초록 ▼

This invention relates generally to patient monitoring systems and more particularly concerns devices and systems used to monitor bed patients in hospital or other care-giving environments. In accordance with a first aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a wetness detector for use in pa

This invention relates generally to patient monitoring systems and more particularly concerns devices and systems used to monitor bed patients in hospital or other care-giving environments. In accordance with a first aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a wetness detector for use in patient monitoring situations and which is adjustable in its degree of sensitivity to wetness. It contains at least two conductive regions placed on a non-conductive base and which are preferably separated laterally by some distance. Isolated electrical leads are attached to each conductive region. Electrical current passes much more readily between the two conductive regions when an electrolytic solution such as urine is present within the switch, thereby making it possible for a separate electronic monitor to determine when wetness is detected.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A device for detecting a presence of an electrically conductive fluid, comprising:(a) a laminar non-conductive impermeable upper member having an inner face, said upper member having at least one upper member edge;(b) a laminar non-conductive impermeable lower member ha

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A device for detecting a presence of an electrically conductive fluid, comprising:(a) a laminar non-conductive impermeable upper member having an inner face, said upper member having at least one upper member edge;(b) a laminar non-conductive impermeable lower member having an inner face, said lower member having at least one lower member edge;(c) a first conducting region on said lower member inner face;(d) a second conducting region on said lower member inner face, said second conducting region being electrically isolated from said first conducting region and separated therefrom by a predetermined distance;(e) a porus central insulating member positioned between said inner face of said upper member and said inner face of said lower member,said central insulating member at least spanning said predetermined distance between said first and said second conducting regions;(f) a first electrical lead in electrical communication with said first conducting region; and,(g) a second electrical lead in electrical communication with said second conducting region,wherein said first and said second electrical leads are electrically isolated from each other, and,wherein said first and said second electrical lead, said first and said second conducting member, and said central insulating member together form an electrical circuit,said electrical circuit being an open circuit when the electrically conductive fluid is not present, and,said electrical circuit being a closed circuit when the electrically conductive fluid is present.