CLEAN HEAD, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN CLEANING A FLUID CONDUIT

Abstract

A communicator (1) for monitoring a worker in a work environment when carried or worn by said worker, the communicator (1) comprises: a transmitter (7) for communicating with abase station remote from the communicator (1); a location monitoring means (3) for monitoring the location of the communicator (1) and for continuously or intermittently sending to the base station worker location data associated with the respective communicator (1) and/or the worker wearing or carrying the communicator (1); a fall detection device (4) configured to detect a fall event of a worker carrying or wearing the communicator (1); an input means (5) operable by the worker carrying or wearing the communicator (1); and an alarm (8; 9) configured to activate if a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detection device (4), where the communicator (1) is configured to transmit a fall warning to the base station using the transmitter (7) when the fall detection device (4) detects a fall event of a person carrying or wearing the communicator (1) unless the input means (5) is activated to prevent the transmission, wherein the alarm (8; 9) is configured to activate only if a fall warning has been or is being transmitted.

Claims

1. A communicator for monitoring a worker in a work environment when carried or worn by said worker, the communicator comprising: a transmitter for communicating with a base station remote from the communicator; a location monitoring means for monitoring the location of the communicator and for continuously or intermittently sending to the base station worker location data associated with the respective communicator and/or the worker wearing or carrying the communicator; a fall detection device configured to detect a fall event of a worker carrying or wearing the communicator; an input means operable by the worker carrying or wearing the communicator; and an alarm configured to activate if a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detection device, where the communicator is configured to transmit a fall warning to the base station using the transmitter when the fall detection device detects a fall event of a person carrying or wearing the communicator unless the input means is activated to prevent the transmission, wherein the alarm is configured to activate only if a fall warning has been or is being transmitted.

2. Communicator according to claim 1, comprising a notification component configured to notify the worker, after a fall event has been detected by the fall detection device, that a fall warning will be transmitted unless the input means is activated, e.g. within a pre-set time period.

3. Communicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification component is configured to produce a visual and/or aural notification.

4. Communicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the alarm is configured to give an audible alarm and/or a visual alarm when it is activated.

5. Communicator according to any preceding claim, comprising a manual override means operable by the worker.

6. Communicator according to claim 5, wherein the manual override means is operable by the worker to trigger and/or cancel the alarm.

7. Communicator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the input means comprises the manual override means.

8. Communicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to maintain a log of worker location data and/or worker status data comprising data relating to detected falls of workers.

9. Communicator according to any preceding claim, comprising a housing configured to protect the transmitter, the location monitoring means, the fall detection device and the input means from damage from a fall of the worker and/or from dropping of the communicator by the worker onto a surface.

10. Communicator according to any proceeding claim, comprising an impact protection means.

11. Communicator according to claim 10, wherein the impact protection means comprises a resilient material.

12. Communicator according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a housing where the impact protection means is overmoulded to the housing.

13. Communicator according to any preceding claim, comprising a transceiver which is operable by the worker to communicate with one or more further worker having a further communicator and or with the base station.

14. System for monitoring workers in a work environment, the system comprising: a base station comprising a receiver and a processor; and a communicator according to any preceding claim.

15. A method of monitoring workers in a work environment, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a worker in a work environment with a communicator to carry and/or wear; b) monitoring the location of the worker using a location monitoring means comprised in the communicator; c) continuously or intermittently sending, via a transmitter of the communicator to a receiver of a base station, worker location data associated with the communicator and/or the worker; d) detecting a fall of the worker using a fall detection device comprised in the communicator; and e) transmitting (e.g. automatically) a fall warning to the base station using the transmitter of the communicator unless the worker activates (e.g. manually) an input means of the communicator f) activating an alarm of the communicator when a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detection device, wherein step f) occurs only if a fall warning has been or is being transmitted to the base station using the communicator's transmitter.

16. Method according to claim 17, comprising a step g) of notifying the worker, using a notification means of the communicator, that a fall warning will be transmitted using the communicator's transmitter unless the input means is activated.

17. Method according to claim 18, wherein notifying the worker comprises providing a visual and/or aural notification.

18. Method according to claim 15, wherein the alarm is activated by the worker, for example by activating an activation means of the communicator.

19. Method according to any of claims 15 to 18, comprising a step h) of cancelling or stopping the alarm of the communicator.

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein step h) comprises the worker cancelling or stopping the alarm of the communicator, for example by activating an or the activation means.

21. Method according to any of claims 15 to 20, comprising a step i) of sending an alert by telephone if a fall warning is transmitted to the base station.

Description

[0066] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0067] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for monitoring workers in a work environment according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0068] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a communicator according to an embodiment of the invention for use in the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0069] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communicator shown in FIG. 2, with the top portion of the housing removed;

[0070] FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the communicator shown in FIG. 1;

[0071] FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of the communicator shown in FIG. 2, showing an attachment side of the communicator;

[0072] FIG. 6 is an end view of the communicator shown in FIG. 2.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a system S for monitoring workers in a work environment according to an embodiment of the invention. The system S comprises a base station B and, in this embodiment, two communicators 1. In embodiments, however, there may be any suitable number of communicators 1 provided. Preferably, there will be one communicator 1 for each worker in the work environment.

[0074] The base station B comprises a processor P and a transceiver T comprising a transmitter and a receiver R, in this embodiment. In embodiments, however, the base station B may comprise a receiver R, only, instead of a receiver R comprised in a transceiver T. The base station B comprises an optional telephone messaging system TMS, in this embodiment. However, in embodiments, the base station B may be provided absent a telephone messaging system TMS.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 6, there is shown a communicator 1 according to an embodiment of the invention for use in the system S shown in FIG. 1. The communicator 1 comprises a housing 2 within which are located (as shown in FIG. 3) a global positioning system module 3, an accelerometer module 4, an input device 5 and a transceiver 6 comprising a transmitter 7, each of which is attached to a printed circuit board PCB, in this embodiment. The communicator 1 further comprises an alarm comprising a visual alarm 8 and an audible alarm 9.

[0076] The housing 2 is formed from polycarbonate, in this embodiment. In embodiments, however, the housing 2 may be formed from any suitable material with the requisite strength to mass ratio. The housing 2 is preferably formed by injection moulding. The housing 2 comprises first and second portions 20, 21 (as shown in FIG. 4) which are removably securable to one another using securements, which are bolts BO, in this embodiment (as shown in FIG. 4). When the first and second portions 20, 21 are secured to one another a cavity is defined within the housing 2, within which the printed circuit board PCB and attached components are located. A power source BA, which is a battery BA in this embodiment, which is operably connected to the printed circuit board PCB and the components attached thereto, is also located within the cavity of the housing 2. A charging connector CP, connected to the power source BA, is located in an aperture through the housing 2 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0077] A bumper 22, formed from rubber in this embodiment, is overmoulded to each of the first and second portions 20, 21 of the housing 2. The bumpers 22 are arranged to protect the communicator 1 from impact against a hard surface if the communicator 1 is dropped by a worker who is holding or carrying it, and/or to cushion the wearer should the wearer fall on the communicator 1 during a fall event.

[0078] The global positioning system module 3 is configured, in use, to monitor the location of the communicator 1 (and hence the position of a worker who is carrying or wearing the communicator 1). The global positioning system module 3 functions in the usual manner as is well known by one skilled in the art which will not be described further herein. In this embodiment, the global positioning system module 3 is configured to send continuously worker location data to the base station B. In embodiments, however, the global positioning system module 3 may be configured to send intermittently worker location data to the base station B, for example once every 20 seconds or another predetermined time period. The worker location data comprises location data associated with the worker carrying the communicator 1, in this embodiment. In embodiments, however, the worker location data may comprise location data associated with the particular communicator 1. The global positioning system module 3 may comprise, for example, an A2235H GPS Module as available from Maestro Wireless Solutions of 121 King Lam Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong. In embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card (not shown) may be located (removably or non-removably) in the global positioning system module 3 (which may comprise a SIM card reader).

[0079] The accelerometer module 4 is configured to detect a fall event of a worker carrying or wearing the communicator 1. The accelerometer module 4 may comprise, for example, an MC3635 3-axis accelerometer as available from mCube Inc, 2570 North First Street, Suite 300, San Jose, Calif., 95131, USA.

[0080] The input device 5 is configured to active and deactivate the visual and audible alarms 8, 9 and also transmission of a fall warning by the transmitter 7, in this embodiment. The input device 5 is a TL2203 Series pushbutton switch, in this embodiment. The input device 5 is arranged to be manually operable by a worker wearing or carrying the communicator 1, in use.

[0081] The transceiver 6 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the receiver R of the base station B. The transceiver 6 may comprise the global positioning system module 3 and/or may be operably connected thereto. The transceiver 6 may comprise an antenna 60, in embodiments, for example an XPW100A003-01-B PCB strip antenna as available from Lantronix®, Inc. of 7535 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, Calif., 92618, USA.

[0082] The visual alarm 8 is operably connected to the input device 5 via the printed circuit board

[0083] PCB. The visual alarm 8 is a light source, in this embodiment. The visual alarm 8 may comprise, for example, an XLamp XHP70 LED as available from Cree Inc. of 4600 Silicon Drive, Durham, N.C., 27703, USA.

[0084] The audible alarm 9 is operably connected to the input device 5 via the printed circuit board

[0085] PCB. The audible alarm 9 comprises a buzzer 9, in this embodiment. In embodiments, however, the audible alarm 9 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more speakers or other suitable audio devices. In embodiments, the audible alarm 9 may be a panel mount piezo buzzer (operable up to 97 dB) as available from Kingstate Electronics Corporation, of 10F, No. 69-11, Sec. 2, Jhongjheng E. Road, Danshui District, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, the communicator 1 comprises a clip C, in this embodiment, for attaching the communicator 1 to a belt or other article of clothing of a worker. The clip C is removably attached to the second portion 21 of the housing 2 in this embodiment. However, in embodiments, the clip C may be integrally formed or permanently attached to the housing 2.

[0087] In use, the transmitter 7 of each communicator 1 is configured to send one or more signals to the receiver R of the base station B, as indicated by arrows x in FIG. 1. The receiver portion of the transceiver 6 of each communicator 1 is also configured to receive a signal from the transceiver T of the base station B, in this embodiment, as indicated by arrows y. In embodiments, however, the base station B may be provided absent the transceiver T (and with only a receiver R) and/or one, some or each communicator 1 may be provided absent the receiver portion of the transceiver 6, in which case the or each communicator 1 may not be configured to receive a signal from the base station B. In this embodiment, the transceiver 6 of each communicator 1 is configured to allow the sending and receiving of signals to and from a further communicator 1 (e.g. the other communicator 1), as indicated by arrows z in FIG. 1. In embodiments, however, one, some or each communicator 1 may be provided absent this functionality.

[0088] In use, each communicator 1 is worn by a worker by attaching the clip C to a belt of said worker (not shown).

[0089] When the accelerometer module 4 of a communicator 1 detects a fall event of the worker carrying that communicator 1 a notification is sent to the worker using the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm 9. There may be a delay of say 1 to 20 seconds between the conclusion of the fall event and the triggering of the alarm, for example a delay of between 1 and 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 seconds. Advantageously, such a delay mitigates against the possibility of the worker accidentally deactivating the notification sent via the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm 9. As will be appreciated, during a fall event the worker may accidentally engage the input device 5 of the communicator 1, which (absent a delay as described above) might accidentally deactivate the notification.

[0090] The visual alarm 9 may be configured to emit a continuous or pulsed or intermittent light for a predetermined period of time, for example 10 seconds. The audible alarm 9 may be configured to emit a sound, for example a series of ten sounds, each at one second intervals. The emission of the light by the visual alarm 8 and the emitted sounds by the audible alarm 9 may be coordinated, for example such that the first sound is emitted when the light is first emitted and the last sound is emitted as the light is turned off. If the worker activates the input device 5 by pressing the pushbutton switch within the, say, 10 second time period (e.g. whilst the light is emitted), the communicator 1 is configured to prevent the transmission via the transmitter 7 of a fall warning to the base station B. If, however, the worker does not activate the input device 5 during the, say, 10 second time period the communicator 1 is configured to allow the automatic transmission via the transmitter 7 of a fall warning to the base station B. When the fall warning has been transmitted the visual alarm 8 may be configured to emit light (either continuously or intermittently) and/or the audible alarm 9 may be configured to emit one or more noises (either continuously or intermittently) as an alarm. The light and/or sounds emitted after a fall warning has been transmitted may be the same or may be different to the notification sent to the worker prior to transmission of the fall warning, the notification comprising light and/or sounds emitted from the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm 9.

[0091] If a worker wearing a communicator 1 falls down and the fall is not detected by the accelerometer module 4, the worker can trigger transmission via the transmitter 7 of a fall warning to the base station B by activating the input device 5 (e.g. by pressing the pushbutton switch). Alternatively, if there has not been a non-fall related event (e.g. the worker has suffered an injury or has been otherwise impaired) the worker can trigger the alarm and/or trigger transmission of a signal via the transmitter 7 to the base station B. The base station B may interpret and/or respond to such a signal in the same manner or a different manner to that in which it interprets and/or responds to a received fall warning.

[0092] In embodiments, the input device 5 may be configured to cancel transmission of a fall warning which has been triggered by the worker (for example if the fall warning was mistakenly triggered). In some embodiments, the input device 5 may also be configured to activate the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm (and/or to deactivate the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm). In some embodiments, the input device 5 may be configured such that a first manual activation (e.g. push or depression) by the worker activates the transmission of a fall warning and the emission of light by the visual alarm 8 and the emission of sound by the audible alarm 9. The input device 5 may be configured such that a second manual activation by the worker cancels transmission of the fall warning. The input device 5 may be configured such that a third manual activation by the worker deactivates emission of light by the visual alarm 8. The input device 5 may be configured such that a fourth manual activation by the worker deactivates emission of sound by the audible alarm 9. In embodiments, however, the input device 5 may not be operable to trigger and/or cancel transmission of a fall warning to the base station B via the transmitter 7. In these embodiments, the input device 5 may be configured such that a first manual activation by the worker activates emission of light by the visual alarm 8 and emission of sound by the audible alarm 9, a second manual activation by the worker deactivates emission of light by the visual alarm 8, and a third manual activation by the worker deactivates emission of sound by the audible alarm 9. If one or both of the visual alarm 8 and audible alarm 9 is deactivated by the worker, the base station B (e.g. an operative at the base station B) may check orally and/or visually with the worker to ensure that the deactivation has intentional (e.g. and/or to check that the worker does not require assistance or rescuing).

[0093] The base station B can determine (e.g. an operative at the base station B can determine) how best to respond to a received fall warning or other signal from the communicator 1 of a worker. For example, one or more rescuers may be dispatched to said worker. Additionally or alternatively, one or more further worker (for example in the work environment) may be requested to help and/or to travel to the worker who's communicator 1 sent the fall warning or other signal to the base station B. Advantageously, by logging the worker location data, the base station B can determine a course of action which is appropriate to the specific circumstances. A worker wearing one of the communicators 1 can communicate with a worker wearing the other of the communicators 1, via the transceiver 6. In this way a worker who has fallen can be aided (for example as directed by the base station B) more readily and rapidly than might otherwise be the case. In some circumstances, a second worker (who has not fallen) may be relatively nearer to a fallen worker (or otherwise able to reach them relatively more rapidly or easily) and may, having been directed by the base station B, therefore provide aid in a relatively more timely fashion than may be possible for emergency services or other rescuers.

[0094] The processor P of the base station B is configured to log received worker location data transmitted by the transmitter 7 of each communicator 1. In this way, when a fall warning is transmitted by a communicator 1 the location of the worker carrying or wearing said communicator 1 is stored in the base station B. Dispatch of one or more rescuers to the fallen worker is thereby relatively more rapid than would otherwise be the case. The base station B may be monitored by one or more people, in embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, the base station B may be configured to transmit (e.g. via the transceiver T) an alert to a further device (not shown). In some embodiments, the processor P of the base station B may be configured to activate the optional automated telephone messaging system S to alert a rescuer that a worker has fallen, when a fall warning is received by the receiver R of the base station B.

[0095] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the alarm and notification mechanism are the same in the communicator 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 this need not be the case, and instead separate alarms and notification mechanisms may be provided. For example, the alarm may comprise the visual alarm 8 and/or an audible alarm 9, whilst the notification mechanism may comprise a separate visual and/or audio notifier. Suitable visual notifiers may comprise one or more further light sources and/or a display or screen or projector comprised on the communicator 1 (for example configured to display a visual message to the worker carrying or wearing the communicator 1). Suitable audio notifiers may comprise one or more further audio devices, such as one or more speakers or the like (for example configured to emit an audial message to the worker carrying or wearing the communicator 1).

[0096] In embodiments, the communicator 1 comprises one or more cameras. The or each camera may be configured, in use, to capture one or more images (e.g. still and/or moving). The one or more images may be in the vicinity of the communicator. Capture of the one or more images may be triggered, e.g. automatically and/or manually. Where the trigger is automatic, the trigger may comprise detection by the accelerometer module 4 that the worker has fallen down. Where the trigger is manual, the trigger may comprise a or the worker activating a trigger mechanism such as a trigger button or switch, for example on the communicator 1.

[0097] In embodiments, the printed circuit board PCB comprises memory (e.g. RAM and/or ROM). The processor P may be configured to store image data relating or corresponding to one or more image captured by the or each camera (where provided) in or on the memory.

[0098] In embodiments, the processor P is configured, when a fall event is detected by the accelerometer module 4, to transmit a report to one or more third party (for example a relative, carer, heath care professional, health care organisation, etc.). In embodiments, the report comprises an indication that the worker has fallen. In embodiments, the report comprises medically relevant information concerning the worker, for example blood type, age, height, weight, body mass index and the like.

[0099] The report may comprise a reference to the detected fall event and/or the fall warning or a reference thereto. The report may comprise identification data of the communicator 1 and/or of the worker carrying or wearing the communicator 1 (for example where the identification data may comprise a code or number). In embodiments, the report may comprise relevant data to the person carrying or wearing the communicator 1 (for example information regarding one or more medical condition).

[0100] In embodiments, the relevant data and/or contact information relating to the or each third party may be stored on or in the communicator 1 and/or remotely therefrom. The relevant data may be stored or contained in a database of relevant data (for example, which may comprise data relevant to plural people). The relevant data (e.g. the database thereof) may be stored in or on the storage means (where provided). Contact information of the or each third party (where the communicator 1 is configured to transmit a report thereto in the event of a fall event being detected) may be stored in or on the storage means. The identification data of the communicator 1 and/or of the person carrying or wearing the communicator 1 may be stored in or on the storage means.

[0101] In embodiments, where the communicator 1 is configured to trigger (e.g. automatically) transmission of a report to one or more third party, the communicator 1 may transmit a request to a remote server to transmit a report to one or more third party. The request may comprise or correspond to the identification data of the communicator 1 and/or the person carrying or wearing the communicator 1. The remote server may comprise or be the base station or may be associated or in communication therewith. The remote server may comprise the database of relevant data (where provided).

[0102] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.