ao) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (o) Pub. No.: US 2004/0004547 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Jan. 8, 2004
`
`Appelt et al.
`
`US 20040004547A1
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING,
`MONITORING AND EVALUATING
`EQUIPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AND
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Daren R. Appelt, Austin, TX (US);
`Kevin K. Brunson, Aledo, TX (US);
`James D. Hibbs, Smithville, TX (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BAKER BOTTSL.L.P.
`PATENT DEPARTMENT
`98 SAN JACINTO BLVD., SUITE 1500
`AUSTIN, TX 78701-4039 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Firelye Development Incorporated
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No:
`
`—-10/610,013
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 30, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/147,584,
`filed on May 17, 2002.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/393,221, filed on Jul.
`2, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`.. GOBB 23/00; GO8B 1/08
`TntiCl.! sey
`USGL,
`sccnsncnssnimanaienies 340/573.1; 340/539.1
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`(57)
`
`Asystem and method are disclosed for identifying monitor-
`ing and evaluating hazardous or potentially hazardous con-
`ditions. The system may be worn by safety personnel
`to
`detect equipment conditions such as low power supply,
`environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and/
`or physiological conditions such as heart rate of a wearer.
`The systemfurther includes a control unit having electronics
`operable to communicate signals associated with equipment,
`environmental and physiological conditions.
`
`33
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE SET POINT)
`
`82
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE. SET POINT)
`
`COMPARATOR
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`ENVIRONMENTAL
`aR wy
`92a
`
`
`
`
`EQUIPMENT
`CONVERTOR
`
`
`SENSORS
`
`
`92n
`89~|PHYSIOLOGICAL
`OPTIONAL
`SENSORS
`MICROPROCESSOR [>|| AUDIBLE
`ALARM
`
`
` OPTIONAL
`VIBRATION
`
`
`ALARM
`
`
`
`DATA LINK
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`FOR EXTERNAL
`INTERFACE
`PORT
`
`
`
`
`
`ON/OFF AND
`TEST SWITCH
`
`[—»,
`
`MEMORY Ki
`
`86-|
`
`ip
`
` LOW VOLTAGE
`
`we
`
`
`
`
`+|_
`BATTERY AND
`
`7
`DETECT CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`0001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1051
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1051
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`142
`
`NS
`24
`
`IMoIcaTOR
`=
`
`FQUIPM
`subNEMOR
`VARIABLE
`
`CIRCUIT WITH
`SENSORS
`
`
`
`DIGITAL
`
`
`ENVIRONMENTAL
`280
`POTENTIOMETERS
`
`
`INDICATOR
`SENSORS
`FOR ADJUSTABLE
`
`(VARIABLE)
`INDICATOR
`
`
`
`MICROPROCESSOR
`SETPOINTS
`
`
`
`
`ON/OFF SWITCH
`
`AND TEST
`
` PUSHBUTTON
`
`
`
`LOW BATTERY
`
`<=> VOLTAGE DETECT
`
`CIRCUIT
`-
`
`
`28n
`
`OPTIONAL
`ALARM
`
`o1~[
`
`22~|_
`
`PHYSIOLOGICAL
`SENSORS
`
`FFTG.
`
`7
`
`18
`
`
` COMPARATOR
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONVERTOR
`
`
`RS
`
`
`
`
`
`92n
`
`89~[PHYSIOLOGICAL
`
`
`SENSORS
`OPTIONAL
`
`
`MICROPROCESSOR [—-|_| AUDIBLE
`
`
`
`ON/OFF AND
`86—“|_TEST SWITCH
`ia
`
`
`ALARM
`
` 142[|_NEWORY|DATA LINK
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION FOR EXTERNAL—L499
`
`
`
`
`PORT
`
`
`
`
`82
`
`:
`
`MEMORY
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE. SET POINT)
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE SET POINT)
`
`ALARM
`
`94
`
`3
`
`INTERFACE
`
`0002
`
`0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`40~J—
`
`41S
`
`ACTIVATE START SWITCH
`
`INTERNAL SELF TESTS BEGIN
`*
`
`POWER SUPPLY
`LOW?
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`FIG. 2
`
`45
`
`
`
`YES
`
`STOP
`
`Ce)
`
`44
`ELECTRONICS
`
`
`SELF-TEST FAILED?
`
`
`
`VISUAL INDICATOR 2}~45
`NO
`.
`ILLUMINATE: BOTH INDICATORS
`FOR FIVE SECONDS, BEEP.
`SPEAKER (IF INSTALLED)
`
`
`
`48~|
`
`PROGRAM SET POINTS FOR
`SELECTED EQUIPMENT,
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`507
`
`
`
`MEASURE EQUIPMENT,
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND
`
`E ON
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`
`OR MORE EQUIPMENT,
`
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND/OR
`
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`.
`
`EQUAL TO OR ABOVE
`
`A FIRST SET
`
`
`POINT?
`54
`YES
`55—~LILLUMINATE FIRST INDICATOR
`
`52
`
`TYEes
`END
`
`E ONE
`
`OR MORE EQUIPMENT,
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND/OR
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`EQUAL TO OR ABOVE
`A nth FIRST SET
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ILLUMINATE nth INDICATOR
`
`56
`
`58
`
`0003
`
`0003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`200
`
`0004
`
`0004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`
` LOee
`iy&;eS,Vd
`
`
`nae
`
`FIG. &
`
`0005
`
`0005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`223b
`
`226
`224b
`
`ae
`
`FIG. 9
`
`
`10A
`
`FIG.
`
`0006
`
`0006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`500
`
`SENSE EQUIPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL
`AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`
`
`
`
`ARE
`ONE OR MORE
`EQUIPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL
`AND/OR PHYSIOLOGICAL
`CONDITIONS ABOVE A
`RESPECTIVE SETPOINT
`9
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DETERMINE LEVEL
`
`PROVIDE APPROPRIATE INDICATION —
`
`FIG.
`
`17
`
`=
`
`NO
`
`PROVIDE APPROPRIATE INDICATION
`N
`403
`
`;
`
`:
`
`40
`
`2
`
`401
`
` SERVICE
`
`AVAILABLE
`9
`¥ES
`?
`Naess aces co acs 1
`| TEMPERATURE 47404 |
`|
`CALIBRATION
`|
`!
`|
`
`binton ——~ 4
`
`|* AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
`
`* BIOHAZARD
`
`» VIDEO
`+ PRECISION
`LOCATION
`« INFRARED
`
`DETERMINE
`
`AND
`
`CONDITIONS LEVEL
`
`6
`405
`
`eAR supply|PYG. 72 PHYSIOLOGICAL
`ENVIRONMENTAL
`
`* OXYGEN LEVEL
`+ RADIONUCLIDES
`» EXPLOSIVE GASES
`* CORE BODY TEMPERATURE
`+ HEART RATE
`» BREATHING
`TEMPERATURE
`» MOVEMENT OF WEARER
`« AIR SUPPLY
`» BATTERY POWER
`PRESSURE
`* COMMUNICATION LINK
`« AIR SUPPLY
`* EQUIPMENT TEMPERATURE
`FLOW RATE
`
`
`
`© GRAPHIC DISPLAY
`>
`* BOTH LEDS OFF
`* GREEN LED BLINKING +» HEADS UP VIDEO
`PROVIDE
`* GREEN LED SOLID
`e AUDIBLE OR VOICE ALARM
`* RED SOLID
`+ VIBRATOR ALARM
`APPROPRIATE
`» RED LED BLINKING—+ MAP DISPLAY
`INDICATION
`
`
`* FLOOR PLAN DISPLAY
`* BOTH LEDS SOLID
`
`
`* BOTH LEDS BLINKING +» LOCATION DISPLAY
`
`
`
`406
`
`
`
`
`
`0007
`
`0007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`PREPARE WATER/ICE MIXTURE
`
`PRESS EQUIPMENT CHECK BUTTON
`
`COMPARE MEASURED TEMPERATURE
`SIGNAL WITH SIGNAL FOR ZERO
`DEGREES CENTIGRADE
`
`404ay BEGIN TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION CHECK
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PLACE TEMPERATURE SENSOR OR
`DETECTOR IN WATER/ICE MIXTURE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` GREEN LIGHT BLINKS IF MEASURED
`
`
` 404g
`
`
`
`TEMPERATURE BETWEEN
`APPROXIMATELY —1.5° CENTIGRADE
`AND +1.5° CENTIGRADE
`
`-
`
`404f
`
`END TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION CHECK
`
`FIG. 13
`
`
`
`501
`
`SENSOR AND
`INDICATOR UNIT
`
`510
`
`907
`VIBRATION ALARM Ki
`
`
`
`
`DATA LINK
`
`COMMUNICATION
`
`
`
`
`FOR EXTERNAL
`
`
`PORT
` 505
`DATA STORAGE
`
`
`
`INTERFACE
`
`
`BATTERY AND
`
`_l+ LOW VOLTAGE
`[= DETECT ION
`CIRCUIT
`
`540
`
`549b
`
`|
`
`REMOTE. DATA
`STORAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`504
`
`FIG.
`
`14
`
`0008
`
`0008
`
`

`

`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`designed as part of the firefighter’s belt. U.S. Pat. No.
`5,137,378 discloses an integrated firefighter safety monitor-
`ing and alarm system that provides a number of warningsto
`a firefighter, This system includes temperature monitoring,
`an audible alarm anda display to provide additional infor-
`mation including a visible warning.
`
`[0007] A wide variety of detectors, sensors and monitors
`are commercially available to warn personnel about poten-
`tially explosive mixtures, increased radiation levels above
`normal background and the presence of biological hazards.
`Such detectors, sensors and monitors may be installed at
`fixed locations, hand held or attached to clothing and other
`safety equipment associated with personnel working in
`hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.
`
`[0008] Even with such conventional devices, firefighters
`are still
`injured or killed by flashovers and workers are
`injured or killed by industrial explosions. The complexity of
`conventional devices, the difficulties of fire fighting envi-
`ronments and the type and location of the warnings often
`cause firefighters not to hear audible warnings or nol to see
`visible warnings of dangerous ambient
`temperatures. It is
`often even more difficult for workers to recognize and take
`appropriate action when exposed to hazardous orpotentially
`hazardous explosive, radioactive and/or biologically harm-
`ful conditions.
`
`Prior temperature sensors and detectors associated
`[0009]
`with fire fighting equipment generally do not provide con-
`firmation of satisfactory temperature measurementsat a field
`location. Calibration at a testing facility or laboratory is
`often the only way to confirm satisfactory temperature
`measurements by most conventional
`temperature sensors
`and detectors.
`
`SUMMARY OP THE INVENTION
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING,
`MONITORING AND EVALUATING EQUIPMENT,
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL
`CONDITIONS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
`U.S. Application Serial No. 60/393,221 filed Jul. 2, 2002
`entitled System and Method for Identifying, Monitoring and
`Evaluating Environmental and Physiological Conditions.
`
`{0002] This application claims priority to and is a con-
`linuation-in-part of U.S. Continuation application Ser. No.
`10/147,584, filed May 17, 2002, entitled System and Method
`for Identifying Unsafe Temperature Conditions, now US.
`Pat. No.
`
`TECHNICALFIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] The present invention relates in general to safety
`equipment for personnel exposed to hazardousor potentially
`hazardous conditions and, more particularly, to a system and
`method for identifying, monitoring and evaluating selected
`equipment, environmental and physiological conditions.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Personnel exposed to hazardous or potentially haz-
`[0004]
`ardous conditions typically use a wide variety of protective
`equipment as appropriate for each respective condition. For
`example, firefighters, when fighting a fire, generally wear a
`coat, boots, gloves and other clothing specially created to
`protect against
`fire and heat as well as self contained
`breathing equipment. Although such clothing and equipment
`provides some protection, firefighter’s still face significant
`dangers including potential flashover. Once ambient tem-
`perature in a fire reaches about six hundred degrees Fahr-
`enheit
`(600 degrees Fahrenheit),
`the temperature may
`quickly rise to over eleven hundred degrees Fahrenheit
`(1100 degrees Fahrenheit), At
`this point, flashover may
`occur in which the air ignites and kills or severely injures
`firefighters. Thus,it is unsafe for personnel to fight fires from
`within a
`structure once
`ambient
`temperature reaches
`approximately six hundred degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees
`Fahrenheit).
`
`In accordance with teachings ofthe present inven-
`(0010)
`tion, a system and method are provided to identify, monitor
`and evaluate environmental and physiological conditions.
`One embodiment of the present invention includes a per-
`sonal situation awareness device which may be used by a
`person exposed to hazardous or potentially hazardous con-
`ditions. Personal situation awareness devices incorporating
`teachings ofthe present invention may be usedto identify
`and monitor variable relationships between environmental
`conditions exterior to a person’s safety equipment, environ-
`mental conditions within an interior of the safety equipment
`For other hazardous or potentially hazardous con-
`[0005]
`and/or the safety equipment itself and associated physiologi-
`ditions, such as working with explosive, radioactive and/or
`cal condition effects of combined environmental and physi-
`biologically harmful materials, there are various thresholds
`ological conditions on the respective person. Identifying,
`and levels beyond which it is unsafe to continue working.
`monitoring and evaluating exterior environmental condi-
`Personnel working in hazardous or potentially hazardous
`lions,
`interior environmental conditions and associated
`conditions must be aware of their respective physiological
`conditions. An increase in heart
`rate or problems with
`physiological effects may substantially reduce the number of
`
`breathing may be as hazardous forafirefighter as working injuries and/or deaths from working with hazardous or
`in a location with an ambient temperature above six hundred
`potentially hazardous conditions.
`degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Fahrenheit).
`
`[0006] To alleviate some of the dangers involvedin fire
`fighting, various electronic devices have been developed to
`provide warningsto firefighters. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
`5,640,148 discloses a dual activation alarm system for a
`personal alert safety system (PASS). U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,909
`discloses a temperature monitoring assembly that is incor-
`porated into a garment such as a coat. U.S. Pat. No.
`5,541,549 discloses a personal alarm safety system that is
`
`0009
`
`[0011] The present invention allows design, development
`and manufacture of personal situation awareness devices
`which may be used to prevent
`injury and/or death of
`personnel working in hazardous or potentially hazardous
`conditions. Personal situation awareness devices incorporat-
`ing teachings of the present
`invention may be used to
`identify, monitor and evaluate physiological conditions of a
`wearer. Such personalsituation awareness devices may also
`monitor variable relationships between environmental con-
`
`0009
`
`

`

`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`ditions and physiological conditions of the wearer. Such
`personal situation awareness devices may be used to collect
`data, interpret data and communicate with other individual
`wearers and/or with one or more remote locations. Such
`devices may analyze data and initiate appropriate alerts and
`warnings.
`[0012] Another aspect of the present invention includes
`collecting and storing data related to environmental condi-
`tions, such as the temperature of a firefighter’s safety equip-
`ment,
`the temperature at various locations in a fire,
`the
`presence of explosive gases, biological agents, radionuclides
`and/or other harmful or potentially harmful materials. Data
`concerning operation ofsafety equipment such as air supply
`temperature and/or pressure, air flow rates, battery power
`levels, and communication links may also be collected and
`stored. Data concerning physiological conditions ofa person
`working in a hazardous or potentially hazardous environ-
`ment including, respiration rate, blood oxygen levels, core
`body temperature and heart rate may also be monitored and
`evaluated. A personal situation awareness device incorpo-
`rating teachings of the present
`invention may be used to
`analyze equipment, environmental and physiological data in
`an organized, prioritized and meaningful way and commu-
`nicate critical data so that immediate action may be taken to
`prevent injury or loss of life from over exposure to one or
`more critical conditions.
`
`[0013] A further aspect of the present invention includes
`on-board storage of data regarding standard Personal Expo-
`sure Limits and, optionally, personal physiological limits of
`the person using the invention. Such information makesit
`possible for the present invention to even more accurately
`warn of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.
`(0014] Technical benefits ofthe present invention include
`a reliable source of data or information which may be
`communicated to a commandstation. The data or informa-
`tion may also be communicated to other personnel working
`in proximity with the wearer. The data or information may
`be recorded, interpreted and evaluated. Data from one or
`more personal situation awareness devices may be used to
`provide guidance in taking appropriate action with respect to
`each person working in a hazardous or potentially hazardous
`environment or with respect
`to all people working in a
`hazardous or potentially hazardous environment.
`[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a
`system is provided to identify, monitor and alert personnel
`of a critical condition or conditions. The system may include
`a control unit stored within a housing. The control unit may
`include electronics operable to identify, monitor, record,
`evaluate and communicate a signal associated with at least
`one environmental or physiological condition. The system
`may also include a sensor unil communicatively coupled to
`the control unit. The sensor unit may be positioned within an
`environment at a distance from the control unit. The sensor
`unit may include multiple sensors operable to sense ambient
`air temperature, oxygen levels or lack of oxygen, concen-
`tration of harmful chemicals and gases, explosive materials,
`radioactive materials, equipment
`temperature and physi-
`ological characteristics of a wearer. The system may include
`one or more indicators operable to provide an indication
`representing at least one critical condition and one or more
`communicators to transmit and receive information.
`
`invention may
`the present
`[0016] Another aspect of
`include connecting sensors, displays and power sources that
`
`may be part of an SCBA system or other safety equipment
`associated with a person wearing the safety system. By
`sharing sensors, displays and power sources with other
`elements, an entire ensemble worn by the person may be
`manufactured more efficiently and provide increased service
`life.
`
`[0017] The system may include a control unit operable to
`be coupled to safety equipment or to a person working in a
`hazardous or potentially hazardous condition. The control
`unit may have electronics operable to communicate data
`associated with environmental and physiological conditions.
`For one application the system may include a sensor unit or
`a sensor assembly operable to be positioned in an ambient
`environment and coupled with a face mask. For other
`applications a sensor unit may be positioned at optimum
`locations or associated safety equipment. The sensor unit or
`sensor assembly may include one or more sensors having an
`operating mode dependent upon the presence of one or more
`hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, The sensor
`unit or sensor assembly may be communicatively coupled to
`the control unit.
`
`[0018] A further aspect of the present invention includes
`sensors, displays, and other elements of a safety system
`communicatively coupled with each other to efficiently
`share data and information. For example, radio signals, light
`beams, pressure pulses, sound waves, and/or electrical wir-
`ing may be used where appropriate to communicate infor-
`mation from one element of the system to another.
`[0019] One aspect of the present
`invention includes a
`system which may be used to measure temperature gradients
`between ambient
`temperature and temperature of safety
`equipment worn by a person fighting a fire. For cold
`environments, a system may be provided to measure tem-
`perature gradients between ambient
`temperature and core
`body temperature, The system may use various factors such
`as the temperature gradient and the “heat sink effect” of the
`safety equipment to calculate satisfactory stay times for
`working in the environment and appropriate temperature
`limits. For other applications the system may be usedto
`measure temperature and/or other environmental conditions
`al extended distances, intermediate distances and immedi-
`ately adjacent to a person wearing the system.
`
`‘Technical benefits of the present invention include
`(0020]
`a field calibration check feature to determine if one or more
`sensors are operating satisfactorily. For example, a mixture
`of water and ice may be used to confirm or check satisfac-
`tory calibration and operation of a temperature detector and
`associated electronic circuits.
`
`[0021] Systems incorporating teachings of the present
`invention maybe usedto provide early warning of excessive
`temperatures that would eventually lead to a Hashover or
`other danger.
`In general, once ambient
`temperature in a
`building or structure fire reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the
`temperature will start rising. Frequently it takes around two
`(2) minutes for ambient temperatures in a building for to
`linearly, increase from 300 degrees to 600 degrees Fahren-
`heit. Once the temperature reaches approximately 600
`degrees Pahrenheit, ambient
`temperature will often start
`rising exponentially to over 1100 degrees Fahrenheit in less
`than a minute. This fatal phenomenon is termed a flashover.
`It is appropriate to evacuate buildings or other structures
`once the temperature reaches around 600 degrees Fahren-
`
`0010
`
`0010
`
`

`

`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`heit. Further, other temperature related conditions may be
`unsafe for firefighters. For example, remaining in a high
`ambient temperature for a certain period of time may be
`dangerous.
`
`[0022] The present invention provides systems and meth-
`ods to identify, monitor and evaluate equipment, environ-
`mental and physiological conditions which extend beyond
`fire fighting applications. Similar critical conditions and
`corresponding set points may be included in systems
`exposed to radioactive materials, biologically hazardous
`materials, low oxygen levels and explosive gas mixtures.
`Personal situation awarenesstools and devices incorporating,
`teaching of the present invention may become mandatory for
`use by anyone who may be exposed to hazardous or poten-
`tially hazardous conditions.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0023] A more complete understanding of the present
`invention and advantages thereof may be acquired by refer-
`ring to the following description taken in conjunction with
`accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers
`indicate like features and wherein:
`
`[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodimentof a
`system operable to identify, monitor, evaluate and alert
`personnel of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions
`in accordance with teachings of the present invention;
`[0025] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a
`method to identify, monitor, evaluate and alert personnel of
`hazardousor potentially hazardous conditions in accordance
`with teachings ofthe present invention;
`[0026]
`FIG.3 is a block diagram of another embodiment
`of a system operable to identify, monitor, evaluate andalert
`personnel of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions
`in accordance with teachings ofthe present invention;
`
`(0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing an isomet-
`ric view of a system operable to identify, monitor, evaluate
`and alert safety personnel of hazardous or potentially haz-
`ardous conditions in accordance with teachings of the
`present invention;
`
`[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing a rear
`perspective view of the sensor assembly in FIG. 4 incor-
`porating teachings ofthe present invention;
`
`[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a perspec-
`tive, side view of the system of FIG. 4 coupled to a face
`mask according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;
`
`[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing in elevation show-
`ing a front view of the system and face mask of FIG, 4;
`
`[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing showing an
`exploded, isometric view of a fastener system satisfactory
`for attaching a sensor unil incorporating teachings of the
`present invention with a face mask;
`
`[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing showing an isomet-
`ric view of another example of a fastener satisfactory for
`attaching a sensor assembly incorporating teachings of the
`present invention with a face mask;
`
`[0033] FIGS. L0A and 10Bare schematic drawings show-
`ing an isometric view and a side view with portions broken
`away of an adapter which may be adhesively bonded with a
`
`face mask to releasably attach a sensor unit or sensor
`assembly with the face mask in accordance with teachings of
`the present invention;
`[0034] FIG. 11 is a ow chart showing a methodtoalert
`safety personnel of hazardous or potentially hazardous con-
`ditions according to another embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0035] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a method to
`identify, monitor, evaluate and alert personnel of hazardous
`or potentially hazardous conditions according to teachings
`of the present invention;
`
`FIG.13 is a block diagram showing one method to
`[0036]
`perform a calibration check in accordance with teachings of
`the present invention; and
`
`[0037] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system operable to
`identify, evaluate, monitor and alert personnel of hazardous
`or potentially hazardous conditions according to another
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`invention
`Preferred embodiments of the present
`[0038]
`andits advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS.
`1-14 ofthe drawings, in which like numbers reference like
`parts.
`
`[0039] The terms “safety equipment” and “protective
`equipment” are used throughout this application to include
`any type of clothing such as a coal, vest, hat, apron, boots
`and/or gloves which may be used to protect a wearer from
`hazardous or potentially hazardous environments. The terms
`“protective equipment” and “safety equipment” may also
`include helmets, visors, hoods, face masks, oxygen tanks, air
`bottles, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), chemi-
`cal suits and any other type ofclothing or device which may
`be worn by a person to protect against fire, extreme tem-
`peratures, reduced oxygen levels, explosions, reduced atmo-
`spheric pressure, radioactive and/or biologically harmful
`materials.
`
`[0040] The term “environmental conditions” is used
`throughout the application to include both external environ-
`mental conditions (ambient air temperature, wind condi-
`lions, barometric pressure, gas concentrations, oxygen lev-
`els, etc.) and internal environmental conditions (temperature
`of safety equipment, air temperature and pressure within a
`biological or chemical clean up suit, gas concentrations
`within a biological or chemical clean up suit, etc.). Envi-
`ronmental conditions may include the operating condition of
`safety equipment and the results of using such safety equip-
`ment suchas air capacity and flow rates to a person wearing
`an SCBA.
`
`[0041] The term “hazardous or potentially hazardous con-
`ditions” is used throughout this application to include envi-
`ronmental conditions such as high ambient temperature, lack
`of oxygen, and/or the presence of explosive, exposure to
`radioactive or biologically harmful materials and exposure
`to other hazardous substances. Examples of hazardous or
`potentially hazardous conditions include, but are not limited
`to, fire fighting, biological and chemical contamination
`clean-ups, explosive material handling, working with radio-
`active materials and working in confined spaces with limited
`
`0011
`
`0011
`
`

`

`US 2004/0004547 Al
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`or no ventilation. The term “hazardous or potentially haz-
`ardous conditions” may also be used throughout this appli-
`calion to refer to physiological conditions associated with a
`person’s heart rate, respiration rate, core body temperature
`or any other condition which may result
`in injury and/or
`death of an individual, Depending upon the type ofsafety
`equipment, environmental conditions and physiological
`conditions, corresponding thresholds or levels may be estab-
`lished to help define potential hazardous conditions, hazard-
`ous conditions andcritical conditions.
`
`Permissible exposure limits (PELs) have been
`[0042]
`established by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational
`Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)to protect workers
`against the effects of exposure to various hazardous or
`potentially hazardous materials and substances. PELs are
`frequently associated with air quality standards. Threshold
`limit values (TLVs) have been established by the American
`Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists to help
`establish safe working environments when exposed to vari-
`ous hazardous or potentially hazardous materials and sub-
`stances, Both PELs and TLVs may be used to define one or
`more critical conditions and an acceptable length of time, if
`applicable, for exposure to each critical condition. Work-
`place environmental exposure limits (WEELs),
`recom-
`mended exposure limits (RELs) and industry developed
`occupational exposure limits (OELS) may also be used to
`establish one or more critical conditions and acceptable
`length of time, if applicable, for exposure to eachcritical
`condition,
`
`[0043] Adata base with appropriate PELs, TLVs, WEELs,
`RELs and OELs may be stored within memory 142 or data
`storage 5424, See FIGS. 1, 2, and 14. Also, an appropriate
`data base with this same information may be stored al a
`remote facility such as remote data storage 5426 and com-
`municated with safety system 500 through an appropriate
`communication link. See FIG. 14.
`
`[0044] The term “critical condition” is used throughout
`this application to define a hazardous or potentially hazard-
`ous condition which may result in injury or loss of life. A
`critical conditional may be a hazardous or potentially haz-
`ardous environmental condition. A critical condition may
`also be a hazardous or potentially hazardous physiological
`condition or a combination of environmental and physi-
`ological conditions including the rate of change of such
`conditions. Depending upon the type of safety equipment,
`environmental conditions and physiological conditions, cor-
`responding thresholds or levels may be established to help
`define potential hazardous conditions, hazardous conditions
`and critical conditions.
`
`[0045] The term “critical data” is used throughout this
`application to include any information or data which indi-
`cates the presence of a hazardous or potentially hazardous
`condition or the presence of a critical condition, The rate of
`change of environmental conditions and/or physiological
`conditions may be “critical data”.
`
`[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodimentofa
`system,
`indicated generally at 10, operable to identify,
`monitor, evaluate and alert personnel of hazardous or poten-
`tially hazardous conditions according to teachings of the
`present invention. System 10 may include microprocessor
`12 which receives power from battery 14. Microprocessor
`12 may serve as a control unit for system 10. However, a
`
`wide variety of other control units such as digital signal
`processors and general purpose microprocessors or micro-
`controllers may also be satisfactorily used.
`
`[0047] Battery 14 may be replaced by a user and may be
`conserved by switching system LO off when not
`in use.
`System 10 may also include a low battery voltage detection
`circuit 16 and may be turned on and off by combined on/off
`switch and test button 18. Switch 18 may be backed up by
`an automatic switch (not expressly shown)that turns system
`10 on when a hazardousor potentially hazardous condition
`reaches a selected set point, such as ambient
`temperature
`greater than one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (150° F.)
`or heart rate greater than one hundred twenty (120) beats per
`minute.
`
`[0048] Equipment sensors 21 may be used to monitor and
`measure data related to equipment temperature, air supply
`temperature and/or pressure, air flow rates, battery power
`levels, status of communication links and/or any other data
`required to monitor and evaluate satisfactory performance of
`any equipment associated with a person wearing system LO.
`Environmental sensors 22 may be used to detect, identify
`and measure a variety of environmental conditions such as
`ambient air temperature, explosive gas concentrations, bio-
`logical agent concentrations, radioactivity levels associated
`with one or more radionuclides and/or any other hazardous
`or potentially hazardous environmental condition. For some
`applications equipment sensors 21 may be includedas part
`of environmental sensors 22. Physiological sensors 23 may
`be used to monitor various physiological conditions such as
`respiration rate, blood oxygen level, core body temperature,
`heart rate and/or any other physiological condition required
`to identify, monitor and evaluate the physiological condition
`of a person wearing system LO. Equipment sensor 21 and/or
`physiological sensor 23 may also be used to measure move-
`ment or lack of movement by a wearer and/or equipment
`associated with the wearer. For some applications, a global
`positioning system or other location sensor (not expressly
`shown) may be coupled with microprocessor 12 and/or
`comparator circuit 24.
`
`For some applications equipment sensors 21, envi-
`[0049]
`ronmental sensors 22 and physiological sensors 23 may
`include digital potentiometers (not expressly shown) which
`may be used to provide adjustable set points to indicate the
`presence of one or more hazardous or potentially hazardous
`conditions and one or more critical conditions. Environmen-
`tal sensors 22 may include a resistive temperature device
`(RTD), thermocouple, thermistor, infrared (IR) sensor, pres-
`sure detector, gas detector, radiation detector, biohazard
`detector, video camera or any other environmental detector.
`System 10 may have multiple thresholds or set points
`corresponding with different levels for potentially hazardous
`conditions, hazardous conditions and critical conditions.
`Additional thresholds or set points may be implemented by
`system 10 when appropriate. Also, one or more set points
`may be set or modified by signals from microprocessor 12.
`
`In operation, comparator circuit 24 provides a
`[0050]
`lo microprocessor 12 in response to a comparison
`signal
`between respective set points and respective outputs from
`equipment sensors 21, environmental sensors 22 and physi-
`ological sensors 23.