation of the cuff. | 01-26-2012 |
20120071362 | NONWOVEN-BASED CHEMI-CAPACITIVE OR CHEMI-RESISTIVE GAS SENSOR - A chemical gas sensor formed from a nonwoven material is described. The gas sensor includes a flexible, gas-permeable, nonwoven web-based material substrate having a matrix that is composed of a plurality of inert thermoplastic, pulp, cellulose or staple fibers as either a major or minor portion, with a plurality of gas-sensitive fibers formed from a polymer that can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a plurality of electrically conductive fibers. The gas-sensitive fibers are intermixed with and associated spatially among a network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers, such that a change in physical morphology of said gas-sensitive fibers as a result of interacting with volatile organic compounds, causes a change in dielectric properties that disrupts said network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers. The sensor can be configured as either a resistive or a capacitive chemisensor. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078167 | Stoma Length Indicator Assembly and Positioning System - An indicator assembly for use with a non-vascular catheter device The indicator assembly includes: a first retainer secured to a catheter tube, the first retainer being an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a non-vascular lumen or cavity of the body; a second retainer secured to the catheter tube, the second retainer deployed outside the human body; and an indicator located outside the body on the catheter tube between the first retainer and the second retainer. The first retainer and the second retainer are configured to maintain substantially the same position with respect to each other on the tube and the indicator is configured to signal a change in position with respect to either the first or the second retainer, thereby indicating a change in the length of a stoma. | 03-29-2012 |
20120109087 | BODY FLUID DISCRIMINATING SENSOR - The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device can be configured to detect the presence of an insult in the absorbent article and/or in an undergarment. The signaling device can be further configured to determine whether the insult is a urine insult or a feces insult. The signaling device can provide a notification to a user that an insult has occurred and can inform the user whether the insult is a urine insult or a feces insult. | 05-03-2012 |
20120150153 | Method and System for Monitoring Nutritional Uptake as a Function of Microflora Intestinal Gas Levels - Systems and methods for monitoring nutritional uptake of an individual are disclosed. The method can include monitoring microflora intestinal gas concentration levels associated with a patient and adjusting the volume of nutrient provided by the patient with an artificial feeding device based at least in part on the microflora intestinal gas levels associated with the patient. A microflora intestinal gas sensor can be used to monitor the microflora intestinal gas associated with the patient. The microflora intestinal gas sensor can monitor the microflora intestinal gas in a patient's exhaled breath or in the patient's digestive tract. The microflora intestinal gas sensor be included as part of an enteral feeding system at the distal end or outside end of an enteral feeding tube. Systems and methods for monitoring nutritional uptake of an infant based on microflora intestinal gas levels associated with the infant are also disclosed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120225773 | LOW-DENSITY, OPEN-CELL, SOFT, FLEXIBLE, THERMOPLASTIC ABSORBENT FOAM AND METHOD OF MAKING FOAM - A soft, flexible, low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam formed from a foam polymer formula including a balanced amount of a plasticizing agent and a surfactant in combination with a base resin. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve softness, flexibility, elasticity, and resiliency of the resulting foam. The surfactant may be either a single surfactant or a multi-surfactant system. The foam possesses a number of qualities, such as softness and strength, which render the foam particularly suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, medical products, and the like. | 09-06-2012 |
20130018340 | Absorbent Article Fullness IndicatorAANM Abraham; Jose KollakompilAACI NeenahAAST WIAACO USAAGP Abraham; Jose Kollakompil Neenah WI USAANM Ales, III; Thomas MichaelAACI NeenahAAST WIAACO USAAGP Ales, III; Thomas Michael Neenah WI USAANM Gakhar; SudhanshuAACI NeenahAAST WIAACO USAAGP Gakhar; Sudhanshu Neenah WI USAANM Heller; Jeffrey RobertAACI NeenahAAST WIAACO USAAGP Heller; Jeffrey Robert Neenah WI USAANM Nhan; Davis Dang HoangAACI AppletonAAST WIAACO USAAGP Nhan; Davis Dang Hoang Appleton WI USAANM Feldkamp; Joseph RaymondAACI AppletonAAST WIAACO USAAGP Feldkamp; Joseph Raymond Appleton WI USAANM Ranganathan; SridharAACI SuwaneeAAST GAAACO USAAGP Ranganathan; Sridhar Suwanee GA US - A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article. | 01-17-2013 |
20130131618 | Contactless Passive Sensing For Absorbent Articles - An absorbent article facilitating sensing the presence of a body exudate in the absorbent article includes an absorbent member; a sensor coil disposed on or in the article; and an electrical double-layer capacitor disposed on or in the article and in electrical communication with the sensor coil, wherein the capacitor is in fluid communication with the absorbent member. An absorbent article system also includes a detector circuit including an exciter coil configured for electromagnetic communication with the sensor coil, and sensor electronics configured to indicate the presence of a body exudate based on changes in the electromagnetic communication between the exciter coil and the sensor coil. | 05-23-2013 |
20130144237 | Sensor Products Using Wicking Materials - An absorbent article includes a chassis including a bodyside liner, an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, the chassis including an insult zone and a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a sensor element disposed in or on the chassis, the sensor element extending from a proximal end in the waist region to at least the insult zone and in fluid communication with the insult zone, the sensor element including a multi-layer wicking material. | 06-06-2013 |
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 |
20150038933 | Treated Three-Dimensional Apertured Liners - A bodyside liner material for use in disposable absorbent personal care products has an average material plane and includes a plurality of raised areas extending in a z-direction from the average material plane; a plurality of apertures through the liner material; a hydrophobic treatment agent disposed on the raised areas; and a plurality of land areas disposed between the raised areas, wherein the land areas are hydrophilic. The bodyside liner material can also include a plurality of raised areas extending in a z-direction from the average material plane; a plurality of depressed areas alternating with the plurality of raised areas, wherein the depressed areas extend in the opposite z-direction from the average material plane, and wherein the depressed areas are hydrophilic; a plurality of apertures through the liner material, wherein the apertures are disposed only in the depressions; and a hydrophobic treatment agent disposed on the raised areas. | 02-05-2015 |