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`
`US 20040004547Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`Appclt ct al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR [DENTIFYING,
`MONI'I‘ORING AND EVALUATING
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`EQUIPMENT! ENVIRONMENTAL AND
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`-
`(73)
`
`lnvenlors: Daren R. Appell, Austin. TX (US);
`Kevin K. Brunom, Aledo, TX (US):
`J amcs l). Hibl)s. Smithville. TX (US)
`
`Corresmndence Address:
`BAKER BUTTS L.l..P.
`PA'I‘EN’I‘ IJEI’AR'I'MEN’I‘
`93 SAN JACINTO BLVD" SUH‘E 150.0
`AUSTIN, TX 787014039 (US)
`
`(73) Assigoee: Fin-Eye Development Incorporated
`
`(21) Appl. No:
`
`10!610,l|13
`
`(22
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 30, 2003
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(‘ontinuation—in-parl of application No. [05147584,
`filed on May 17, 2002.
`
`Provisional application No. 606333.221, lilcd on Jul.
`7 7
`a
`"’ “00'”
`
`Publication Classification
`
`
`G081} 23MB; (50813 NIB
`Int. CL? .... ..
`(51]
`(52) US. Cl.
`..................................... 340f573.l; 3405391
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A syslem and method are disclrmcd for idcnlil‘ying monilor—
`log and evalualing hazardous or potentiallyr hazardous con-
`ditions. The syslem may he worn by safelyr personnel
`to
`deteol equipment eondilions such as low power supply.
`environmental condilions such as ambient temperalurc and!
`or physiological conditions such as hearl rate of a wearer.
`The syslem further includes a conlrol unil having electronics
`operable lo communicalc signals assrwiated with equipment.
`environmental and physiological condilions.
`
`82
`lNDICATOR
`COMPARATOR
`I (VARIABLE SEI' POlNT)
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EQUIPMENT
`CONVERTOR
`
`
`SENSORS
`
`
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE so POINT)
`
`‘
`
`92n
`
`89
`
`.
`PHYSIOLOGICAL
`SENSORS
`
`33
`
`Oil/OFF AND _,
`TEST SWITCH
`
`142
`
`MEMORY
`
`4-»
`
`
`
`OPTIONAL
`MICROPROCESSOR ——|[ AUDIBLE
`ALARM
`
`
` OPTIONAL
`VIBRATION
`
`
`ALARM
`
`98
`
`
`
`DATA LINK
`
`COMMUNICATION
`FOR EXTERNAL
`
`
`PORT
`iNTERFACE
`
`
`
`
`94-
`
`100
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BATTERY AND
`E Low VOLTAGE
`
`"T DETECT CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`
`
`+
`
`34
`
`‘30
`
`'
`
`0001
`
`US. Patent No. 8,652
`
`Apple
`APLI
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1051
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`0001
`
`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`142
`
`IO
`
`
`
`
`
`EQUIPMENT
`SENSORS
`
`ENVIRONMENTAL
`SENSORS
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE)
` COMPARATOR
`CIRCUIT WITH
`
`DIGITAL
`
`
`28
`POTENTIOIVIEI'ERS
`
`FOR ADJUSTABLE
`ENDICAQOR)
`
`
`Wm LE
`INDICATOR
`
`
`PHYSIOLOGICAL
`_
`
`
`SETPOINTS
`MICROPROCESSOR
`SENSORS
`
`
`
`FIG.
`1
`
`ON/OFF SNITOH
`AND TEST
`
`
`POSHBUTTON
`
`
`i ' Low BATTERY
`
`
`
`3. BATTERY 4—» VOLTAGE DETECT
`
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`a
`
`28n
`
`OPTIONAL
`ALARM
`
`'
`
`15
`
`18
`
`14
`
`82
`
`INDICATOR
`
`(VARIABLE SET POINT)
`COMPARATOR
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`
`
`CUNVERTOR
`
`INDICATOR
`(VARIABLE SET POINT)
`
`EQUIPMENT
`SENSORS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.
`PHYSIOLOGICAL
`SENSORS
`
`(IN/OFF AND
`TEST SWITCH
`-
`
`89
`
`86
`
`142
`
`OPTIONAL
`MICROPROCESSOR —-|[ AUDIBLE
`ALARM
`
`
`OPTIONAL
`VIBRATION
`
`ALARM
`
`
`DATA LINK
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`FOR EXTERNAL
`
`
`
`PORT
`INTERFACE
`
`FIG. 3
`f
`
`
`
`K
`i" BATTERY AND
`
`
`-; Low VOLTAGE
`34
`30
`-T DETEOT CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`92n
`
`94
`
`0
`
`10
`
`0002
`
`
`
`0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`40
`
`4‘
`
`ACTIVATE START SWITCH
`
`INTERNAL SELF TESTS BEGIN
`
`ONER SUPPL
`LOW?
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`FIG. 2
`.
`
`43
`
`
`
`ELECTRONICS
`
`
`SELF—TEST FAILED?
`
`
`
`YES -
`
`STOP
`
`
`
`48\_|
`
`50 f
`
`VISUAL INDICATOR 2
`
`45
`
`
`N0
`.
`ILLUMINATE- BOTH INDICATORS
`FOR FIVE SECONDS. BEEP‘
`SPEAKER (IF INSTALLED]
`
`PROGRAM SET POINTS FOR
`
`SELECTED EQUIPMENT.
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`
`
`52
`
`YES
`END
`
`-
`
`55
`
`ILLUMINATE FIRST INDICATOR
`
`ILLUMINATE nth INDICATOR
`
`MEASURE EOUIPIVIENTI
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND
`
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`
`OR MORE EQUIPMENT.
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND/0R
`
`
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`-
`
`EQUAL TO OR ABOVE
`
`A FIRST SET
`
`54
`POINT?
`
`YES
`
`42
`
`44
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OR MORE EQUIPMENT,
`ENVIRONMENTAL AND/DR
`PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`EQUAL TO OR ABOVE
`A nth FIRST SET
`
`
`
`
`
`56
`
`58
`
`0003
`
`0003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`200
`
`/
`
`0004
`
`0004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`
`[/h'“' l”
`
`,5 493-3 206 2054\8321';
`/ xi,
`’r
`(I “‘x ///
`f/flm,
`/ -
`"
`
`
`
`
`
`
`230
`
`;
`
`0005
`
`0005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`
`
`0006
`
`0006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`L»!(3C3
`
`
`
`SENSE EQUIPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL
`AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
`
`FIG.
`
`11
`
`400
`
`
`
`ARE
`ONE OR MORE
`EOUIPIIENT, ENVIRONMENTAL.
`AND/0R PHYSIOLOGICAL
`CONDITIONS ABOVE A
`RESPECTIVE SETPOINT
`‘3
`
`DETERMINE LEVEL
`
`PROVIDE APPROPRIATE INDICATION I
`
`401
`
`
`
`9.
`
`SERVICE
`AVAILABLE
`
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`.
`
`PROVIDE APPROPRIATE INDICATION
`
`-
`
`-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`- BOTH LEDS BLINKING ' LOCATION DISPLAY
`
`40
`
`2
`
`FIG. 72
`
`______ “1
`.-TENPERATURE V404 _
`|
`CALIBRATION
`I
`
`.
`
`—
`
`N
`
`4,03
`
`L ------ - — J
`
`DEIE RM | NE
`
`ENVIRONMENTAL
`
`AND
`PHYSIOLOGmAL
`CONDJTIONS LEVEL
`'
`.
`
`0
`4 5
`
`406
`
`PROVIDE
`APPROPRIATE
`INDICATION
`
`- AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
`- OXYGEN LEVEL
`- RADIONUCLIDES
`I. EXPLOSIVE GASES
`- CORE BODY TEMPERATURE
`-HEA_RT RATE
`- BREATHING
`- MOVEMENT OF WEARER
`- BATTERY POWER
`- COMMUNICATION LINK
`-EOUIPMENT TEMPERATURE
`
`FLOW RATE
`
`° BIOHAZARD
`' VIDEO
`- PRECISION
`LOCATION
`- INFRARED
`.AIR SUPPLY
`TEMPERATURE
`PAIR SUPPLY
`PRESSURE
`- AIR SUPPLY
`
`
`
`° BOTH LEDS OFF
`A
`0 GRAPHIC DISPLAY
`
`- GREEN LED BLINKING - HEADS UP VIDEO
`
`v GREEN LED SOLID
`o AUDIBLE OR VOICE ALARM
`
`
`- RED SOLID
`- VIERATOR ALARM
`
`
`- RED LED BLINKING
`- MAP DISPLAY
`' BOTH LEDS SOLID
`- FLOOR PLAN DISPLAY
`
`
`
`
`
`0007
`
`0007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 8, 2004 Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`404
`
`'/
`
`
`
`BEGIN TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION CHECK
`
`
`
`
`4040
`
`404D
`
`404C
`
`404d
`
`4048
`
`404i
`
`4049
`
`PREPARE WATER/ICE MIXTURE
`
`
`
`PLACE TEMPERATURE SENSOR OR
`
`DETECTOR IN WATER/ICE MIXTURE
`
`
`
`
`
`PRESS EQUIPMENT CHECK BUTTON
`
`COMPARE MEASURED TEMPERATURE
`SIGNAL WITH SIGNAL FOR ZERO
`DEGREES OENTIORADE
`.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`END TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION CHECK
`
`FIG.” 13
`
`GREEN LIGHT BLINKS IF MEASURED
`TEMPERATURE BETWEEN
`APPROXIMATELY -1.5“I CENTIGRADE
`AND +15" CENTIGRADE
`
`-
`
`501
`
`-NIU:
`
`
`
`MICROPROCESSOR
`VIBRATION ALARM 4—
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`EOIRATEHIESSAL
`
`
`
`
`
`PORT
`INTERFACE
`
`DATA STORAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`BATTERY AND
`LOW VOLTAGE
`
`
`DETECT [ON
`
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`507
`
`505
`
`54gb
`
`511
`
`510
`
`51 2
`
`503
`
`5420
`
`
`
`
`SENSOR AND
`INDICATOR UNIT
`
`SELF TEST
`PUSH BUTTON
`
`FIG. 74
`
`504
`
`BASE STATION
`
`REMOTE DATA
`STORAGE
`
`0008
`
`0008
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`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. 60891221 filed Jul. 2, 2002
`entitled System and Meritodfor Identtxying, Monitoring and
`E initiating Eat-’t'ronutcatal and Physiological Conditions.
`
`[0002] This application claims priority to and is a con-
`tinuationvinwpart of U.S. Continuation application Ser. No.
`l(l;'l4't',584, filed May [7, 2002, entitled System and Method
`for ldentifi't'ttg Unsafe Tangier-attire Conditions; now US.
`Pat. No.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] The present invention relates in general to safety
`equipment {or personnel exposed to hazardous or potentially
`hazardous conditions and, more particularly. to a system and
`method for identifying, monitoring and evaluating selected
`equipment, environmental and physiological conditions.
`
`BACKGROUND 01: 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 lighting a tire. generally wear a
`coal, 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 llashover. 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
`(“00 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 tires from
`within a
`structure once
`ambient
`temperature reaches
`approximately six hundred degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees
`Fahrenheit}.
`
`For other hazardous or potentially hazardous con-
`[0005]
`ditions, such as working with explosive. radioactive andtor
`biologically harmful materials. there are various thresholds
`and levels beyond which it is unsafe to continue working.
`Personnel working in hazardous or potentially hazardous
`conditions must be aware of their respective physiological
`conditions. An increase in heart
`rate or problems with
`breathing may be as hazardous [or a firefighter as working
`in a location with an ambient temperature above six hundred
`degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Fahrenheit).
`
`[0006] To alleviate some of the dangers involved in tire
`fighting, various electronic devices have been developed to
`provide warnings to firefighters. For example, Us. 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
`disclOSCS a temperature monitoring assembly that is incor-
`porated into a garment such as a coat. U.S. Pat. No.
`S.54.|..549 discloses a personal alarm safety system that is
`
`0009
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`designed as part of the firefighter‘s belt. US. Pat. No.
`5,137.3?8 discloses an integrated firefighter safety monitor-
`ing and alarm system that provides a number of warnings to
`a firefighter. This system includes temperature monitoring,
`an audible alarm and a 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 llashovers and workers are
`injured or killed by industrial explosions. The complexity of
`conventional devices, the difficulties of lire fighting envi-
`ronments and the type and location of the warnings often
`cause firefighters not to hear audible warnings or not to see
`visible warnings of dangerous ambient
`temperatures. It is
`often even more ditiicult for workers to recognize and take
`appropriate action when exposed to hazardous or potentially
`hazardous explosive, radioactive andtor biologically harm-
`ful conditions.
`
`Prior temperature sensors and detectors associated
`[0009]
`with fire fighting equipment generally do not provide con«
`firmation ofsatist'actory temperature measurements at 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.
`
`monitor variable relationships between environmental con-
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with teachings of the 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 of the present invention may he used to 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
`andior the safety equipment itself and associated physiologi-
`cal condition elfects of combined environmental and physi-
`ological conditions on the respective person. Identifying,
`monitoring and evaluating exterior environmental condi-
`tions,
`interior environmental conditions and associated
`physiological effects may substantially reduce the number of
`injuries andfor deaths from working with hazardous or
`potentially hazardous conditions.
`
`[0011] The present invention allows design. development
`and manufacture of personal situation awareness devices
`which may be used to prevent
`injury andi’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 personal situation awareness devices may also
`
`0009
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`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 antlr‘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. radionuclidcs
`andtor other harmful or potentially harmful materials. Data
`concerning operation ot‘sat‘ety equipment such as air supply
`temperature andfor pressure, air flow rates, battery power
`levels, and communication links may also be collected and
`stored. Data concerning physiological conditions of a 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~hoard storage of data regarding standard Personal Expos
`sure Limits and, optionally, personal physiological limits of
`the person using the invention. Such information makes it
`possible for the present invention to even more accurately
`warn of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.
`[0014] Technical benefits oi‘the present invention include
`a reliable source of data or information which may be
`communicated to a command station. 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 he used to
`provide guidance in taking appropriate action with respect to
`each person working in a hazardous orpotentially 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
`ofa 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 unit communicativer 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
`
`0010
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`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 efliciently 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 ofone or more
`hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions. The sensor
`unit or sensor assembly may be communicatively coupled to
`the control unit.
`
`once the temperature reaches around 600 degrees Fahren-
`
`[0018] A further aspect of the present invention includes
`sensors, displays, and other elements of a safety system
`communicativer coupled with each other to elficiently
`share data and information. For example, radio signals, light
`beams. pressure pulses. sound waves. and/tor electrical wir—
`ing may be used where appropriate to communicate infor-
`mation from one element of the system to another.
`
`invention includes a
`[0019] One aspect of the present
`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 he 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 ellect“ 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 used to
`measure temperature andz’or other environmental conditions
`at extended distances, intermediate distances and immediv
`ately adjacent to a person wearing the system.
`
`[0020] Technical benefits of the present invention include
`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 may he used to provide early warning of excessive
`temperatures that would eventually lead to a fiashovcr 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 Fahrenheit. 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
`
`0010
`
`

`

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`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`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 lighting 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 awareness tools and devices incorporating
`teaching ofthc 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 con_iunction with
`accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers
`indicate like features and wherein:
`
`[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of 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
`hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions in accordance
`with teachings of the present invention;
`
`[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment
`of a system operable to identify, monitor, evaluate and alert
`personnel of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions
`in accordance with teachings of the 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 of the 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;
`
`schematic drawing showing an
`a
`[0031] FIG. 8 is
`exploded, isometric view of a fastener system satisfactory
`for attaching a sensor unit 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. 10A and 103 are schematic drawing show-
`ing an isometric view and a side view with portions broken
`away of an adapter which may be adhesiver bonded with a
`
`0011
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`face mask to releasany attach a sensor unit or sensor
`assembly with the face mask in accordance with teachingsof
`the present invention;
`
`[0034] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method to alert
`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;
`
`[0036] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing one method to
`perform a calibration check in accordance with teachings of
`the preSent invention; and
`
`F1G. 14 is a block diagram of a system operable to
`[0037]
`identify, evaluate. monitor and alert personnel of hazardous
`or potentially hazardous conditions according to another
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION 01“ THE
`INVENTION
`
`active materials and working in confined spaces with limited
`
`invention
`Preferred embodiments of the present
`[0038]
`and its advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS.
`1-14 of the 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 coat, 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 of clothing 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 andior biologically harmful
`materials.
`
`is used
`[0040] The term “environmental conditions"
`throughout the application to include both external environ~
`mental conditions (ambient air temperature, wind condi-
`tions, barometric pressure. gas concentrations, oxygen lev-
`cls.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). Enviv
`ronmental conditions may include the operating condition of
`safety equipment and the results of using such safety equip-
`ment such as air capacity and flow rates to a person wearing
`an SCBA.
`
`[0041] The term "hazardous or potentially hazardous eon-
`dilions“ is used throughout this application to include envi-
`ronmental conditions such as high ambient temperature, lack
`of oxygen, andfor 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-
`
`0011
`
`

`

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`US 2004/0004547 A1
`
`or no ventilation. The term "hazardous or potentially haz-
`ardous conditions” may also he used throughout this appli-
`cation 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 andlor
`death of an individual. Depending upon the type of safety
`equipment, environmental conditions and physiological
`conditions, corresponding thresholds or levels may he estab-
`lished to help define potential hazardous conditions, hazard-
`ous conditions and critical conditions.
`
`Permissible exposure limits (FEB) 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. I’Iits 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 Ptits and ‘t‘LVs 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 limiLs
`[WEEls),
`recom-
`mended exposure limits (RELs) and industry developed
`occupational exposure limits (0ELS) may also be used to
`establish one or more critical conditions and acceptable
`length of time, if applicable, for exposure to each critical
`condition.
`
`[0046] Adata base with appropriate I’ELs, 't'LVs, WEELs.
`REts and ()Ets may be stored within memory 142 or data
`storage 542a. See FIGS. 1, 2. and 14. Also, an appropriate
`data base with this same information may be stored at a
`remote facility such as remote data storage 542!) 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 he 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 ol‘ environmental conditions auditor physiological
`conditions may be "critical data",
`
`[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`system,
`indicated generally at 10, operable to identify,
`monitor, evaluate and alert personnel of hazardous or poten-
`tialty 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
`
`0012
`
`Jan. 8, 2004
`
`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 10 ofl‘ 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 onlofl'
`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 hazardous or potentially hazardous condition
`reaches a selected set point, such as ambient
`temperature
`greater than one hundred tifty degrees Fahrenheit (150° F.)
`or heart rate greater than one hundred twenty (120) beats per
`minute.
`
`[0048] Equipment Sensors 21 may he used to monitor and
`measure data related to equipment temperature, air supply
`temperature andi’or pressure, air flow rates, battery power
`levels. status of communication links andtor any other data
`required to monitor and evaluate satisfactory performance of
`any equipment associated with a person wearing system 10.
`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 andfor any other hazardous
`or potentially hazardous environmental condition. For some
`applications equipment sensors 21 may be included as 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 andtor any other physiological condition required
`to identify, monitor and evaluate the physiological condition
`of a person wearing system 10. Equipment sensor 21 andi’or
`physiological sensor 23 may also he used to measure move-
`ment or lack of movement by a wearer andfor 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 andtor
`comparator circuit 24.
`
`through 28):. Various types of light emitting diodes (LED).
`
`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