Abstract: A system for use with a personal protective equipment (PPE) article includes a memory configured to store a user identification associated with a user of the PPE article. The system further includes a safety module configured to selectively generate an alert signal based on a motion status of the user of the PPE article. The system further includes a transceiver unit configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data. The system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the memory, the safety module and the transceiver unit. The controller is configured to retrieve the user identification from the memory upon receiving the alert signal from the safety module. The controller is further configured to convert the user identification into a speech data. The controller is further configured to transmit the speech data through the transceiver unit.

Abstract: A head worn device configured to be worn by a user is provided. The head worn device includes at least one microphone and processing circuitry configured to receive an audio signal detected by the at least one microphone, wherein the audio signal represents the user's speech. The processing circuitry is configured to evaluate the received audio signal and determine at least one intent based on the received audio signal. The evaluating and determining are performed by the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform at least one action based on the determined intent.

Abstract: An imaging unit is described. The imaging unit includes processing circuitry configured to determine an edge overlay including at least one detected edge of at least one object having at least one object edge. Composite image is determined. The composite image includes at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being configurable to show a base image including the at least one object. The second layer being configurable to show the determined edge overlay. In addition, the at least one detected edge is laid over the at least one object edge of the at least one object.

Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of groups of wireless units and each group includes a plurality of wireless units. Each wireless unit of each group includes a processor and is in full-duplex communication with each of the other wireless units of the corresponding group. Each wireless unit of each group is configured as one of a master unit and a slave unit of the corresponding group. The processor of the master unit of a first group forms a first intergroup communication channel with the master unit of a second group in response to a first user input to communicably couple the first group to the second group. Upon formation of the first intergroup communication channel, each slave unit of the first group is in full-duplex communication with each slave unit of the second group via the corresponding master units of the first and second groups.

Abstract: A first communication device of a plurality of communication devices is described. Each one of the plurality of communication devices other than the first communication device supports at least audio communication at least with the first communication device using at least one of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. The first communication device supports the at least audio communication using at least the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, where the first and second communication protocols are different. The first communication device includes processing circuitry that causes the first communication device to transfer audio one of from a second communication device using the second communication protocol to a third communication device using the first communication protocol and from the third communication device using the first communication protocol to the second communication device using the second communication protocol.

Abstract: A facemask assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus includes a facemask configured to be worn by a user, an electronic device connected with the facemask, a microcontroller configured to send signals to the electronic device, an accelerometer coupled with the microcontroller and configured to sense motion of the facemask; and a battery configured to supply power to the electronic device. When motion is detected by the accelerometer, a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller and the microcontroller interprets the electrical signal to selectively adjust the power level supplied to the electronic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a remote sensing system. The remote sensing system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a display panel configured to be viewed by a wearer of the article of PPE. The remote sensing system further includes a plurality of sensors disposed remotely from the article of PPE. Each of the sensors is configured to generate a respective signal. The remote sensing system further includes a processor communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors and the display panel of the article of PPE. The processor is configured to receive the respective signals from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to select at least one signal from the respective signals. The processor then determines at least one critical message corresponding to the at least one signal.

Abstract: A system includes personal protective equipment (PPE) configured to be worn by an agent. The PPE includes a sensor assembly configured to generate sensor data including one or more of motion data, heading data, and inertial data. The system also includes at least one computing device configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor assembly. The at least one computing device is also configured to generate pose data of the agent based on the sensor data in response to a series of movements by the agent away from an arrival point. The pose data includes an agent location, an agent heading, and a movement activity type for each pose in a series of poses. The at least one computing device is further configured to generate a navigation path based on the pose data.

Abstract: An article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a plurality of communication circuits corresponding to a plurality of communication channels, and a controller communicably coupled to the communication circuits. The controller is configured to receive data signals. The controller is further configured to determine a signal strength of the communication channels and generate available connections data for the communication channels. The controller is further configured to determine corresponding data types of the data signals.

Abstract: A filter remaining capacity detection system is presented that includes a parameter retriever that retrieves parameter information for an atmosphere around the filter. The system also includes an adsorption estimate generator that, based on the parameter information retrieved, solves a set of controlling equations to generate an adsorption estimate. The controlling equations are a set of mass and energy balance equations. The system also includes a remaining capacity detector that, based on the adsorption estimate, generates a remaining capacity estimate. The system also includes a signal generator that generates a signal if the remaining capacity estimate is below a threshold.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for use with a respirator mask comprising an in-mask display unit, and methods of configuring and operating such a system. The system uses a thermal imaging camera to capture a thermal image. The system is configured with the capability to shift from a default view in which an in-mask micro-display of the in-mask display unit shows a primary subimage of the captured thermal image but does not show a secondary subimage of the captured thermal image, to an auxiliary view in which the secondary subimage is now shown in place of at least a portion of the primary subimage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a charging system. The charging system includes a first device. The first device includes a first power interface. The first device further includes a first communication module. The first communication module includes at least one first transceiver. The first device further includes a second communication module. The second communication module includes at least one second transceiver. The first device further includes an intrinsic barrier disposed between and physically separating the first communication module from the second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are configured to wirelessly exchange data signals therebetween. The charging system further includes a second device including a second power interface. The first power interface and the second power interface are configured to be electrically connected to each other to transfer electrical power between the first and second devices.

Abstract: A respiratory device and system, and in particular a respiratory device that is usable with a plurality of removable electronic function components that that can communicate wirelessly with other devices. In one embodiment, a respiratory device comprises a body, at least a portion of the body defining a volume; a mask communications unit (MCU) at least partially located within the volume; at least one electrical function component in communication with the MCU; and a rechargeable power source at least partially located within the volume, the rechargeable power source providing power to each of the at least one electrical function components.

Abstract: A safety system for a user includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) configured to be at least partially in contact with the user. The safety system further includes at least one tactile actuator and a controller. The at least one tactile actuator is associated with the article of PPE. The at least one tactile actuator is configured to provide tactile stimulation to the user. The controller is communicably coupled to the at least one tactile actuator. The controller is configured to provide an actuating signal to the at least one tactile actuator to actuate the at least one tactile actuator based upon at least one predetermined condition. The at least one tactile actuator generates a tactile indication upon receiving the actuating signal.

Abstract: A communications assembly for a mask. The communications assembly includes a housing configured to couple to the mask, the housing includes a substrate. A push-to-talk (PTT) actuator is coupled to the substrate. A near field communication (NFC) antenna is coupled to the substrate.

Abstract: A method implemented in a first wireless unit of a plurality of wireless units of a first group. The method includes determining whether a second wireless unit of the first group is configured as the master of the first group. If the second wireless unit is configured as the master of the first group, the first wireless unit is configured as a slave and the first wireless unit is joined to the first group to communicate with the other wireless units. In addition, if the second wireless unit is not configured as the master of the first group, the first wireless unit is configured as the master of the first group and one of the first group is formed and the first group joined to communicate with the other wireless units. An apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A filter predicted capacity estimation system is presented that includes a parameter retriever that retrieves parameter information for an atmosphere around the filter. The system includes a parameter trend retriever that retrieves historical parameter indications from a database. The system also includes a real time capacity estimator that, based on the parameter information retrieved, and solves a set of controlling equations to generate an estimated capacity. The controlling equations are a set of mass and energy balance equations. The system also includes a parameter projection generator that, based on the historic parameter indications, generates a future parameter trend for the atmosphere and filter use. The system also includes a predicted capacity estimator that, based on the adsorption estimate, and based on the future parameter trend, generates a predicted capacity estimate.

Abstract: A communications system for emergency personnel comprising a plurality of beacons disposed in a building or large structure, wherein each beacon is placed in a location such that it can communicate with at least its next nearest beacon when activated and/or nearby emergency personnel. Each beacon comprises a low power consumption PCBA, a battery, and a housing. Each beacon is installed in the building or large structure prior to a disaster incident or emergency event.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a remote sensing system. The remote sensing system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a display panel configured to be viewed by a wearer of the article of PPE. The remote sensing system further includes a plurality of sensors disposed remotely from the article of PPE. Each of the sensors is configured to generate a respective signal. The remote sensing system further includes a processor communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors and the display panel of the article of PPE. The processor is configured to receive the respective signals from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to select at least one signal from the respective signals. The processor then determines at least one critical message corresponding to the at least one signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) on a respiratory protection mask having two or more diverse antennas is disclosed. According to one aspect, a communication module in a respiratory protection mask is configured to send and receive radio signals. The communication module includes a first antenna within the communication module and a second antenna within the communication module, the second antenna being separated from the first antenna to achieve antenna spatial diversity.