Fluid detecting mattress cover and monitoring system
US8169329B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/48
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for detecting moisture on a mattress cover. Conductive leads affixed to the mattress cover are configured in loop patterns, and adjacent conductive loops are positioned equidistant to one another to provide equal sensitivity to moisture at any location on the mattress cover. A quick-release connector allows the conductive leads to be quickly connected to an electrical monitoring circuit. The continuity of each conductive lead is periodically checked using a test signal. Moisture is detected by applying a different voltage level to adjacent conductive leads and measuring the current flowing between the leads. When moisture or a broken conductive lead is detected, an alarm signal is communicated to an attendant. The alarm signal is repeated at periodic intervals until the electrical monitoring circuit detects that the alarm condition has been corrected. The attendant's response time is recorded for future performance evaluations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.