WO2010043368A1 - Moisture sensor assembly - Google Patents

Moisture sensor assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010043368A1
WO2010043368A1 PCT/EP2009/007336 EP2009007336W WO2010043368A1 WO 2010043368 A1 WO2010043368 A1 WO 2010043368A1 EP 2009007336 W EP2009007336 W EP 2009007336W WO 2010043368 A1 WO2010043368 A1 WO 2010043368A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mat
moisture sensor
assembly
frame
layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2009/007336
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gavin Armstrong
Original Assignee
Gavin Armstrong
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gavin Armstrong filed Critical Gavin Armstrong
Publication of WO2010043368A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010043368A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K15/00—Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
    • A01K15/02—Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices ; Toys specially adapted for animals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/01—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
    • A01K1/0107—Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02—Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/03—Housing for domestic or laboratory animals
    • A01K1/033—Cat or dog houses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02—Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/035—Devices for use in keeping domestic animals, e.g. fittings in housings or dog beds
    • A01K1/0353—Dog beds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/42—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G01N27/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
    • G01N27/12—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid, for detecting components in the fluid
    • G01N27/121—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid, for detecting components in the fluid for determining moisture content, e.g. humidity, of the fluid

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a moisture sensor assembly for detecting the presence of moisture thereon.
  • a moisture sensor can be used to activate an alarm upon detection of moisture, as part of a training device to prevent bed wetting, whereby a moisture sensor can be used to activate an alarm upon detection of urine, or as a part of an animal training apparatus, such as that shown in WO 02/17709, wherein a moisture sensor can be used to detect urine in a tray, the moisture sensor being arranged to activate a feeding device to dispense a food treat to the animal upon detection of moisture in the tray, indicative of the animal urinating in the tray.
  • a moisture sensor assembly comprising a generally planar mat or sheet comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, a moisture sensor being located between the base layer and the top layer in contact with the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture sensor is operative to change conductivity upon contact with a conductive liquid.
  • the moisture sensor is operatively connected to a control means for detecting said change in conductivity of the moisture sensor, indicative of the presence of moisture in said absorbent inner layer, and for providing a control output in response to said detection.
  • said control means comprises an electrical circuit, said moisture sensor comprising at least two spatially separated electrically conductive regions connected to said electrical circuit, the conductivity of electrical circuit changing when a conductive liquid bridges a gap between said separated electrically conductive regions, thus triggering or activating said control output.
  • the electric circuit includes a power supply to maintain a potential difference between said electrically conductive regions.
  • the power supply may comprise one or more batteries.
  • the power supply may comprise a transformer connectable to a mains power supply.
  • said control means is provided with wireless communication means, such as an rf transmitter, for transmitting said control output to a remote device.
  • the moisture sensor is mounted on a substantially rectangular or square frame.
  • Said frame preferably provides structural support to the mat.
  • the frame is dimensioned to be received within the mat, preferably between the base layer and top layer thereof.
  • the mat is provided with an opening to allow insertion and removal of the frame of the moisture sensor, whereby the moisture sensor can be removed from the mat and inserted into a replacement mat to permit the moisture sensor can be reused.
  • the mat defines a sleeve or envelope adapted to receive the moisture sensor, an opening being provided between the top sheet and the inner layer or base layer, preferably along or adjacent one side of the mat, to permit insertion and removal of the moisture sensor.
  • the external dimensions of the frame of the moisture sensor and the internal dimensions of the mat are selected such that the frame is a close fit within the mat to maintain the shape of the mat.
  • the moisture sensor may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart tapes formed from, or incorporating, a conductive material, said tapes being arranged in one or more adjacent pairs, a first tape of each pair comprising a part of first of said electrically conductive regions and a second tape of each pair comprising a part of said second electrically conductive region.
  • Each tape preferably comprises a woven polymeric web having stainless steel wires embedded therein, such as that commonly sold for use in electric fencing.
  • the polymeric material forming said web is preferably non-staining, odourless and/or may be selected or treated to have anti-bacterial properties.
  • said plurality of tapes are mounted between frame members of the frame defining opposing sides of the frame, said frame members being separated by linking side members or struts.
  • at least one end of each tape is connected to a respective frame member by means a resilient tensioning member, such as a spring or elasticated member, whereby the tapes are held in tension between the frame members.
  • a resilient tensioning member such as a spring or elasticated member, whereby the tapes are held in tension between the frame members.
  • the struts are detachable from the frame members so that the frame can be collapsed.
  • a mat for use with a moisture sensor comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, said mat being provided with an opening to permit insertion and removal of a moisture sensor between the base and upper layers in contact with said inner layer.
  • said opening is provided along one side of the mat such that the mat defines a sleeve within which a moisture sensor can be insertable.
  • Figure l is a plan view of a moisture sensor forming part of a moisture sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of a mat forming part of the moisture sensor assembly.
  • a moisture sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises two parts, namely a moisture sensor 10 and a mat 30, within which the moisture sensor 10 is adapted to be located.
  • the moisture sensor 10 comprises a plurality of parallel flexible spaced apart tapes 12 mounted on a frame, to extend between opposite sides of the frame, each tape 12 being formed from a woven polymeric material having stainless steel wires embedded therein.
  • the tapes 12 define two separate electrically conductive regions, a first set of tapes 12a defining said first electrically conductive region and a second set of tapes 12b defining said second electrically conductive region, the respective tapes 12a of said first set being arranged between the respective tapes 12b of the second set such that each tape 12a of the first set has a tape 12b of the second set on either side thereof.
  • the rectangular frame comprise opposing elongate frame members 13,14, upon which the tapes are mounted, separated by linking side members or struts 15,16.
  • the struts 15,16 may be connected to the frame members 13,14 by releasable fastening means to allow the struts 15,16 to be removed to enable the moisture sensor to be folded up for storage or transportation.
  • the tapes 12 are fixed on a first frame member 13 at first ends thereof and are provided with electrical connections within or on said first frame member 13 whereby each tape 12a of the first set of tapes is connected to a first conductor or wire while each tape 12b of the second set of tapes is connected to a second conductor or wire, said first and second conductors passing into a control box 20 mounted on or located within the first frame member 13.
  • each tape 12 is connected to an opposite frame member 14 by means of a spring or an elasticated member, such that each tape 12 is held in tension between the frame members 13,14. This ensures that the tapes 12 are held at the correct spacing and enables any tolerance in the length of each tape 12 to be accommodated.
  • the control box 20 contains a sensing circuit connected to said first and second conductors and a power supply, such as one or more batteries, for maintaining a potential difference between the first and second sets of tapes 12a, 12b, as will be described below in more detail.
  • a power supply such as one or more batteries
  • the moisture sensor 10 in particular the frame thereof, is dimensioned to be received within a mat 30 comprising a base layer 32 formed from a sheet of impervious material, such as plastic, a top layer 36 formed from a sheet of liquid permeable material, and an intermediate layer 34 of absorbent material, the base layer 32 being joined to the top layer 36 around a peripheral edge thereof .
  • An opening 38 is provided in the top layer 36, or between the top layer 36 and the base layer 32, adjacent one side edge of the mat to permit insertion and removal of the moisture sensor 10 into a pocket defined between the base layer 32 and top layer 36 of the mat.
  • the internal dimensions of the pocket defined between the base layer 32 and the top layer 36 of the mat 30 correspond to the external dimensions of the rectangular frame of the moisture sensor 10 so that the moisture sensor 10 fits within the mat 30, the frame of the moisture sensor 10 maintaining the shape of the mat 30 and providing rigidity to the mat 30.
  • the tapes 12 are located in contact with the absorbent material of the intermediate layer 34 of the mat 20.
  • the spacing of the tapes ensures that gaps exist between the respective first and second sets of tape.
  • a conductive liquid such as water or urine
  • the liquid passes through the permeable top layer 36 and soaks into the absorbent intermediate layer 34.
  • the conductive liquid bridges the gaps between the first and second sets of tapes 12a, 12b, changing the conductivity between the first and second conductive regions of the moisture sensor 10. This change in conductivity is detected by the sensing circuit of the control box 20 which triggers a control output indicating the detection of moisture on the mat 30.
  • the control box 20 contains an rf transmitter and this control signal is thereby transmitted wirelessly to a remote device which can react to the detection of moisture by the moisture sensor assembly in a desired manner.
  • the moisture sensor assembly is particularly suited for use in a pet training apparatus, in particular a toilet training apparatus, such as that disclosed in WO 02/17709, whereby the moisture sensor assembly can be used to detect when a pet urinates upon the mat.
  • the mat may be placed in a suitable tray such that the moisture sensor assembly sends a control signal to a treat dispensing device to dispense a food treat to the pet upon detection of use of the tray by the pet to encourage the pet to pass urine in the tray.
  • the moisture sensor assembly is not limited to such use and can be used for numerous applications where it is desired to detect the presence of moisture upon a surface.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)

Abstract

A moisture sensor assembly comprising a generally planar mat or sheet comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, a moisture sensor being located between the base layer and the top layer in contact with the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture sensor is operative to change conductivity upon contact with a conductive liquid.

Description

Moisture sensor Assembly
This invention relates to a moisture sensor assembly for detecting the presence of moisture thereon.
It is often desirable to be able to detect the presence of moisture for numerous reasons, for example to detect leaks from appliances or liquid storage vessels, whereby a moisture sensor can be used to activate an alarm upon detection of moisture, as part of a training device to prevent bed wetting, whereby a moisture sensor can be used to activate an alarm upon detection of urine, or as a part of an animal training apparatus, such as that shown in WO 02/17709, wherein a moisture sensor can be used to detect urine in a tray, the moisture sensor being arranged to activate a feeding device to dispense a food treat to the animal upon detection of moisture in the tray, indicative of the animal urinating in the tray.
According to the present invention there is provided a moisture sensor assembly comprising a generally planar mat or sheet comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, a moisture sensor being located between the base layer and the top layer in contact with the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture sensor is operative to change conductivity upon contact with a conductive liquid.
Preferably the moisture sensor is operatively connected to a control means for detecting said change in conductivity of the moisture sensor, indicative of the presence of moisture in said absorbent inner layer, and for providing a control output in response to said detection.
Preferably said control means comprises an electrical circuit, said moisture sensor comprising at least two spatially separated electrically conductive regions connected to said electrical circuit, the conductivity of electrical circuit changing when a conductive liquid bridges a gap between said separated electrically conductive regions, thus triggering or activating said control output. Preferably the electric circuit includes a power supply to maintain a potential difference between said electrically conductive regions. The power supply may comprise one or more batteries. Alternatively, the power supply may comprise a transformer connectable to a mains power supply. In one embodiment, said control means is provided with wireless communication means, such as an rf transmitter, for transmitting said control output to a remote device.
In one embodiment, the moisture sensor is mounted on a substantially rectangular or square frame. Said frame preferably provides structural support to the mat. Preferably the frame is dimensioned to be received within the mat, preferably between the base layer and top layer thereof. Preferably the mat is provided with an opening to allow insertion and removal of the frame of the moisture sensor, whereby the moisture sensor can be removed from the mat and inserted into a replacement mat to permit the moisture sensor can be reused.
In one embodiment, the mat defines a sleeve or envelope adapted to receive the moisture sensor, an opening being provided between the top sheet and the inner layer or base layer, preferably along or adjacent one side of the mat, to permit insertion and removal of the moisture sensor. Preferably the external dimensions of the frame of the moisture sensor and the internal dimensions of the mat are selected such that the frame is a close fit within the mat to maintain the shape of the mat.
In one embodiment, the moisture sensor may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart tapes formed from, or incorporating, a conductive material, said tapes being arranged in one or more adjacent pairs, a first tape of each pair comprising a part of first of said electrically conductive regions and a second tape of each pair comprising a part of said second electrically conductive region.
Each tape preferably comprises a woven polymeric web having stainless steel wires embedded therein, such as that commonly sold for use in electric fencing. The polymeric material forming said web is preferably non-staining, odourless and/or may be selected or treated to have anti-bacterial properties.
Preferably said plurality of tapes are mounted between frame members of the frame defining opposing sides of the frame, said frame members being separated by linking side members or struts. Preferably at least one end of each tape is connected to a respective frame member by means a resilient tensioning member, such as a spring or elasticated member, whereby the tapes are held in tension between the frame members. Preferably the struts are detachable from the frame members so that the frame can be collapsed.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mat for use with a moisture sensor, said mat comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, said mat being provided with an opening to permit insertion and removal of a moisture sensor between the base and upper layers in contact with said inner layer. Preferably said opening is provided along one side of the mat such that the mat defines a sleeve within which a moisture sensor can be insertable.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure l is a plan view of a moisture sensor forming part of a moisture sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2 is a plan view of a mat forming part of the moisture sensor assembly.
As shown in the drawings, a moisture sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises two parts, namely a moisture sensor 10 and a mat 30, within which the moisture sensor 10 is adapted to be located.
The moisture sensor 10 comprises a plurality of parallel flexible spaced apart tapes 12 mounted on a frame, to extend between opposite sides of the frame, each tape 12 being formed from a woven polymeric material having stainless steel wires embedded therein. The tapes 12 define two separate electrically conductive regions, a first set of tapes 12a defining said first electrically conductive region and a second set of tapes 12b defining said second electrically conductive region, the respective tapes 12a of said first set being arranged between the respective tapes 12b of the second set such that each tape 12a of the first set has a tape 12b of the second set on either side thereof. The rectangular frame comprise opposing elongate frame members 13,14, upon which the tapes are mounted, separated by linking side members or struts 15,16. The struts 15,16 may be connected to the frame members 13,14 by releasable fastening means to allow the struts 15,16 to be removed to enable the moisture sensor to be folded up for storage or transportation. The tapes 12 are fixed on a first frame member 13 at first ends thereof and are provided with electrical connections within or on said first frame member 13 whereby each tape 12a of the first set of tapes is connected to a first conductor or wire while each tape 12b of the second set of tapes is connected to a second conductor or wire, said first and second conductors passing into a control box 20 mounted on or located within the first frame member 13.
A second end of each tape 12 is connected to an opposite frame member 14 by means of a spring or an elasticated member, such that each tape 12 is held in tension between the frame members 13,14. This ensures that the tapes 12 are held at the correct spacing and enables any tolerance in the length of each tape 12 to be accommodated.
The control box 20 contains a sensing circuit connected to said first and second conductors and a power supply, such as one or more batteries, for maintaining a potential difference between the first and second sets of tapes 12a, 12b, as will be described below in more detail.
As shown in Figure 2, the moisture sensor 10, in particular the frame thereof, is dimensioned to be received within a mat 30 comprising a base layer 32 formed from a sheet of impervious material, such as plastic, a top layer 36 formed from a sheet of liquid permeable material, and an intermediate layer 34 of absorbent material, the base layer 32 being joined to the top layer 36 around a peripheral edge thereof . An opening 38 is provided in the top layer 36, or between the top layer 36 and the base layer 32, adjacent one side edge of the mat to permit insertion and removal of the moisture sensor 10 into a pocket defined between the base layer 32 and top layer 36 of the mat. The internal dimensions of the pocket defined between the base layer 32 and the top layer 36 of the mat 30 correspond to the external dimensions of the rectangular frame of the moisture sensor 10 so that the moisture sensor 10 fits within the mat 30, the frame of the moisture sensor 10 maintaining the shape of the mat 30 and providing rigidity to the mat 30.
When the moisture sensor 10 is located within the mat 20, the tapes 12 are located in contact with the absorbent material of the intermediate layer 34 of the mat 20. The spacing of the tapes ensures that gaps exist between the respective first and second sets of tape.
In use, when a conductive liquid, such as water or urine, falls on the top layer 36 of the mat 30, the liquid passes through the permeable top layer 36 and soaks into the absorbent intermediate layer 34. The conductive liquid bridges the gaps between the first and second sets of tapes 12a, 12b, changing the conductivity between the first and second conductive regions of the moisture sensor 10. This change in conductivity is detected by the sensing circuit of the control box 20 which triggers a control output indicating the detection of moisture on the mat 30.
The control box 20 contains an rf transmitter and this control signal is thereby transmitted wirelessly to a remote device which can react to the detection of moisture by the moisture sensor assembly in a desired manner.
The moisture sensor assembly is particularly suited for use in a pet training apparatus, in particular a toilet training apparatus, such as that disclosed in WO 02/17709, whereby the moisture sensor assembly can be used to detect when a pet urinates upon the mat. The mat may be placed in a suitable tray such that the moisture sensor assembly sends a control signal to a treat dispensing device to dispense a food treat to the pet upon detection of use of the tray by the pet to encourage the pet to pass urine in the tray. However, the moisture sensor assembly is not limited to such use and can be used for numerous applications where it is desired to detect the presence of moisture upon a surface.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims
1. A moisture sensor assembly comprising a generally planar mat or sheet comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, a moisture sensor being located between the base layer and the top layer in contact with the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture sensor is operative to change conductivity upon contact with a conductive liquid.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control means for detecting said change in conductivity of the moisture sensor, indicative of the presence of moisture in said absorbent inner layer, and for providing a control output in response to said detection.
3. An assembly sensor as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control means comprises an electrical circuit, said moisture sensor comprising at least two spatially separated electrically conductive regions connected to said electrical circuit, the conductivity of electrical circuit changing when a conductive liquid bridges a gap between said separated electrically conductive regions, thus triggering or activating said control output.
4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the electric circuit includes a power supply to maintain a potential difference between said electrically conductive regions.
5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the power supply comprises one or more batteries.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the power supply comprises a transformer connectable to a mains power supply.
7. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein said control means is provided with wireless communication means, such as an rf transmitter, for transmitting said control output to a remote device.
8. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the moisture sensor is mounted on a substantially rectangular or square frame.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said frame provides structural support to the mat.
10. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the frame is dimensioned to be received within the mat, preferably between the base layer and top layer thereof.
11. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mat is provided with an opening to allow insertion and removal of the frame of the moisture sensor, whereby the moisture sensor can be removed from the mat and inserted into a replacement mat to permit the moisture sensor can be reused.
12. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 1 1, wherein the mat defines a sleeve or envelope adapted to receive the moisture sensor, an opening being provided between the top sheet and the inner layer or base layer, preferably along or adjacent one side of the mat, to permit insertion and removal of the moisture sensor.
13. An assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the external dimensions of the frame of the moisture sensor and the internal dimensions of the mat are selected such that the frame is a close fit within the mat to maintain the shape of the mat.
14. An assembly as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the moisture sensor comprises a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart tapes formed from, or incorporating, a conductive material, said tapes being arranged in one or more adjacent pairs, a first tape of each pair comprising a part of first of said electrically conductive regions and a second tape of each pair comprising a part of said second electrically conductive region.
15. An assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein each tape comprises a woven polymeric web having stainless steel wires embedded therein, such as that commonly sold for use in electric fencing.
16. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the polymeric material forming said web is non-staining, odourless and/or may be selected or treated to have anti-bacterial properties.
17. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, when dependent upon claim 8, wherein said plurality of tapes are mounted between frame members of the frame defining opposing sides of the frame, said frame members being separated by linking side members or struts.
18. An assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one end of each tape is connected to a respective frame member by means a resilient tensioning member, such as a spring or elasticated member, whereby the tapes are held in tension between the frame members.
19. An assembly as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the struts are detachable from the frame members so that the frame can be collapsed.
20. A mat for use with a moisture sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, said mat comprising an impervious base layer, an absorbent inner layer and a liquid permeable top layer, said mat being provided with an opening to permit insertion and removal of a moisture sensor between the base and upper layers in contact with said inner layer.
21. A mat as claimed in claim 21, wherein said opening is provided along one side of the mat such that the mat defines a sleeve within which a moisture sensor can be insertable.
PCT/EP2009/007336 2008-10-13 2009-10-13 Moisture sensor assembly WO2010043368A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB0818675A GB0818675D0 (en) 2008-10-13 2008-10-13 Moisture sensing assembly
GB0818675.1 2008-10-13

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WO2013181436A1 (en) * 2012-05-30 2013-12-05 Medisens Wireless, Inc. System and method for fluid sensing
WO2016138331A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article leakage assessment system
US10022277B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2018-07-17 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Methods and apparatus for the detection of moisture and multifunctional sensor systems
US10055781B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-08-21 Boveda Inc. Systems, methods and devices for controlling humidity in a closed environment with automatic and predictive identification, purchase and replacement of optimal humidity controller
US10115291B2 (en) 2016-04-26 2018-10-30 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Location-based incontinence detection
US10159607B2 (en) 2015-11-16 2018-12-25 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Incontinence detection apparatus
KR20190121403A (en) * 2017-04-05 2019-10-25 킴벌리-클라크 월드와이드, 인크. Apparel Leak Detection Apparel and Method for Detecting Leakage of Absorbed Product
US10559187B2 (en) 2011-07-19 2020-02-11 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Moisture detection system
US10624804B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2020-04-21 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Microclimate management airflow control based on incontinence detection
US10653567B2 (en) 2015-11-16 2020-05-19 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Incontinence detection pad validation apparatus and method
US10909607B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2021-02-02 Boveda Inc. Systems, methods and devices for controlling humidity in a closed environment with automatic and predictive identification, purchase and replacement of optimal humidity controller
US11020284B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2021-06-01 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Incontinence detection pad with liquid filter layer
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