JP2004529730A5

JP2004529730A5 -

Info

Publication number: JP2004529730A5
Application number: JP2003504356A
Authority: JP
Filing date: 2001-06-11
Publication date: 2005-09-22

Claims

A sensor for use with the excrement absorber monitoring system, the sensor comprising sensing means and a rectifying layer , wherein the rectifying layer is liquid to the extent that the excretion absorber needs to be replaced. A sensor arranged to prevent the sensing means from detecting the liquid to be sensed around and until it flows into such a waste absorber.

A first liquid permeability disposed adjacent to the rectifying layer on the side of the rectifying layer opposite the sensing means so as to collect and guide the liquid to be sensed through the rectifying layer; The sensor of claim 1 including a flow guide layer.

A second flow disposed about the rectifying layer opposite the first flow guiding layer so as to guide liquid from the first flow guiding layer around the rectifying layer and toward the sensing means. The sensor of claim 2 comprising a liquid permeable flow guide layer.

Adjacent portions of the first and second liquid permeable flow guide layers extend beyond the outer edge of the rectifying layer and guide liquid around the rectifying layer to the second flow guiding layer. The sensor of claim 3, wherein the sensor is in fluid communication with the sensor.

The sensor of claim 4, wherein a portion of the first liquid permeable flow guide layer extends to an outer edge of the second permeable flow guide layer to guide liquid to a waste absorber.

A cover layer disposed on a side surface of the rectifying layer farthest from the sensing means so as to guide liquid around the rectifying layer and toward the sensing means; and a rectifying layer closest to the sensing means. The sensor according to claim 1, comprising a liquid permeable flow guiding layer disposed on a side surface.

The sensor of claim 6 further comprising a relatively liquid impermeable layer disposed on the opposite side of the sensing means with respect to the rectifying layer.

Via the outer edge of the rectifying layer and to the outer edge of the rectifying layer so as to guide liquid from the first flow guiding layer through the rectifying layer and into the second flow guiding layer. 4. A sensor according to claim 3, comprising a first series of openings towards.

Arranged between the first series of openings and an outer edge of the rectifying layer so as to guide liquid from the first flow guiding layer through the rectifying layer to the excreta absorber. 9. The sensor of claim 8, comprising a second series of openings through the rectifying layer.

4. A relatively liquid impermeable layer disposed on the opposite side of the rectifying layer with respect to the sensing means and the second flow guide layer to form a capillary channel in the sensing means. The sensor described.

Adjacent portions of the first and second liquid permeable flow guide layers extend beyond the outer edge of the rectifying layer and allow liquid to flow around the rectifying layer to the second flow guiding layer. Fluidly communicates to guide,
The sensor of claim 10, wherein a portion of the first liquid permeable flow guide layer extends beyond an outer edge of the second liquid permeable flow guide device.

The rectification of a size and shape sufficient to allow a faecal passage to contact the sensing means while preventing contact between the sensing means and the skin of the excrement absorber wearer The sensor of claim 1 comprising a series of openings through the layers.

The sensor according to claim 12, wherein the opening is arranged behind a sensor part that is most likely to be directly affected by the fall or flow of urine.

To allow contact of the fecal passage with the sensing means while preventing contact between the sensing means and the wearer's skin of the excrement absorber when considered together with the layer thickness A third series of openings through the rectifying layer of sufficient size and shape, the three series of openings being most likely to be directly affected by urine drop or flow A third, arranged at a later position, wherein there is liquid conduction between the first flow guide layer and the second flow guide layer or between the sensing means through the third series of openings. The sensor of claim 4 further comprising a series of openings.

The sensor of claim 14, wherein the sensor is incorporated into a portion of a disposable diaper.

The sensor is adapted for application to excreta absorbers;
Means for fixing the sensor to the excreta absorber;
The sensor according to claim 14, comprising: an optional cover layer that separates the first flow guide layer from the skin of a wearer of the excrement absorber.

The second flow guide layer is selected from a material that is less absorbent than a dry waste absorber but is more absorbent than a waste absorber that is sufficiently wet to be replaced. 3. The sensor according to 3.

The second flow guide layer is of a size and material that delays the guiding of the liquid from the first guide layer to the sensing means until it is sufficiently wet that the excreta absorber needs to be replaced. 4. The sensor of claim 3, wherein the sensor is configured.

A sensor for use with a waste absorber monitoring system, the sensor comprising a layer, sensing means disposed under the layer, and a series of openings through the layer, the opening comprising the Sufficient size, shape, and thickness to allow the faecal passage to contact the sensing means while preventing contact between the sensing means and the skin of the wearer of the excrement absorber Is a sensor.

20. A sensor according to claim 19, wherein each of the openings is located behind a sensor portion most likely to be directly affected by urine drop or flow.

The layer retains a small amount of liquid or condensate and is sufficiently absorbent to prevent the small amount of liquid or condensate from penetrating the opening and being detected by the sensing means; The sensor according to claim 20.

A relatively liquid impermeable layer disposed above, below, or within the absorbent layer, wherein the opening passes through the absorbent and liquid impermeable layer. The sensor of claim 21, which is continuous.

23. The sensor of claim 22, wherein the liquid impermeable layer is hydrophobic compared to the absorbent layer even when the absorbent material is completely wetted.

23. The sensor of claim 22, wherein the absorbent layer is constrained by the liquid impermeable layer that directs liquid flow away from the opening.

A cover layer disposed adjacent to the layer opposite the sensing means, the cover layer having a normally closed slit / flap covering the opening, the slit / flap being a urine 21. The sensor of claim 19, comprising a cover layer that is durable for passage of water but is replaceable by contact with stool to allow passage of stool into the opening.

A monitor / alarm unit retainer for use with a waste absorber monitoring system having a waste absorber / sensor unit and a monitor / alarm unit, the retainer comprising:
A resilient / semi-resilient flap adapted to be stretched beyond the monitor / alarm unit, wherein the flap is substantially adhesively bonded And the monitor / alarm unit contact is at least partially surrounded by a second part having sufficient adhesion for holding on the waste absorber or the waste absorber / sensor unit. A flap that facilitates the preparation and clean release of the monitor / alarm unit from the retainer when required,
The flap extends beyond the waste absorber monitor / alarm unit while preventing movement of the monitor / alarm unit, and is arranged between the protruding tab of the unit and the open receiving slot connection means A retainer block and a reciprocally shaped receiving portion, each disposed on the waste absorber / sensor unit or the monitor / alarm unit to maintain the retainer.

A monitor / alarm unit retainer, the retainer comprising:
An internal locking protrusion or receiving part corresponding to the mating part on the excrement absorber monitor;
A resilient or semi-resilient flap adapted to extend beyond the monitor / alarm unit, the flap being permanently attached to the distal end of the sensor or the waste absorber And a flap having a proximal end adapted to be releasably attached and releasably adhered to the sensor, the waste absorber, or another portion of the flap. 15. The sensor according to 15.

A monitor / alarm unit retainer, the retainer comprising:
An internal lock protrusion or receiving part corresponding to the mating part on the excrement absorber monitor and having adhesive means for attachment to the excrement absorber;
A resilient or semi-resilient flap adapted to extend beyond the monitor / alarm unit, the flap hanging from the distal end of the protruding or receiving portion; And a flap having a proximal end adapted to releasably attach to the sensor or the excreta absorber.

A releasable circuit electrical connector comprising a flexible tab portion and a tab receiving portion;
The tab portion has two or more conductive members disposed on a resilient support;
The tab receiving portion has two or more protruding contacts arranged to complete a circuit having the conductive member, a lateral surface that guides and positions the tab, and is substantially corrugated. Means for deforming the resilient support to a cross-section of the conductive member, thereby maintaining the orientation of the tab portion and the pressure on the contact portion to provide continuous electrical contact between the conductive member and the contact portion. A releasable circuit electrical connector that maintains the connection.

Further including a releasable circuit electrical connector, the connector including a flexible tab portion adapted to be received by the tab receiving portion of the waste absorber monitor;
28. A sensor as claimed in claim 27, wherein the tab portion comprises two or more conductive members of the sensing means disposed on a resilient support.

31. The sensor of claim 30, wherein the tab portion is disposed over the internal lock protrusion or receiving portion through the front of the diaper.

Further comprising a releasable circuit electrical connector, the connector comprising a flexible tab portion adapted to be received by the tab receiving portion of the waste absorber monitor;
29. The sensor according to claim 28, wherein the tab portion comprises two or more conductive members of the sensing means disposed on a resilient support.

31. A waste absorber monitoring system kit comprising the sensor and monitor / alarm unit of claim 30, wherein the monitor / alarm unit comprises:
Power supply,
Alarm means;
An internal locking protrusion or receiving portion corresponding to a portion of the monitor / alarm unit retainer;
A releasable sensor connector having two or more protruding contacts configured to engage the conductive member, a lateral surface for guiding and positioning the tab, and the resilient Means for deforming the support, thereby retaining the tab portion while maintaining its orientation and pressure against the contact portion to ensure a continuous electrical connection between the conductive member and the contact portion; With a releasable sensor connector,
An electrical circuit that utilizes a relatively narrow, relatively low duty cycle pulse, spaced apart and disposed within, or spaced to bridge an appropriate measurement path for the waste absorber to be monitored; Or a waste absorber monitoring system kit comprising: an electrical circuit that measures conductivity or capacitance between a pair of semiconductors and activates the alarm means when the waste absorber needs to be replaced.

A waste absorber monitoring system kit comprising the sensor and monitor / alarm unit of claim 32, wherein the monitor / alarm unit comprises:
Power supply,
Alarm means;
An internal locking protrusion or receiving portion corresponding to a portion of the monitor / alarm unit retainer;
A releasable sensor connector having two or more protruding contacts arranged to engage the conductive member, a lateral surface for guiding and positioning the tab, and the resilient Means for deforming the support, thereby retaining the tab portion while maintaining its orientation and pressure against the contact portion to ensure a continuous electrical connection between the conductive member and the contact portion; With a releasable sensor connector,
An electrical circuit that utilizes a relatively narrow, relatively low duty cycle pulse, spaced apart and disposed within, or spaced to bridge an appropriate measurement path for the waste absorber to be monitored; Or a waste absorber monitoring system kit comprising: an electrical circuit that measures conductivity or capacitance between a pair of semiconductors and activates the alarm means when the waste absorber needs to be replaced.

A monitor / alarm unit for use with a waste absorber monitoring system comprising:
Power supply,
Alarm means;
A releasable sensor connector;
Electricity that directly drives and uses a relatively narrow, relatively low duty cycle pulse to measure the conductivity or capacitance between and to activate the alarm means when the excretion absorber needs to be replaced A circuit, wherein the pulse is applied directly between a pair of conductors or semiconductors placed inside or spaced apart to bridge the appropriate measurement path for the waste absorber to be monitored A monitor / alarm unit including an electrical circuit.

The sensor is not governed by the monitor circuit for any voltage applied during the time between sensing pulses, so that charged ions in the material to be sensed are between such pulses. 36. The sensor of claim 35, wherein the sensor pulse may tend to return to its original random dispersion, and the sensing pulse has a relatively fast rise / fall time that is substantially shorter than its width.

The start of the repetition of the alarm means when activated is relatively synchronized with the sensing pulse or is related to the sensing signal repetition rate via a common master clock frequency from which the respective repetition rate is derived, 36. The sensor according to claim 35.

The sensing pulse applied to the connection conductor of the sensor is connected in common with one side of the power supply, so that complete disconnection of the circuit power supply is single for one of the connection conductor or semiconductor of the sensor. 36. A sensor according to claim 35, which can be achieved by additional contact.

A waterproof case for sealing the power source, the alarm means, the electrical circuit, and the releasable sensor connector, the waterproof case being manufactured as part of the case, the case comprising the alarm means and the control means A waterproof case, having a control surface to access, the access being sealed by a thin, at least partially flexible membrane;
A visual alarm means comprising an electro-optic source disposed in a through-opening of the control surface, the through-opening being relatively thin and substantially optically permeable by a covering A visual alarm means to be sealed,
An audible alarm means comprising a shallow recess in the case, wherein the alarm means is audibly permeable and is disposed behind a relatively thin and flexible membrane, the recess being sound permeable; Structurally supportive and has a relatively hard, perforated bottom, and the recess allows the membrane to receive acoustic pressure waves from the outermost vibrating member of an electroacoustic transducer located within the case. Allowing the vibration to respond freely, where the bottom limits the maximum deflection of the membrane relative to its resilient limit, thereby allowing the transducer to operate during its intended operation. An audible alarm means that protects the membrane from mechanical damage without excessively attenuating sound propagation from
Control means disposed through the surface of the case, wherein the control means is responsive to actuation of the control means to change an alarm or indicating function selected for operation of the system; and Instructing, wherein the instruction is made by means of activating the visual or audible alarm and emitting respective signals, the control means comprising the excretory absorber sensor via the releasable sensor means 36. The sensor of claim 35, which provides such an indication only upon proper connection.

A waste absorber monitoring system comprising a sensing means and an electrical monitor / alarm unit releasably attachable to a waste absorber, the monitor / alarm unit comprising:
A power source, an alarm means, and an electrical excretion absorber monitoring means, the monitoring means activating the alarm means when the excrement absorber requests replacement, the alarm means being audible for alarm indication Including both static and visual / quiet instruction modes,
Upon activation, changes the indication mode utilized by the monitor / alarm unit from the audible to the visual / silent mode, or vice versa, and substantially simultaneously upon activation, A single control means that generates either an audible or visual / silent respective alarm indication, thereby explaining the mode selected and verifying the change; Excrement absorber monitoring system.

The monitor / alarm unit further includes switch means that can be mounted and controlled, wherein the on / off operation of the monitor / alarm unit and the switching of the power supply make the monitor / alarm unit mated to the monitoring means. 41. The excreta absorber monitoring system according to claim 40, which is controlled by attaching.

41. The excreta absorber monitoring system of claim 40, wherein the respective alarm indications verify or verify a properly operating connection of the monitor to the sensor.

Auditory signal propagation means that is fluid sealed or stain resistant to a case, wrap, or panel of an electronic device, the means comprising:
A narrow recess in the case, wrap, or panel that is audibly permeable and placed behind a relatively thin flexible sealing membrane, the recess being sound permeable and structurally supportive A relatively stiff, perforated bottom, and the recess either allows the membrane to move to or from the outermost vibrating member of an electroacoustic transducer disposed within the device. Allows free oscillation in response to a moving acoustic pressure wave, where the bottom limits the maximum deflection of the membrane relative to its resilient restriction interior, thereby Means comprising a narrow recess that protects the membrane from mechanical damage without undue attenuation of sound propagation to or from the transducer during operation.

An audio signal propagation means that is fluid-sealed or contamination-resistant to a case, wrap, or panel of an electronic device, the means comprising:
An acoustically permeable and structurally supporting opening in the case, wrap or panel disposed behind an acoustically permeable and relatively thin flexible part of the sealing membrane, The opening or corresponding reduced thickness portion of the membrane is an acoustic that moves the membrane to or from the outermost vibration member of an electroacoustic transducer disposed within the device. Allows free oscillation in response to pressure waves, where the opening limits the maximum deflection of the membrane relative to its resilient restriction interior, and thereby during intended operation Means comprising: an opening that protects the membrane from mechanical damage without unduly damaging sound propagation to or from the transducer.

A fluid-sealed or high viewing / acceptance angle contamination-resistant auditory signal propagation means for electronic device cases, wraps, panels, etc., the means comprising:
An electro-optic source / detector having a relatively narrow beam exit / entrance angle, the electro-optic source / detector being disposed in or behind a through-opening of the case, wrap, or panel; Wherein the beam exit / entrance angle to / from the source or detector includes an electro-optic source / detector that is substantially contaminated inside the aperture;
The through opening is relatively thin, substantially optically transmissive, and sealed by a relatively permanent covering;
The penetrating opening is further covered by a removable cover layer or flap of material that is relatively thin and substantially optically transmissive, wherein the removable cover layer is the source / detector. Helps to mechanically protect and hold the case, wrap, or panel in place while allowing a relatively unrestricted passage of the optical signal to or from the source / detector The presence and optical properties of the cover layer or the permanent covering are such that the useful viewing / acceptance angle for the case, wrap or panel is substantially greater than the beam exit / entrance angle. Means to make it widespread.

A test device for use with a waste absorber monitoring system, the system comprising a sensor and an electrical monitor / alarm unit releasably connectable to the sensor, the monitor / alarm unit comprising a power source, an alarm means A pair of spaced-apart conductors or semiconductors that includes a releasable sensor connector and electrical means and that spans an appropriate measurement path for the waste absorber to be disposed or monitored The electrical means activates the alarm means when the excrement absorber needs to be replaced, and the test device comprises:
Support,
Two or more conductive contacts disposed on the support, the contacts releasably connected to the electrical means of the monitor / alarm unit by means of engaging the support and the sensor connector A conductive contact;
A circuit disposed on the support and in communication with the contact, wherein the relative physical orientation when engaged with the monitor / alarm unit is indicated by the test device relative to the electrical means Substantially determining conductivity or capacitance, and the test device includes a circuit thereby simulating either a relatively uncontaminated or contaminated excreta absorber, Test device.

A circuit disposed on the support and in communication with the contact, the circuit being connected to a connector of the sensor of the test device, regardless of which orientation the test device is selected for engagement with; 47. The test device of claim 46, wherein the test device is connected to the power source within the monitor / alarm unit when engaged.

A sensor for use with a waste absorber monitoring system, the sensor comprising a sensing means and a rectifying layer, wherein the liquid straight to be detected around the rectifying layer before being detected by the sensing means And a rectifying layer arranged to divert the flow.