Patent ID: 9119748
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: A61F,F04C,G01N

Abstract:
1. An electronic discriminating device comprising: a non-contact electronic sensor array, the non-contact electronic sensor array comprising a plurality of gas sensors, wherein the non-contact electronic sensor array monitors gas concentration levels of gases emitted by two or more volatile compounds within an absorbent article, wherein each sensor in the non-contact electronic sensor array identifies a particular gas to limit cross-correlation and redundancy between the plurality of gas sensors, further wherein one of the sensors in the non-contact electronic sensor array comprises a low power watchdog sensor, wherein the low power watchdog sensor activates at least one sensor within the non-contact electronic sensor array when a pre-defined threshold gas concentration level is detected by the watchdog sensor for at least one gas being measured; a controller configured to receive information from the non-contact sensor array, the controller, based on the information received from the non-contact sensor array, being configured to determine whether an insult of urine or an insult of bowel movement has been detected and wherein the controller is further configured to discriminate between the insult of urine and the insult of bowel movement; and a signaling device in communication with the controller, the signaling device emitting a first signal when the controller determines an insult of urine only is present and emitting a second signal when the controller determines an insult containing bowel movement is present within the absorbent article; and wherein the non-contact electronic sensor array monitors gas concentration levels of fatty alcohols, small chain fatty acids, and sulfur compounds; and wherein the non-contact electronic sensor array monitors gas concentration levels associated with ammonia, thiols, and indole; and wherein the low power watchdog sensor provides a power saving feature to the electronic discriminating device.