Abstract: A thermal imaging system includes an infrared (IR) detector configured to detect ambient IR radiation in a surrounding environment of the IR detector and pulse sequences of mechanically-generated IR radiation in a status message emitted by a portable signaling device mounted on a wearer. The status message represents an operating status of the wearer and a processor operably connected to the IR detector analyzes the pulse sequences in the status message and generates a display message based on the pulse sequences. The display message is display on a screen for viewing by an operator of the thermal imaging system. The display message is presented as visual indicia representative of the operating status of the wearer which is displayed concurrently with a graphical image of the surrounding environment that is based on the ambient IR radiation detected by the IR detector.

Abstract: An automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature, a multi-range concentration feature, a single calibration feature and a barrier circuit feature. The automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature includes a transmitter having a transmitter microprocessor that provides an initial voltage to a sensor having a sensor microprocessor. As the voltage changes a correction signal is relayed from the sensor microprocessor to the transmitter microprocessor. The correction signal is used to adjust the voltage applied to the sensor. The multi-range concentration sensor feature includes an amplifier associated with the sensor/microprocessor to create gain settings used to optimize sensor resolution by changing a gain value for the sensor. This enables use of a single sensor for a variety of different concentration ranges.

Abstract: A respirator filter connection mechanism with a first attachment element, the first attachment element associated with a respirator mask. The mechanism has a second attachment element which is associated with a filter. It also has openings provided through the first and second attachment elements and configured to be aligned with an inlet or discharge port of the mask and an inlet or discharge port of the filter. One of the first and second attachment elements includes a spring element located proximate to a corresponding opening, while another the first and second attachment elements includes an attachment shelf located proximate to a corresponding opening. The spring element is configured to be linearly advanced into initial engagement with the attachment shelf until the spring element and attachment shelf couple to one another in an intermediate loaded position.

Abstract: A device, and method, for situational awareness of an emergency scene for first responders uses an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a sensor package in populated or otherwise restricted areas. The unmanned aerial vehicle is assigned to a control center for a designated incident while automatically tasking the unmanned aerial vehicle with the initiation of the incident response to autonomously proceed to the incident prior the control center taking active control of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psig, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a housing defining a cavity therein. The housing has an input port for receiving a gas from a gas supply, and an output port for delivering the gas to a gas cylinder. The cavity defines a staging area fluidly connected to the input port, a delivery area fluidly connected to the output port, and a pressurization area fluidly connected to a feedback sensing port. The feedback sensing port is configured to receive pressurized fluid that is pressurized to a pressure level representative of a pressure level of gas delivered to the gas cylinder. The flow control valve includes a piston slidably positioned in a channel extending between the pressurization area and the delivery area. The position of the piston changes a rate of flow of gas through the flow control valve. The piston position moves in response to a pressure at the feedback sensing port.

Abstract: In an embodiment a protocol converter module for use with a gas transmitter assembly having a gas sensor, a controller, and a detector transceiver housed within an intrinsically safe detector housing is provided. The controller module comprises a converter housing having a converter mount configured to securely mount the converter module to the detector housing. A controller module includes a first converter transceiver, within the converter housing, configured to bi-directionally exchange data with the detector transceiver utilizing a first protocol. The controller module also includes a second converter transceiver, also within the converter housing, configured to bi-directionally exchange data with an external device using a second protocol. The controller module also include, an electronic converter, also within the converter housing, coupled to the first and second converter transceivers and configured to convert the data between the first and second protocols.

Abstract: A portable signaling device for use in a reduced visibility environment. The signaling device includes a housing for carrying the signaling device into the reduced visibility environment, the housing having a signaling side and an attachment side, the signaling side configured to transmit an infrared signal and the attachment side configured to be secured to a structure within the environment, and an infrared energy source located within the housing, the infrared energy source including a power source, an emitter connected to the power source, and a switching mechanism connected to the power source and the emitter.

Abstract: A detector head assembly of a sensor includes a detector body having an internal channel extending a longitudinal length. The detector body is configured to hold a sensor cartridge that includes a sensing element. The detector head assembly includes a wire having a conductor. The wire extends into the internal channel of the detector body such that an end of the conductor is configured to be operatively connected to the sensing element. The detector head assembly includes a wire seal having a generally pliable sealant held within the internal channel of the detector body. The generally pliable sealant is configured to be longitudinally compressed along the longitudinal length of the internal channel during assembly of the detector head assembly such that the generally pliable sealant moves into and fills one or more voids between the wire and the detector body for sealing the wire to the detector body.

Abstract: Gas-filling system including a base manifold having a flow-control component and a manifold body that is operably coupled to the flow-control component. The manifold body includes a fill port and first and second supply ports that open to an exterior of the base manifold. The first and second supply ports are in fluid communication with a common passage within the manifold body such that the gas flowing through the first supply port or through the second supply port flows through the common passage to the fill port. The fill port is configured to be in fluid communication with a container. The gas-filling system also includes an accessory module removably coupled to the manifold body. The accessory module is connected to the first supply port and has an inlet port.

Abstract: A system and method of use for an accountability system within a pump panel for signaling an alarm condition to first responders. The method and system include a display embedded within a pump panel, and a radio frequency (RF) sub-system. The RF sub-system is configured to receive transmissions from a respiratory protection device (RPD). The RPD is configured to transmit an alarm condition. The method and system also include a controller coupled to the display and the RF sub-system. The controller is configured to instruct the display to display an accountability indicator once the alarm condition is received by the RF sub-system.

Abstract: A connector mechanism for safely and quickly attaching or detaching a sensor. The connector mechanism includes a sensor head assembly comprising a detector body with an internal channel, an open distal end, and a sensor head attachment connector (HAC) located within the channel. The HAC includes a first electrical connection having at least a first contact member and a first key component located in a fixed location relative to the first contact member. The connector mechanism includes a sensor cartridge comprising a cartridge housing with a probe component, a second electrical connection having at least a second contact member configured to mate with the first contact member, and a second key component that is located in a fixed location relative to the second contact member. The first and second key components engage one another before the first and second contact members engage one another.

Abstract: A device, and method, for situational awareness of an emergency scene for first responders uses an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a sensor package in populated or otherwise restricted areas. The unmanned aerial vehicle is assigned to a control center for a designated incident while automatically tasking the unmanned aerial vehicle with the initiation of the incident response to autonomously proceed to the incident prior the control center taking active control of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An improved head harness is disclosed for use with full face respirators. The head harness may include an elastomeric core having a central portion and a plurality of radiating arms. The plurality of radiating arms may be connected to a plurality of non-elastic straps. A fabric cover may completely enclose the elastomeric core, including the plurality of radiating arms. The cover may include a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of straps, so that when assembled, only the straps protrude from the openings. As described, the elastomeric core and elastomeric radiating arms are separated from a user's hair by the fabric cover. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A deluge guard has an impeller system for protecting a sensor head from liquid inundation.

Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed for providing end of service life indication for an air purification filter. The sensor device has a cylindrical housing for insertion into a sorbent bed of a filter, and can be removed from the bed and reused at the end of the filter service. One or more sensors inside the housing are configured to sense physical/chemical characteristics of air passing through the sorbent bed, and to provide associated data to a sensor conditioning board within the housing. The sensor conditioning board processes the received data and conditions the data as desired. The housing is receivable in a cavity formed in the filter bed. A receiving structure receives the housing therein. Data from the one or more sensors can be used to calculate predicted end of service life of the filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.