US20070050898A1 - Surgical protective system and assembly having a head gear assembly supporting a surgical garment and air delivery system - Google Patents
Surgical protective system and assembly having a head gear assembly supporting a surgical garment and air delivery system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070050898A1 US20070050898A1 US11/199,716 US19971605A US2007050898A1 US 20070050898 A1 US20070050898 A1 US 20070050898A1 US 19971605 A US19971605 A US 19971605A US 2007050898 A1 US2007050898 A1 US 2007050898A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- wall
- surgical
- face shield
- head
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/12—Surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses
- A41D13/1209—Surgeons' gowns or dresses
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/28—Ventilating arrangements
- A42B3/286—Ventilating arrangements with forced flow, e.g. by a fan
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/50—Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/04—Gas helmets
- A62B18/045—Gas helmets with fans for delivering air for breathing mounted in or on the helmet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/40—Apparatus fixed or close to patients specially adapted for providing an aseptic surgical environment
- A61B2090/401—Apparatus fixed or close to patients specially adapted for providing an aseptic surgical environment using air flow
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/50—Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
- A61B2090/502—Headgear, e.g. helmet, spectacles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/05—Splash shields for protection of the surgeon, e.g. splash guards connected to the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B17/00—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes
- A62B17/04—Hoods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
- A62B18/082—Assembling eyepieces, lenses or vision-correction means in or on gas-masks
Definitions
- the surgical protective system and assembly described herein generally relates to protective systems, and more particularly to a surgical personal protective assembly that includes an adjustable helmet or head gear assembly which supports a surgical garment and an air delivery system.
- the disclosed surgical protective assembly is intended to be worn on a user's head and is well-suited for use in a sterile environment such as an operating room or a clean room where exposure to contaminants can have undesirable consequences.
- the surgical protective assembly provides a multi-way barrier to protect the user and the patient against airborne debris, pathogens or contaminants and while delivering and circulating filtered air to and around the user's face to help maintain personal comfort. Moreover, the surgical protective assembly may be adjusted to snuggly fit the user's head thereby increasing the overall comfort and wearability of the system.
- FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the surgical protective assembly in use during a medical procedure.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the helmet or head gear assembly.
- FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of the outer shell of the head gear assembly.
- FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of an inner shell of the head gear assembly.
- FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an air movement device and a fragmentary portion of the inner shell.
- FIG. 2D is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the rotor unit of the air movement device of FIG. 2C .
- FIG. 2E is a perspective view of one embodiment of a propeller blade of the rotor unit of FIG. 2D illustrating the air foil shape of such impeller blade.
- FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional perspective view taken substantially along line 2 F- 2 F of FIG. 1 of one embodiment of the head gear assembly illustrating a central air channel defined by the cooperation of the inner and outer shells.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the face shield arranged for alignment with the head gear assembly.
- FIG. 3A is an interior perspective view of the face shield shown in FIG. 3 illustrating the attachment of one embodiment of a surgical garment.
- FIG. 3B is an interior perspective view of one embodiment of the face shield, illustrating a display for projecting light or graphical information within the user's field of view on the face shield.
- FIG. 3C is an exterior perspective view of one embodiment of a face shield including attachment points or mounts for affixing accessories thereto.
- FIG. 3D is an interior perspective view of one embodiment of the face shield having a vision corrective characteristic or device to comply with a user's visual prescription.
- FIG. 3E is an exploded side elevation view of one embodiment of the head gear assembly aligned for cooperation with the face shield of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable head securing assembly cooperating with the surgical head gear assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable head securing assembly.
- FIG. 4B is another rear perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable head securing assembly, illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the tensioning assembly.
- FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the surgical personal protective system or assembly shown in FIG. 1 , illustrating a user wearing a belt-mounted air control device or controller electrically coupled to the head gear assembly with an electrical cord.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the a control device or controller of FIG. 5 with the electrical cord removed.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the battery charger, illustrating a control device or controller connected within a battery charge station.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic configuration of the control device and the battery charge device of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical protective assembly 100 .
- the surgical protective assembly 100 includes several assemblies, subassemblies and components which can be interconnected and combined to form a single assembly or system.
- the surgical protective assembly 100 includes: (a) a head gear assembly 200 ; (b) a face shield 300 removably attachable to the head gear assembly 200 ; (c) an adjustable head securing assembly 400 attached to the head gear assembly 200 ; (e) a surgical garment 500 attachable to the head gear assembly 200 and face shield 300 ; (f) a control device 600 operatively coupled to the head gear assembly 200 ; and (g) a battery charger or battery charge device 700 (see FIG. 7 ) which is operable with the a plurality of control devices which are the same as control device 600 .
- a user 102 can wear and use the components of the surgical protective assembly 100 to perform a task on a working surface 104 .
- the adjustable head securing assembly 400 fits snuggly on the user's head and supports the head gear assembly 200 and the face shield 300 which cover the top of the user's head and protect the front of the user's face.
- the surgical garment 500 can be used to cover the other components and assemblies of the protective system 100 while being arranged to protect the torso, arms and lower body of the user 102 .
- the surgical garment 500 , the head gear assembly 200 and face shield 300 cooperate to increase the protection of the user 102 from debris and contaminants that may be encountered on the working surface 104 and in the environment.
- the surgical garment 500 , the head gear assembly 200 and face shield 300 cooperate to increase the protection of a patient resting on the working surface 102 against debris and contaminants that may fall from the user 102 into the surgical site of the patient.
- the helmet or head gear assembly 200 includes a two-piece helmet, composite shell or shell unit 202 , though the shell unit 202 can be constructed from any suitable number of connected pieces or as a single, integral helmet.
- the shell unit 202 rests forward on the user's head with an interior surface 204 (see FIG. 2A ) adjacent to the crown of the head.
- the shell unit 202 rests above the user's eye and ear level, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- This configuration leaves the user's line of eye sight free of obstructions, and it leaves the rear and lateral sides of the user's head open for increased access to air to help cool the head.
- the components of the shell unit 202 are manufactured utilizing thermoforming and injection molding techniques, however, depending on the geometry or desired structural characteristics, blow-molding and vacuuming forming techniques may alternately be employed.
- the shell unit 202 in one embodiment, includes: (a) an outer curved wall or an outer shell 206 ; (b) an inner curved wall or an inner shell 208 connected to the outer shell 206 ; and (c) an air delivery device, air mover or air movement device 210 which is supported by the inner shell 208 .
- the outer shell 206 has a generally helmet-shaped head piece having a visor portion 212 that aligns and overhangs the user's forehead when the shell unit 202 is worn during normal operation.
- the outer shell 206 further includes a rear portion 214 formed opposite to and distal from the visor portion 212 that rests adjacent to the back of the user's head when the shell unit 202 is worn during normal operation.
- the outer shell 206 further includes a plurality of air intakes 216 forming and air grill or vent within a top or crown portion 218 of the shell unit 202 .
- the plurality of air intakes 216 provide a fluid connection between the air movement device 210 (see FIGS. 2 and 2 B) and the atmosphere or other ventilation source.
- the outer shell 206 of this embodiment is formed or molded to include, or otherwise includes, one or more raised portions or ridges 220 which extend away from the plurality of air intakes 216 towards both the visor portion 212 and the rear portion 214 .
- the ridges 220 serve a variety of functions such as, for example, providing structural reinforcement and rigidity to the outer shell 206 .
- the ridges 220 extend substantially vertically away from the an outer shell surface 232 towards the surgical garment 500 when the surgical protective assembly 100 is worn in use.
- the difference in shape and curvature between the outer shell 206 and the inner shell 208 defines a central air channel 221 .
- the interior of the ridges 220 define a plurality of air channels 222 that extend away from the outer shell surface 232 and expand or increase the overall volume of the central air channel 221 .
- the central air channel 221 and/or the air passage 222 in turn, fluidly connect the atmosphere or ventilation source through the plurality of air intakes 216 and the air delivery system 210 to an outlet 224 defined along the periphery of the shell unit 202 .
- the air passages 222 are sealed with a conformal material 222 a to help further define the central air passage 221 as one continuous space and to encourage laminar air flow between the two shells 206 , 208 . It will be understood that the differences in the geometry and curvature of the two shells 206 , 208 can be altered to modify the shape and size of the central air passage 221 and the air passages 222 .
- the outer shell 206 further includes a shield engagement assembly 226 integrally formed into the outer shell surface 232 .
- the shield engagement assembly 226 includes an central aligner or central alignment guide 228 formed within, or otherwise connected to, the outer shell surface 232 adjacent to the visor portion 212 , and a pair of securing devices, restraints or locks 230 formed along the lateral portions 244 of the outer shell surface 232 .
- the shield engagement assembly 226 aligns and secures the face shield 300 relative to the shell unit 202 and user's face during normal operation (see FIG. 2 and Section II-B).
- the central alignment guide 228 protrudes beyond the outer shell surface 232 and defines a groove or pocket 234 .
- the pocket 234 forms a depression or chamber within the outer shell 206 sized to engage an alignment engager, or tab 302 of the face shield 300 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ).
- Each of the side securing devices or side locks 230 includes: (a) a restraining wall that defines a restraining slot or locking slot 236 ; and (b) a restraining engager, or locking tab 238 .
- the locking slot 236 and locking tab 238 combinations are sized and positioned to engage a corresponding locking slot 304 and locking tab 306 combination of the face shield 300 .
- the alignment tab 302 engages the pocket 234 of the alignment guide 228 in a snap-fit, male-female cooperative arrangement.
- the pocket 234 traps and engages the alignment tab 302 to both vertically and horizontally align the face shield 300 relative to the outer shell 206 .
- the locking tab 306 formed on the face shield 300 slideably or removably snaps into the locking slot 236 formed within the outer shell 206 , while the locking tab 238 snaps into the corresponding locking slot 304 .
- each of the elements of the locks 230 engages in a male-female securing relationship with the corresponding elements formed on the face shield 300 .
- the inner shell 208 is sized to engage an interior surface 240 of the outer shell 206 (see FIG. 2A ).
- the inner shell 208 includes a ridge or raised wall 242 positioned along its perimeter as defined by the lateral and rear portions 244 , 246 , respectively, of the inner shell 208 .
- the raised wall 242 extends beyond an inner shell surface 248 and helps define the central air passage 221 and the air passages 222 (see FIG. 2F and Section II-B(iii)).
- the raised wall 242 includes a plurality of projections, raised portions or ridges 250 aligned and sized to engage the interior portion, e.g., the air passages 222 , of the ridges 220 .
- the raised wall 242 and the ridges 250 engage the air passages 222 in an interlocking manner.
- This interlocking arrangement prevents airflow towards the lateral and rear portions 244 , 246 of the inner shell 206 .
- the airflow is directed along the inner shell surface 248 towards the outlet 224 adjacent to the user's face.
- central air passage 221 and the air passages 222 are possible by altering the shape and configuration of the ridges 220 and the corresponding ridges 250 formed along the raised wall 242 .
- one of the pair of ridges 220 and 250 which is uniquely identified for the sake of clarity as the ridges 220 a and 250 a , may be designed and manufactured to provide air discharge along the lateral portion 244 of the shell unit 202 .
- the interior portion of the ridge 220 a (which would correspond to an air passages 222 a , if such an air passage were visible in these exemplary illustrations) may not be blocked or otherwise engaged by the ridge 250 a to allow air flow along the lateral portion 244 of the inner shell 208 . In this manner air flow and ventilation can be provided to the user 102 over both the front and sides of the face which may be desirable in some applications.
- the air movement device 210 that can be incorporated into the head gear assembly 200 is an impeller assembly 252 illustrated in FIG. 2C , though other mechanisms, such as suitable fans and blowers, can be used.
- the impeller assembly 252 is supported by a mounting wall 254 of the inner shell surface 248 of the inner shell 208 .
- the impeller assembly 252 in one embodiment, includes: (a) an electric motor 260 connected to a stationary support or lower frame 255 which, in turn, is supported by the mounting wall 254 ; and (b) a rotor unit 262 which covers a portion of the frame 255 .
- the lower frame 255 has a motor housing 264 which covers the motor 260 and receives the drive shaft 266 of the motor 260 .
- the rotor unit has: (a) a drive shaft connector 267 which receives and is secured to the drive shaft 266 ; (b) a blade support frame 268 ; and (c) a plurality of curvilinear propellers or blades 256 carried by the support frame 268 and arranged about the rotational center line CL.
- the electric motor 260 is sized to drive the rotor unit 262 at a desired rotational speed. It should be understood that the electric motor 260 may be any type of suitable motor, such as a low-power brush motor sized to be relatively silent and efficient to thereby drive the rotor unit 262 .
- each the curvilinear blades 256 defines a generally semi-circular, crescent or sickle shaped fin configuration arranged to force air, or any other compressible fluid, into the central air passage 221 and the air passages 222 at a designated or variable pressure.
- the rotor unit 262 moves clockwise, and the curvilinear blades 256 are configured so that the peak region 270 of each blade leads the way, making initial contact with the air or other compressible fluid.
- the curvilinear blades 256 of the impeller assembly 252 create regions of lower pressure which draws air through the plurality of air intakes 216 .
- the air is then forced and compressed along the leading surfaces or peak regions 270 of the curvilinear blades 256 towards the central air passage 221 , the air passages 222 and the outlet 224 .
- the air circulates or moves from the rear portion 214 of the helmet or head gear assembly 200 towards the visor portion 212 and the outlet 224 . This movement and circulation provides air cooling and ventilating air flow adjacent to the face of the user 102 .
- each blade 256 is formed into an air foil or tear-shape shape 258 defined by: (a) a leading parabolic wall 258 a ; and (b) a trailing wall 258 b which joins the parabolic wall 258 a at an inner vertical edge 258 c .
- the top wall 258 d of the blade 256 has a partially triangular shaped-region 258 e having a designated vertex where parabolic wall 258 a meets the trailing wall 258 b .
- This air foil shape provides a reactive force when rotated relative to the air drawn through the plurality of air intakes 216 which can increase the efficiency and air pressure of the air movement device 210 .
- the increased air pressure results in increased air flow and ventilation through the air passages 222 .
- This air foil shape of the blades 256 can also have advantages in decreasing the level of noise produced by the air movement device 210 .
- the central air passage 221 and the air passage 222 form a curved space that roughly corresponds to the general shape defined between the outer shell surface 232 and the inner shell surface 248 . It should be understood that the central air passage 221 and the air passages 222 may be expanded or reduced simply by changing the configuration of the ridges 220 and/or the spacing between the raised wall 242 and the inner shell surface 248 . Moreover, this sectional view illustrates the locking slots 236 formed along the lateral portions of the outer shell 206 . As can clearly be seen, the locking tab 306 extends into the locking slide 236 to secure the face shield 300 to the shell unit 202 .
- the face shield 300 in one embodiment, is formed to integrally include the alignment tab 302 and a pair of locking slot and tabs 304 and 306 , respectively, formed substantially symmetrically about the centerline CL (see FIG. 3A ).
- the face shield 300 of this embodiment is a bubble or toroidal-shaped shield that curves in two independent and substantially opposite planar directions such that the surface is generated by a closed curve rotating about, but not intersecting or containing, an axis in its own plane. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG.
- the face shield 300 has a first curvature with respect to the y-axis 307 , and the face shield 300 also has a second curvature with respect to the z-axis 309 (as shown relative to the Cartesian indicator set forth in FIG. 3 ).
- the curvature of the face shield 300 can be optically corrected by varying the material thickness of the less as a function of curvature in order to reduce visual distortions across the user's field of vision.
- the face shield 300 includes a first arm 308 that supports one pair of the locking tab and slot 304 and 306 , respectively, and the face shield 300 has a second arm 310 that supports the second pair of locking tabs and slots 304 and 306 , respectively.
- the alignment tab 302 is inserted into and cooperates with the pocket 234 to center and support the face shield 300 relative to the shell unit 202 .
- the locking tabs and slots 304 and 306 respectively, on the first and second arms 308 and 310 snap into or otherwise engage the locks 230 on each of the sides of the shell unit 202 in a male-female securing relationship.
- the surgical garment 500 attaches to the face shield 300 along a bonding area 312 formed around the periphery or edge of the face shield 300 .
- the bonding area 312 designates where the fabric of the surgical garment 500 could be joined, sewn, snapped, connected using a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro® or otherwise removably attached to the face shield 300 .
- the bonding area 312 does not include the first and second arms 308 and 310 to facilitate alignment and attachment with the shell unit 202 .
- the remaining fabric can be pulled over the user's head to cover the head gear assembly 200 and the shoulders of the user 102 to provide an unobstructed view through the bubble shaped face shield 300 .
- the face shield 300 in one embodiment includes a display area 316 on the inner surface 318 of the face shield 300 .
- the display area 316 can be configured to display graphical information 314 or to act as a light source. It should be understood that the display area 316 could be sized and positioned to appear within the user's peripheral vision or may be expanded to encompass the user's entire field of vision depending on the application.
- the graphical information or graphics 314 displayed may be, for example, text, symbols, a patient's vital statistics, the elapsed time of a procedure or task, an assembly diagram, or information shared through a telepresence system.
- display area 316 may be a display screen device (not shown), such as a Liquid Crystal Diode (LCD) screen, which is operatively coupled to a display processor 317 .
- the light source 314 is retinally controlled through the use of sensors positioned to capture the movement of the user's eyes and interpret the movement through the display processor.
- the face shield 300 in one embodiment, is adapted to support additional equipment.
- the face shield 300 includes a pair of attachment points or mounts 320 formed an outer surface 322 to engage or mount lights, low light vision enhancers, magnifying lenses, or any other desired instrument.
- the attachment mounts 320 could be any desired structure capable of supporting auxiliary hardware or equipment.
- the attachment mounts 320 may be threaded holes, clips, posts, indentations, hooks, or any other suitable mounting structure.
- the face shield 300 in one embodiment, includes a prescription portion or device 324 which includes a vision corrective characteristic adapted to conform with the visual prescription of the user 102 .
- the prescription device 324 includes a vision corrective sheet or enlarged lens which the user can removably attach to the interior surface of the face shield 300 .
- This vision corrective sheet can be disposable and can be attached to the face shield 300 through static forces, adhesives or any other suitable fashion.
- the composition of the face shield 300 can include a vision corrective property adapted specifically for the user 102 . In either case, this embodiment of the face shield 300 can eliminate the need to wear glasses, goggles and contacts while performing a task.
- the outer shell or outer wall 206 of the shell unit 202 aligns with the inner shell or inner wall 208 and the impeller 252 along the lines indicated by the reference indicator A.
- the alignment tab 302 of the face shield 300 aligns with the pocket 234 formed within the outer shell 206 along the line indicated by the reference indicator B.
- the locking slot 304 and locking tab 306 align and engage the locking tab 238 and locking slot 236 formed along the lateral portion of the outer shell 206 as indicated by the lines designated by the reference indicator C.
- the adjustable head securing assembly 400 includes: (a) a head support assembly 402 coupled to the shell unit 202 through the biasing members, cushions or deformable connectors 444 ; and (b) a tensioning assembly 404 which is coupled to the head support assembly 402 .
- the head support assembly 402 includes: (a) an upper support band 406 which transmits the weight of the shell unit 202 to the user's head; and (b) a forehead or lower band 408 which stabilizes the shell unit 202 with respect the front and sides of the user's head.
- the tensioning assembly 404 includes: (a) a multi-arm tensioning band 410 which is slidably coupled to the lower band 408 ; (b) a tensioning device 412 which enables users to adjust the degree of tension; and (c) a tensioning band, flexible force transmitter or cord 414 arranged to moveably couple the multi-arm tensioning band 410 and the tensioning device 412 to the head support assembly 402 .
- the head support assembly 402 is intended to be worn with the upper support band 406 resting adjacent to the crown of the user's head and the lower band 408 resting adjacent to the user's forehead and temple area. It should be understood that the head support assembly 402 may be secured within the shell unit 202 in a variety of manners. For instance, the head support assembly 402 may be secured directly to the inner shell 208 to allow modular assembly of each component within the head gear assembly 200 . Alternatively, the head support assembly 402 may be directly secured to an inner surface of the outer shell 206 thereby leaving the inner shell 208 unencumbered.
- the lower band 408 wraps around the user's head such that a first end 416 and a second end 418 extend away from the visor portion 212 .
- the upper support band 406 of this embodiment is a Y-shaped band that extends along the top the user's head and is aligned front to back within the shell unit 202 .
- the Y-shaped upper support band 406 includes a first support arm 420 , a second support arm 422 and an adjustment arm 424 .
- first and second support arms 420 and 422 are attached or rivet to the lower band 408 adjacent to the user's temples.
- Low profile rivets or other suitable fasteners 436 a can be used to attach the components of the head securing apparatus 400 to reduce the likelihood of poking, reaching pressure points or other user sources discomfort.
- a soft or deformable comfort band 446 can be attached to the components to cushion the user and act as a perspiration absorber.
- Each of the first and second support arms 420 and 422 includes a first and second flexible sub-arm 426 and 428 , respectively.
- first and second flexible sub-arm 426 and 428 respectively.
- the flexible sub-arms 426 and 428 of this embodiment extend substantially perpendicular from the support arm 420 . In other words, if the first support arm 420 were viewed in a plan view, the first flexible sub-arm 426 and the second flexible sub-arm 428 would cooperate to form a roughly cross shape.
- the deformable connectors 444 are formed by folding or bending the first flexible sub-arm 426 towards the second flexible sub-arm 428 such that the distal ends 426 a and 428 a overlap, forming a loop structure.
- This flexible loop structure is affixed to the shell unit 202 to allow the support band 406 and lower band 408 to flex, shift and adjust for comfort relative to the composite shell.
- Each of the deformable connectors 444 functions as a cushion to distribute the force and weight that is conveyed through the shell unit 202 and the head securing assembly 400 to the user's head.
- the head support assembly 402 provides for additional freedom of movement relative to the shell unit 202 thereby increasing the wearability and user comfort of the helmet or head gear assembly 200 .
- the lower band 408 can be similarly attached within the shell unit 202 to provide lateral cushioning of the head support assembly, or may, in other embodiments, directly attach to the outer shell 206 and/or inner shell 208 .
- the multi-arm tensioning band 410 includes a left adjustable arm 430 and a right adjustable arm 432 .
- the left and right adjustable arms 430 , 432 each have a pair of inner slot walls 434 a , 434 b which define a slot 434 aligned along their respective lengths.
- the slots 434 are sized to slideably or movably accept a slot follower or cylindrical follower 436 secured within the first and second ends 416 and 418 , respectively, of the lower band 408 .
- the left and right adjustable arms 430 and 432 can be flexed and wrapped around the rear of the user's head such that the cylindrical followers 436 secured within the first and second ends 416 , 418 fit within the slots 434 .
- This sliding relationship allows the multi-arm tensioning band 410 to be shifted relative to the lower band 408 .
- the multi-arm tensioning band 410 includes an upper arm 438 which is movably coupled to the sub-arm 424 of the upper support band 406 .
- a fastener 436 a is positioned adjacent to the slot 434 and the cylindrical follower 436 is secured within the slot 434 of the sub-arm 424 .
- the fastener 436 a is connected to the upper arm 438 of the multi-arm tensioning band 410 so that the cylindrical follower 436 a may traverse along the slot 434 .
- the position of the upper arm 438 and the sub-arm 424 is adjustable by the user. This adjustment function enables the tensioning assembly 404 to be adjusted and shifted relative to the head support assembly 402 , and this function also facilitates conformity of the head securing assembly 400 to the user's head.
- the tensioning device or tensioner 412 attaches, in this embodiment, to the multi-arm tensioning band 410 through a flexible mounting arm 440 .
- the tensioning device 412 includes a hand control, knob or rotary ratchet 442 that is coupled to the tensioning cord 414 .
- the tensioning cord 414 is connected to the first and second ends 416 and 418 of the lower band 408 and the adjustment arm 424 of the head support assembly 402 to allow these components to contract and release in a unified manner.
- the tensioning cord 414 is connected to sliding fasteners 436 b which, in turn, may be connected to the followers 436 and/or fasteners 436 a.
- the tensioning cord 414 can be extended or retracted (depending on the direction of rotation) to increase or decrease the tension applied to the head support assembly 402 .
- An increase in the tension transmitted through the tensioning cord 414 pulls or forces the first and second ends 416 , 418 to slide along the slot 434 thereby increasing the tension along the entire lower band 408 .
- an increase in the tension along the tensioning cord 414 forces the adjustment arm 424 to slide along the slot 434 , relative to the fastener 436 a and the follower 436 secured within the fixed arm 438 , thereby increasing the tension and fit of the support band 406 .
- the tensioning assembly 404 moves as the force transmitted through the tensioning cord 414 increases.
- clockwise rotation of the rotary ratchet 442 as indicated by the arrow CW causes the tensioning cord 414 to retract as indicated by the forced arrows F.
- Retraction of the tensioning cord 414 further causes the first and second ends 416 , 418 of the lower band 408 to retract around the user's head and temples as indicated by the arrows T 1 .
- retracting tensioning cord 414 pulls the adjustment arm 424 relative to the fixed arm 438 to tighten the overall fit of the support band 406 relative to the user's head as indicated by the arrow T 2 .
- the tensioner 412 also includes a neck or lower head engager or lower head support 448 which includes: (a) a housing 450 that supports the rotary ratchet 442 ; (b) a rounded upper wall 452 ; (c) a substantially straight lower wall 454 located opposite the upper wall 452 ; and (d) a head engagement surface 456 which includes a relatively soft comfort band 456 a .
- the lower head support 448 transfers some of the weight of the shell unit 202 , air movement device 210 , face shield 300 and surgical garment 500 to the based of the user's skull or lower portion of the neck region. This transfer of weight reduces the leverage effect of the weight on the user's upper head, which, in turn, reduces the fatigue on the user's neck and upper body muscles.
- the head support assembly 402 as coupled to tensioning assembly 404 , provides at least three degrees of freedom for making two types of adjustments.
- the first type of adjustment, tension adjustment involves increasing and decreasing the tension of the head securing assembly 400 on the user's head.
- the second type of adjustment, head shape adjustment involves enabling the lengths of the different band arms to change, through the follower and slot process described above, to conform (or substantially conform) to the unique shape of the user's head. Accordingly, the head securing assembly 400 provides enhanced comfort and adjustment functions for users.
- the surgical garment 500 in one embodiment, includes a body suit or full length surgical garment 508 having an upper body cover or hood 502 .
- the hood 502 can be integral with the lower portion of the garment 500 , as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the surgical body suit 508 provides additional frontal protection to the user 102 from debris and containments which may be encountered from the working surface 104 .
- the hood 502 can be separately used in conjunction with any suitable surgical lower body clothing set or scrubs 506 , as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the surgical hood 502 covers both the hear gear assembly 200 and the adjustable head securing assembly 400 while covering the user's shoulders and chest.
- the surgical hood 502 can be attached to the face shield 300 along the bonding area 312 .
- the surgical hood 502 will typically be turned inside out as the face shield 300 is aligned and affixed to the head gear assembly 200 in the manner described.
- the surgical smock 502 Upon assembly and alignment of the face shield 300 to the head gear 200 , the surgical smock 502 will typically be pulled over the user's head to cover the exposed components of the head gear assembly 200 and the adjustable head securing assembly 400 .
- the surgical hood 502 may be manufactured from any suitable surgical fabric to help repel water, debris and other containments such as blood born pathogens, and viruses.
- a suitable surgical fabric may be the fabric which is commercially known as ProVent® 3000 and is sold by Kappler, Inc. headquartered in Guntersville, Ala.
- ProVent® 3000 is a relatively lightweight fabric with relatively soft, draping characteristics that utilizes a microporous film to allow gas to pass through the fabric.
- This ProVent® 3000 fabric meets or substantially meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1670-98 standard for blood penetration resistance.
- the surgical fabric can be a multilayer fabric which meets or substantially meets the ASTM F1671-97B standard for viral penetration resistance.
- the fabric of the hood 502 the fabric has a pore size in the approximate range of 0.08 to 0.15 microns. It should be appreciated, however, that the fabric can have any suitable pore size or structure.
- the surgical hood 502 may further act as filter to prevent debris and containments from entering the surgical protective assembly 100 through the plurality of air intakes 216 and the impeller 252 .
- the surgical garment 500 and the surgical hood 502 can include a primary filter 510 (see FIG. 1 ) positioned adjacent to the tensioning device 412 or at any other position towards the rear of the user's head and the adjustable head securing apparatus 400 .
- the location of the primary filter 510 provides increased filtering for air or other fluids entering and/or exiting the surgical protective assembly 100 .
- a secondary filter 504 may be incorporated into the surgical garment 500 and surgical hood 502 adjacent to the head gear assembly 200 to provide additional filtering (see also FIG. 3A ) of the air entering through the plurality of air intakes 216 .
- the secondary filter 504 may be a multilayer filter to trap and filter particles of varying sizes.
- the secondary filter 504 can be manufactured in a variety of sizes to cover the entire crown of the use's head (as shown in FIG. 5 ) or to cover the plurality of air inlets 216 .
- the primary filter 510 can be expanded to include the fabric of the entire surgical garment 500 and surgical hood 502 , or any portion thereof.
- the air flow generated by the air movement device 210 enters the surgical protective assembly 100 through the secondary filter 504 and the plurality of air intakes 216 , flows over the user's face via the outlet 224 and exits the surgical protective assembly 100 through the primary filter 100 .
- the control device 600 includes a controller or processor 602 having a power control and speed control input device 604 and one or more rechargeable battery cells 618 .
- the processor 602 is electronically coupled to the head gear assembly 200 , and more specifically to the impeller 252 and motor 260 , though an electrical cord 606 .
- the user engages or actuates the power switch 604 a to provide electrical or motive power to the impeller 252 .
- the user may further increase or decrease the motive power (i.e., the electrical energy provided by the battery), using a power regulator or speed control input device 604 b .
- the speed of the impeller 252 may be controlled simply by changing the amount of power provided from the battery through the power switch 604 a , and the speed control 604 b is communicatively connected to the impeller 252 through the electrical cord 606 .
- the control device 600 includes a plurality of charge level indicators 608 arranged to provide a graphical representation or output of the amount of the power remaining within the battery 618 .
- the control device 600 also includes an output actuator 608 a which, when actuated by a user, activates the charge level indicators 608 .
- the charge level indicators 608 may remain active indefinitely or for a designated amount of time.
- the control device 600 further includes an electrical connector or socket 610 sized to accept a plug (not shown) adapted to be formed or connected to the electrical cord 606 .
- control device 600 in one embodiment, includes a mount device or clip (not shown) which enables the user to attach the controller 602 to the user's belt, waist band or pocket (see FIGS. 1 and 5 ). It should be understood that the controller 602 may be worn by the user 102 by employing the belt clip, a holster (not shown) or any other suitable body attachment device.
- control device 600 may include a battery 618 and a transmitter (not shown) communicatively connected to a receiver 612 which may be worn, for example, on the wrist, or incorporated within the head gear assembly 200 as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- Information may be communicated between the receiver 612 and the controller 602 using any known communication protocol to establish a personal area network. In this way, information may be displayed on the receiver 612 , or on the interior of the face shield 300 , as previously discussed.
- the control device 600 and the battery cells 618 may include an automatic shut-off feature that disables or powers down the batteries and controller 602 if the electrical cord 606 is intentionally or inadvertently removed from the socket 610 .
- the charge device 700 has a plurality of charge stations or bays 702 arranged to accept one or more of the control device 600 .
- Each of the bays 702 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 704 arranged to cooperate with contacts 710 and 710 a formed on the control device 600 .
- the charge device 700 further includes a plurality of charge indicators or lights 708 adjacent to each one of the bays 702 .
- the lights 708 are arranged to display the charge status of each of the control devices 600 lodged in the charge device 700 .
- each bay 702 is associated with three indicators 708 a , 708 b and 708 c .
- Indicator 708 a produces a red light when one of the control devices 600 is defective, which may occur, for example, if its battery cell is damaged.
- Indicator 708 b produces an orange or yellow light when one of the control devices 600 has an insufficient level of change and is in the process of being recharged.
- Indicator 708 c produces a green light when one of the control devices 600 is charged and ready for use. In this fashion, the indicator lights 708 indicate to the users 102 whether the controllers 602 have a status of “error, ” “charging” or “fully charged.” While the electrical contacts 704 are shown in this embodiment, it should be appreciated that the controllers 602 may be magnetically coupled to the charge device 700 through a magnetic circuit in order to inductively charge the battery.
- control device 600 and the charge device 700 cooperate to charge and recharge the battery 618 to enable repeated performance of the impeller 252 motor.
- the control device 600 and the charge device 618 have the electronic configuration 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- a motor 260 that may be used to drive the impeller 252 is a three-phase sensorless, brush direct current (DC) having an operational voltage of ten and four-tenths VDC.
- the processor 602 communicatively connected to the impeller motor 260 through the electrical cord 612 , can include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or motor controller 603 processor for controlling the motor 260 .
- the controller 603 can include a pair of resistors capable of controlling the speed of the motor 260 .
- the controller 603 can control the motor using pulse-width modulation (PWM) for low noise applications such that a sine wave PWM-mode generates motor current with relatively low distortion and therefore relatively low audio noise.
- PWM pulse-width modulation
- An external control voltage can be connected to the motor controller 603 for controlling the duty cycle, wherein the duty cycle can also be controlled by using an integrated phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit for speed control.
- PLL phase-locked loop
- the battery can include one or more rechargeable cylindrical lithium ion cells (generally indicated as the battery 618 ) connected in series and communicatively connected to a fuel gauge integrated circuit 802 (IC) that conforms to the smart battery industry standard.
- the smart battery standard governs and controls the charge and discharge of the battery to enhance the performance and operation of the control device 602 .
- the IC 802 can include a system management bus (SMBus) and a fuel gauge IC configured to support the smart battery data (SBData) commands and charge-control functions operable to control the charge device 700 .
- SMBData smart battery data
- the IC 802 can be coupled to an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) for storing configuration information received from the fuel gauge IC, and the IC 802 can include a plurality of individual contacts 620 a to 620 e for Battery +, Battery ⁇ , Clock, Data and Thermistor, respectively.
- the contacts 620 a , 620 b , 620 c , 620 d and 620 e are configured to interface with the contacts 704 a , 704 b , 704 c , 704 d and 704 e , respectively, of a bay 702 of the charge device 700 .
- control device 602 and bay 702 of a charge device 700 cooperate to raise the battery voltage above a threshold level by applying a trickle charge to battery, through the electrical contacts 620 a to 620 e and 704 a to 704 e , before applying a full charge.
- the IC 802 limits the full charge current applied by the charge device 700 to an amount that is less than or equal to the a designated maximum charge rate which can be 0.7V to 1V.
- the IC 802 can be programmed to control and limit the voltage rise within the battery 618 to, for example, to a range within four and two-tenths plus or minus five one-hundredths voltage per cell 4.2 ⁇ 0.05 V/cell while holing the battery voltage constant at a desired control level as the charge current decays and each of the cell's internal electromotive force (EMF) continues to rise.
- EMF electromotive force
- the charge device 700 includes a plurality of bays 702 to gang charge multiple control devices 600 .
- the gang charging operations will typically employ the SMBus can be contained on separate control ICs such as, for example, the commercially available MAX1645, MAX1667 and LTC1759 control ICs.
- the charge device 700 includes a plurality of batter charger ICs, where each battery charger IC 804 is associated with a bay 702 of the charge device 700 .
- the battery charger IC 804 substantially conforms to the previously described smart battery charger standard, and particularly that of a Level 2 Smart Battery Charger.
- the battery charger IC 804 can operate as a slave device to controller 602 within the control device 600 such that the battery charger IC 804 within the charge device 700 does not initiate communication on the SMBus.
- each battery charger IC 804 within the charge device 700 can be adapted to receive commands and respond to queries for status information and can adjust its provided output characteristics in direct response to the commands and messages received from the control device 602 .
Abstract
Description
- When surgeons operate, it is possible that blood, bodily fluids, bacteria, viruses and air borne pathogens and particles can travel from the patient to the surgeon. It is also possible that certain fluids and particles, such as sweat drops and hair, can fall from the surgeon into the surgical site of the patient. In each case, the surgeon and the patient are exposed to the possibility of acquiring an infection or disease. For these reasons, there is a growing need for advancements in surgical equipment which helps to protect both the surgeon and patient from these risks.
- The surgical protective system and assembly described herein generally relates to protective systems, and more particularly to a surgical personal protective assembly that includes an adjustable helmet or head gear assembly which supports a surgical garment and an air delivery system. The disclosed surgical protective assembly is intended to be worn on a user's head and is well-suited for use in a sterile environment such as an operating room or a clean room where exposure to contaminants can have undesirable consequences.
- The surgical protective assembly provides a multi-way barrier to protect the user and the patient against airborne debris, pathogens or contaminants and while delivering and circulating filtered air to and around the user's face to help maintain personal comfort. Moreover, the surgical protective assembly may be adjusted to snuggly fit the user's head thereby increasing the overall comfort and wearability of the system.
- Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
-
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the surgical protective assembly in use during a medical procedure. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the helmet or head gear assembly. -
FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of the outer shell of the head gear assembly. -
FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of an inner shell of the head gear assembly. -
FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an air movement device and a fragmentary portion of the inner shell. -
FIG. 2D is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the rotor unit of the air movement device ofFIG. 2C . -
FIG. 2E is a perspective view of one embodiment of a propeller blade of the rotor unit ofFIG. 2D illustrating the air foil shape of such impeller blade. -
FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional perspective view taken substantially alongline 2F-2F ofFIG. 1 of one embodiment of the head gear assembly illustrating a central air channel defined by the cooperation of the inner and outer shells. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the face shield arranged for alignment with the head gear assembly. -
FIG. 3A is an interior perspective view of the face shield shown inFIG. 3 illustrating the attachment of one embodiment of a surgical garment. -
FIG. 3B is an interior perspective view of one embodiment of the face shield, illustrating a display for projecting light or graphical information within the user's field of view on the face shield. -
FIG. 3C is an exterior perspective view of one embodiment of a face shield including attachment points or mounts for affixing accessories thereto. -
FIG. 3D is an interior perspective view of one embodiment of the face shield having a vision corrective characteristic or device to comply with a user's visual prescription. -
FIG. 3E is an exploded side elevation view of one embodiment of the head gear assembly aligned for cooperation with the face shield ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable head securing assembly cooperating with the surgical head gear assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable head securing assembly. -
FIG. 4B is another rear perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable head securing assembly, illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the tensioning assembly. -
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the surgical personal protective system or assembly shown inFIG. 1 , illustrating a user wearing a belt-mounted air control device or controller electrically coupled to the head gear assembly with an electrical cord. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the a control device or controller ofFIG. 5 with the electrical cord removed. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the battery charger, illustrating a control device or controller connected within a battery charge station. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic configuration of the control device and the battery charge device ofFIG. 7 . - I. Overview of the Surgical Protective Assembly
- Turning to the figures,
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a surgicalprotective assembly 100. The surgicalprotective assembly 100 includes several assemblies, subassemblies and components which can be interconnected and combined to form a single assembly or system. In particular, the surgicalprotective assembly 100 includes: (a) ahead gear assembly 200; (b) aface shield 300 removably attachable to thehead gear assembly 200; (c) an adjustablehead securing assembly 400 attached to thehead gear assembly 200; (e) asurgical garment 500 attachable to thehead gear assembly 200 andface shield 300; (f) acontrol device 600 operatively coupled to thehead gear assembly 200; and (g) a battery charger or battery charge device 700 (seeFIG. 7 ) which is operable with the a plurality of control devices which are the same ascontrol device 600. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , auser 102 can wear and use the components of the surgicalprotective assembly 100 to perform a task on a workingsurface 104. Specifically, the adjustablehead securing assembly 400 fits snuggly on the user's head and supports thehead gear assembly 200 and theface shield 300 which cover the top of the user's head and protect the front of the user's face. Moreover, thesurgical garment 500 can be used to cover the other components and assemblies of theprotective system 100 while being arranged to protect the torso, arms and lower body of theuser 102. Thus, as illustrated in this embodiment, thesurgical garment 500, thehead gear assembly 200 andface shield 300 cooperate to increase the protection of theuser 102 from debris and contaminants that may be encountered on theworking surface 104 and in the environment. Likewise, thesurgical garment 500, thehead gear assembly 200 andface shield 300 cooperate to increase the protection of a patient resting on theworking surface 102 against debris and contaminants that may fall from theuser 102 into the surgical site of the patient. - II. Head Gear Assembly
- As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 2F, the helmet or
head gear assembly 200 includes a two-piece helmet, composite shell orshell unit 202, though theshell unit 202 can be constructed from any suitable number of connected pieces or as a single, integral helmet. During normal operation and wear, theshell unit 202 rests forward on the user's head with an interior surface 204 (seeFIG. 2A ) adjacent to the crown of the head. Theshell unit 202 rests above the user's eye and ear level, as illustrated inFIG. 1 . This configuration leaves the user's line of eye sight free of obstructions, and it leaves the rear and lateral sides of the user's head open for increased access to air to help cool the head. Typically, the components of theshell unit 202 are manufactured utilizing thermoforming and injection molding techniques, however, depending on the geometry or desired structural characteristics, blow-molding and vacuuming forming techniques may alternately be employed. - A. Shell Unit
- As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theshell unit 202, in one embodiment, includes: (a) an outer curved wall or anouter shell 206; (b) an inner curved wall or aninner shell 208 connected to theouter shell 206; and (c) an air delivery device, air mover orair movement device 210 which is supported by theinner shell 208. - i. Outer Shell
- As illustrated in
FIG. 2A , theouter shell 206 has a generally helmet-shaped head piece having avisor portion 212 that aligns and overhangs the user's forehead when theshell unit 202 is worn during normal operation. Theouter shell 206 further includes arear portion 214 formed opposite to and distal from thevisor portion 212 that rests adjacent to the back of the user's head when theshell unit 202 is worn during normal operation. - The
outer shell 206 further includes a plurality ofair intakes 216 forming and air grill or vent within a top orcrown portion 218 of theshell unit 202. The plurality ofair intakes 216 provide a fluid connection between the air movement device 210 (seeFIGS. 2 and 2 B) and the atmosphere or other ventilation source. Theouter shell 206 of this embodiment is formed or molded to include, or otherwise includes, one or more raised portions orridges 220 which extend away from the plurality ofair intakes 216 towards both thevisor portion 212 and therear portion 214. Theridges 220 serve a variety of functions such as, for example, providing structural reinforcement and rigidity to theouter shell 206. - In one embodiment, the
ridges 220 extend substantially vertically away from the anouter shell surface 232 towards thesurgical garment 500 when the surgicalprotective assembly 100 is worn in use. As shown inFIG. 2F , the difference in shape and curvature between theouter shell 206 and theinner shell 208 defines acentral air channel 221. Moreover, the interior of theridges 220 define a plurality ofair channels 222 that extend away from theouter shell surface 232 and expand or increase the overall volume of thecentral air channel 221. Thecentral air channel 221 and/or theair passage 222, in turn, fluidly connect the atmosphere or ventilation source through the plurality ofair intakes 216 and theair delivery system 210 to anoutlet 224 defined along the periphery of theshell unit 202. - In one embodiment, the
air passages 222 are sealed with aconformal material 222 a to help further define thecentral air passage 221 as one continuous space and to encourage laminar air flow between the twoshells shells central air passage 221 and theair passages 222. - The
outer shell 206 further includes ashield engagement assembly 226 integrally formed into theouter shell surface 232. Theshield engagement assembly 226 includes an central aligner orcentral alignment guide 228 formed within, or otherwise connected to, theouter shell surface 232 adjacent to thevisor portion 212, and a pair of securing devices, restraints orlocks 230 formed along thelateral portions 244 of theouter shell surface 232. In operation, theshield engagement assembly 226 aligns and secures theface shield 300 relative to theshell unit 202 and user's face during normal operation (seeFIG. 2 and Section II-B). - The
central alignment guide 228 protrudes beyond theouter shell surface 232 and defines a groove orpocket 234. Thepocket 234 forms a depression or chamber within theouter shell 206 sized to engage an alignment engager, ortab 302 of the face shield 300 (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B ). Each of the side securing devices orside locks 230 includes: (a) a restraining wall that defines a restraining slot or lockingslot 236; and (b) a restraining engager, or lockingtab 238. Thelocking slot 236 andlocking tab 238 combinations are sized and positioned to engage acorresponding locking slot 304 andlocking tab 306 combination of theface shield 300. - When the
face shield 300 and thehead gear assembly 200 are being assembled for use, thealignment tab 302 engages thepocket 234 of thealignment guide 228 in a snap-fit, male-female cooperative arrangement. Specifically, thepocket 234 traps and engages thealignment tab 302 to both vertically and horizontally align theface shield 300 relative to theouter shell 206. Similarly, thelocking tab 306 formed on theface shield 300 slideably or removably snaps into thelocking slot 236 formed within theouter shell 206, while thelocking tab 238 snaps into thecorresponding locking slot 304. Thus, each of the elements of thelocks 230 engages in a male-female securing relationship with the corresponding elements formed on theface shield 300. These securing male-female relationships serve to removably affix theface shield 300 to the outer shell 206 (and the overall shell unit 202) without the need for an additional joining mechanism such as a snap or adhesive. - ii. Inner Shell
- As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 2 B, theinner shell 208 is sized to engage aninterior surface 240 of the outer shell 206 (seeFIG. 2A ). Theinner shell 208 includes a ridge or raisedwall 242 positioned along its perimeter as defined by the lateral andrear portions inner shell 208. The raisedwall 242 extends beyond aninner shell surface 248 and helps define thecentral air passage 221 and the air passages 222 (seeFIG. 2F and Section II-B(iii)). The raisedwall 242 includes a plurality of projections, raised portions orridges 250 aligned and sized to engage the interior portion, e.g., theair passages 222, of theridges 220. In particular, when theinner shell 208 is aligned within theouter shell 206, the raisedwall 242 and theridges 250 engage theair passages 222 in an interlocking manner. This interlocking arrangement prevents airflow towards the lateral andrear portions inner shell 206. The airflow, in turn, is directed along theinner shell surface 248 towards theoutlet 224 adjacent to the user's face. - It should be understood that many different configurations of the
central air passage 221 and theair passages 222 are possible by altering the shape and configuration of theridges 220 and the correspondingridges 250 formed along the raisedwall 242. For example, one of the pair ofridges ridges lateral portion 244 of theshell unit 202. In particular, the interior portion of theridge 220 a (which would correspond to anair passages 222 a, if such an air passage were visible in these exemplary illustrations) may not be blocked or otherwise engaged by theridge 250 a to allow air flow along thelateral portion 244 of theinner shell 208. In this manner air flow and ventilation can be provided to theuser 102 over both the front and sides of the face which may be desirable in some applications. - iii. Air Movement Device
- One example of the
air movement device 210 that can be incorporated into thehead gear assembly 200 is animpeller assembly 252 illustrated inFIG. 2C , though other mechanisms, such as suitable fans and blowers, can be used. Theimpeller assembly 252 is supported by a mountingwall 254 of theinner shell surface 248 of theinner shell 208. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2C to 2E, theimpeller assembly 252, in one embodiment, includes: (a) anelectric motor 260 connected to a stationary support orlower frame 255 which, in turn, is supported by the mountingwall 254; and (b) arotor unit 262 which covers a portion of theframe 255. Thelower frame 255 has amotor housing 264 which covers themotor 260 and receives thedrive shaft 266 of themotor 260. The rotor unit has: (a) a drive shaft connector 267 which receives and is secured to thedrive shaft 266; (b) ablade support frame 268; and (c) a plurality of curvilinear propellers orblades 256 carried by thesupport frame 268 and arranged about the rotational center line CL. Theelectric motor 260 is sized to drive therotor unit 262 at a desired rotational speed. It should be understood that theelectric motor 260 may be any type of suitable motor, such as a low-power brush motor sized to be relatively silent and efficient to thereby drive therotor unit 262. - In one embodiment, the shape or configuration of the
blades 256 increases the quietness and efficiency of theair movement device 210, which, in turn, reduces distractions that may be attributed to the overall surgicalprotective assembly 100, while simultaneously increasing the ventilation performance and overall endurance or operation of the system. As illustrated inFIGS. 2D and 2E , each thecurvilinear blades 256 defines a generally semi-circular, crescent or sickle shaped fin configuration arranged to force air, or any other compressible fluid, into thecentral air passage 221 and theair passages 222 at a designated or variable pressure. As indicated by arrow A, therotor unit 262, in the illustrated example, moves clockwise, and thecurvilinear blades 256 are configured so that thepeak region 270 of each blade leads the way, making initial contact with the air or other compressible fluid. Thecurvilinear blades 256 of theimpeller assembly 252 create regions of lower pressure which draws air through the plurality ofair intakes 216. The air is then forced and compressed along the leading surfaces orpeak regions 270 of thecurvilinear blades 256 towards thecentral air passage 221, theair passages 222 and theoutlet 224. In this manner, the air circulates or moves from therear portion 214 of the helmet orhead gear assembly 200 towards thevisor portion 212 and theoutlet 224. This movement and circulation provides air cooling and ventilating air flow adjacent to the face of theuser 102. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2E , in one embodiment, eachblade 256 is formed into an air foil or tear-shape shape 258 defined by: (a) a leadingparabolic wall 258 a; and (b) a trailingwall 258 b which joins theparabolic wall 258 a at an innervertical edge 258 c. Thetop wall 258 d of theblade 256 has a partially triangular shaped-region 258 e having a designated vertex whereparabolic wall 258 a meets the trailingwall 258 b. This air foil shape provides a reactive force when rotated relative to the air drawn through the plurality ofair intakes 216 which can increase the efficiency and air pressure of theair movement device 210. The increased air pressure results in increased air flow and ventilation through theair passages 222. This air foil shape of theblades 256 can also have advantages in decreasing the level of noise produced by theair movement device 210. - Turning now to
FIG. 2F , thecentral air passage 221 and theair passage 222 form a curved space that roughly corresponds to the general shape defined between theouter shell surface 232 and theinner shell surface 248. It should be understood that thecentral air passage 221 and theair passages 222 may be expanded or reduced simply by changing the configuration of theridges 220 and/or the spacing between the raisedwall 242 and theinner shell surface 248. Moreover, this sectional view illustrates the lockingslots 236 formed along the lateral portions of theouter shell 206. As can clearly be seen, thelocking tab 306 extends into the lockingslide 236 to secure theface shield 300 to theshell unit 202. - B. Face Shield
- Referring to
FIG. 3 , theface shield 300, in one embodiment, is formed to integrally include thealignment tab 302 and a pair of locking slot andtabs FIG. 3A ). Theface shield 300 of this embodiment is a bubble or toroidal-shaped shield that curves in two independent and substantially opposite planar directions such that the surface is generated by a closed curve rotating about, but not intersecting or containing, an axis in its own plane. In one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , theface shield 300 has a first curvature with respect to the y-axis 307, and theface shield 300 also has a second curvature with respect to the z-axis 309 (as shown relative to the Cartesian indicator set forth inFIG. 3 ). The curvature of theface shield 300 can be optically corrected by varying the material thickness of the less as a function of curvature in order to reduce visual distortions across the user's field of vision. - The
face shield 300 includes afirst arm 308 that supports one pair of the locking tab andslot face shield 300 has asecond arm 310 that supports the second pair of locking tabs andslots face shield 300 to the helmet orhead gear assembly 200, thealignment tab 302 is inserted into and cooperates with thepocket 234 to center and support theface shield 300 relative to theshell unit 202. Simultaneously, the locking tabs andslots second arms locks 230 on each of the sides of theshell unit 202 in a male-female securing relationship. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3A , thesurgical garment 500 attaches to theface shield 300 along abonding area 312 formed around the periphery or edge of theface shield 300. Thebonding area 312 designates where the fabric of thesurgical garment 500 could be joined, sewn, snapped, connected using a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro® or otherwise removably attached to theface shield 300. In one embodiment, thebonding area 312 does not include the first andsecond arms shell unit 202. By securing thesurgical smock 500 to thebonding area 312, the remaining fabric can be pulled over the user's head to cover thehead gear assembly 200 and the shoulders of theuser 102 to provide an unobstructed view through the bubble shapedface shield 300. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3B , theface shield 300 in one embodiment includes adisplay area 316 on theinner surface 318 of theface shield 300. Thedisplay area 316 can be configured to displaygraphical information 314 or to act as a light source. It should be understood that thedisplay area 316 could be sized and positioned to appear within the user's peripheral vision or may be expanded to encompass the user's entire field of vision depending on the application. The graphical information orgraphics 314 displayed may be, for example, text, symbols, a patient's vital statistics, the elapsed time of a procedure or task, an assembly diagram, or information shared through a telepresence system. In this embodiment,display area 316 may be a display screen device (not shown), such as a Liquid Crystal Diode (LCD) screen, which is operatively coupled to adisplay processor 317. In one embodiment, thelight source 314 is retinally controlled through the use of sensors positioned to capture the movement of the user's eyes and interpret the movement through the display processor. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3C , theface shield 300, in one embodiment, is adapted to support additional equipment. In particular, theface shield 300 includes a pair of attachment points or mounts 320 formed anouter surface 322 to engage or mount lights, low light vision enhancers, magnifying lenses, or any other desired instrument. It should be understood that the attachment mounts 320 could be any desired structure capable of supporting auxiliary hardware or equipment. For example, the attachment mounts 320 may be threaded holes, clips, posts, indentations, hooks, or any other suitable mounting structure. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3D , theface shield 300, in one embodiment, includes a prescription portion ordevice 324 which includes a vision corrective characteristic adapted to conform with the visual prescription of theuser 102. Here, theprescription device 324 includes a vision corrective sheet or enlarged lens which the user can removably attach to the interior surface of theface shield 300. This vision corrective sheet can be disposable and can be attached to theface shield 300 through static forces, adhesives or any other suitable fashion. Alternatively, the composition of theface shield 300 can include a vision corrective property adapted specifically for theuser 102. In either case, this embodiment of theface shield 300 can eliminate the need to wear glasses, goggles and contacts while performing a task. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3E , the outer shell orouter wall 206 of theshell unit 202 aligns with the inner shell orinner wall 208 and theimpeller 252 along the lines indicated by the reference indicator A. Similarly, thealignment tab 302 of theface shield 300 aligns with thepocket 234 formed within theouter shell 206 along the line indicated by the reference indicator B. Thelocking slot 304 andlocking tab 306 align and engage thelocking tab 238 and lockingslot 236 formed along the lateral portion of theouter shell 206 as indicated by the lines designated by the reference indicator C. These subsystems of the surgicalprotective assembly 100 can be interconnected and joined to formed a single integrated unit that can be worn on a user's head. - C. Adjustable Head Securing Assembly
- Referring to
FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, the adjustablehead securing assembly 400 includes: (a) ahead support assembly 402 coupled to theshell unit 202 through the biasing members, cushions ordeformable connectors 444; and (b) atensioning assembly 404 which is coupled to thehead support assembly 402. Thehead support assembly 402 includes: (a) anupper support band 406 which transmits the weight of theshell unit 202 to the user's head; and (b) a forehead orlower band 408 which stabilizes theshell unit 202 with respect the front and sides of the user's head. - The
tensioning assembly 404 includes: (a) amulti-arm tensioning band 410 which is slidably coupled to thelower band 408; (b) atensioning device 412 which enables users to adjust the degree of tension; and (c) a tensioning band, flexible force transmitter orcord 414 arranged to moveably couple themulti-arm tensioning band 410 and thetensioning device 412 to thehead support assembly 402. - i. Head Support Assembly
- The
head support assembly 402, as illustrated, is intended to be worn with theupper support band 406 resting adjacent to the crown of the user's head and thelower band 408 resting adjacent to the user's forehead and temple area. It should be understood that thehead support assembly 402 may be secured within theshell unit 202 in a variety of manners. For instance, thehead support assembly 402 may be secured directly to theinner shell 208 to allow modular assembly of each component within thehead gear assembly 200. Alternatively, thehead support assembly 402 may be directly secured to an inner surface of theouter shell 206 thereby leaving theinner shell 208 unencumbered. - As illustrated in the embodiment of
FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, when thehead securing assembly 400 andhead gear assembly 200 are cooperating in use, thelower band 408 wraps around the user's head such that afirst end 416 and asecond end 418 extend away from thevisor portion 212. Theupper support band 406 of this embodiment is a Y-shaped band that extends along the top the user's head and is aligned front to back within theshell unit 202. The Y-shapedupper support band 406 includes afirst support arm 420, asecond support arm 422 and anadjustment arm 424. - When assembled, the first and
second support arms lower band 408 adjacent to the user's temples. Low profile rivets or othersuitable fasteners 436 a can be used to attach the components of thehead securing apparatus 400 to reduce the likelihood of poking, reaching pressure points or other user sources discomfort. In addition, a soft ordeformable comfort band 446 can be attached to the components to cushion the user and act as a perspiration absorber. - Each of the first and
second support arms flexible sub-arm first support arm 420 and the first and secondflexible sub-arms second support arm 422 includes identical components and operates in a similar manner. Theflexible sub-arms support arm 420. In other words, if thefirst support arm 420 were viewed in a plan view, the firstflexible sub-arm 426 and the secondflexible sub-arm 428 would cooperate to form a roughly cross shape. - In one embodiment, the deformable connectors 444 (see
FIGS. 4 and 4 B) are formed by folding or bending the firstflexible sub-arm 426 towards the secondflexible sub-arm 428 such that the distal ends 426 a and 428 a overlap, forming a loop structure. This flexible loop structure, in turn, is affixed to theshell unit 202 to allow thesupport band 406 andlower band 408 to flex, shift and adjust for comfort relative to the composite shell. - Each of the
deformable connectors 444 functions as a cushion to distribute the force and weight that is conveyed through theshell unit 202 and thehead securing assembly 400 to the user's head. In this way, thehead support assembly 402 provides for additional freedom of movement relative to theshell unit 202 thereby increasing the wearability and user comfort of the helmet orhead gear assembly 200. It should be appreciated that thelower band 408 can be similarly attached within theshell unit 202 to provide lateral cushioning of the head support assembly, or may, in other embodiments, directly attach to theouter shell 206 and/orinner shell 208. - ii. Tensioning Assembly
- In further description of the
tensioning assembly 404, themulti-arm tensioning band 410 includes a leftadjustable arm 430 and a rightadjustable arm 432. The left and rightadjustable arms inner slot walls 434 a, 434 b which define aslot 434 aligned along their respective lengths. Theslots 434 are sized to slideably or movably accept a slot follower orcylindrical follower 436 secured within the first and second ends 416 and 418, respectively, of thelower band 408. Stated another way, the left and rightadjustable arms cylindrical followers 436 secured within the first and second ends 416, 418 fit within theslots 434. This sliding relationship allows themulti-arm tensioning band 410 to be shifted relative to thelower band 408. - In addition, the
multi-arm tensioning band 410 includes anupper arm 438 which is movably coupled to thesub-arm 424 of theupper support band 406. Here, afastener 436 a is positioned adjacent to theslot 434 and thecylindrical follower 436 is secured within theslot 434 of the sub-arm 424. Moreover, thefastener 436 a is connected to theupper arm 438 of themulti-arm tensioning band 410 so that thecylindrical follower 436 a may traverse along theslot 434. Accordingly, the position of theupper arm 438 and the sub-arm 424 is adjustable by the user. This adjustment function enables thetensioning assembly 404 to be adjusted and shifted relative to thehead support assembly 402, and this function also facilitates conformity of thehead securing assembly 400 to the user's head. - The tensioning device or
tensioner 412 attaches, in this embodiment, to themulti-arm tensioning band 410 through aflexible mounting arm 440. Thetensioning device 412 includes a hand control, knob orrotary ratchet 442 that is coupled to thetensioning cord 414. Thetensioning cord 414 is connected to the first and second ends 416 and 418 of thelower band 408 and theadjustment arm 424 of thehead support assembly 402 to allow these components to contract and release in a unified manner. Specifically, thetensioning cord 414 is connected to slidingfasteners 436 b which, in turn, may be connected to thefollowers 436 and/orfasteners 436 a. - By rotating the
rotary ratchet 442 thetensioning cord 414 can be extended or retracted (depending on the direction of rotation) to increase or decrease the tension applied to thehead support assembly 402. An increase in the tension transmitted through thetensioning cord 414, pulls or forces the first and second ends 416, 418 to slide along theslot 434 thereby increasing the tension along the entirelower band 408. Similarly, an increase in the tension along thetensioning cord 414 forces theadjustment arm 424 to slide along theslot 434, relative to thefastener 436 a and thefollower 436 secured within the fixedarm 438, thereby increasing the tension and fit of thesupport band 406. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4B , thetensioning assembly 404 moves as the force transmitted through thetensioning cord 414 increases. In particular, clockwise rotation of therotary ratchet 442 as indicated by the arrow CW causes thetensioning cord 414 to retract as indicated by the forced arrows F. Retraction of thetensioning cord 414 further causes the first and second ends 416, 418 of thelower band 408 to retract around the user's head and temples as indicated by the arrows T1. Simultaneously, retractingtensioning cord 414 pulls theadjustment arm 424 relative to the fixedarm 438 to tighten the overall fit of thesupport band 406 relative to the user's head as indicated by the arrow T2. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , thetensioner 412 also includes a neck or lower head engager orlower head support 448 which includes: (a) ahousing 450 that supports therotary ratchet 442; (b) a roundedupper wall 452; (c) a substantially straightlower wall 454 located opposite theupper wall 452; and (d) ahead engagement surface 456 which includes a relativelysoft comfort band 456 a. Thelower head support 448 transfers some of the weight of theshell unit 202,air movement device 210,face shield 300 andsurgical garment 500 to the based of the user's skull or lower portion of the neck region. This transfer of weight reduces the leverage effect of the weight on the user's upper head, which, in turn, reduces the fatigue on the user's neck and upper body muscles. - In one embodiment, the
head support assembly 402, as coupled to tensioningassembly 404, provides at least three degrees of freedom for making two types of adjustments. The first type of adjustment, tension adjustment, involves increasing and decreasing the tension of thehead securing assembly 400 on the user's head. The second type of adjustment, head shape adjustment, involves enabling the lengths of the different band arms to change, through the follower and slot process described above, to conform (or substantially conform) to the unique shape of the user's head. Accordingly, thehead securing assembly 400 provides enhanced comfort and adjustment functions for users. - III. Surgical Garment
- Referring back to
FIG. 1 , thesurgical garment 500, in one embodiment, includes a body suit or full length surgical garment 508 having an upper body cover orhood 502. Thehood 502 can be integral with the lower portion of thegarment 500, as illustrated inFIG. 1 . Here, the surgical body suit 508 provides additional frontal protection to theuser 102 from debris and containments which may be encountered from the workingsurface 104. Alternatively, thehood 502 can be separately used in conjunction with any suitable surgical lower body clothing set orscrubs 506, as illustrated inFIG. 5 . - In either embodiment, the
surgical hood 502 covers both the heargear assembly 200 and the adjustablehead securing assembly 400 while covering the user's shoulders and chest. As discussed in connection withFIG. 3A , thesurgical hood 502 can be attached to theface shield 300 along thebonding area 312. Thesurgical hood 502 will typically be turned inside out as theface shield 300 is aligned and affixed to thehead gear assembly 200 in the manner described. Upon assembly and alignment of theface shield 300 to thehead gear 200, thesurgical smock 502 will typically be pulled over the user's head to cover the exposed components of thehead gear assembly 200 and the adjustablehead securing assembly 400. - The
surgical hood 502 may be manufactured from any suitable surgical fabric to help repel water, debris and other containments such as blood born pathogens, and viruses. One non-limiting example of a suitable surgical fabric may be the fabric which is commercially known as ProVent® 3000 and is sold by Kappler, Inc. headquartered in Guntersville, Ala. ProVent® 3000 is a relatively lightweight fabric with relatively soft, draping characteristics that utilizes a microporous film to allow gas to pass through the fabric. This ProVent® 3000 fabric meets or substantially meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1670-98 standard for blood penetration resistance. The surgical fabric can be a multilayer fabric which meets or substantially meets the ASTM F1671-97B standard for viral penetration resistance. In one non-limiting example of the fabric of thehood 502, the fabric has a pore size in the approximate range of 0.08 to 0.15 microns. It should be appreciated, however, that the fabric can have any suitable pore size or structure. - The
surgical hood 502 may further act as filter to prevent debris and containments from entering the surgicalprotective assembly 100 through the plurality ofair intakes 216 and theimpeller 252. Specifically, thesurgical garment 500 and thesurgical hood 502 can include a primary filter 510 (seeFIG. 1 ) positioned adjacent to thetensioning device 412 or at any other position towards the rear of the user's head and the adjustablehead securing apparatus 400. The location of theprimary filter 510 provides increased filtering for air or other fluids entering and/or exiting the surgicalprotective assembly 100. - A
secondary filter 504 may be incorporated into thesurgical garment 500 andsurgical hood 502 adjacent to thehead gear assembly 200 to provide additional filtering (see alsoFIG. 3A ) of the air entering through the plurality ofair intakes 216. Thesecondary filter 504 may be a multilayer filter to trap and filter particles of varying sizes. Moreover, thesecondary filter 504 can be manufactured in a variety of sizes to cover the entire crown of the use's head (as shown inFIG. 5 ) or to cover the plurality ofair inlets 216. Similarly, theprimary filter 510 can be expanded to include the fabric of the entiresurgical garment 500 andsurgical hood 502, or any portion thereof. In one operation example, the air flow generated by theair movement device 210 enters the surgicalprotective assembly 100 through thesecondary filter 504 and the plurality ofair intakes 216, flows over the user's face via theoutlet 224 and exits the surgicalprotective assembly 100 through theprimary filter 100. - IV. Control Device
- As illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, thecontrol device 600 includes a controller orprocessor 602 having a power control and speedcontrol input device 604 and one or morerechargeable battery cells 618. Theprocessor 602 is electronically coupled to thehead gear assembly 200, and more specifically to theimpeller 252 andmotor 260, though anelectrical cord 606. - In operation, the user engages or actuates the
power switch 604 a to provide electrical or motive power to theimpeller 252. The user may further increase or decrease the motive power (i.e., the electrical energy provided by the battery), using a power regulator or speedcontrol input device 604 b. In this way, the speed of theimpeller 252 may be controlled simply by changing the amount of power provided from the battery through thepower switch 604 a, and thespeed control 604 b is communicatively connected to theimpeller 252 through theelectrical cord 606. - With continued reference to
FIG. 6 , thecontrol device 600 includes a plurality ofcharge level indicators 608 arranged to provide a graphical representation or output of the amount of the power remaining within thebattery 618. Thecontrol device 600 also includes an output actuator 608 a which, when actuated by a user, activates thecharge level indicators 608. Alternatively, thecharge level indicators 608 may remain active indefinitely or for a designated amount of time. Thecontrol device 600 further includes an electrical connector orsocket 610 sized to accept a plug (not shown) adapted to be formed or connected to theelectrical cord 606. In addition, thecontrol device 600, in one embodiment, includes a mount device or clip (not shown) which enables the user to attach thecontroller 602 to the user's belt, waist band or pocket (seeFIGS. 1 and 5 ). It should be understood that thecontroller 602 may be worn by theuser 102 by employing the belt clip, a holster (not shown) or any other suitable body attachment device. - Alternatively, the
control device 600 may include abattery 618 and a transmitter (not shown) communicatively connected to areceiver 612 which may be worn, for example, on the wrist, or incorporated within thehead gear assembly 200 as illustrated inFIG. 5 . Information may be communicated between thereceiver 612 and thecontroller 602 using any known communication protocol to establish a personal area network. In this way, information may be displayed on thereceiver 612, or on the interior of theface shield 300, as previously discussed. Moreover, thecontrol device 600 and thebattery cells 618 may include an automatic shut-off feature that disables or powers down the batteries andcontroller 602 if theelectrical cord 606 is intentionally or inadvertently removed from thesocket 610. - V. Charge Device
- Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , thecharge device 700 has a plurality of charge stations orbays 702 arranged to accept one or more of thecontrol device 600. Each of thebays 702 includes a plurality ofelectrical contacts 704 arranged to cooperate with contacts 710 and 710 a formed on thecontrol device 600. Thecharge device 700 further includes a plurality of charge indicators orlights 708 adjacent to each one of thebays 702. Thelights 708 are arranged to display the charge status of each of thecontrol devices 600 lodged in thecharge device 700. In the illustrated example, eachbay 702 is associated with threeindicators Indicator 708 a produces a red light when one of thecontrol devices 600 is defective, which may occur, for example, if its battery cell is damaged. Indicator 708 b produces an orange or yellow light when one of thecontrol devices 600 has an insufficient level of change and is in the process of being recharged.Indicator 708 c produces a green light when one of thecontrol devices 600 is charged and ready for use. In this fashion, the indicator lights 708 indicate to theusers 102 whether thecontrollers 602 have a status of “error, ” “charging” or “fully charged.” While theelectrical contacts 704 are shown in this embodiment, it should be appreciated that thecontrollers 602 may be magnetically coupled to thecharge device 700 through a magnetic circuit in order to inductively charge the battery. - As previously discussed, the
control device 600 and thecharge device 700 cooperate to charge and recharge thebattery 618 to enable repeated performance of theimpeller 252 motor. In one embodiment, thecontrol device 600 and thecharge device 618 have the electronic configuration 800 illustrated inFIG. 8 . One example of amotor 260 that may be used to drive theimpeller 252 is a three-phase sensorless, brush direct current (DC) having an operational voltage of ten and four-tenths VDC. Theprocessor 602, communicatively connected to theimpeller motor 260 through theelectrical cord 612, can include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or motor controller 603 processor for controlling themotor 260. In particular, the controller 603 can include a pair of resistors capable of controlling the speed of themotor 260. Alternatively, the controller 603 can control the motor using pulse-width modulation (PWM) for low noise applications such that a sine wave PWM-mode generates motor current with relatively low distortion and therefore relatively low audio noise. An external control voltage can be connected to the motor controller 603 for controlling the duty cycle, wherein the duty cycle can also be controlled by using an integrated phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit for speed control. - In one embodiment, the battery can include one or more rechargeable cylindrical lithium ion cells (generally indicated as the battery 618) connected in series and communicatively connected to a fuel gauge integrated circuit 802 (IC) that conforms to the smart battery industry standard. The smart battery standard governs and controls the charge and discharge of the battery to enhance the performance and operation of the
control device 602. The IC 802 can include a system management bus (SMBus) and a fuel gauge IC configured to support the smart battery data (SBData) commands and charge-control functions operable to control thecharge device 700. The IC 802 can be coupled to an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) for storing configuration information received from the fuel gauge IC, and the IC 802 can include a plurality of individual contacts 620 a to 620 e for Battery +, Battery −, Clock, Data and Thermistor, respectively. The contacts 620 a, 620 b, 620 c, 620 d and 620 e are configured to interface with the contacts 704 a, 704 b, 704 c, 704 d and 704 e, respectively, of abay 702 of thecharge device 700. - In one example operation, the
control device 602 andbay 702 of acharge device 700 cooperate to raise the battery voltage above a threshold level by applying a trickle charge to battery, through the electrical contacts 620 a to 620 e and 704 a to 704 e, before applying a full charge. The IC 802 limits the full charge current applied by thecharge device 700 to an amount that is less than or equal to the a designated maximum charge rate which can be 0.7V to 1V. Furthermore, the IC 802 can be programmed to control and limit the voltage rise within thebattery 618 to, for example, to a range within four and two-tenths plus or minus five one-hundredths voltage per cell 4.2±0.05 V/cell while holing the battery voltage constant at a desired control level as the charge current decays and each of the cell's internal electromotive force (EMF) continues to rise. - As previously discussed, the
charge device 700 includes a plurality ofbays 702 to gang chargemultiple control devices 600. The gang charging operations will typically employ the SMBus can be contained on separate control ICs such as, for example, the commercially available MAX1645, MAX1667 and LTC1759 control ICs. Thecharge device 700 includes a plurality of batter charger ICs, where each battery charger IC 804 is associated with abay 702 of thecharge device 700. In one embodiment, the battery charger IC 804 substantially conforms to the previously described smart battery charger standard, and particularly that of a Level 2 Smart Battery Charger. The battery charger IC 804 can operate as a slave device tocontroller 602 within thecontrol device 600 such that the battery charger IC 804 within thecharge device 700 does not initiate communication on the SMBus. However, each battery charger IC 804 within thecharge device 700 can be adapted to receive commands and respond to queries for status information and can adjust its provided output characteristics in direct response to the commands and messages received from thecontrol device 602. - It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/199,716 US20070050898A1 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2005-08-09 | Surgical protective system and assembly having a head gear assembly supporting a surgical garment and air delivery system |
US11/463,074 US7937775B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-08 | Surgical protective head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
PCT/US2006/031319 WO2007019579A2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-09 | Surgical protective head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
EP06801217A EP1931226B1 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-09 | Surgical protective head gear assembly |
AU2006278233A AU2006278233B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-09 | Surgical protective head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
CA2618982A CA2618982C (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-09 | Surgical protective head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
US12/882,707 US8196224B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2010-09-15 | Surgical protective system head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
US13/468,611 US8955168B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2012-05-10 | Surgical protective system head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/199,716 US20070050898A1 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2005-08-09 | Surgical protective system and assembly having a head gear assembly supporting a surgical garment and air delivery system |
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US11/463,074 Continuation-In-Part US7937775B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-08 | Surgical protective head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system |
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US20070050898A1 true US20070050898A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
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US11/199,716 Abandoned US20070050898A1 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2005-08-09 | Surgical protective system and assembly having a head gear assembly supporting a surgical garment and air delivery system |
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Owner name: VIASYS HOLDINGS INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LARSON, KEITH A.;MANZELLA, SALVATORE JR.;PLATT, DAVID K.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016815/0461;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050914 TO 20050915 |
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Owner name: STACKHOUSE, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VIASYS HOLDINGS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021462/0905 Effective date: 20080829 |
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