Apparatus for detecting moisture in garments
US5796345A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F13/42
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention describes a sensing device useful as a wet condition indicator, and is composed of a sensing element that produces electric energy when it becomes wet, and an informing means such as an integrated circuit/piezoelectric buzzer (speaker), light source or electrochromic device. The sensing element incorporates small amounts of non-toxic, non-allergenic substances and operates as a battery when wet. That battery produces enough electric energy to power the informing device without need of any other circuitry or batteries. This has the advantage of lower cost so that it can be used for a wet condition indicator in disposable diapers. One sensing element is incorporated in each diaper, and can be discarded with it, while the informing element is reused.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.