Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-19
2001-02-20
Wu, Daniel J. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S627000, C340S603000, C340S633000, C340S634000, C340S691100, C340S692000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06191696
ABSTRACT:
GOVERNMENT INTEREST
The invention described herein may be manufactured, licensed, and used by or for the U.S. Government.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an indicator system of reduced size, weight and low power consumption for hand-held field applications. In particular, the present invention relates to an alarm system which is capable of being interfaced with portable chemical monitors. Most particularly, the present invention is an alarm system for the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) and Improved Chemical Agent Monitor (ICAM).
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Today's military forces are confronted with the possibility of encountering chemical agents in battlefields. Monitoring for possible chemical contamination aids in countering the threat residual chemicals pose to exposed individuals. Constant identification of chemicals in an environment aids in the appropriate protective measures and treatment of chemical exposure.
Monitors have been used in military and civilian operations to test air quality within an area for possible chemical contamination. These monitors allow environmental sampling throughout an area of military operations or civilian use. Generally, the monitors are either mobile monitors which may be carried by individual soldiers, or area monitors placed at fixed points within an area.
Militarily, mobile monitors are important because they allow rapid monitoring of the immediate area close to soldiers, either from current or residual effects. They may be hand-held, and of various weights. This localized detection allows soldiers to react immediately to the positive detection of chemical agents. Reduced reaction time minimizes chemical exposure to soldiers within an operational area. Early detection significantly increases the chances of survival of the soldiers and the successful completion of the mission.
Several types of toxic chemical compounds are known. These include mustard and nerve agents. Mustard agents or gases, also called blister agents, may be nitrogen or chlorinated sulfur compounds. The most common type of mustard agent are the chlorinated sulfur compounds. Long after mustard gas was discovered in 1822, it was used in World War I as a chemical warfare agent, causing approximately 400,000 casualties. The sulphur mustard gas is chemically known as bis-(chloroethyl)-sulphide. The nitrogen mustard gas is chemically known as tris(2-chloroethyl)amine. Mustard gas is a colorless, oily liquid having a garlic or horseradish odor. It is slightly soluble in water, complicating removal by washing. It primarily attacks humans through inhalation and dermal contact, having an Airborne Exposure Limit (AEL) of 0.003 mg/m
3
. Mustard gas is a vesicant and an alkylating agent which produces a cytotoxic reaction to the hematopoietic tissues. Symptoms usually begin to take effect 4 to 24 hours after initial contact. The rate of detoxification of mustard gas is slow and repeated exposure yields a cumulative effect.
Nerve agents or gases were discovered in 1936, during research on more effective pesticides. Nerve agents inhibit certain enzymes within the human body from destroying a substance called acetylcholine. This produces a nerve signal within the body forcing the muscles to contract. Nerve agents have an Airborne Exposure Limit (AEL) of 0.00001 mg/m
3
.
Types of chemical monitors include the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) developed by Grasby Ionics, Inc. of Watford Herts, England, and the Improved Chemical Agent Monitor (ICAM) developed by Grasby Ionics, Inc. of Watford Herts, England, Environmental Technologies Group of Baltimore, Md. and the United States Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds of Aberdeen, Md. The CAM or ICAM, referred to as CAM/ICAM, is carried by individual soldiers in the field and provides for detection of nerve and blister chemical agents.
There has been a long-standing need for alarm systems which are increasingly small but retain the capabilities and performance of larger-size monitors. Over the years, attempts have been made to decreased size, weight, power consumption, maintenance of the monitors, while increasing monitor speed and ease of use. Monitors should also permit the quick attachment and detachment of individual monitor parts while permitting the operators to maintain protective measures/gear integrity. Hand-held monitors become problematic with decreased sizes that are difficult to handle with protective clothing being worn.
In view of the foregoing, improvements in chemical monitoring have been desired. It has been desired to provide reduced size, weight and power requirements, while improving the durability of the monitors and the ease of field manipulations. The present invention addresses these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved alarm system for use with hand-held chemical monitors.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved alarm system having low power consumption requirements.
Additionally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved alarm system that permits soldiers to easily and quickly attach and detach parts while wearing protective gear.
These and other objects are achieved by the present invention which includes an alarm system for portable chemical monitors comprising a housing configured for attachment to the portable chemical monitor having a twist lock mechanical connector capable of connecting to the portable chemical monitor, at least three pins mounted within the twist lock mechanical connector, wherein the at least three pins are capable of inserting into the portable chemical monitor, a circuit board supported within the housing and electrically connected to the at least three pins, the circuit board capable of receiving electrical signals from the chemical monitor, and, a ceramic disk comprising an indicator means for generating vibrational movement, wherein the vibrational movement provides an audible sound.
The present invention further comprises a method for monitoring for the presence of chemical agents comprising the steps of: providing an alarm system for portable chemical monitors comprising a housing configured for attachment to the portable chemical monitor having a twist lock mechanical connector capable of connecting to the portable chemical monitor, at least three pins mounted within the twist lock mechanical connector, wherein the at least three pins are capable of inserting into the portable chemical monitor, a circuit board supported within the housing and electrically connected to the at least three pins, the circuit board capable of receiving electrical signals from the chemical monitor and, a ceramic disk comprising an indicator means for generating vibrational movement, wherein the vibrational movement provides an audible sound; attaching the alarm system to the portable chemical agent monitor; transporting the portable chemical agent monitor into an operational area; and, activating the portable chemical monitor, wherein the indicator means initiates an audible alarm when the portable chemical monitor is in the presence of chemical agents.
Some of the advantages of the alarm system of the present invention include the fact that the Chemical Agent Monitor and/or the Improved Chemical Agent Monitor can be used more efficiently in the field. The alarm system for the hand-carried CAM/ICAM does not require a separate energy supply apart from the power supply from the CAM/ICAM. The alarm system can perform all functions of a full-size alarm while consuming small amounts of electrical power. The attachment for the alarm system allows easy manipulation and rapid connection and disconnection of the alarm system to the CAM/ICAM even when personnel are suited in protective clothing. Other and further advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description and appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3864628 (1975-02-01), Klass et al.
patent: 4578586 (1986-03-01), Preston
pat
Gross Robert L.
Schlein Mark S.
Schlitzkus Peter J.
Young Randy S.
Younger, II Vincent K.
Biffoni Ulysses John
Nguyen Tai T.
Ranucci Vincent J.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
Wu Daniel J.
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