The present invention relates to the field of workplace safety and in particular, to a device wearable by safety operators and professionals who conventionally operate in highly dangerous scenarios and for which there is required immediate feedback of the operator psychophysical abilities and physical/environmental parameter exchange between the members of a team, such as for example: a) areas at risk of collapsing; b) urban and forest fires; c) post-earthquake areas; d) etc.

The invention, which has ATEX certification, is also suitable to be used in areas where an explosive atmosphere exists or remains. It may be defined as a PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) device because it is adapted to detect and signal, to the operator, the various dangerous situations he/she is operating in, such as for example, the immobility thereof, increased ambient temperatures and such not to ensure survival without additional breathing systems, loss of contact with one's team, and various potentially dangerous environmental situations, such as high temperatures and lethal gases present in the atmosphere.

The system also serves as a black box by integrating therein a memory capable of storing and later providing all the information on significant events which occurred during the operation in order to have feedback and possibly a control panel to understand potential criticalities related to the event in question.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable electronic device with integrated circuits provided with an innovative user interface and sensors capable of monitoring the ambient temperature and the movements of the operator wearing it.

PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) devices, also known as Distress Signal Units (DSUs) or ADSUs (Automatic Distress Signal Units), are personal safety devices mainly used by emergency operators when they enter an environment which is dangerous for their life and health, such as for example, a burning building. The PASS device emits a loud acoustic signal (109dBA at a distance of 27 cm) to inform the other operators in the area that they are in danger. In any emergency situation, the sound of an activated PASS device indicates a personal safety emergency and results in a timely response to save the operator in trouble.

The first PASS models could only be activated manually in the event of an emergency; the more recent devices are provided with advanced functions allowing the activation of the acoustic signal if the device does not detect any movement for a period of 30 seconds so as to immediately identify a seriously injured or otherwise incapacitated operator.

As disclosed below, the present invention, which in the present text is also indicated by the name "VIRGO,” aims to integrate these functionalities with the team concept.

An emergency professional (fire brigade or civil defense) never operates alone if not in extreme cases, and a first peculiarity of the invention relates to the fact that VIRGO is the first device capable of creating a network between the various devices of the same kind (on unlicensed band) which allows certain risk parameters for the operators to be exchanged, while alerting the rest of the team in real time, signaling those who are in trouble and which parameter has gone outside the permitted level. Moreover, by connecting to a mobile device and using the cellular network or by connecting to DMR radio systems, VIRGO may send the operator's position (geolocation) to a remote command center (to possibly send further help in real time).

A second peculiarity of the invention relates to the fact that unlike the current PASS systems, VIRGO complies with ATEX Group II Ex la 1G IIC T4 certification, which allows the system to be used also in the most dangerous environments and activities, without restrictions pertaining to operator safety.

A third peculiarity of the invention consists in the fact that it provides the integration of various sensors in a single tool having highly compact dimensions, such as:

- proximity sensor;

- ambient temperature sensor;

- gas saturation sensor;

- inactivity sensor;

- 103.5 dBA siren at a distance of 27.5 cm;

- black box;

- a graphic display allowing the user to immediately see the type of criticality that is signaled.

It is worth noting that VIRGO also envisages the concept of modularity with a series of accessories connected by means of wireless transmission technology, which adds a series of significant features to a PASS which has been modified to increase the operating ability thereof. Indeed, an optional sensor for the temperature inside the operating jacket is provided, as well as an optional signaling LED for nighttime use or in the event of poor visibility. In particular, being an independent object, the latter advantageously positionable in a different area than where VIRGO is installed (which preferably is mounted on the forearm or in any case in a front position), thus ensuring the visibility thereof by third parties also in the event of falling onto the device (for example, by mounting it on the shoulder or helmet of the operator). Additionally, the same signaling LED lights up when the VIRGO device activates the alarm, thus ensuring the same is only see in the event of actual danger.

With regards to the foregoing, the present invention advantageously is a wearable device having compact dimensions, the use of which is allowed in extreme operating environments. It allows the operator and his/her team to receive automatic alarms when set temperature and carbon monoxide thresholds are exceeded, and/or after a period of inactivity of the operator him/herself.

The VIRGO device therefore raises the safety levels of the operators on the field and allows prompt intervention in the event of difficulty. A better understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of a non-limiting example, a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view of the invention showing the display (1), the multifunction button (2), the CO sensor air intake (3) and the siren hole (4).

Figure 2 is a side view of the invention showing a detail of the side design

(5).

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the invention showing the access protection to the pogo pin connector (8).

Figure 4 is a rear view of the invention showing the housing for the clip

(6) and screws (7).

Figure 5 is a rear view of the invention without the battery cap, showing the design of the separator between the encapsulated and the non-encapsulated part of the electronics.

Figure 6 shows the hole of the siren of the invention.

Figure 7 shows the invention without a lid, showing the edge of the siren.

Figure 8 shows a cross section of the invention showing the buzzer housing.

Figure 9 shows a cross section of the invention showing the buzzer resonance speaker.

Figure 10 is a detail of a view similar to Figure 5 of the invention without the battery lid, showing the design of the separator between the encapsulated and the non-encapsulated part of the electronics.

PASS type devices currently on the market substantially consist of a container having small dimensions to be hooked onto the intervention suit or jacket.

There are multiple restrictions for the aforesaid known devices, both considering the needs for the individual protection of the operator and those of the team members. These restrictions include at least the following: a) the acoustic alarm does not allow identifying which team member is in danger; b) the visual alarm consists of blinking LED lights integrated in the device which is hooked onto the front of the operator and for this reason, these lights cannot be seen by those behind the operator; c) other circumstances of individual discomfort, such as for example, an increase in the internal temperature, are not detected by the known devices which therefore do not signal this type of critical situation; d) sending information via radio to a remote control unit presumes a "remote operator" and does not allow colleagues close to the person in trouble (therefore, those most adapted to provide immediate aid) to make a prompt rescue.

The current dressing systems for rescue professionals are also provided with (rather cumbersome) detecting apparatuses with which the quantity of gas or vapors in the atmosphere can be measured, and therefore specifying which interventions are possible according to the explosive conditions of an environment.

Carbon monoxide is a particularly insidious and dangerous poisonous gas because it is odorless and invisible.

The present invention proposes a device which differs from all those currently on the market since it provides what described below.

The VIRGO device according to the invention substantially provides a polymer casing provided with a backlit graphic display, in which the operator may see the following information: a) outdoor temperature; b) temperature inside the jacket; c) number of team members reached by the radio signal; d) connected additional modules (when present); e) name of the device; f) name of the assigned operator; g) in the event of an alarm on one's device, the cause of the alarm; h) in the event of an alarm on a colleague's device, the name of the alarm- triggered device.

In order for the user to be able to consult the graphic display, the VIRGO device is to be positioned on one of the two sleeves of the garment, in a position selected from shoulder or wrist, and fastened to the garment by means of a specific pocket on the sleeve or in any case, hooked thereto.

Moreover, the device described encompasses therein, that is, in the casing thereof, a series of components which allow monitoring the surrounding environment and activating alarm signals with the occurrence of dangerous circumstances. The main components comprise: a) outdoor temperature sensor; b) carbon monoxide (CO) sensor; c) movement sensor; d) radio module; e) module for saving the information in the event of an alarm; f) high intensity sound buzzer.

By virtue of such integrated components, the use of the portable gas detector may be decreased with respect to what is required when using other systems currently on the market and, through proprietary software, the types of alarm to be received and the thresholds past which they are to be activated may be set.

The innovative and functional design of the present device ensures maximum efficiency of the siren and the best sealing against water by virtue of the hole which has a diameter from 10 to 14 mm, and the edge of the buzzer which has a height from 3 to 6 mm.

The space around the buzzer and the external mechanics to which the buzzer is fastened, which are made with a thickness not exceeding 1.2 mm, were designed to obtain the maximum resonance and therefore, the maximum sound amplification; indeed, the spaces for positioning the sensors and the buzzer were designed to optimize the volumes and at the same time obtain the best acoustic sound amplification. Moreover, the buzzer uses the internal resonance speaker of the device to increase the efficiency thereof, despite the reduced dimensions.

The particular design of VIRGO allows two separate volumes to be created, one for the (encapsulated) electronic part and the other for the (nonencapsulated) electromechanical part; thus, adding a series of advantages:

• easily encapsulating the electronic part alone carries fewer production costs and allows leaving free space around the buzzer to allow it to resonate at the maximum power;

• the CO sensor may be changed in the event it is damaged or at the end of its programmed life (2 years);

• The battery pack may be changed in the event of performance deterioration.

The device of the present invention therefore allows: a) creating a group of devices (team) which communicate on predetermined radio frequencies and exchange information in the event of an alarm; b) setting the temperature and CO thresholds past which the alarm or alarms are to be triggered; c) setting the inactivity (time) threshold of the operator past which the alarm or alarms are to be triggered; d) sending the alarm signals of a device to all the devices of the other team members; e) sending a signal to the operator in the event he/she moves away from the rest of the team; f) manually sending an alarm signal; g) in the event of an alarm, storing the data in an integrated, nonremovable memory area of the device with limited and controlled access. The device warns the operator through a visual and acoustic signal in all the cases of alarm disclosed above.

Such an alarm system allows the team members to promptly rescue the colleague in trouble, without waiting for possible information, when available, from the remote control station colleague.

As mentioned above, the VIRGO device may be integrated with some additional components, which are not indispensable for the operation thereof but which allow the operator safety level to be increased by means of the detection of further information and an additional light signaling system.

The additional components, which are to be exclusively used in association with the invention, also have ATEX certification and are designed to be worn by the operator.

A peculiarity of said additional components is given by the fact that they wirelessly connect with the VIRGO device, and therefore do not have connecting cables which could hinder the operator.

These additional modules are: a sensor of the temperature inside the operator's garments; a light-signaling device.

The internal temperature sensor module substantially consists of a device which is wearable inside the operator's jacket, as close to the body as possible. This allows the body temperature to be monitored and anomalous conditions to be promptly signaled by means of the activation of a visual and acoustic alarm, by means of the display and buzzer integrated in the VIRGO device. Such a module increases operator safety by compensating for the lack of such a functionality in other devices on the market.

The light signaling device module consists of a device which is wearable on the outside of the operator's jacket. In the event of an alarm, it emits a blinking LED light which allows the nearby operators to immediately identify the operator in trouble, also in conditions of poor visibility (darkness, intense smoke). Since such a module is not integrated in the VIRGO device casing, it may advantageously be positioned in the most suitable and visible part of the operator's jacket, and by adding light signaling to the acoustic one of the buzzer, it compensates for the difficulty in identifying the operator in trouble with the acoustic alarm alone.

A further additional component of the system consists of the "base station", which is a component external to the device which allows managing several devices at the same time. The main functionality thereof is being a recharging base for the devices, as well as the additional functionality of managing and configuring the parameters thereof.

In additional to the simple recharging of VIRGO devices and the related additional components, such a base station automatically performs several tasks which the operators would otherwise be charged with or which would not even be included in the available features.

The following is possible by virtue of the base station: recharging all the components positioned therein (VIRGO devices and additional components); automatically and uniquely coupling the VIRGO device with the additional components by positioning them in the same housing row; establishing a connection to a LAN network in order to carry out the following by means of a proprietary WEB platform with profiled access: o managing users, roles and permissions of the WEB platform; o managing the association of the devices with the respective operators; o managing the association of the devices with the relative team of operators; o configuring alarm thresholds (outdoor/internal temperature and CO); o accessing the memory of the VIRGO devices.

The absence of the base station does not jeopardize the operation of the VIRGO device, rather deprives it of the above-described functionalities. The other basic functionalities are in any case ensured also in "stand-alone" mode without the need to connect to the base station.

In the preferred embodiment described by way of non-limiting example, the Virgo device is made by encompassing the electronics in a technopolymer housing which is sealed by glue. Such a housing may also be assembled by means of screws, bolts or rivets.

The battery is encompassed in the casing of the device with a lid which is preferably fastened by means of screws, but it may also be fastened with glue, rivets or bolts. It is worth noting that according to the present invention, the electronic board is encompassed in a part of the casing filled with an insulating material, while the part of the casing encompassing the battery may be opened to access the same and also the CO sensor for maintenance and replacement thereof.

The VIRGO device has a straightforward industrial application. It indeed was designed for emergency operators and is applicable to the public safety sector such as, for example, the fire brigade and/or civil defense. Moreover, by virtue of the modularity thereof, it is usable by operators in dangerous areas, both in the oil & gas field and in the more generic multi-utility field. All operators who are to operate in a team and/or alone have the primary interest of having a PASS system such as VIRGO, which is capable of detecting the physical/environmental parameters in real time and transferring them to a command center and/or an emergency team.

With regards to the foregoing, the invention has a series of advantages with respect to the known art, some of which are listed below.

The preferred embodiment hereto described and disclosed is adapted to be used on all garments by means of a clip, with highly reduced dimensions and weight and a flat outline which ensures the resistance thereof in the event of a fall. The technical measures implemented in the design step have allowed to make the maximization of the sound emitted by the buzzer efficient. As mentioned above, the design of the buzzer is configured to allow the maximum sound level to be provided despite highly reduced overall dimensions. Therefore, the design is functional and innovative because the thicknesses and distances described ensure a one-of-a-kind resonance box.

The designing of the device in two distinct sub-compartments - one for the (encapsulated) sensor part and one for the consumable component part (battery and CO sensor) - allows replacing the non-encapsulated components subject to wear (batteries, CO sensor) in separate and simplified manner, such that the main encapsulated core does not require to be touched, thus reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of the device. Although it is present to a lesser degree in other PASSs, the presence of the multifunction display here becomes a significant feature because it has a specific functionality not only for recognizing the type of alarm, but also as communication and alert system among the various team members. For the first time, the display becomes "smart" by providing a system adapted to provide "situation awareness" by virtue of the connectivity of the different devices.

Another advantageous element is given by the innovative use of a communication system on free band to put the different devices in contact and obtain a team which members communicate in real time with one another and with the remote command station. Usually, the currently known PASS devices do not communicate with one another and, in any case, do not do it using such a complex set of information as the one provided by VIRGO.

For the first time, it is provided to put all the devices into communication with the remote operation center, by both cellular network (using a smartphone as repeater antenna) and by means of radio on unlicensed or licensed band (used for the same purpose), to have a real-time situation of the on-field criticalities faced by the operators.

PASS devices to date are connected to the external sensors by means of cables; the present invention is the first of its kind to get rid of cables in favor of a completely wireless system.

The pairing between the accessories and VIRGO occurs prior to the departure of the operators by means of the technology integrated in the base station - which is the "brain" managing everything - by coupling each VIRGO device with the accessories by means of logic connection. Thereby, the user is not able to make mistakes because the apparatuses are already coupled prior to departure and they don't require any operation by said user. The coupling remains for the entire duration of the intervention thanks to the wireless connectivity of the systems.

It is the first time that, according to the present invention, a single apparatus comprises therein all these sensors and components integrated in a single object and casing without the need for further accessories. The management software of the remote operation center and the real time connection system with the VIRGO devices by means of cellular network/DMR radio allows all the data to be received from each VIRGO device in real time. This system is an innovative system which has not yet been used to date. The operation center in turn may be connected to a series of peripherals: external weather or biological sensors, fixed or mobile cameras (bodycams).

The software-settable alarm thresholds make each device uniquely customizable in a different manner from one another, directly by the user.

As mentioned above, in addition to the battery recharging function, the recharging base of the VIRGO device provides an important logic function: it recognizes the identifiers of the various components and achieves pairing between such components and the accessories or between several VIRGO devices belonging to a same team.

KEY

1: Display

2: Multifunction button

3: CO sensor air intake

4: Siren hole

5: Side design detail

6: Clip housing

7: Battery cap screws

8: Access protection for pogo pin connector

9: Detail of the rear view without the battery cap, showing the design of the separator between the encapsulated and the non-encapsulated parts of the electronics