Probe arm with multiple detectors for locating disaster and accident victims

• US 20010055544A1
• Filed: 03/09/2001
• Published: 12/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Douglas Copp
• Original Assignee: Douglas Copp
• Inventors: Copp, Douglas
• Application Number:
  US09/803,231
• Publication Number:
  US 20010055544A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/98
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/22 in the gaseous state specially adapted for biological material G01N33/497; measuring breath flow A61B5/087
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/007 Devices specially adapted for forensic samples, e.g. tamper-proofing, sample tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/0031 comprising two or more sensors, e.g. a sensor array
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/0047 Organic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/497 of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/10 responsive to calamitous events, e.g. tornados or earthquakes
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/22 responsive to presence or absence of persons

Abstract

An electromechanical device is disclosed, referred to herein as a “detector arm”. It is useful for locating humans, either living or dead, who are trapped in a structure such as a building that collapsed or was badly damaged in an earthquake, mudslide, bombing, or other disaster. This device includes an extendible mechanical arm which is equipped with a gas inlet device, a miniature video lens and light source, and preferably at least one microphone, all mounted at or near the “distal” end or tip of the detector arm. Various wires, cables, and a gas inlet hose are tied to or otherwise supported by the detector arm, allowing the wires and hose to be coupled to supporting devices, such as a video display, audio amplifier, and multi-component gas detector. The supporting devices can be affixed to the handle of the detector arm, or they can be carried (along with a battery pack) in pouches or pockets in a harness, vest, or similar device worn by the person carrying the detector arm. The detector arm assembly is lightweight and portable, allowing a human operator to carry and maneuver it during a rescue or recovery operation inside a collapsed building or similar environment.

Claims

1. An electromechanical assembly useful for locating survivors and corpses trapped in a damaged structure, comprising:

a. an extendible pole assembly which can be retracted when not in use, and which can be extended during use by a human operator, and having at least one handle segment and at least one tip segment;

b. means for reversibly affixing at least one video lens to the tip segment, during use, in a manner which establishes a known directional orientation of the video lens with respect to the handle segment;

c. means for reversibly affixing at least one light source to the tip segment during use;

d. means for reversibly affixing at least one microphone to the tip segment during use.

2. The electromechanical assembly of

claim 1

, which also comprises a gas inlet hose

3. The electromechanical assembly of

claim 1

, which also comprises a wiring harness.

4. The electromechanical assembly of

claim 1

, wherein the handle segment allows a gas detector device to be affixed thereto.

5. The electromechanical assembly of

claim 1

, wherein the handle segment allows a video display device to be affixed thereto.