WEARABLE DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hemorrhage from vascular injuries in the proximal extremities, pelvis, and abdomen is extremely difficult to treat. While the treatment of such injuries is challenging when they occur in civilian populations, they are even more difficult to treat in combat situations. While improvements in body armor have reduced mortality from combat injuries to the chest, the incidence of penetrating injuries to the extremities and their associated mortality remain high. It has been estimated that a well-designed battlefield tourniquet could potentially prevent 10% of all combat deaths due to exsanguinating peripheral vascular wounds. While it is gratifying that recent robust efforts have developed to create better tourniquets for treatment of these wounds, there remains a very important subset of lower extremity wounds in the region of the groin that cannot be treated with traditional tourniquets. Although the exact percentage of these wounds is unknown, both military and civilian reports detail the challenges in controlling ongoing hemorrhage of vascular injuries in this anatomical area especially in the pre-surgical time period.

Clearly, wounds to the groin, pelvis, and abdomen are complex and may involve several systems either alone or in combination, including major vascular structures, the bony pelvis, solid organs such as the liver and spleen, and even hollow organ injury to the bowel and bladder. Wounds directly involving isolated major vascular structures above the level of the femoral artery and vein such as the iliac artery and veins are most challenging to treat followed by complex bony pelvic injuries from high velocity penetrating trauma resulting in complex arterial and lower pressure venous bleeding similar to those of blunt pelvic injuries experienced in a civilian trauma center.

Lastly even injuries involving isolated major vascular injury at or just above the inguinal ligament pose a tremendous field challenge in creating hemostasis. The femoral artery is usually palpable at the level of the inguinal ligament. Despite this, the ability to control bleeding by application of direct pressure by either the injured combatant or by others including fellow soldiers or medic aides will usually not suffice especially if rapid manual transport must take place. Controlling hemorrhage by application of direct manual pressure may be particularly challenging in cases where there is no large tissue defect allowing for packing and more pressure in closer proximity to the injured vessels. In fact, currently the only way to address this is by exploring the wound site, locating the artery and clamping it with hemostats. For deeper vascular injuries to the pelvis and abdomen, exploration is not an option until the time of surgery.

Similarly, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to “restart” the heart of an injured patient is frequently necessary in emergency situations. During the period of time when a heart is not beating, and until it regains the ability to do so, it is imperative that respiration (i.e., lung inflation and deflation) be maintained so that blood circulation continues. It is especially essential to maintain blood circulation to the heart and brain during this time, or serious irreversible damage can occur. Even when a trained first aid provider performs chest compressions in these circumstances, blood flow in the victim may still be well below normal (e.g., 20-30%).

In emergency medicine, the golden time refers to a time period lasting from a few minutes to several hours following a traumatic injury, during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical treatment will prevent death. It is well established that a patient's chances of survival are greatest if they receive care within a short period of time after a severe injury.

There is an ongoing need to provide adjunct therapies and devices that can aid in the control or maintenance of blood flow, or to prevent blood loss, during emergency situations, including, for example, those that may require CPR. It would be therefore of great benefit to have a device that could provide aid during such emergency situations, and that could be automatically (or manually) deployed in a quick and straight forward manner. It would be especially desirable to have available a device that is 1) wearable and that would be able to do one or more of the following: 2) control bleeding, 3) assist with CPR, 4) stabilize all, or part of, the body, 5) provide buoyancy, 6) create a water tight seal, 7) allow for oscillating and/or massaging pressure applications, 8) communicate current health status information, and/or 9) detect an impact and provide impact location information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features devices and methods for the minimization of hemorrhage caused by impact with an object. In particular, the invention features devices and methods for controlling bleeding from severed or damaged peripheral blood vessels. The methods and devices may be used to stabilize a patient (e.g., for transport or in cases where medical attention cannot be provided immediately). The methods and devices can be used to stabilize a patient by, e.g., controlling bleeding from a damaged vessel and/or by providing stabilization of a broken or fractured bone. Also, the methods and devices may be used to assist in increasing perfusion pressure to the heart and brain in a number of disease states, such as hemorrhagic shock, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention features an impact or physiological stimulus detection device. This device includes:

(a) one or more sensors for detecting an impact or physiological stimulus;

(b) two or more bladders, each of the bladders comprising an aperture providing communication from an interior of the bladder to an exterior of the bladder;

(c) an inflation system for inflating the bladders comprising (i) an air pump or a cartridge comprising a gas or gas-generating agent and ii) a valve or flow restrictor, wherein the air pump or cartridge is fluidly coupled to the bladders by at least one airtight channel comprising the valve or flow restrictor; and

(d) a triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system in response to a signal from the one or more sensors, wherein at least one surface of the two or more bladders is contacted by an elastic material that can resist expansion of greater than 500% (e.g., 400%, 300%, 200%, or 100%) against a pressure of less than 400 mm Hg, such as less than 350 mm Hg, 300 mm Hg, 250 mm Hg, 200 mm Hg, 150 mm Hg, and 100 mm Hg.

In some embodiments, the sensor detects the impact by detecting a change in pressure or conductivity.

In other embodiments, the sensor is a piezoelectric system (e.g., a piezoelectric film), a network of fluid-carrying airtight channels, and/or a conductive material (e.g., a network of conductive mesh or layers of material with different conductivity levels).

In certain embodiments, the airtight channel is a network includes one or more airtight channels (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, fifteen or more, twenty or more, thirty or more, fifty or more, one hundred or more) that connect each of the bladders of the inflation system to the air pump or cartridge.

In some embodiments, the device includes two bladders.

In other embodiments, the device includes more than two bladders (e.g., more than three, more than four, more than five, more than ten, more than twenty, more than thirty, more than fifty).

In certain embodiments, the gas is pressurized (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas).

In other embodiments, when activated by the triggering mechanism, one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders are inflated by the pressurized gas.

In certain embodiments, the cartridge of the inflation system includes the gas-generating agent (e.g., an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, a peroxide, or a superoxide).

In some embodiments, when activated by the triggering mechanism, one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders are inflated by gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas) evolved by the gas-generating agent.

In other embodiments, the first airtight channel network further includes an aperture and a valve or flow restrictor (e.g., a valve or flow restrictor which allows for about 2-10 psi of gas flow) controlling gas flow through the aperture and into the bladder(s).

In certain embodiments, the aperture and valve or flow restrictor are configured for manual inflation of one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders.

In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism is configured to activate the inflation system in response to a manual signal, thereby causing the bladders to inflate (e.g., to a pressure of between about 2-10 psi, such as, e.g., about 4.5 psi).

In other embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the one or more sensors are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads).

In certain embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the one or more sensors are connected by a wireless signal.

In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the inflation system are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads).

In other embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the inflation system are connected by a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further include:

(e) one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) information processing units connected to the one or more sensors, the information processing units being programmed to activate the device upon identification of an impact type.

In some embodiments, the information processing unit is programmed to activate upon identification (e.g., by the one or more sensors) of an impact that results in a hemorrhage.

In other embodiments, the information processing unit is further programmed to determine the location of the impact.

In certain embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further include:

(f) an amplifier (e.g., to amplify the signal generated by the sensors) connected to the impact detection system by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads); and/or

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(h) a programmable memory system (e.g., non-transitory read-only memory system) connected to the controller, the memory system including parameters in terms of signal amplitude of different impact types, and/or a data storage system (e.g., a flash memory based system) to record data from sensor inputs.

In some embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further include (i) a sealant system including a container having one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) enclosed compartments including a sealant.

In other embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further include (j) a triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system in response to a signal from the one or more sensors and causing release of the sealant.

In certain embodiments, the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system are the same.

In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system are different.

In other embodiments, the sealant is released proximal to, or at the site of, the impact.

In certain embodiments, the triggering mechanism activates the sealant system prior to, subsequent to, or concurrently with the inflation system.

In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the sealant system are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads) or a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, the sealant is a wound sealant (e.g., a biopolymer, a synthetic polymer, a biosynthetic composite, or a mixture thereof). In some embodiments, the wound sealant is one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more) of the wound sealants shown in Table 2.

In other embodiments, the container further includes a frangible seal. In certain embodiments, upon the activation by the triggering mechanism, or upon the impact to the device, breakage of the frangible seal releases the sealant.

In some embodiments, the one or more compartments further include one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) apertures communicating from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment and one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) valves or flow restrictors controlling fluid flow through the apertures.

In other embodiments, the one or more compartments are connected to an air pump or cartridge including gas or a gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to the one or more compartments by a second airtight channel network which is connected to the one or more valves or flow restrictors of the one or more compartments.

In certain embodiments, the gas is pressurized (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas).

In some embodiments, the cartridge includes the gas-generating agent (e.g., an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, a peroxide, or a superoxide) that can generate a gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas).

In other embodiments, the device includes a first layer including the one or more sensors and a second layer including the inflation system.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a third layer including the sealant system.

In some embodiments, the first layer further includes the sealant system.

In other embodiments, the second layer further includes the sealant system.

In certain embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further include (k) an energy source (e.g., to provide power to the sensors, a triggering mechanism, the inflation system, the information processing unit, amplifier, controller, memory system, sealant system, and/or other sensors). The energy source can provide power to the device for one or more days (e.g., 1-10 days or more) when in an inactive or monitoring state (e.g., the unit is turned off or in hover or record mode) or for one or more hours (e.g., 1-10 hours or more) when in an active state (e.g., auto action mode, manual action mode, or maintenance mode).

In some embodiments, the energy source includes a battery powered power supply (e.g., a rechargeable battery powered energy supply).

In other embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further include (l) a GPS unit (e.g., to identify the position of the device). In certain embodiments, the GPS unit is activated in response to a signal from the one or more sensors or a manual signal. In some embodiments, the GPS unit and the one or more sensors are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads). In other embodiments, the GPS unit and the one or more sensors are connected by a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, any of the foregoing devices further includes (m) a data transmitter (e.g., to transmit data from one or more sensors). In some embodiments, the data transmitter is activated in response to a signal from the one or more sensors. In other embodiments, upon the activation, the data transmitter transmits (e.g., to rescue personnel or the wearer of the device) status and/or identity information (e.g., about the object or individual wearing the device). In certain embodiments, the data transmitter and the one or more sensors are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads). In some embodiments, the data transmitter and the one or more sensors are connected by a wireless signal. In some embodiments, the data transmitter transmits data to a visual readout, such as a monitor (e.g., a computer monitor), a handheld device (e.g., a smartphone), or other visual display.

In other embodiments, the device is configured for use by a mammal (e.g., a human or dog). In some embodiments, the device is configured as an article of clothing (e.g., headgear, a skullcap, a glove, socks, shoes, a vest, a jacket, a shirt, an undershirt, an undergarment, underpants, pants, or a full body suit e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-1E). In certain embodiments, the device is configured for use with an inanimate object (e.g., an object filled with gas or an object filled with liquid).

In another aspect, the invention features a method of minimizing (e.g., reducing or eliminating) fluid loss from an object or individual (e.g., loss of blood by hemorrhage) caused by an impact. This method includes inflating one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders of any of the foregoing devices in response to the impact, whereby inflation of the bladders at the site of the impact minimizes the fluid loss by applying pressure at the impact site.

In some embodiments, the invention features a method of reducing fluid loss at an impact site by more than 50% (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) from the time of impact (e.g., after activation and inflation of the bladders). In some embodiments, the fluid loss diminishes by more than 50% (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) after at least 2 seconds (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds) from the time of impact (e.g., after activation and inflation of the bladders).

In some embodiments, the method further includes affixing the device to the object or individual prior to the impact. In other embodiments, the method further includes affixing the device to the object or individual after the impact.

In certain embodiments, any of the foregoing methods further include generating a signal by the impact detection system in response to the impact. In some embodiments, the signal activates the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system, thereby inflating one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders. In other embodiments, any of the foregoing methods further include releasing sealant at the impact site.

In certain embodiments, the impact is a puncture or a penetration injury. In some embodiments, the fluid loss is a loss of blood, oil, or gas.

In other embodiments, the device is configured to be worn by an individual, which may be a mammal (e.g., a human or a dog).

In certain embodiments, the impact is caused by a bullet, a knife, a bomb, shrapnel, a blunt force, or an animal bite. In some embodiments, the impact site is an arm, a leg, the torso, the hips, the shoulders, the head, or the neck.

In other embodiments, the device is configured for use with an inanimate object (e.g., an inflatable raft, a canister, a barrel, a vehicle, a backpack, or a boat). In some embodiments, the inanimate object is filled with a liquid or a gas.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for restricting movement in a mammal (e.g., a human or a dog) injured by an impact including inflating one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders of any of the foregoing devices, whereby inflation of the one or more bladders restricts the movement of the mammal and/or stabilizes the mammal.

In some embodiments, inflation of one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders occurs in response to a manual signal. In other embodiments, any of the foregoing methods further include inflating one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders at one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) non-impact sites.

In certain embodiments, the non-impact site is an arm, a leg, the torso, the hips, the shoulders, the head, or the neck.

In some embodiments, one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders inflate at a single non-impact site. In other embodiments, one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders inflate at a plurality of non-impact sites.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of minimizing (e.g., reducing or eliminating) fluid loss from an object or individual (e.g., loss of blood by hemorrhage). This method includes:

i) affixing a device including (b) two or more (e.g., three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) bladders to the object or individual; and

ii) inflating one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders in response to an impact, wherein the bladders are capable of applying pressure at an impact site, thereby minimizing (e.g., reducing or eliminating) fluid loss from the object or individual (e.g., loss of blood by hemorrhage).

In some embodiments, the device further includes: (a) one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) sensors capable of detecting the impact.

In other embodiments, the bladders include an aperture providing communication from the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the bladder and a valve or flow restrictor (e.g., a valve or flow restrictor which allows for about 2-10 psi of gas flow) controlling gas flow through the aperture and into the bladder(s).

In certain embodiments, the device further includes: (c) an inflation system including an air pump or cartridge including gas or a gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to the two or more bladders by a network of airtight channels which is connected to each flow restrictor.

In some embodiments, the device further includes: (d) a triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system in response to a signal from the one or more sensors and causing the bladders to inflate.

In some embodiments, the method further includes generating a signal in response to the impact, in which the signal is generated by the impact detection system.

In other embodiments, the method further includes activating the triggering mechanism, in which the activating results in the inflation of one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders.

In certain embodiments, the sensor detects the impact by detecting a change in pressure or conductivity. In some embodiments, the sensor is a piezoelectric system (e.g., piezoelectric film), a network of fluid-carrying airtight channels, and/or a conductive material (e.g., a network of conductive mesh or layers of material with different conductivity levels).

In other embodiments, the network of airtight channels includes one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, fifteen or more, twenty or more, thirty or more, fifty or more, one hundred or more) airtight channels that connect each of the bladders of the inflation system to the air pump or cartridge.

In certain embodiments, the network of airtight channels includes one or more airtight channels (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, fifteen or more, twenty or more, thirty or more, fifty or more, one hundred or more).

In some embodiments, the device includes two bladders.

In other embodiments, the device includes more than two bladders (e.g., more than three, more than four, more than five, more than ten, more than twenty, more than thirty, more than fifty).

In certain embodiments, the gas is pressurized (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas). In other embodiments, when activated by the triggering mechanism, one or more of the bladders are inflated by the pressurized gas.

In certain embodiments, the cartridge of the inflation system includes the gas-generating agent (e.g., an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, a peroxide, or a superoxide). In some embodiments, when activated by the triggering mechanism, one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders are inflated by gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas) evolved by the gas-generating agent.

In other embodiments, the first network of airtight channels further includes an aperture and a valve or flow restrictor (e.g., a valve or flow restrictor which allows for about 2-10 psi of gas flow) controlling gas flow through the aperture and into the bladder(s).

In other embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the one or more sensors are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads).

In certain embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the one or more sensors are connected by a wireless signal.

In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the inflation system are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads).

In other embodiments, the triggering mechanism and the inflation system are connected by a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes:

In some embodiments, the information processing unit is programmed to activate upon identification of an impact that results in a hemorrhage or fluid loss.

In other embodiments, the information processing unit is further programmed to determine the location of the impact.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(h) a programmable non-transitory read-only memory system connected to the controller, the memory system including parameters in terms of signal amplitude of different impact types, and/or a data storage system (e.g., a flash memory based system) to record data from sensor inputs.

In some embodiments, the device further includes (i) a sealant system including a container having one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) enclosed compartments including a sealant.

In other embodiments, the device further includes (j) a triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system in response to a signal from the one or more sensors and causing release of the sealant.

In certain embodiments, the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system are the same. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system are different.

In other embodiments, the sealant is released proximal to, or at the site of, the impact.

In certain embodiments, the triggering mechanism activates the sealant system prior to, subsequent to, or concurrently with the inflation system.

In other embodiments, the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the sealant system are connected by a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, the sealant is a wound sealant (e.g., a biopolymer, a synthetic polymer, a biosynthetic composite, or a mixture thereof). In some embodiments, the wound sealant is one or more (two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more) of the wound sealants shown in Table 2.

In some embodiments, the one or more sealant-containing compartments further include one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) apertures communicating from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment and one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) valves or flow restrictors controlling fluid flow through the apertures and out of the compartments.

In other embodiments, the one or more sealant-containing compartments are connected to an air pump or cartridge including gas or gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to the one or more compartments by a second airtight channel network which is connected to the one or more valves or flow restrictors of the one or more compartments.

In certain embodiments, the gas is pressurized (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas). In some embodiments, the cartridge includes the gas-generating agent (e.g., an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, a peroxide, or a superoxide).

In other embodiments, the device includes a first layer including the one or more sensors and a second layer including the inflation system. In certain embodiments, the device further includes a third layer including the sealant system. In some embodiments, the first layer further includes the sealant system. In other embodiments, the second layer further includes the sealant system.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes (k) an energy source (e.g., to provide power to the sensors, a triggering mechanism, the inflation system, the information processing unit, amplifier, controller, memory system, sealant system, and/or other sensors). The energy source can provide power to the device for one or more days (e.g., 1-10 days or more) when in an inactive or monitoring state (e.g., the unit is turned off or in hover or record mode) or for one or more hours (e.g., 1-10 hours or more) when in an active state (e.g., auto action mode, manual action mode, or maintenance mode).

In some embodiments, the energy source includes a battery powered power supply (e.g., a rechargeable battery powered power supply).

In other embodiments, the device further includes (l) a GPS unit (e.g., to provide the location of the device). In certain embodiments, the GPS unit is activated in response to a signal from the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the GPS unit and the one or more sensors are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads). In other embodiments, the GPS unit and the one or more sensors are connected by a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes (m) a data transmitter (e.g., to transmit data from one or more sensors). In some embodiments, the data transmitter is activated in response to a signal from the one or more sensors. In other embodiments, upon the activation, the data transmitter transmits status (e.g., to rescue personnel) and/or identity information (e.g., information about the object or individual wearing the device). In certain embodiments, the data transmitter and the one or more sensors are connected by leads (e.g., wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads). In some embodiments, the data transmitter and the one or more sensors are connected by a wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, the device is configured for use with an inanimate object (e.g., an object filled with gas or an object filled with liquid).

In certain embodiments, the device includes a valve or flow restrictor system, or a component for creating a vacuum (e.g., a vacuum pump), that is configured to deflate one or more of the two or more bladders (e.g., to allow for oscillation (repeated filling and deflating, e.g., in random order, in an ordered sequence, or substantially simultaneously) of the bladders).

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured as a shirt, jacket, vest, pants, or full bodysuit for use by a human and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting an impact;

(b) two or more bladders, each of the bladders comprising an aperture providing communication from the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the bladder and a valve or flow restrictor controlling gas flow through the aperture;

(c) an inflation system comprising an air pump or cartridge comprising a gas or gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to said two or more bladders by a first airtight channel network which is connected to each of the flow restrictor(s); and

(d) a triggering mechanism for activating said inflation system in response to a signal from the one or more of the sensors and causing the bladders to inflate, in which the triggering mechanism is configured to activate the inflation system in response to a manual signal, thereby causing the bladders to inflate.

In some embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(e) an information processing unit connected to one or more of the sensors, the information processing unit being programmed to activate the device upon identification of an impact type, in which the information processing unit is further programmed to determine the location of the impact;

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(i) a sealant system comprising a container having one or more enclosed compartments comprising a sealant;

(j) a triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors and, when activated, causing release of the sealant, in which the sealant is released proximal to, or at the site of, the impact;

(k) an energy source (e.g., to provide power for the sensors, inflation system, a triggering mechanism, the information processing unit, the sealant system, the data transmitter, and/or one or more other sensors);

(l) a GPS unit, wherein the GPS unit is activated in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors; and

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured as a full body suit for use by a human and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting an impact;

(b) two or more bladders, each of the bladders including an aperture providing communication from the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the bladder and a valve or flow restrictor controlling gas flow through the aperture;

(c) an inflation system comprising an air pump or cartridge comprising a gas or gas-generating agent, wherein the air pump or cartridge is connected to the two or more bladders by a first airtight channel network which is connected to each flow restrictor; and

(d) a triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors and causing the bladders to inflate, in which the triggering mechanism is configured to activate the inflation system in response to a manual signal, thereby causing said bladders to inflate.

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

In some embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(i) a sealant system comprising a container having one or more enclosed compartments comprising a sealant;

(l) a GPS unit, in which the GPS unit is configured to be activated in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors; and

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured for use with an object filled with gas (e.g., an inflatable boat) and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting an impact;

(c) an inflation system comprising an air pump or cartridge comprising a gas or gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to the two or more bladders by a first airtight channel network which is connected to each flow restrictor; and

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(i) a sealant system including a container having one or more enclosed compartments comprising a sealant;

(k) an energy source; and

(l) a GPS unit, wherein said GPS unit is activated in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors.

In some embodiments, the device further includes the following:

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured for use with an object filled with liquid (e.g., an oil tank) and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting an impact;

(c) an inflation system including an air pump or cartridge comprising a gas or gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to the two or more bladders by a first airtight channel network which is connected to each flow restrictor; and

(d) a triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors and causing said bladders to inflate, in which the triggering mechanism is configured to activate the inflation system in response to a manual signal, thereby causing the bladders to inflate.

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(i) a sealant system including a container having one or more enclosed compartments comprising a sealant; and/or

In some embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(l) a GPS unit, in which the GPS unit is configured to be activated in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors; and/or

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured for use as an immersion survival suit for use by a human and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting an impact;

(d) a triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system in response to a signal from the one or more of the sensors and, when activated, causing the bladders to inflate, in which the triggering mechanism is configured to activate the inflation system in response to a manual signal, thereby causing the bladders to inflate.

In some embodiments, the device is configured to create pressure (e.g., to create a water tight seal) around the neck or extremities (e.g., around the cuffs at the wrists or ankles). The pressure applied around the neck and/or extremities is less than 11 psi, 5 psi, 2 psi, 1 psi, or 0.5 psi.

In other embodiments, the device includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(i) a sealant system comprising a container having one or more enclosed compartments comprising a sealant; and/or

(l) a GPS unit, in which the GPS unit is configured to be activated in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors; and/or

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured for use as a breast pump by a mammal (e.g., a human) and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting contact with breast tissue;

(b) two or more bladders (e.g., two to ten bladders), each of the bladders comprising an aperture providing communication from the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the bladder and a valve or flow restrictor controlling gas flow through the aperture;

(d) a triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors and, when activated, causing the bladders to inflate, in which the triggering mechanism is configured to activate the inflation system in response to a manual signal or activation of the one or more sensors, thereby causing the bladders to inflate.

The breast pump device may have the form generally similar to that shown in FIG. 1F.

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

In some embodiments, the device may further include a vacuum (e.g., to assist in extracting breast milk from the breast tissue) and/or an external container (e.g., to collect breast milk). Breast pumps utilizing vacuums and external containers are well known in the art. Any known vacuum or external container may be used in connection with the device of the invention.

In other embodiments, the device includes a valve or flow restrictor system, or a component for creating a vacuum (e.g., a vacuum pump), that is configured to deflate one or more of the two or more bladders (e.g., to allow for oscillation (repeated filling and deflating, e.g., in random order, in an ordered sequence, or substantially simultaneously) of the bladders during use of the breast pump).

In another aspect, the invention features a device configured for use as a blood pressure monitor for use by a human and comprising:

(a) one or more sensors capable of detecting physical contact with a body part (e.g., an arm) inserted into the device;

In other embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

(g) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller including an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

In some embodiments, the device further includes:

(m) a data transmitter, in which the data transmitter is configured to be activated in response to a signal from one or more of the sensors and, upon activation, the data transmitter transmits status, such as blood pressure information. In some embodiments, the data transmitter transmits data to a visual readout, such as a monitor (e.g., a computer monitor), a handheld device (e.g., a smartphone), or other visual display.

In an embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the device is capable of maintaining the pressure of one or more of the bladders for a period of time (e.g., 1-10 hours or more, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours).

The data transmitter may receive information from a blood pressure sensor for detecting the blood pressure of the human. The blood pressure sensor may be a separate component of the device or it may be integrated with the information processing unit. If separate from the information processing unit, the blood pressure sensor may be configured to communicate information regarding the blood pressure status of the human to the information processing unit, which provides that information to the data transmitter. Alternatively, the blood pressure sensor may be configured to communicate information regarding the blood pressure status of the human directly to the data transmitter.

The device may take the form of a blood pressure cuff, e.g., one that is configured to fit around, e.g., an arm. The device may be configured to detect the blood pressure of the human, e.g., during and/or after inflation of the one or more bladders and/or while one or more (or all) of the bladders are deflating. The inflation system of the device may be configured to inflate the two or more bladders so as to apply a pressure of between 100-200 mm Hg (e.g., 150 mm Hg or less) to the arm of the human (e.g., around or near the brachial artery). The device may be configured to inflate to this pressure within about 10-60 seconds. The device may further include a valve or flow restrictor system, or a component for creating a vacuum (e.g., a vacuum pump), that is configured to deflate one or more of the bladders during use of the blood pressure device (e.g., at a pressure of about 2-3 mm Hg per second). Alternatively, the bladders may be configured to deflate at a pressure of about 2-3 mm Hg per second once the inflation system is disengaged (e.g., after inflation to a pressure of between 100-200 mm Hg).

In some embodiments, the device as described above may comprise multiple (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) layers. These layers may be integrated into a single layer.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the device comprises an elastic material that substantially restricts relative vertical or horizontal displacement of the bladder(s) after inflation. The elastic material may be rubber, such as latex. Once inflated, the elastic material restricts the relative vertical or horizontal displacement of the bladders, so that the bladder(s) moves no more than 100 cm (e.g., 50 cm, 10 cm, 5 cm) relative to its initial position after inflation. In some embodiments, the elastic material exerts a force of 1-500 mm Hg (e.g., 220-440 mm Hg) against the impact site after inflation. The elastic material may reinforce the durability of the bladders. In some embodiments, the bladders are made from rubber, such as latex, and is held fast by the elastic material. In some embodiments, the elastic layer restricts vertical or horizontal movement of the bladders by compartmentalization. For example, the bladders may be sewn into the elastic layer to restrict movement.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, each component of the device is modular and can be added or removed.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a visual feedback device (e.g., an LED device) which is:

(a) is configured to display features detected by the one or more sensors; or

(b) is configured to display a stored energy level or battery level of the device.

In some embodiments, the visual feedback device further comprises a geolocation device configured to transmit the location of the device, such as to a third party, first responder, or medical aide.

The geolocation device may be configured to transmit data about the sensors following detection of an impact or physiological stimulus.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the sensors may be triggered by a physiological stimulus that is selected from the group consisting of: blood flow, skin or body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. The sensors may sense the physiological stimulus by electrocardiography or pulse oximetry. The sensors detect rupture of device or a garment of the device and may be placed near an organ or organ group. The sensors can be activated at a predetermined stimulus threshold. The stimulus threshold can be tuned to activate at a selected pressure (e.g., a pressure of from about 10 psi to 300 psi).

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the energy source that powers the device as described above is produced by an energy harvesting material, such as an energy harvesting fabric (e.g., piezoelectric fabric) that converts kinetic energy to storable energy.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, a bladder can function as a chest seal.

In some embodiments of the device, the valves or flow restrictors restrict the time of inflation to less than 60 seconds (e.g., 30 seconds, 10 seconds, or a range from 1-60 seconds).

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the device further comprises a transmitter for communicating with a peripheral device. The transmitter may be configured for wired or wireless communication to the peripheral device. The invention comprises a system of the device and a peripheral device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, or digital information processing device). The peripheral device may be programmed with a software application that allows the peripheral device to receive data from the device, such as data collected from the sensors. The peripheral device may be operated by a first responder, a medical aide, the wearer of the device, or any other third party.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of minimizing fluid or gas loss from an inanimate object or hemorrhage from a subject caused by an impact, comprising inflating one or more of the bladders of the device or system in response to an impact, such that inflation of the bladders at the site of the impact minimizes the fluid or gas loss or hemorrhage, by applying pressure at the impact site.

In some embodiments of the method, the activation of the system further restricts the movement of the subject. The impact may trigger release of a gas or a gas-generating agent in the system, whereby the gas inflates one or more of the bladders or the gas-generating agent evolves gas that inflates one or more of the bladders.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for restricting movement in a mammal injured by an impact by inflating one or more of the bladders of the device system, in which the inflation of the bladders restricts the movement of the mammal.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises affixing the system to an inanimate object or a subject prior to an impact.

The method may comprise generating a signal by the system in response to an impact that activates the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system, in order to inflate one or more of the bladders. The device can also further comprise releasing a sealant at the impact site.

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention are used in situations where:

(a) the impact is a puncture or a penetration injury caused by a bullet, a knife, a bomb, shrapnel, a blunt force, and/or an animal bite;

(b) the system in configured for use with the inanimate object, in which the inanimate object is selected from the group consisting of an inflatable raft, a canister, a barrel, a vehicle, a backpack, or a boat;

(c) the system is configured as an article of clothing that covers the torso or is selected from the group consisting of headgear, a skullcap, a glove, socks, shoes, a vest, a jacket, a shirt, an undershirt, an undergarment, underpants, pants, or a full body suit; and/or

(d) the impact site is an arm, a leg, the torso, the hips, the shoulders, the head, or the neck of the subject.

The methods described above may further comprise the following features:

(a) the inanimate object is filled with the liquid or gas; and/or

(b) the liquid is oil; and/or

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the inflation of the bladders occurs in response to a manual signal.

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention further comprise inflating one or more of the bladders at one or more impact or non-impact sites (e.g., an arm, a leg, the torso, the hips, the shoulders, the head, or the neck).

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the device further contains:

(a) the one or more sensors detect the impact by detecting a change in pressure or conductivity;

(b) the sensor is a piezoelectric system, a network of fluid-carrying airtight channels, and/or a conductive material;

(c) the gas is pressurized and is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen or is a non-flammable and/or inert gas; and/or

(d) the gas-generating agent is an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, a peroxide, or a superoxide; and/or

(e) the first airtight channel network further comprises an aperture and a valve or flow restrictor controlling gas flow through the aperture; and/or

(f) the triggering mechanism and the one or more sensors or the inflation system are connected by leads or by a wireless signal.

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention further comprise:

(i) a piezoelectric system comprising a piezoelectric film and/or the conductive material comprises a network of conductive mesh or layers of material with different conductivity levels; and/or

(ii) leads that are wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, or metal pads.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises:

(g) one or more information processing units, each of the one or more units independently connected to the one or more sensors and being independently programmed to activate the system upon identification of an impact type and to determine the location of the impact; and/or

(h) an amplifier connected to the system by leads selected from the group consisting of wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads; and/or

(i) a controller connected to the amplifier, the controller comprising an analog to digital converter and a compare circuit; and/or

(j) a programmable non-transitory read-only memory system connected to the controller, the memory system comprising parameters in terms of signal amplitude of different impact types, and/or a data storage system to record data from sensor inputs; and/or

(k) a sealant system comprising a container having one or more enclosed compartments comprising a sealant; and/or a triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system in response to a signal from the one or more sensors, whereby activation of the triggering mechanism causes the sealant to be released; and/or

(l) an energy source, a GPS unit, and/or a data transmitter.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

(a) one or more information processing units that are programmed to activate upon identification of an impact that results in the fluid or gas loss or hemorrhage; and/or

(b) the sealant is a wound sealant selected from the group consisting of a biopolymer, a synthetic polymer, a biosynthetic composite, and a mixture thereof, or the sealant is selected from one or more of the wound sealants shown in Table 2; and/or

(c) the one or more compartments further comprise one or more apertures communicating from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment and one or more valves or flow restrictors controlling fluid flow through the apertures; and/or

(d) the energy source is a battery powered power supply or an energy harvesting fabric that converts kinetic energy into stored energy.

The information processing units may be independently connected to the one or more sensors and activate in response to the impact, thereby triggering release of a gas-generating agent or a pressurized medium that

i) inflates the one or more bladders; or

ii) promotes delivery of the wound sealant to the site of the impact.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects:

(a) the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the triggering mechanism for activating the inflation system are the same;

(b) the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system activates the sealant system prior to, subsequent to, or concurrently with the inflation system;

(c) the triggering mechanism for activating the sealant system and the sealant system are connected by leads or by a wireless signal, in which the leads are selected from the group consisting of wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, and metal pads; and/or

(d) the GPS unit following the impact activates in response to manual activation or a signal from the one or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the methods described above may further comprise releasing the sealant proximal to, or at the site of, the impact.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the container further comprises a frangible seal, in which the impact or activation of the triggering mechanism breaks the frangible seal, thereby releasing the sealant.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more compartments of the device are connected to an air pump or cartridge comprising gas or a gas-generating agent, in which the air pump or cartridge is connected to the one or more compartments by a second airtight channel network, which is connected to the one or more valves or flow restrictors of the one or more compartments.

In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, the device may further comprise:

(a) a gas that is pressurized and is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen or is a non-flammable and/or inert gas; and/or

(b) a gas-generating agent that is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, a peroxide, and a superoxide.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the system comprises a first layer comprising the one or more sensors, a second layer comprising the inflation system, and a third layer comprising the sealant system. The first layer and second layer may further comprises the sealant system.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the data transmitter:

(i) is activated in response to a signal from the one or more sensors and transmits status and/or identity information; and/or

(ii) is connected to the one or more sensors by leads selected from the group consisting of wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, or metal pads, or is connected by a wireless signal.

In some embodiments of the methods of the invention described above, inflation of the one or more bladders restricts the movement of the neck of the mammal (e.g., following a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury).

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1F are illustrations showing devices of the invention. FIG. 1A shows a device of the invention configured as clothing integrated into tactical gear. FIG. 1B shows a device of the invention configured as a suit. FIG. 10 shows a device of the invention configured as a vest. FIG. 1D shows a device of the invention configured as a wound dressing. FIG. 1E is a schematic showing a top cut-away view of a suit that includes a device (32) of the invention that is worn underneath a conventional military outfit by a military person, who is shown lying on the ground. FIG. 1F shows a device of the invention configured as a breast pump.

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing a front cut-away view of a device of the invention as a jacket (30) worn by a military person underneath conventional clothing.

FIG. 3A is an illustration showing a top view of the device of the invention integrated into a bullet resistant vest.

FIG. 3B is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an illustration showing a device of the invention integrated into a diver's wetsuit after an injury and before activation.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of the device of FIG. 4A after activation showing inflation of the bladders.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a cut-away view of a device of the invention configured for use on a rubber boat (the inset shows an exploded view of the device).

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing a cut-away view of a device of the invention configured for use on an oil tank (the inset shows an exploded view of the device).

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing a cut-away view of the device shown in FIG. 2. The inset shows an exploded view of the device, in which the different layers of the device (e.g., the inner layer, impact detection layer, wound sealant compartment layer, inflatable bladders layer, outer layer) are shown.

FIG. 8A is a cross-section view of the system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B is a schematic showing an exploded view of the device of FIG. 7 after an impact with an object that partially penetrates and destroys the various layers.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8D is a schematic showing an exploded view of the device of FIG. 8B after the wound sealant starts flowing to the site of the destruction.

FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 8D.

FIG. 8F is a schematic showing an exploded view of the device of FIG. 8C after the bladders inflate.

FIG. 8G is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing an illustrative view of an impact detection layer of a device of the invention transmitting the coordinates of the site of the impact to a controller.

FIG. 10 is a schematic showing a cross-sectional view of a selection of different bladder configurations for use in a device of the invention.

FIG. 11A shows an image of a representation of a central unit as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 11B is a detailed illustration of the central unit of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is an exploded view of the central unity of FIG. 11B showing internal components that may be incorporated into a device of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic showing a cut-away view of the device of the invention configured for use on a dog. The inset shows an exploded view of the device.

FIG. 13A is exploded view showing an impact detection layer of the invention that includes piezo-electric sensors.

FIG. 13B is an exploded view showing an impact detection layer of the invention including a layer of pressure sensitive conductive fabric with high electrical resistivity sandwiched between two layers of conductive fabric with low electrical resistivity. The polarity shown in FIG. 13B is solely for illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limiting.

FIG. 13C is an exploded view of the impact detection layer shown in FIG. 13B using more segmented individual patches of conductive fabric with low electrical resistivity. The polarity shown in FIG. 13C is solely for illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limiting.

FIG. 14 is a schematic showing an example of a piezoelectric cable for use in the devices of the invention.

FIG. 15 is flowchart that illustrates an example of a cascade of events that may occur when using a device of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic showing the wound sealant compartment layer that can be incorporated into a device of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic showing an illustrative view of the compressed medium compartment or gas generator and the connecting airtight channels and valves leading to a wound sealant compartment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic showing a top view of a selection of different geometrical bladder configurations for use in a device of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic showing an illustrative view of a central unit and its components including a 2-component wound sealant system.

FIG. 20 is a schematic showing a cut-away view of a device of the invention configured for use as a wound dressing. The inset shows an exploded view of the device in inactive and active forms. The device shown can also be used for stabilizing a patient during transportation (e.g., to a hospital) and as compression wear (e.g., as a suit for patients with orthostatic intolerance).

FIGS. 21A-21C are photographs depicting a device of the invention. FIG. 21A is a side view of the device. FIG. 21B shows three cut-away views of the device of FIG. 21A. FIG. 21C is a cut-away view of the device of FIG. 21A showing the internal components: pressurized medium container 98, energy source 96, central unit 74 (including a transmitter for wireless data transmission and communication), main valve system (e.g., a solenoid) 89, pressure sensitive conductive fabric 91, piezo-electric impact detection layer 90, and micro-inflatable compression layer (including a bladder network) 99.

FIGS. 22A-22H are photographs depicting a model applying a device of the invention. FIG. 22A is a front view prior to application of the device around the waist. FIG. 22B is a front view of the device being held by the model. FIG. 22C is a front view showing the model placing the device around their waist. FIG. 22D is a front view showing the device being secured to the model. FIG. 22E is a front view showing the device in place. FIG. 22F is a left side view of the model wearing the device.

FIG. 22G is a back view of the model wearing the device. FIG. 22H is a right side view of the model wearing the device.

FIGS. 23A-23D are images depicting an experimental setup showing functioning of a device of the invention. FIG. 23A is a photograph showing the device prior to placement. FIG. 23B is a photograph showing placement of the device on a box filled with water (representing a wearer of the device). FIG. 23C is a photograph of a gun used to shoot a bullet through the device and into the box.

FIG. 23D is a photograph showing the experimental setup for testing the device capabilities. Also depicted is a signal wirelessly being transferred to a handheld device (e.g., a smart phone or tablet), which provides updates on the status of the device and “wearer.” FIGS. 24A-24E are photographs showing time-lapse capture demonstrating the functioning of the device shown in FIGS. 23A-23E. FIG. 24A shows the device prior to impact with a bullet. FIG. 24B shows the device 0 seconds after impact. FIG. 24C shows the device 1 second after impact.

FIG. 24D shows the device 25 seconds after impact. FIG. 24E is a photograph showing the size of the impact produced after impact with a bullet.

FIG. 25 is an image showing that combat treatment according to the Conventional Manual Procedure for Combat Casualty Care (Field Manual Apr. 25, 2011) requires several minutes before active hemorrhage is under control and may require the assistance of additional personnel (e.g., “Buddy Aid”).

FIG. 26 is an image showing that a device of the invention is capable of controlling external bleeding within seconds (e.g., 30 seconds or less) and is fully automated.

FIGS. 27A-27J are images showing screenshots from an application programmed to execute on a peripheral device (such as a smart phone) that is connected (e.g., wirelessly) to a device of the invention. FIG. 27A is an image showing a homepage of a smartphone while FIG. 27B is an image showing the home screen of the application. FIGS. 27C-D are images showing a front and back view of the sensor regions on a vest of the invention. FIG. 27E is an image showing that an impact has been detected in the pectoral/chest area while FIG. 27F is am image showing an alert message that an impact has been detected. FIG. 27G is an image showing the sensor settings control. The user can selectively control the sensor threshold for when a bladder is activated and/or a distress signal is transmitted. The user can also disable the distress signal function with an on/off switch. FIGS. 27H-I are images showing emergency contact information. FIG. 27J is an image showing an SMS text message alert, generated after activation of the device.

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of the gas flow setup from a compressed gas medium in a cartridge to an inflatable bladder.

FIG. 29A is a diagram of a network of airtight channels that fill with compressed gas.

FIG. 29B is an image showing the bladder network in activated mode. The redundancy of the bladders show regions of overlap between adjacent bladders upon activation.

FIG. 30A is a diagram showing the device configured as vest that fits over the internal organs of the human body. The sensors can be located in regions near certain organs or organ groups.

FIG. 30B is an image showing the sensors arrangement in a device configured for use on the torso.

FIG. 31 is a diagram depicting the response of a smart system which sends out a distress signal to a third party. The device can then stabilize the wound and immobilize the user.

FIGS. 32A-32C are photographs showing that the central processing unit and gas cartridge medium can be worn on the sleeve and are removable. The unit houses all electronics, Bluetooth and wireless capabilities, mechanics and pneumatics. The device is removable to promote easy washability of the garment. FIG. 32A is a side view, FIG. 32B is a perspective view, and FIG. 32C is a top perspective view.

FIGS. 33A-33H are images showing multiple perspectives of the central processing unit and gas cartridge. In this design, there are 12 outlets with valves that flow into 12 bladder arrays on the shirt. FIG. 33A is an image showing a top view of the central processing unit and gas cartridge. The gas cartridge, piercing pin, pressure regulator, cover plate, outlets and connectors to the tubes, and micro servo are shown. The piercing pin is used to pierce through the sealed cartridge and provide flow. The micro servo rotates the valve in position for correct outlet, i.e. to direct the gas flow to the area in the shirt where the impact occurred. FIG. 33B is an image showing a perspective view of the CPU and gas cartridge, illustrating the detachable unit and the outlets to the valves. The detachable unit includes all electronics, communication (Bluetooth), and mechanics, and pneumatics. The unit is modular and a “click-on” design, and can be easily removed from the shirt, so that the shirt itself can be washed). In this drawing, there are 12 outlets with one-way valves that feed into 12 bladder arrays on the shirt. FIG. 33C is an image showing a side view of the central processing unit and gas cartridge. The gas cartridge, electronics component, cover plate, outlets and connectors to tubes which are integrated into the garment, electrical connector, and bottom plate, which is connected to the shirt, are all shown. FIG. 33D is an image as in FIG. 33C of a top view without the cover plates or electronics. The gas cartridge, piercing pin, which pierces through the sealed cartridge to provide gas flow, a pressure regulator, a main valve, outlets and connectors to tubes, a housing of a rotary valve, and micro servo are shown. The main valve is normally in the closed position, e.g., if there is no current, the main valve is in a “closed” position. The micro servo will rotate the valve in position for correct outlet, e.g., to direct the gas flow to the area in the shirt where the impact occurred. FIG. 33E is an image showing a top view without the cover plates or electronics, and it illustrates the direction of the gas flow through the main valve towards the outlets. The micro servo rotates the inner cylinder into position, so that the holes line up. In this drawing, there are 12 outlets, feeding into 12 bladder arrays on the shirt. FIG. 33F is an image showing a top view without the cover plates and electronics. Also, the housing of the rotary valve is moved to the right to allow an inside view of the valve. The rotary valve is a hallow shaft with side bores. FIG. 33G is an image as in FIG. 33F of a side view where the housing of the rotary valve is moved to allow an inside view of the valve. FIG. 33H is an image showing an alternative side view, such as in FIG. 33G.

FIG. 34A is an image showing the sensor arrangement in a device configured for use on the torso and the upper portion of the legs. The sensors are configured to identify a triggering event. The triggering event, such as an impact from, e.g., a projectile (e.g., a bullet or shrapnel), signals activation of remote triage and diagnostics features of the device, as well as activation of bladder inflation. The treatment component provides autonomous hemorrhage control following detection of a triggering event.

FIG. 34B is an image showing activation of an impact zone after sensor activation by a triggering event, such as an impact stimulus.

FIGS. 35A-35B are a table and a graph, respectively, showing how the sensors of the device can be used to generate information about the projectile causing a triggering event. FIG. 35A is a table showing the velocity at the target, the projectile weight, and the caliber of the bullet. FIG. 35B is a graph plotting velocity, on the ordinate, and time, on the abscissa.

FIG. 36 is a screenshot of a graphical user interface (e.g., a smartphone running an application) showing how the various physiological and sensor data of the device can be configured for presentation using, e.g., the ANDROID™ tactical assault kit (ATAK) platform. Specific details shown on the screen include projectile velocity, impact location, acceleration, orientation, respiration rate, heart rate, user information, and geolocation.

FIG. 37 is a schematic drawing of a device configured for use on the torso and upper portion of the legs. The device can be configured with materials that are reinforced at areas prone to significant blood loss upon injury (e.g., femoral arteries, axillary arteries, and stomach). Shown on the right is a heat map with a pressure scale indicating the pressure in mm Hg that could be exerted by the device on the indicated area. The pressure exerted by the device could be increased to a greater degree, e.g., at the regions most prone to significant blood loss.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention features a device that can be worn by an individual (e.g., a mammal, such as a human or a dog), devices for use with objects, e.g., inflatable objects, and devices for use with machines. In some embodiments, the device includes a networked layer of interconnected bladders that can be individually (or in groups) inflated and deflated. An additional pressure sensitive layer senses impacts to the device or penetration of objects through the device, which may pass into the body of the wearer or object, and triggers automatically the inflation of the bladders to seal off the site of penetration and maintains pressure on the site, e.g., until attention can be given to the wearer (e.g., emergency care) or object. The inflation of the device may also be triggered manually. The device features elastic materials that maintain the structural integrity of the device, while achieving a balance between rigidity required for wound pressure/immobilization and flexibility required to accommodate rapidly filling inflatable bladders. Furthermore, the device has been designed with enhanced modularity such that all components are easily removable.

The invention also generally relates to methods and devices for controlling bleeding from severed or damaged peripheral blood vessels. The methods and devices may be used to stabilize the patient (e.g., for transport or in cases where medical attention cannot be provided immediately). The methods and devices can be used to stabilize the patient by, e.g., controlling bleeding from a damaged vessel and/or by providing stabilization of a broken or fractured bone. Also, the methods and devices may be used to assist in increasing perfusion pressure to the heart and brain in a number of disease states, such as hemorrhagic shock, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest.

The devices of the invention may also be configured as a wearable garment (e.g., a vest, pants, sleeve, wrap, full-body suit, sock, helmet, glove, or brace). They may also provide an automated emergency treatment for controlling or reducing fluid loss (e.g., loss of blood byhemorrhage) in places where compression is needed but where a tourniquet is not desired or cannot be used or where control by manual compression may be difficult.

The device may minimize (e.g., reduce or eliminate) fluid loss from an object or individual (e.g., loss of blood by hemorrhage) caused by an impact. This includes inflating one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more) of the bladders the device in response to the impact, whereby inflation of the bladders at the site of the impact minimizes the fluid loss by applying pressure at the impact site.

The device may reduce fluid loss by 50% (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) at the site of impact from the time of impact, after activation and inflation of the bladders. The fluid loss may decrease by 50% (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) after 2 seconds (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds) from the time of impact, after activation and inflation of the bladders.

The device can be configured to act as a tourniquet, e.g., if a limb is severely wounded or lost (e.g., due to a bomb or other blast). Alternatively, or in addition, the devices of the invention may provide an automated stabilization system that can be used to stabilize all or a portion of the body (e.g., by restricting movement (e.g., for transportation purposes or when medical attention may be delayed), such as in the case of a broken or fractured bone). Alternatively, or in addition, the devices of the invention may provide buoyancy, for example, if used in a diving suit to keep an unconscious user afloat. The invention may also be used to immobilize a head, neck, or torso of a user, following a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

The devices of the invention may also include variants that can be used for sealing (e.g., to prevent or reduce leakage of fluids) and/or stabilizing damaged parts of a machine (e.g., a vehicle, such as a car or boat, and in particular the outer shell of a vehicle). Such devices may operate by repairing or stabilizing a damaged machine by, e.g., applying pressure to the damaged area and/or a sealant.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying description and drawings since the invention is capable of other embodiments or arrangement and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be deemed limiting.

Wearable Device for Humans

The devices of the invention when configured for humans can promote survival during the “golden hour.” After an object penetrates and damages the user's tissue and blood vessels the device can apply pressure to the site of the wound in order to reduce or stop the loss of blood. Preferably the user is wearing the device prior to receiving the wound. When damage to the user occurs, the system will automatically provide on-site treatment. The device may also be triggered manually (e.g., by the user or another person), and/or stabilize the entire body of the wounded person, e.g., for transportation purposes. The device may be a full body suit or it may be configured as a wearable garment, such as a vest, pants, sleeve, wrap, sock, helmet, glove, or brace.

In order to maximize the efficiency of the device, the system may be integrated into several different configurations, such as into a full-body suit, a vest, and a wound dressing (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A-1E). However, if desired, only selected areas of the body can be covered by the device, e.g., the device may be worn as a garment that covers only those areas of the body that are crucial for survival, e.g., the torso, neck, and/or groin (e.g., as a jacket shown in FIG. 2, or vest as shown in FIG. 3). Configuring the device to cover only a select area of the body will reduce the weight and will decrease the complexity of the device.

A device of the invention for human use may include one or more functional layers, including, for example, the following: an inner layer 60 and outer layer 68, an impact detection layer 62, an optional layer that contains the wound sealant 64, and a pressure (on the body of the user) generating layer that includes the bladders/balloons 66. The layers do not need to be separate units, but rather can be combined within one layer or system (e.g., combining the detection capabilities with the wound sealant delivery system as shown in FIG. 7). Also, if chosen, one can incorporate only one or multiple layers (e.g., one could only have the detection layer, or the detection and the bladder layer, or only the wound sealant layer).

In a preferred embodiment, a device of the invention is one that is capable of providing all functions, i.e., impact detection, wound sealant, and pressure generation. The functions may be controlled and powered by a “central unit” 74, which includes among other things, one or more of the following: electronics, such as a micro-processing unit 102 and a communication device 106, GPS unit 104, and/or body sensor, also, valve arrays 108, a pressurized medium container 98, and/or a gas generator, and a power source 96 (see FIGS. 7 and 11).

All functional layers, in a device of the invention, are integrated in a unit that can be worn as a vest 52, a jacket 30, as pants or as a full body suit 32 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 A&B). The outer layer can be made out of any garment, textile, rubber, leather, or other organic and/or inorganic material. The device may be provided in a form that can be worn separately (without any additional external clothing), or it may be integrated into other existing clothing or body protection system. Examples for existing wearable clothing into which the present system could be incorporated include: body armor (e.g., armored vest and/or suit); a uniform (e.g., uniforms of security and law enforcement personnel, such as, a police uniform or prison guard's uniform; motorcycle jackets, pants and suits; motorsport racing suits; other sport suits, such as skiing/snowboarding suits, watersport suits (e.g., diving suits); aerospace and aviation suits, and immersion survival suits.

If used with a diving or immersion survival suit (FIGS. 4 A&B), the system may be tailored to also provide buoyant force capabilities, and to provide a watertight seal around the neck or extremities (e.g., the cuffs of the arms and/or the ankles), to help a wounded and potentially unconscious user to stay afloat and increase the chance of survival. The pressure applied around the neck and/or extremities may be, e.g., less than 11 psi, 5 psi, 2 psi, 1 psi, or 0.5 psi.

Integrating part (or all) of the system into traditional working or conventional clothing might also allow a user, such as, e.g., a person with hemophilia, to carry out activities they might otherwise be restricted from doing.

The following section describes the function of the device for use with a human body 38 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). The general function and process steps are as follows: an object penetrates the outer layer and the functional layers (FIG. 8A-8G), which include an impact detection system, a wound sealant, and a bladder system. Preferably, the layers are arranged with the impact detection and wound sealant layers, if present, closest to the body, and the network 70 of bladders 72 on top of these layers, further away from the body.

The impact detection system identifies the location on the body where the impact 80 of an object occurred and may also determine the degree and severity of the impact. This data 82 is sent to an information processing unit (incorporated in “the central unit” 74), which triggers the release of a pressurized medium 76 (e.g., a gas, such as a non-flammable or an inert gas, in particular air, carbon dioxide, or argon), to the layer containing the wound sealant 78, if present and the layer including the bladder system. Only the region where the impact has occurred will be pressurized in order to direct the flow of wound sealant to this site and/or to inflate only bladders in this region. The object that penetrated the layer(s) of the device may have also destroyed part of the system (see, e.g., FIGS. 8B and 8C). The partial destruction of, e.g., the wound sealant layer creates an opening 80 through which the sealant can flow. This may occur once the wound sealant compartment layer is pressurized from the sides. The effect is similar to puncturing the side of a toothpaste tube, and pressurizing the (otherwise) enclosed tube. The toothpaste will follow the flow of least resistance, and will flow through the punctured hole. In this case, it is the wound sealant that will flow to the site of the destruction and the wound, e.g., see FIGS. 8D and 8E.

At the same time (or before or after), the bladders are pressurized in the area of the impact. The pressurized medium will inflate one or more bladders that were not destroyed through the impact, (e.g., see FIGS. 8F and 8G), and that are activated by the device. The bladders are very small when deflated (e.g., an area of about 10 mm×10 mm to 50 mm×50 mm, and 1 mm to 10 mm in thickness), but will increase significantly upon inflation (e.g., up to 10 cm×10 cm to 20 cm×20 cm and 1 cm to 10 cm in thickness). The bladders are connected within a network 70, e.g., a network of tubing or similar structure. Any airtight or semi-airtight network of channels will function as a type of tubing, such as laminating or tightly weaving together two fabrics. The flow resistance in the network is equal to or higher than the forces required to inflate the bladders. This will ensure that the area of the network that might be destroyed through the impact of the object will not act as the “path of least resistance” (which would cause the pressurized medium solely to “escape” through this site, without inflating remaining bladders in this area). However, choosing this simple method of higher resistance in the pressured medium feeding network, all remaining activated bladders will be inflated.

Another solution is to integrate a multitude of valves 86 (FIG. 10), which will direct the flow as envisioned, e.g., into “zones” around the device. By directing the flow only into particular zones, only the areas that sense an impact are inflated (FIGS. 34A and 34B). This ensures that gas or fluid is not wasted or directed into filling bladders away from an impact site, but is localized at the site of most urgent need. The flow can be directed to one or more zones of the device using dedicated outlets in the central processing unit/gas cartridge assembly (see, e.g., FIGS. 33A-33H). When the bladders inflate, their expansion movement is restricted by the outer (garment or similar) layer. This will ensure that pressure is built up towards the body and the site of the wound (FIGS. 8F and 8G). The pressure to be applied on the site of the wound should be approximately in the range of twice the blood pressure, i.e., around 220-240 mmHg (or 4.3-4.6 psi) over normal atmospheric pressure of 760 mmHg (or 14.7 psi), but may be as little as 100 mmHg to up to 400 mmHg (e.g., 350 mmHg, 300 mmHg, 250 mmHg, 200 mmHg, or 150 mmHg) depending upon the zone of injury. Because of the large dimensional increase of the bladder (e.g., increasing from 10 mm to 10 cm in diameter), they will seal off the site of the destruction (especially in combination with an optional wound sealant), applying continuous pressure to the wound.

The pressure inside the balloon will depend on the type of material, and the thickness and geometry used in order to allow for such an increase in size, but will typically be around 20 psi. Depending on the design choice however, balloons similar to the ones used in angioplasty may be used as well, with nominal pressures typically ranging from 90-120 psi.

The information processing unit may also trigger the transmission of data, such as an emergency beacon signal, that may be used to indicate the location of the user, e.g., using a global positioning module incorporated into the device. It may also process data from body sensors (e.g., to measure heart rate, etc.), if integrated.

In case of an electrical system malfunction, or if desired by the user or another person, the device can also be activated using a manual override. The manual override can be used to trigger all or a part of the system. For example, a rip cord 84 (FIG. 11) having a handle attached thereto may be positioned on a front portion of the vest/suit and connected with the valve system of the pressurized medium, such that the person wearing the device can manually open the valve to release the pressurized medium therefrom. Hence, the rip cord may facilitate manual activation of the system.

In case of a malfunction of the pressurized medium system, it is possible to manually inflate the bladder layer and to pressurize the wound sealant layer compartment or both. This can be done by using an external pump, or by orally “blowing” into the inlet valve 88 (e.g., see FIG. 7 and FIG. 11), similar to a procedure of inflating a life jacket. Examples of this type of component may be the model V73000 (a breather tube and relief valve with dust cap, which is designed for applications requiring oral filling and pressure relief for overpressure protection) manufactured by Halkey-Roberts, of St. Petersburg, Fla., or the equivalent.

All functions may have at least one additional backup system. For example, in a scenario with a backup system, there would be one or more additional information processing units, one or more additional containers with pressurized medium, and/or one or more additional inlet networks to connect to the wound sealant compartment and the bladders.

As discussed below, the layered system approach could also be used for completely different purposes, not only for humans, but also for other living species or manmade objects or other entities, e.g., as a protection layer 34 on ships 36 (FIG. 5) or oil tanks (FIG. 6), which could seal off entry sites caused through an impact.

The device can be fabricated with modular components. All components (e.g., layers, sensors, bladders, processing units, gas cartridges, and other accessories or additional components) can be easily removed in modular fashion. For example, the central processing unit may be removed such as in FIG. 33. If a component breaks or is damaged through use or through normal wear and tear, it can be removed or replaced. Furthermore, components can be separated from the device so the fabric of the device (e.g., the wearable garment) can be washed.

Wearable Device for Animals

Animals in warfare have a long history starting in ancient times. From ‘war dogs’ trained in combat to their use as scouts, sentries and trackers, their uses have been varied and many continue to exist in modern military usage and in civilian police practice.

To increase the chance of survival for animals in case of tissue damaging object penetration, the device embodiment previously described for human usage may be tailored to allow for usage on animals, e.g., a multi-functional-layer system, including an impact sensor layer, a wound sealant layer (if desired), and a compression layer.

The device may be worn by itself as a type of vest, or can also be integrated into existing systems, such as an armored vest, e.g., as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,049, or the canine vest INTRUDER™ (K9 Storm, Winnipeg, Canada).

FIG. 12 illustrates a vest on a canine.

Device for Use with Inflatable Objects

The functionality and operability of an inflatable object, such as an inflatable raft, may be greatly reduced upon partial or full destruction of its segments. Often, even a partial destruction of segments can lead to a critical reduction of the overall structural integrity of an inflatable object.

The proposed embodiment for use with inflatable objects may include an impact detection layer, a layer with a sealant (e.g., a liquid polymer sealant), which is tailored to the materials which may be sealed (e.g., polyurethane-coated nylon) and the surrounding environment (e.g., sea water, working temperature, etc.). The embodiment may also include a layer that exhibits pressure on the site of destruction, which may be also used to increase, e.g., buoyant forces. In addition to the layers, a central unit that processes the sensor input signals, activates the sealant, and the pressure/buoyant system, and triggers information transmission (e.g., distress signal, status of location, status of the amount of damage taken) may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates a device embodiment configured for an inflatable object.

Device for Use with Machines (e.g., vehicles)

The device of the invention may also be configured for usage with any type of machine or object where “sealing off” of a leak may be envisioned, e.g., sealing off an oil tank's wall or a ship's side wall upon penetration by another object (see e.g., FIG. 6).

Functional Layers

Now that the device and examples of its use have been generally described, the following provides a detailed description of the components and parts of the devices and systems of the invention.

Bladders

The bladders may be made from the elastic materials as described above (e.g., latex) and arranged in a one, two, or three dimensional array (FIGS. 8A-8G and 10). The bladders may be made of a material that can expand, for example, up to 100× of the starting size (e.g., 90×, 80×, 70×, 60×, 50×, 40×, 30×, 20×, 10×, 9×, 8×, 7×, 6×, 5×, 4×, 3×, 2×). The elastic material may have a high or low elastic modulus, depending on the material used. Depending on the location of the bladders, the material may have differential elastic properties in different areas of the material or device or may be reinforced to reduce the amount of expansion allowed by the material. For example, the elastic modulus may be lower for bladder(s) located at the core and/or torso of a person wearing the device, and higher and more flexible for bladders located in the extremities that require more freedom of movement. The bladders may be positioned to be partially or fully overlapping when uninflated. Alternatively, the bladders may not overlap at all. The bladders may be sealed in a film, which can break open once they inflate. The bladders may also be wrapped in a fabric to avoid direct contact with the skin of the user. The bladders may lay flat in the deflated state. The bladders may be preattached on fabric bands and sewn into the wearable device. The tube (e.g., latex tubes) connected to the gas source (e.g., CO₂) may also be sewn into the fabric band or the device. When inflated, the bladders are configured to expand and may be positioned adjacent to each other. The bladders can be designed such that if one or more of the bladders are punctured during an impact, other neighboring bladders can expand to fill in the area as needed to provide pressure at a hemorrhage site. The bladders can range in size (e.g., in diameter from 1 cm to 500 cm, e.g., 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 m, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm, 100 cm, 200 cm, 300 cm, 400 cm, 500 cm, or more). Based on input received from impact detection sensors, only specific bladders may be inflated in particular zones upon detection of a stimulus. This enables the gas or fluid to flow directly to the necessary bladders to stop blood loss without filling bladders that are not needed to stop the blood loss because they are located in a peripheral area. Different bladders may be designed to fill to different predetermined pressure thresholds (e.g., 100-450 mm Hg, e.g., 150 mmHg, 200 mmHg, 250 mmHg, 300 mmHg, 350 mmHg, or 400 mmHg) depending on where they are located in the device and the nature of the impact detected.

Inner Layer

The inner layer is closest to the torso and should provide a sufficient comfort level to the user, i.e., it should be able to transfer body heat and moisture and help keep the body at a comfortable temperature level. Any known garment can be used for this layer. For functional consideration the layer is typically designed to be light weight so as not to encumber the wearer. (e.g., materials such as Spandex may be used). Synthetic fabrics that may be used in the devices of the invention include, but are not limited to, polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, spandex (e.g., LYCRA®, ELASPAN®, and ACEPORA®), GORE-TEX®, MEMBRAIN®, TEVENT®, HYVENT®, and KEVLAR®.

In regards to thermal properties, the design must consider the thermal insulation needs of the wearer. In hot situations, the inner layer should allow the wearer to stay cool; while in cold situations, it should help the wearer to stay warm.

The entire system should also be able to transfer sweat away from the skin, using, for example, moisture transferring fabric. Spandex (e.g., LYCRA®) is a popular material used as a base layer to soak up sweat. For example, in activities such as skiing and mountain climbing this is achieved by using layering: moisture transferring materials are worn next to the skin, followed by an insulating layer, and wind and then water resistant shell garments. A similar approach may be used for particular configurations of the device of the invention. The inner layer may be easily removed from the rest of the device to make it easier to wash.

Outer Layer

The outer layer may also include a durable material, such as a polymer mix, cloth (such as cotton, wool or others), leather, or any material described for use with the inner layer of the devices of the invention. It may also include next generation materials, such as nano-fiber based garments. It has been designed in a way that it supports the build-up of pressure on the body, upon inflation of the bladders. Also the garment may be designed to allow for a certain “stretch”. The outer layer also protects the inner layers from environmental influences. Depending on the overall design, the layers can be directly integrated into a garment or protective clothing (body armor, diving suit, etc.). Also, if desired, the outer garment may be chosen, to act as body armor itself, e.g., it may be made out of high performance fibers, which offer ballistic protection. Examples include products from Kevlar, but also new materials, such as artificial spider silk, nanocomposites, and carbon fiber woven from carbon nanotubes. The device may also include pockets, e.g., that are designed to hold hard armor plates/ballistic plates. Armored garments are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,882, herein incorporated by reference. The outer layer may comprise pockets in which hard plastic or protective armor components may be placed. The outer layer may also be more heavily reinforced in more vulnerable areas (e.g., near the heart).

The outer layer may include straps, hooks, clips, zippers, velcro elements or similar, to allow for an easy adjustment and tightening of the device to the body of the wearer. The outer layer may be easily removed from the remainder of the device to make it easier to wash the various components of the device (e.g., a garment or fabric layer). The outer layer should be durable to withstand a variety of weather and natural elements, (e.g., wind, rain, snow, sleet, mud, and sand). The outer layer or another layer may be used to wrap the bladders for enhanced durability.

The outer layer can be made of an elastic material that maintains structural integrity while also permitting dynamic flexibility. The material allows for expansion upon inflation of the bladders of the device, yet are sufficiently rigid so as to resist overexpansion. The material of the outer layer is strong and durable, such that when the bladders inflate the elastic material then opposes the bladder expansion to exert a force against the bladders, which then allows the bladders to exert a force on an injured area.

In general, at least one surface of the bladder is contacted by an elastic material that can resist expansion of greater than 500% (e.g., resist expansion of greater than 400%, 300%, 200%, 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%) against a pressure of less than 500 mm Hg (e.g., 400 mm Hg, 300 mm Hg, 200 mm Hg, 100 mm Hg, 50 mm Hg). In some instances, this may also prevent the bladders from over expanding and rupturing.

When the bladders inflate, the bladders remain in the same location, for example, to stop hemorrhage at a specific location or impact site. Thus, the elastic material holds the bladders in place and allows them to exert a force on the injured area.

The elastic material also maintains the relative spatial orientation and configuration of the inflated bladders, thereby substantially restricting the relative vertical or horizontal displacement of the bladder(s) after inflation. The vertical or horizontal displacement of the bladder(s) can be measured in distance (e.g., centroid of an inflated bladder moves no more than 100 cm, 90 cm, 80 cm, 70 cm, 60 cm, 50 cm, 40 cm, 30 cm, 20 cm, 10 cm, etc.) from a predetermined reference point, such as the centroid of an adjacent bladder, or a fixed spot on the device.

The elastic material may be made out of any suitable material that permits some stretching. The material may be made of, e.g., rubber, such as latex or silicone. The elastic material may be made out of the same materials as the inner layer, as described above. The elastic material may be a combination or weave of multiple fabrics or homogenous in nature. The elastic material can be configured to exert a force of up to 500 mm Hg on the wearer following inflation of the bladders. For example, the pressure required to stop the flow of blood is approximately twice the natural blood pressure. Thus, a pressure of 220-440 mm Hg is exerted on the wearer of the device at a specific location, as a result of the inflation of the bladder(s).

The bladders may be made from the elastic materials as described above. The bladders may be made of extremely expandable materials that can expand, for example, up to 100× of their starting size (e.g., 90×, 80×, 70×, 60×, 50×, 40×, 30×, 20×, 10×, 9×, 8×, 7×, 6×, 5×, 4×, 3×, 2×).

The elastic material may have a high or low elastic modulus, depending on the material used. The material may have differential elastic properties in different areas of the material or device. For example, the elastic modulus may be lower around core and torso bladder(s), and higher and more flexible in the extremities that require more freedom of movement. The elastic material may be in part interwoven with the outermost layer of the device for enhanced elastic properties of the outermost shell and increased durability and ruggedness of the elastic layer.

The elastic material may be a compression garment, such as a removable compression garment. The elastic material may function similar to a compression garment or bandage. Compression garments have predetermined amounts of compressive pressure at discrete locations to maintain both flexibility and rigidity. Examples of compression garments can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,007, which is herein incorporated by reference. The compression garment can exert a force on the wearer, for example, between 1-200 mm Hg (e.g., 150 mm Hg, 100 mm Hg, 90 mm Hg, 80 mm Hg, 70 mm Hg, 60 mm Hg, 50 mm Hg, 40 mm Hg, 30 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg, 10 mm Hg, 9 mm Hg, 8 mm Hg, 7 mm Hg, 6 mm Hg, 5 mm Hg, 4 mm Hg, 3 mm Hg, 1 mm Hg).

The elastic material may restrict the movement of the inflated bladders by compartmentalizing the bladders. For example, the elastic material can be composed of small pockets in which the bladders can be placed or sewn. The bladders may be compartmentalized into zones on the device (See FIG. 30). This can help restrict the vertical or horizontal movement of the bladders and maintain their local position near a defined anatomical area (e.g., head, neck, lower back, torso, or kidney) or near the impact area.

The outer layer can be modified to provide a predetermined pressure on specific areas of the body to prevent hemorrhage at particularly sensitive areas (e.g., areas of major veins or arteries). By enhancing and reinforcing various regions for increased localized pressure, the device can more effectively stop hemorrhage at critical areas. For example, the outer layer of the device may contain material that exhibits increased rigidity and/or decreased outward expansion so as to impart increased pressure on areas of the body, such as the heart, stomach, axillary arteries, or femoral arteries (FIG. 37). The pressure exerted on the area can range from 10 mm Hg to 400 mmHg (e.g., 20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 50 mmHg, 60 mmHg, 70 mmHg, 80 mmHg, 90 mmHg, 100 mmHg, 125 mmHg, 150 mmHg, 175 mmHg, 200 mmHg, 225 mmHg, 250 mmHg, 275 mmHg, 300 mmHg, 325 mmHg, 350 mmHg, 375 mmHg, or 400 mmHg). The outer layer can also be configured to respond to an impact stimulus by exerting a predetermined pressure on a certain area following identification of the nature of the impact (e.g., bullet velocity, size) and injury (e.g., wound area, severity of wound) detected in order to prevent hemorrhage. The pressure ranges of the reinforced material may be, for example, as described in Table 1:

TABLE 1

Pressure Ranges

Area
Pressure Range

Heart
200-300 mmHg

Stomach
250-350 mmHg

Axillary arteries
225-275 mmHg

Femoral arteries
300-350 mmHg

Pectoral
175-275 mmHg

The materials of the device may be similar to the pressure garments described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,194,041 and 5,003,630, which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the outer layer may be a single ply of flexible micro-porous material that can be configured and seamed to completely envelop the user's body at a selected region or zone. The bladder may be restrained externally against outward expansion by an outer covering of woven fabric or the like. By pressurizing the bladder, appropriate pressure is applied to the wearer's body. Additional layers of fabric materials may be employed, separately or as laminates with the micro-porous material, to provide improved comfort and/or durability, as needed.

Impact Detection System

A purpose of the impact detection system is to determine if a wearer has been hit by a projectile, or any other object. It may also detect where on the body (of the wearer) the impact occurred. The system will especially record hits that cause destruction of the outer (and inner) garment (or body armor, etc.) and that penetrate body tissue (e.g., causing hemorrhage). The impact detection system is comprised of one or more impact detection sensors.

There are multitudes of technical solutions that can be envisioned for this layer, e.g., using piezoelectric modules, fluid carrying tubes (also integrated within the wound sealant layer), a conductive mesh incorporated into the garment of the inner layer, or other. Some of these solutions are described in more detail below.

Piezoelectric Systems

Piezoelectric systems 90 may be incorporated into the invention as an impact detection system, (e.g., see FIG. 13A). An example of a piezoelectric system suitable for use in the invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,752, incorporated herein by reference.

An example of an off-the-shelf product is the multi-purpose piezoelectric sensor LDT1-028K (Measurement Specialties, Inc., Hampton, Va.), which can be used to detect physical phenomena, such as vibration or impact. The piezofilm element is laminated to a sheet of polyester and produces a useable electrical signal output when forces are applied to the sensing area. The dual wire lead 92 attached to the sensor allows a circuit or monitoring device to process the signal. Another example is the sensor PZ-01 (Images SI Inc., Staten Island, N.Y.). These sensors are laminated; a 125 μm polyester layer is laminated to a 28 μm or 52 μm piezo film element. When used in a “bending” mode, laminated film elements develop much higher voltage output when flexed than a non-laminated element series. The neutral axis is in the laminate instead of in the film so the film is strained more when flexed. The capacitance is proportional to the area and inversely proportional to the thickness of the element.

FIG. 13A illustrates a layer of piezoelectric film, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coated with thin metalized layers, connected to suitable electrical leads held in place, for example, by means of a double-sided adhesive. The overall thickness of the layer of piezoelectric film is approximately 0.3 mm.

Also, the piezoelectric material can be encased in a protective jacket (e.g., urethane).

In case of a piezoelectric system, one can envision a layer of piezoelectric film as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,752, e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coated with thin metalized layers, connected to suitable electrical leads. Deformation of the piezoelectric film caused by an impact to the sensor vest produces an electric signal which varies in amplitude depending on the force of the impact. The impact signal is carried over leads to an operational amplifier which in turn feeds the impact signal to a micro-controller over wire. The micro-controller receives the impact signal as an input from a voltage regulator.

Within the micro-controller there is an analog to digital converter circuit and a compare circuit. The analog to digital converter circuit changes the impact signal from a vest sensor from an analog signal to a digital signal, which is sent over wire to the compare circuit. The compare circuit is also connected to a programmable read-only memory (PROM) circuit by wire. Contained within the PROM are the parameters defining the limits of the amplitude of a digital signal created by an object impact and the body coordinates, which can be used to determine the location of the impact. These parameters are compared with the signal received from vest sensor in the compare circuit and, when a match is found, a signal is sent over wire to trigger the controlled release of the compressed medium to the wound sealant layer and/or the bladders at the location desired.

Also included in the control module may be a radio frequency (receiver and) sender, the purpose of which is to send signals, such as a distress-signal, (e.g., to friendly units, first responders, other police officers, other prison guards, etc.). In addition, a global positioning device may be used to determine the location of the vest and generate a signal corresponding to that location. The global positioning device may transmit the location signal when an impact signal is generated. More sensors may be integrated into the layers, such as, sensors for measuring the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, or moisture level. The information generated from these additional sensors may be recorded on a data storage system (e.g., a flash memory based system) and/or may also be transmitted.

As can be seen from the above description, the sensor layer is responsive to impact forces, and through the deformation of the piezoelectric film, sends an impact signal to control module that compares the amplitude of the impact signal with preprogrammed amplitudes of impact signals. When a match is found, a signal is sent to trigger the activation of the (wound) sealant flow, the inflation of the bladder, and/or a distress signal informing others that the vest wearer has been hit by an object.

The pressure sensing layer can be composed of several distinct plates of piezoelectric material such that the location of the impact can be detected with more particularity, (e.g., see FIG. 13A).

Another example of a piezoelectric system suitable for use in the invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,201, incorporated herein by reference. The device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,201 relates to bullet-proof vests and, more particularly, to such vests having the capability of selectively providing distress and warning signals to remote locations. The apparatus described includes: a vest having an outer sensing layer, an inner sensing layer and a central layer disposed between the inner sensing layer and the outer sensing layer; in which the inner sensing layer and the outer sensing layer respectively initiate an impact signal and a penetration signal when they are respectively subjected to an impact above a predetermined level; a transmitter adapted to broadcast a signal notifying that at least one of an impact signal and a penetration signal is generated; a global positioning device for determining the location of the apparatus and generating a signal corresponding to that location; and means for actuating the global positioning device to transmit the location signal when one of the impact signal and the penetration signal is generated.

Certain design elements from U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,201 can be incorporated in the present invention, such as the multi-layer approach for impact sensors, as well as the incorporation of a GPS, body sensors for temperature, heart rate, pressure, and tilt, and a radio distress signal sending unit. Preferably, several independent segments (rather than just one, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,201) are used to detect the location of the impact more precisely. Also, rather than having an impact dispersion layer between the inner and outer sensing layer, the previously described wound sealant layer 64 and the inflatable bladders layer 66 are sandwiched between those layers, (e.g., see FIG. 3). If combined with, e.g., body armor, the impact dispersion layer will be kept in place between the inner and the outer sensing layer.

Using a multi sensor layer approach, the sensing layer is a first sensing layer, the device further comprising a second sensing layer attached to the protective layer opposite the first sensing layer; the distress signal varies on whether the first sensing layer sends an impact signal, whether the second impact layer sends an impact signal, or whether both sensing layers send impact signals; the impact signal may vary depending upon the strength of the impact.

By incorporating a similar technology in the devices of this invention, using several segments of this inner and outer sensing layer, one can detect the location of the impact more precisely. The signal generated by the impact can then trigger the activation of the gas generator and/or the release of the compressed medium to start the wound sealant flow or to inflate the bladders in the desired area or both. In addition, a distress signal and the location of the wounded person, as well as information regarding the condition of the wounded person may be broadcast.

In another embodiment of the invention, piezo-cables (e.g., see FIG. 14) are used, such as the model PZ-07 (SI Inc., Staten Island, N.Y.). The cables are woven into the other layers. Designed as a coax cable, the piezo polymer is the “dielectric” between the center core and the outer braid. When the cable is compressed or stretched, a charge or voltage is generated proportional to the stress. Piezo cable has a number of advantages in certain applications. Due to its coaxial design, the cable is self-shielded, allowing its use in a high EMI environment. The piezo cable can be spliced to passive coax, using standard coax splice techniques. It is extremely rugged and will stand up to heavy loads.

The sensors can be modified in terms of their threshold level of sensitivity. For example, the device could be configured so that a pressure sensor would not activate and fill the bladders upon a small vibration or minor application of force. However, upon detection of a major force, the sensors would activate. This threshold level can be precisely controlled by the system and controlled, e.g., by use of an application running on a peripheral device or by adjusting the sensitivity through a visual feedback device integrated into the device (e.g., so that activation occurs only upon application o the threshold or greater pressure, for example a pressure of 1-100 psi). For example, a minor force may be a small tap on the vest, or a vibration experienced after travelling over a road bump. A major force may be an impact from a projectile or fall off a vehicle. A user may predetermine the threshold of a major or minor force and calibrate or tune the system to these preferences.

The user may also use differential zone pressure thresholds to vary the sensor threshold in different regions of device. For example, a user may wish to set a higher force threshold (e.g., 20 psi) for their torso, and a lower force threshold for the head (e.g., 10 psi), such that a lower impact force on the head would send a distress signal, but the same impact force on the torso would not send a distress signal. This can also be configured based on the zones of sensors, as shown in FIG. 30.

Fluid Carrying Tubes

Another method that can be employed to detect impact on the pressure sensing layer is a weave of conductive, fluid-carrying tubes. An example of such fluid-carrying tubes is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,378, incorporated herein by reference. The described apparatus senses impact and activates a transmitter to send a recorded message. The apparatus comprises a vest which is constructed using woven tubing, wherein the tubing generally forms a tight mesh throughout the vest. Any airtight or semi-airtight network of channels will function as a type of tubing, such as laminating or tightly weaving together two fabrics. The tubing is connected with a reservoir of electrically conductive fluid; thus, the fluid fills the tubing and reservoir. Moreover, the fluid communicates with a pair of leads for maintaining a constant and low-level electrical contact there between.

The woven tubing is covered with cloth and a hardening substance, such as epoxy; wherefore, the tubing will break when the vest receives a significant impact. When the tubing is broken, the fluid escapes from the tubing and breaks the electrical contact between the leads, thereby activating a transmitter to send a recorded message. In addition, a position sensor is attached to the transmitter for activating the transmitter to send the recorded message when the apparatus is maintained in a non-vertical position for a predetermined period of time.

The methodology described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,378 can be tailored to be used with the wound sealant system/layer instead of one or more fluid-carrying tubes. The wound sealant may be an electrically conductive fluid. The fluid communicates with a pair of leads to maintain a constant, low-level electrical contact there between. When the layer is broken, the fluid escapes from the tubing/layer and breaks the electrical contact between the leads, whereby a transmitter is activated, triggering the signal transmission and the pressurizing of the wound sealant compartment and the bladders layer. This approach helps in further simplifying the overall system, reducing complexity and the amount of parts required, and decreasing the overall weight.

The multiple layers of the device may be are integrated into a single layer such that distinct barriers are not required between various components of separate layers.

Conductive Mesh

Another way of detecting a disruption of layers is by weaving electrical conductive material into the garment (e.g., micro wires or conductive thread, such as the 6-ply thread with low resistivity of about 4 Ohms per linear foot (Cat. #DEV-10120, SparkFun Electronics, Boulder, Colo.)). This can be used to create, e.g., a mesh, that can be used to produce a coordination system (see, e.g., FIG. 9) that allows the identification of an impact site. The wires are shielded and protected from the environment and are linked via leads to the controller unit. The leads may be wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, or metal pads. One may also use conductive fabrics with low resistivity, such as the copper coated polyester “Pure copper Polyester Taffeta” (Cat. #A1212, 0.05 Ohm/sq resistivity, Less EMF Inc., Latham, N.Y.) or “Stretch”, a silver plated nylon/elastic composition (Cat. #A321-ac, Less EMF Inc.). In addition to fabric with low resistivity, one also requires pressure sensitive ESD materials with high resistivity to construct the impact detection layer. “Pressure sensitivity” refers to materials that exhibit a decrease in resistance as pressure on the material increases. Examples are carbon-impregnated polyolefin “Velostat” conductive film (Product #1704, volume resistivity <500 Ohms/cm, 3M Electronic Products Division, Austin, Tex.) or Ex-Static (Cat. #A1209, 10{circumflex over ( )}5 Ohm/sq resistivity, Less EMF Inc.) or “Quantum Tunneling Composite” (Cat. #A253, 63 MOhm resistivity for a 4×4×1 mm piece, Less EMF, Inc.), or others.

The impact detection layer is sandwiching the pressure sensitive layer 116 in-between two conductive layers with low resistivity 114, (e.g., see FIGS. 13B and 13C). The upper and the lower layer have opposite polarity and are connected to the energy source and the micro controller. The sandwiched layer 116 has a very high resistivity so that no current can flow between the outer and the inner layer. Once an impact occurs, and the layers get compressed by the impact, the resistivity of the pressure sensitive layer declines and allows for a current to pass through. The layers act as a fabric pressure sensor. As the inner and outer conductive layers 114 are setup in a matrix-like manner, one can simply identify the x and y coordinates where the impact occurred, as well as the strength of the impact. If the impact by the fragment was high enough to penetrate the layers, the signal received by the central processing unit will be at a maximum. Depending on the level of the impact the central processing unit will trigger the previously described cascade of events (see also FIG. 15).

Sealant Layer

The device of the invention may incorporate a sealant layer. The sealant layer may be an encapsulated system. For example, the tubing/reservoirs may form a sealed network for containing the fluid/wound sealant. As previously described, the electrical conductivity properties of this system can be also used for detecting the impact. The wound sealant layer is preferably designed in a shape that allows for transpiration and makes it comfortable to wear. The layer has to be geometrically flexible in order not to restrict any body movements of the wearer. For instance, one can envision a design as shown in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 16, which illustrates a flexible grit-like layer with holes that allow for a breathable system. It may be made out of a polymer-based material, and may have more than one layer (e.g., one inner layer that allows for sealing off the wound sealant, and an outer layer to protect against environmental influences).

In use, once the wearable system receives a significant impact, which would be sufficient to break the wound sealant layer/tubing, a signal is triggered, while the wound sealant is released from the tubing and communicating reservoir. Additionally, a rip cord can be manually pulled to initiate the inflation of the bladders and the flow of sealant. In case the electrical conductivity of the sealant is used for detection purposes, as the fluid is lost from the tubing or associated reservoir, the constant electrical contact is broken between the leads.

The encapsulated wound sealant system 64 will have one or more inlets that are sealed off via a valve 86 or similar, FIG. 16. One can also envision a seam, that opens up once pressurized from the side, e.g., as described in European Patent Application No. 20070795363. A frangible seal of the container may burst when squeezed thus allowing the components in the container to mix within the container. Once the trigger signal is received, a unit containing pressurized medium (e.g., inert gas), or a miniature gas generator, will release the medium through the inlet into the encapsulated wound sealant layer/reservoir. In case of a reservoir being in use, one can also envision a hollow cylinder, which contains a movable inner cylinder that separates the hollow cylinder in two compartments, one containing the wound sealant, while the other one will have the pressurized medium coming in, once triggered, e.g., FIG. 17. Once the pressurized medium flows into that compartment, the volume and pressure increases, which will move the separating cylinder-segment towards the wound sealant containing compartment, and by this pressurizing the same. The wound sealant will follow the path of least resistance and flow to and out of the site where the damage/disruption of the layer/tubing occurred. In case the wound sealant comprises two or more components, which require separate storage, and which need to be “mixed” upon usage, one can envision two or more reservoirs, connected via a valve system, which leads to a “unifying tube” that mixes the components and leads to the network of tubes, i.e., to the wound sealant layer, FIG. 17.

The wound sealant may be directly coated directly onto the fabric of the wearable device or sandwiched between layers. Thus, upon penetration or rapture of a given layer, the wound sealant is directly applied to an area of need without the need for a triggering mechanism.

Also this layer may have a backup system in place, i.e., if one pressurizing unit fails, or the inlet has been destroyed or malfunctions, another unit will pressurize the wound sealant layer, using additional inlets. If chosen, one or more pressurizing units can be also used at the same time, to enhance the wound sealant delivery speed to the site of the impact.

European Patent No. 2040997 and others discuss a multiple compartment pouch with frangible seal, including a polymeric film, multiple-compartment container having an internal frangible seal comprising a curved portion and variable width with a maximum width near the portion of the curve having the smallest radius of curvature. This device may be used for confining a fluid and related beverage container with a re-closable fitment for storing and delivering two different flavored liquids or the like. The frangible seal of the container will burst when sustained squeezed thus allowing the components in the container to mix within the container.

Sealant

Configuration for Mammals

There are several types of would sealants that may be used with the devices of the invention. Several of these are described in detail below and others are well known in the art. Wound sealants 78 may be broadly defined as any biomaterial that, when applied, can react and adhere to underlined tissues via physiochemical or biological reactions to provide desired functions. Specifically, a wound sealant may attach to a tissue by molecular cross-linking or through mechanical interlocking with the underlying tissue. Wound sealants are also referred to as tissue sealants, adhesives and glues in the literature.

The wound sealant has to be designed in a way that allows it to be able to flow to the site of wound, once the wound sealant layer compartment is pressurized, and to start crosslinking in situ. Examples can be liquid collagen-based wound sealants, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,031. The wound sealant can be in a dry, liquid, or even foam-like state. Peng et al. describe further details and examples of wound sealants in their publication “Novel wound sealants: biomaterials and applications” (Expert Rev Med Devices 7(5):639-59, 2010). According to Peng et al., wound sealants broadly fall into three types (biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and biosynthetic composites) with multiple forms. Commercially available and clinically studied materials may be categorized as solid sheets normally known as dressings, solid particles, powders, fibers, hydrogels, liquid tissue sealants, and dispersions, made from natural or synthetic polymers, ceramics and their combinations. Examples are (see Table 2): fibrin-based sealants, sprayable-foam fibrin sealants, dry fibrin sealants, collagen sealants, gelatin sealants, albumin sealants, keratin sealants, mussel-derived sealants, biological glues, polysaccharides, such as chitosan sealants, alginate glue, chondroitin sulfate glue, synthetic biomaterials, such as cyanoacrylate, polyurethane, dendrimer-based sealants and biologically inspired sealants, composite biomaterials, such as two-polymer hydrogels, and multicomponent systems.

TABLE 2

Classification of wound sealant biomaterials in surgery (Peng

et al., Expert Rev Med Devices 7(5): 639-59, 2010).

Material

form
Surgical functions
Examples

Biopolymers
Fibrin
Hemorrhage control, wound closure and
Fibrin liquid sealants (Tisseel ®,

liquid and
tissue anastomoses, fixation of bone
Crosseal ®) and foam, dry sheet,

solid
fractures
powder with different fibrinogen and

sealants

thrombin compositions

Collagen
Hemostasis for general surgery,
Bovine microfibrillar collagen,

mixture
retroperitoneal injuries
bovine thrombin, suspension mixed

an equal volume of plasma during

application (CoStasis ®) [dagger]

Hemostasis in adenoidectomy spine
Collagen particle-thrombin

surgery; for example, cervical anterior
suspension (Proceed[trademark])

discectomy with fusion, lumbar

decompression with fusion

Gelatin
Hemostasis in a variety of surgical
Gelatin particle-thrombin

solution
procedures and anatomical sites, including
suspension (FloSeal ®)[double

and
femoral bypass, carotid endarterectomy,
dagger]

dispersion
cardiac valve replacement and

cardiopulmonary bypass grafting, partial

nephrectomies, nephrolithotomy,

endoscopic sinus surgery and

transphenoidal pituitary surgery

Vascular anastomosis, pneumostasis
Gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde §

Closure of skin wounds
Gelatin-genipin/carbodiimide/epoxy

Albumin
Vascular anastomosis, wound closure,
Albumin-glutaraldehyde (BioGlue ®)

solution
bone fixation

Hemostasis
Albumin laser solders without

indocyanine green

Tissue welding
Albumin solder with genipin

Chitosan
Hemostasis in lingual bleeding
Chitosan

solution,
Nerve anastomosis
Chitosan and crosslinker

gel and film

(indocyanine green or genipin)

Hemostasis in carotid artery, seal lung air,
Photo-crosslinkable chitosan with

skin wound closure
azide and lactose moieties

Sealing arterial puncture sites
Microcrystalline chitosan gel

Closure of sclera lacerations
Chitosan film without laser welding

Synthetic
Liquid
Superficial wound closure and
Cyanocrylates

polymers
Sealants
approximiation

Tissue bonding
Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-

methylenebisacrylamide siloxane

Two
Inhibiting suture line bleeding
PEG sealants: tetra-succinimidyl

separation

and tetra-thiol-derivatized PEG

solutions

(CoSeal ®)

Closure of ileostomy
PEG sealants: tetra-succinimidyl

and amine PEG (SprayGel

[trademark])

Incisional cerebrospinal fluid leak after
PEG sealants: tetra-succinimidyl

posterior fossa surgery; retina
PEG and tri-lysine amine (DuraSeal

reattachment; nerve anastomosis; vascular
[trademark])

closure

Sealing of fluid leaks
PEG sealants: polyesterpolyol

acylates and benzophenone

Sealing of pulmonary air leak, hemostasis
Polyethylene glycol)-co-

in anastomotic bleeding; wound closure
trimethylene carbonate-co-lactide

(Mr 20,000) with acrylated end

groups/eosin Y[dagger]

(FocalSeal ®)

Sealing of pulmonary air leakage
Polyethylene glycol)-co-poly(a-

hydroxy acid) diacrylate macromers/

2,2-dimethoxy-2-

phenylacetophenon[dagger]

(AvdaSeal ®)

Acute aortic dissection
Poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(a-

hydroxy acid) diacrylate macromers

Pre-
Bone fixation
Acrylic resins

polymer

Epoxy resins

Solution

Polymethymethacrylates

Bone fixation, sealing of vascular graft,
Polyurethanes

hemostasis

Synthetic
Gels
Partial nephrectomy repair, wound closure
SynthaSeal [trademark]

polymers
Solid
Sealing bleeding bone surface
75 wt % of glycerol-ogliolactic-co-

glycolic acid (Mw 1000) and 25%

PEG (Mw 800)

Tissue bonding
Lactic acid -caprolactone ogliomers

Biosynthetic
Liquid
Hemostasis in spleen bleeding
Gelatin-poly(l-glutamic acid) with

composites
Solution

water-soluable carbodmiides

Soft-tissue adhesion
Gelatin-polyacrylic acid with water-

soluable carbodmiides

Hemostasis- and anastomosis-aid in
Benzophenone-derived gelatin and

laparotomy, abdominal and thoracic aortas
PEG diacrylate

Solid
Closure of vascular incision
A poly(l-lactic-co-glycoloc acid)

scaffold doped with bovine serum

albumin and indocyanine green dye

Configuration for Inanimate Objects

There is a large range of adhesive and sealant formulations. Adhesives and sealants may be classified in many different ways, such as by cure (bonding) mechanism, chemistry type, and application (e.g., structural vs. non-structural). Any sealant with suitable properties may be used in the sealant layer of the invention.

For use in this invention, the sealant needs to be able to flow through a network of tubes, and once this network is damaged, fill any space to close the damaged site, and start the curing process. The choice of the sealant will depend mainly on the materials, surfaces, and environment of the device of the invention. For instance, a coated steel oil tank will require a different combination and type of sealant then a rubber boat. If a two-component system is used, the compartment and driving mechanism may be designed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 17.

The device may be configured for use with an inanimate object such as an inflatable raft, a canister, a barrel, a vehicle, a backpack, or a boat.

Compression and/or Buoyant System

The devices of the invention include a compression system that applies pressure to the impact site. The system typically includes inflatable sections (i.e., bladders) which could also be used to create buoyant forces. Examples of compression systems that may be incorporated into the devices of the invention are described in detail below.

One example of a compression system suitable for incorporation into the devices of the invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,150 (incorporated herein by reference). In this system, the apparatus includes a single piece of double-walled material that can receive pressurized gas. Inflation of the device causes pressure to be exerted on an individual wearing the apparatus, thereby decreasing the volume of pooled venous blood, and stabilizing the individual during transport. The specific material utilized in the invention is not disclosed, but types of plastic are described.

Another example of a compression system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,329,792 (incorporated herein by reference). In this system, which includes an apparatus for promoting hemostasis, especially of skin penetrating wounds of the periphery, the device includes fluid impermeable barriers surrounded by exterior dams to be held in place over a wound by applied force.

A further example of a compression system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,314 (incorporated herein by reference). The system utilizes a bladder that is comprised of a plurality of individual sections that are preferentially in fluid communication with each other. When the bladder is disposed over the sternum of a patient and inflated (e.g., with a gas or fluid), pressure is exerted on the chest of the patient. The positions of the sections of the bladder are fixed with respect to each other and the device does not provide flexibility with respect to positioning of the bladder sections (or selective employment of those).

Another example of a compression system suitable for use in the devices of the invention is described in U.S. Pub. No. US20100179586, incorporated herein by reference. A device that consists of a belt system with one or several inflatable bladders, that can be selectively positioned and inflated over exsanguinating blood vessels, for use in control of a hemorrhage in regions of the body where it is difficult to apply conventional compression. The belt is adjustable to different levels of tightness.

A still further example of a compression system is described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130041303, incorporated herein by reference. A device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured is disclosed. The device may also be used to secure a pressure applying device to a person so that blood vessel-occluding pressure can be applied.

Further examples of compression systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,554,784 and 7,008,389, incorporated herein by reference. Devices which can be used to encircle the hips of an injured person are described. The devices can provide the proper amount of hoop tension to urge the parts of a person's fractured pelvic ring toward a normal relationship and thus reduce internal bleeding at the site or sites of fracture.

The bladders may be located near an organ of the user (e.g., on the chest or near the lung of a user). The bladders may function as a chest seal following an impact, wound, or penetration of the chest or lung area. A chest seal may be used to treat a penetrating chest wound and tightly seal the wound to prevent fluid intake. Examples of chest seals are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,504,549, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The compression system may be used to stabilize a head or neck injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury. The sensors can detect a trauma to the head or neck area after a fall or impact and the bladders in the head, neck, or torso regions fill with gas. The inflated bladders then stabilize the head, neck, and/or spine of a user, e.g., until a third party responder arrives. For example a backcountry skier may wear the device in an area of high avalanche danger. An avalanche can trigger several impact events causing the bladders to inflate in the appropriate regions. If the user suffers a head or neck injury, the device can stabilize the head and neck of the user until assistance arrives.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression system may comprise a network of tubes or similar, which can feed a pressurized medium to individual bladders. The network may comprise several regions that can be inflated individually. FIG. 10 and FIG. 18 illustrate a few variants of the network. The bladders may be very thin (in the 1 millimeter and even down to the micrometer range) and small in a deflated state (with a deflated size in the 10 mm×10 mm range or below) and will increase significantly upon inflation (with an inflated size having a diameter of several cm for use at humans and animals and even larger for use at machines). The pressure to be applied to the site of the wound should be, as previously mentioned, approximately twice the blood pressure, i.e., around 220-240 mmHg or (4.3-4.6 psi), over normal atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). The pressure to be applied on the site of an entrance point within a machine application greatly depends on the system pressure (e.g., oil pressure, water pressure, etc.) that act on the site of destruction, which may be about 100 psi or above.

The bladders may be made out of a flexible material, such as rubber, latex, polychloroprene, nylon fabric, or others. The bladders preferably display near-to-gastight properties.

The inflation and valve system in place may ensure that during the inflation process the surface tension will never exceed the tensile strength of the balloon (to prevent the balloon from bursting).

The bladders may have sensors integrated in them, for example, as described in the publication “Materials for multifunctional balloon catheters with capabilities in cardiac electrophysiological mapping and ablation therapy” by Kim et al. (Nature Materials, 10, 316-3232, 2011). In this paper, the authors exploit the balloon catheter as a platform for heterogeneous collections of high performance semiconductor devices, sensors, actuators and other components. Commercially available catheters (8-18 Fr, BARD, USA; Creganna, Ireland) serve in this case as platforms for the devices. Components that integrate with the balloons are formed on semiconductor wafers using adapted versions of planar processing techniques and methods of transfer printing reported by Kim D H, et al. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105, 18675-18860, 2008) in “Materials and noncoplanar mesh designs for integrated circuits with linear elastic responses to extreme mechanical deformations”. Wrapping the resulting collections of interconnected devices on the balloon in its deflated state completes the process.

Using a similar process, one can envision integrating body sensors, but also the functions of the detection layer into the sealant and/or the bladder layer.

The tube (or similar) network 70 connecting the bladders may be flexible, to allow for adequate body movement. The pressurized medium container may be connected to the bladder network via (one-way) valves 86. As with all the other systems, there may be at least one backup system. In the case of one additional system, the various regions of the network can be inflated from the main side, but also from the backup side. This is especially important, in case multiple impacts have occurred, crippling the feeding network.

The flow resistance of the network, the valves, the bladders/balloons, and the pressurized medium container are all engineered and balanced in a way, so that upon triggering the system, the bladders will inflate to a determined volume. The outer layer of the overall device allows only for limited stretch of the material, thereby restricting the geometric deformation of the inflating bladders towards the site of the wound, and thereby applying pressure.

Preferably, the pressure is applied right after the wound sealant starts flowing towards the site of the wound.

The automated detection of the site of the impact may allow only bladders a particular distance from the site to inflate. Depending on the type of wound, multiple regions can be inflated, for example in case of a full penetration, the regions close-by the entrance and exit site of the wound can be pressurized. Also, in the event of a major tissue destruction, for example, losing a limb, e.g., due to a bomb blast or a shark attack, the device can build up a “ring of pressure points” to act as a tourniquet, and/or to create a watertight seal. If used, for example, in a diving or immersion survival suit, the system may inflate the upper body section in case of emergency, to provide buoyancy.

In case of a manual override of the system (which may be achieved by pulling the rip cord, and/or by using the external inlet valve), all bladders may be inflated, which will apply pressure throughout the system, thereby gently restricting the movement of the user, and stabilizing the body.

Air Pump

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention may include an air pump. By “air pump” is meant any device capable of pushing air. For example, centrifugal or positive displacement pumps. Centrifugal pumps produce flow by increasing the velocity of gas with a rotating vane impeller. Types of centrifugal pumps include radial, axial, and mixed flow. Positive displacement pumps operate by alternating of filling a cavity and then displacing a given volume of gas. Positive displacement pumps deliver a constant volume of gas for each cycle. Types of positive displacement pumps include reciprocating pumps (piston, plunger, and diaphragm), power pumps, steam pumps, and rotary pumps (gear, lobe, screw, vane, and peripheral and progressive cavity. Examples of air pumps that may be used in the devices of the invention include, but are not limited to, pumps such as the Lightweight Mini Air Pump (Kent International, Parsippany, N.J.), the Magic Air 12V Inflator/Deflator (Metro Vacuum, Oakland, N.J.), and the Stansport 12V Electric Air Pump (Stansport, Los Angeles, Calif.).

Pressurized Medium Container

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include a pressurized medium container, such as a compressed gas cartridge. It may be attached to the wearable device and “communicates” to the layers of the device (i.e., compression and sealant layer) through a cartridge actuation mechanism and an inflation tube. The cartridge actuation mechanism includes a triggering device that may be actuated to open the cartridge by means of an actuation lever. The actuation lever actuates the triggering device in response to a force of predetermined magnitude, and in doing so detaches from the actuation mechanism. Upon triggering the actuation mechanism, the cartridge will open which allows the gas/compressed medium from the cartridge to inflate the compression/buoyant layer. The system is preferably provided with a deflation tube and a deflation valve.

As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 19, the device is provided with a source of compressed gas for triggering the sealant flow and inflating the compression layer. In an embodiment, the compressed gas source includes at least one compressed CO₂gas cartridge, and preferably two such cartridges, as shown. Each cartridge may be removably secured within the central unit. Alternatively, the cartridge may be secured by a fabric loop fastened to the device. The gas cartridges may be of conventional design, and are commercially available from a number of sources. While such cartridges come in a variety of sizes, two cartridges, each of the 16 gram net contents weight size may be used in some embodiments of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, each cartridge may be removably coupled (as by a threaded fitting, not shown) to a cartridge actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism may be of conventional design, and are commercially available from a number of sources. For example, if 16 gram cartridges are used, the actuation mechanism may be the Model 840AM, (Halkey-Roberts, St. Petersburg, Fla.), or the equivalent. The actuation mechanism may include a triggering device that comprises an actuation lever that is detachably connected to a spring-loaded pin or rod (not shown), installed in the actuation mechanism to rupture the neck of the cartridge when the lever is pulled with a force of predetermined magnitude, thereby opening the cartridge. The cartridge may be connected to inflation tubes and valve arrays, which direct the flow of gas to the sealant layer and the bladder system. When a cartridge is opened, as described above, gas from the open cartridge may pass through its associated inflation tubes and valves into the interior of the sealant compartment to trigger the sealant flow, and into the predetermined bladders to inflate them.

As shown in FIGS. 33A-33H, the pressurized gas cartridge may be housed in a removable device. For example, the gas cartridge is connected to a piercing pin, which pierces through the sealed cartridge upon activation to initiate gas flow (See, for example, FIGS. 33D-33E). The gas passes through a pressure regulator which maintains the different pressure levels on each side of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator may be a two stage pressure regulator. For example, the CO₂cartridge may have a pressure of 900 psi while the pressure is reduced to 100 psi in the first stage and then to 40 psi in the second stage. The pressure regulator may be a non-relieving pressure regulator (e.g., no gas is vented out in order to maintain the pressure). After the pressure regulator the gas flows through a main shut off valve, such as a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve may remain closed such as to maintain the differential pressures on each side of the pressure regulator. The gas then flows to the outlets which connect to the tubes integrated into the garment in order to inflate the bladders. The micro servo rotates the valve in position to direct the gas flow to the correct outlet such that only the bladders around the impact site inflate.

Gas Generator

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention may include a gas generator (instead of or in addition to the previously described compressed medium container), comprising a precursor for generating gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, or other non-flammable and/or inert gas) to trigger the sealant flow and/or the inflation of the bladders in the compression layer at a temperature which does not damage the human body or the human skin. Examples of gas generating agents are described in PCT Publication No. WO2012141578 for use in a wearable assembly for providing a rescue function, such as buoyancy. Also this type of generator is disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 03/009899. In this reference the generation of gas is aimed at providing oxygen to for instance divers or for the purpose of driving rocket engines.

By applying a gas generator comprising a precursor for generating gas, an assembly can be provided wherein the gas generator can be given a relatively compact form compared to other volume-generating means. A cool gas generator (i.e., one that operates at or near room temperature) may be able to provide a high gas volume relative to the size, weight and/or volume of the gas generator. A further advantage of such a gas generator is that it can be stored for a long period, (e.g., up to 10 years or longer), after which period it still functions, and can be activated in the usual manner. This is advantageous since it enhances convenience of use, compared for instance to systems with CO2 cartridges based on expansion. Such systems require a one, two, or three yearly check, or replacement, of working parts. The operational principle of generating gas from a precursor is known for the purpose of providing a propelling action, such as for rocket engines or in the aerospace industry.

In a further preferred embodiment a low reactivity or inert gas is generated under operating conditions, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide or other non-flammable and/or inert gas, or moderately reactive gases are generated, such as oxygen or hydrogen. Examples of precursors used include, but are not limited to, alkali metal chlorates and alkali metal perchlorates, in particular lithium perchlorate (LiC104), lithium chlorate (LiC103), sodium perchlorate (NaC104), sodium chlorate (NaC103), potassium perchlorate (KC104) or potassium chlorate (KC103), peroxides, in particular sodium peroxide (Na202) and potassium peroxide (K202), superoxides, in particular potassium superoxide (K02) and sodium superoxide (Na02), and others known in the art.

In a further preferred embodiment the gas generator comprises gas-forming substances which can preferably be actuated by means of mechanical or electrical energy. An automatic actuation of the process of forming a gas can hereby be started. In a further preferred embodiment the initiation assembly in the gas generator comprises biasing means, such as a spring, and/or by electric means, and/or biasing means release means, such as a soluble tablet.

In a further preferred embodiment the gas generator acts as a pump, like devices available by Sensidyne, St. Petersburg, Fla. (e.g., Sensidyne Diaphragm Micro Air Pumps) and Schwarzer Precision, Essen, Germany (e.g., Rotary Diaphragm Pumps), generating enough pressure and volume to inflate the bladders, or if used for liquid, to transport the sealant to the required location.

The automatic actuation of the gas generator is hereby realized in a manner easily understandable to the user.

The “Central Unit”

The “central unit” 74 may house one or all of the following items: Pressurized medium container/gas generator 98, wound sealant reservoir(s) 100, information processing unit/controller 102, sensors, GPS unit 104, the data transmitter unit (and emergency beacon) 106, valve array 108, manual valve inlet 88, manual inflator, energy source 96, connectors, e.g., connectors for data and energy transfer.

If desired, the individual components may be placed and embedded in another location on the unit, which may increase the safety and comfort level of the user, e.g., the pressurized medium container may be separately attached to the vest, away from the controller).

Once the impact layer registers an impact, the information processing unit will determine the location and severity of the impact, and trigger the activation of the gas generator and/or the release of the pressurized medium, and, optionally, the activation of the emergency beacon and data transfer (e.g., the GPS location). The system determines which valves will be activated, to direct the pressurized medium to the bladders closest to the site of the wound. It may also pressurize the sealant layer, to have the sealant flow towards the site of destruction.

In case of malfunctioning of the electrical system, one can trigger the opening of the main valve manually via a rip cord (or similar). This may also be done to inflate all bladders, to restrict body movements, e.g., for transportation purposes. In case of malfunctioning or damage of the compressed medium container, one can manually trigger the flow of the wound sealant and the inflation of the bladders via an additional inlet valve, which can be used as an inlet for inflation by pump or by mouth.

Information Processing Unit

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include an information processing unit 102. It may also include one or more of a controller, a programmable memory, and/or a data storage system (e.g., a flash memory system) which can be used to record data from sensor inputs. The unit processes the signals received from the impact detection layer, and other sensors (if incorporated), such as temperature sensors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors. Depending on the outcome of the computation in interaction with the program stored on the memory, the unit may then determine to activate the gas generator (if available), and to open the valves, which closed off the compressed medium container, and open further relevant valves of the system in order to direct the flow of the sealant to the site of the wound, and to inflate the bladders in that region. The unit may also determine the need to inflate certain other areas, (e.g., in order to provide for an increase of buoyancy forces to keep a user afloat that was injured while in or by the water). The information processing unit may also trigger the transmission of data (such as a distress signal) via the data transmission unit. The information processing unit may be incorporated into the “central unit”. As for all electrical parts of the entire system, it may be powered by the energy unit, and may be housed in a “weather-sealed” compartment in order to be protected from the environment.

The central processing unit may be configured as a removable device and selectively positioned, such as on the sleeve (See FIGS. 32 and 33). The central processing unit may house all of the electronics, Bluetooth and wireless capabilities, as well as all mechanics and pneumatics of the device. The central processing unit may be removable to promote easy washability of the garment. The central processing unit may be housed adjacent to the gas cartridge such that they can both be easily removed from the wearable device in tandem. The removable central processing unit may be placed in any location that provides enhanced comfort for the wearer. For example, the unit can be placed on the arm, leg, belt, torso, or lower back.

The information processing unit may be configured to identify the nature of the impact or wound by analyzing sensor data. For example, by sensing the pressure at an impact area, the information processing unit can use quantify the mass, velocity, and size (e.g., caliber) of the projectile hitting the device (FIGS. 35A-35B). Furthermore, the information processing unit can be configured to identify where the projectile enters and/or exits the device, and, thus, the relative entry and/or exit wounds on the body of the user. By coupling this data with the specific location on the device where the impact occurs, indicia is provided that can alert the user and/or a third party responder as to the identity, nature, and severity of the wound.

The information processing unit may be configured to integrate data obtained from multiple different types of sensors to provide essential physiological information about the health status of a user. By integrating various sensor data, the information processing unit provides increased situational awareness for the user and/or a third party responder. For example, if the impact detection sensors detect a projectile contact at a zone near to or located at the arm, and the GPS sensors (e.g., geolocation sensors) determine that the user is still moving, the third party responder receiving this sensor data information may determine that the person is not in need of immediate attention. However, if the impact detection sensors detect a projectile contact at a zone near to or located at the heart, and the orientation and acceleration sensors determine that the user is not moving and/or is in a prone position, a third party responder receiving this sensor data information may determine that the user may be in need of immediate attention. In some instances, by combining the sensor data, the information processing unit can determine false positives and false negatives by corroborating the severity of the injury between multiple types of sensors. For example, if a heart rate sensor does not detect a heart rate of the user, but the gelocation or GPS sensor detects movement of the user and/or an upright, standing position of the user, the device can notify the user and/or a third party responder that the heart rate signal may be false.

GPS Unit

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include a GPS unit 104. The GPS unit may be incorporated into the “central unit” or integrated into the previously described layers of the invention, preferably at a position where a GPS signal can best be received. The unit may be integrated in a “weather-sealed” compartment and be powered by the energy unit. The GPS sensor may send its data to the information processing unit.

Other Sensors

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention may include other sensors, such as sensors for measuring the temperature, moisture level, pressure, acceleration, and vital information, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or similar. If used with vehicles or machines may also include sensors for speed, oil pressure, and altitude. The sensors may be powered by the energy unit, and may send their data to the information processing unit.

Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: physiological sensors are attached to the device, and are operably engaged to the wearer for generating physiological signals corresponding to selected physical conditions of the user; the distress signal may include information corresponding to the physiological signals; the physiological sensor may be a thermometer for measuring the body temperature of the user and the distress signal may include information about the body temperature of the user; the physiological sensor may be a blood pressure meter for measuring the blood pressure of the user and the distress signal may include information about the blood pressure of the user.

The sensors may use electrocardiography to measure heart rate, or a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation levels, or a temperature sensor to measure body temperature. The sensors may be strategically placed near a certain organ or organ group (e.g., kidneys, heart, brain) to track certain physiological parameters associated with a given organ. For example, a sensor or set of sensors can be placed near the heart to track heartbeat. The location of these sensors can also be used to transmit information to the user of the device or to a third party upon activation of these sensors. For example, if a set of sensors placed near the heart detects a drop in heartrate (e.g., with electrocardiography), the device would activate to send a distress signal to a third party responder. The software of the central processing unit can link the sensors to their respective organs. The sensors may also detect a rupture of the garment and send a signal to the CPU.

The device may be configured with one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometers, relative humidity sensors, bioimpedance sensors, thermometers, biopotential sensors, or optical sensors. Accelerometers (e.g., ADLX345 chip) may be used to track steps, gait, activity, ballistocardiography, heart rate, heart rate volume, relative stroke volume, and respiration rate. A gyroscope (e.g., L3G4200D chip) may be used to track rotation and balance. A magnetometer (e.g., MC5883L chip) may be used to perform magnetoencephalography by recording magnetic currents and electrical circuits. A barometer (e.g., BMP085 chip) may be used to measure pressure. A relative humidity sensor (e.g., Si7023 chip) may be used to measure relative humidity. A bioimpedance sensor (e.g., AFE4300 chip) may be used to measure body composition and EIM. A thermometer (e.g., BMP085 chip) may be used to measure temperature. A biopotential sensor (e.g., HM301 D chip) may be used to measure electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), echocardiography (EKG), heart rate, heart rate volume, and pulse transit time (blood pressure). An optical sensor (e.g., MAX30100 chip) may be used to measure pulse oxygenation and blood pressure. A photoplethysmography sensor or electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor may be used to track heart rate. A light sensor may be used to measure pulse oximetry (e.g., blood oxygen saturation).

Any of the sensors described above may be configured to transmit various biofeedback indicia to the user, another user, a central command unit, or a third party responder. The sensors may track essential vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, orientation, and temperature, to provide critical information for assessing the health state of a user wearing a device containing the sensors. These sensors may be integrated into the device and configured to interact with the central processing unit and transmit the biofeedback (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a peripheral device or a third party. By communicating these vital biofeedback indicia, the device can provide information, e.g., to a user or a third party responder, about the nature and severity of an impact or injury to a wearer of the device.

Valve System

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include a valve system 108. The valves may be designed for wet and dry application and may connect the compressed medium container, and or the gas generator to inflation tubes, to the sealant compartment, and/or to the bladders in the compression/buoyancy layer. In some embodiments, the device includes mainly one-way valve systems. The valves may be electrically activated to allow for a flow of medium (e.g., gas or liquid). They may be powered by the energy unit, but may also be engaged manually. In case the previously described actuation mechanism is triggered manually by pulling a rip cord, the valves directing the flow towards the sealant compartment and the bladders, will turn to an “open” position (one-way), and thereby allow for the inflation of the entire compression layer.

A flow restrictor may be used instead of, or in addition to a valve. A flow restrictor can be a thin tube, through which gas is forced (e.g., air, or CO₂) at a pressure of about 100 psi. The bladder can inflate (e.g., the gas pressure is between about 1 psi and 500 psi, e.g., 10-100 psi, e.g., 100 psi, 90 psi, 80 psi, 70 psi, 60 psi, 50 psi, 40 psi, 30 psi, 20 psi, 10 psi, 9 psi, 8 psi, 7 psi, 6 psi, 5 psi, 4 psi, 3 psi, 2 psi, 1 psi) and stay inflated for hours (e.g., 24 hours, 23 hours, 22 hours, 21 hours, 20 hours, 19 hours, 18 hours, 17 hours, 16 hours, 15 hours, 14 hours, 13 hours, 12 hours, 11 hours, 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour). The flow restrictor acts as a type of one way valve. The setup can be as shown in FIG. 28 where a valve or flow restrictor can be placed in series with the gas cartridge and inflatable bladder. FIG. 29 illustrates the network of airtight channels or tubes that constitute the network. Multiple adjacent bladders promote redundancy such that if one bladder were to fail, an adjacent one could fill in. The bladders are also designed to be removable in case they are damaged. Then, a new bladder can be modularly added back into the device to replace the dysfunctional or damaged bladder. (For example, see FIGS. 30B, 34A, and 34B).

The valve and flow restrictor system optimizes the rate and time it takes to fill the bladders upon activation. For example, the system needs to efficiently inflate upon triggering from a stimulus such that it immediately puts pressure on a wound or immobilizes a user. However, the system should not inflate too fast so that it overwhelms the bladders or causes rupture. Thus, the valves and flow restrictors maintain the delicate balance of flow rate. The bladders may take less than 1 minute to inflate (e.g., 50 seconds, 40 seconds, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 10 seconds) or less than 10 seconds to inflate (e.g., 9 seconds, 8 seconds, 7 seconds, 6 seconds, 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second). The valves and flow restrictors can be used to achieve a specific desired rate of inflation (e.g., 1000 cm³/sec, 900 cm³/sec, 800 cm³/sec, 700 cm³/sec, 600 cm³/sec, 500 cm³/sec, 400 cm³/sec, 300 cm³/sec, 200 cm³/sec, 100 cm³/sec, 90 cm³/sec, 80 cm³/sec, 70 cm³/sec, 60 cm³/sec, 50 cm³/sec, 40 cm³/sec, 30 cm³/sec, 20 cm³/sec, 10 cm³/sec, 9 cm³/sec 8 cm³/sec, 7 cm³/sec, 6 cm³/sec, 5 cm³/sec, 4 cm³/sec, 3 cm³/sec, 2 cm³/sec 1 cm³/sec).

Manual Triggering Mechanism

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include manual triggering mechanism 112. In case of malfunctioning of the electrical system, or if a manual override of the system is desired, one can trigger the opening of the valves manually via a rip cord (or similar). A manual override may lead to inflation of all bladders, e.g., to restrict body movements for transportation purposes. It may also initiate the flow of the sealant to the site of destruction. The triggering mechanism may be the Model 840AM (Halkey-Roberts, St. Petersburg, Fla.), or the equivalent.

In case of malfunctioning or damage of the compressed medium container, one can manually trigger the flow of the wound sealant and the inflation of the bladders via an additional inlet valve, which can be used as an inlet for inflation by pump or orally.

Inlet for Manual Inflation

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include an inlet for manual inflation 88. In case of malfunctioning of the pressurized medium system, or the gas generator, one may manually inflate the bladder layer and pressurize the wound sealant layer compartment. This can be done by using an external pump, or by orally “blowing” into the inlet valve. Examples of this type of component may be the model V73000 (Halkey-Roberts, St. Petersburg, Fla.), a breather tube and relief valve with dust cap, which is designed for applications requiring oral filling and pressure relief for overpressure protection, or the equivalent.

The device can also be manually deflated through the same or a different inlet.

Data Transmitter Unit

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include a data transmitter unit 106. When the device receives an impact, electrical contact is broken between the leads and the transmitter is activated to send a digitally recorded message, which may include the vests serial or identification number, and/or information on the wearer and his location. Preferably, the transmitter is used in conjunction with a base relay unit, such as a car radio. Therefore, the transmitter serves as a means for notifying others that the user has received an impact. The transmitter may be activated by the apparatus receiving and sensing an impact. The transmitter may be powered by the energy unit. One may use for example a device based on the description in U.S. Patent Application No. 20030107516, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,318, or PCT Publication No. WO2001084174, each herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Also, commercially available miniature personal locator beacons, such as, the Satellite Messenger (SPOT LLC, Milpitas, Calif.) may be used. In some embodiments, the data transmitter transmits to a visual readout such as a monitor (e.g., a computer monitor) or a smartphone.

Application for Peripheral Device

The device can be configured as a system for use with a peripheral device. For example, the device may have a transmitter (e.g., smart chip) that is configured for wired or wireless (e.g., through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection) communication to a peripheral device. The peripheral device may be a smartphone, tablet (iPad®), computer, monitor, or other information processing device. The peripheral device may be programmed with a software application to receive data from the device. The wearer of the device may use the peripheral device, or a third party may use the peripheral device.

For example, the user of the device, a third party first responder, medical aide, or other relevant personnel may be running an application on his/her smartphone to track information about the person or animal wearing the device. FIG. 27 shows various screenshots of how the application could function. For example, the peripheral device has a home screen (FIG. 27A) with an application icon, which starts the application. The application has a home screen (FIG. 27B), and displays front and rear view of the sensors (27C-D). When the device senses an impact, the user running the application can then observe when certain sensors are triggered (FIG. 27E), and an alert message can be transmitted (FIG. 27F). The user of the application may adjust the threshold sensitivity of the sensors (FIG. 27G) or whether they are sent an alert upon activation.

For example, a user experiencing a small vibration would not want to trigger an alert message, but upon receipt of a high impact or powerful stimulus, the user would want the stimulus to trigger an alert message. The user may also use differential zone pressure thresholds to vary the sensor threshold in different regions of device. For example, a user may wish to set a higher force threshold (e.g., 20 psi) for their torso, and a lower force threshold for the head (e.g., 10 psi), such that a lower impact force on the head would send a distress signal, but the same impact force on the torso would not send a distress signal. This can also be configured based on the zones of sensors, as shown in FIG. 30. Additionally, details about the nature and location of the stimulus that triggers activation of the device can be displayed. For example, sensors located near a specific organ that detect a stimulus would alert the user or a third party responder that a specific organ or location on the body is under duress. Therefore, a first responder would be better prepared upon arrival for treating the patient. The user of the device can set certain emergency contacts (FIG. 27H-I) and the emergency contacts can receive a text or SMS message upon triggering of the device (FIG. 27J).

The device may be configured to communicate with a smartphone running an ANDROID™ tactical assault kit (ATAK) application. ATAK is an ANDROID™ smartphone geo-spatial infrastructure application built using NASA World Wind. The application provides situational awareness within both civilian and military arenas. ATAK has a plugin architecture which allows developers to add functionality to ATAK. When used with the wearable devices described herein, the ATAK application can display projectile velocity, impact location, acceleration (e.g., moving or still) and orientation (e.g., prone or supine) information of the user, respiration rate, heart rate, user information, and geolocation. The device transmits essential physiological indicia and sensor data to the user or to a third party responder (FIG. 36) using a smartphone running the ATAK application.

Additionally, the electronic device can be configured to communicate (e.g., through a wired or wireless connection, e.g., through a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or internet connection) with a database that contains data collected by the wearable device or with another system that receives and processes the data and conveys the information to the electronic device. Data collected by the wearable device, such as data collected by the sensor(s), may be stored non-transiently on the database or the electronic device. The application on the peripheral device may contain a number of features used to control the functionality of the device. Some features include a system on/off or reset switch, a power level indicator, the ability the turn certain sensors or regions of sensors or bladders on or off, or adjust the sensitivity of the sensors. The user of the application can track data from the sensors in real time or observe data over a long time period, and the information may be stored for later analysis. The application may be used to track the health status of an individual, for example, by measuring various physiological parameters such as heart rate or acceleration, or the condition of the individual.

The application can be made available for download (e.g., from the internet, or a cloud) on a peripheral device.

Energy Source

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include an energy source 96. For this, rechargeable energy accumulators, comprising of one or more electrochemical cells may be used. Preferably light weight units with high energy-to-mass ratio are preferred, e.g., lithium ion based rechargeable batteries. The energy source may be integrated into the central unit housing or be attached at another location of the device and attached by wires or leads to other components of the device. The leads may be wires, conductive thread, conductive ink, conductive coating, or metal pads. The energy source may provide power to any component of the device, e.g., the inflation system, one or more impact detection sensors, one or more triggering mechanism, the sealant system, one or more information processing units, an amplifier, a controller, a memory system, a GPS unit or geolocation device, a data transmitter, or other sensor.

The energy source can provide power to the device for one or more days (e.g., 1-10 days or more) when in an inactive or monitoring state (e.g., the unit is turned off or in hover or record mode) or for one or more hours (e.g., 1-10 hours or more) when in an active state (e.g., auto action mode, manual action mode, or maintenance mode; see FIG. 15).

The device may also include a solar array for recharging the energy source (e.g., a rechargeable battery).

The device may be powered by the fabric of the device. For example, the device could be fabricated from an energy harvesting fabric, such as a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material or piezo sensors can change kinetic energy into electric energy, which can be used to power the device. Piezoelectric sensors can provide a significant energy source when combined with suitable power management circuits in micro-harvesting designs. By matching the power-management circuit load to the sensor's circuit load, one can extract maximum power from the garment. One can build effective micro-harvesting circuit designs that maximize harvested power without adding significant power requirements of their own, by using low-power semi-conductor devices such as the “LTC3588-1 Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Power Supply IC” from Linear Technology. Other examples of piezoelectric energy harvesting materials can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,508,917, which is incorporated by reference as it pertains to a piezoelectric energy harvesting device or actuator. Thus, when a person or animal wearing the device moves, the kinetic energy of movement can be collected and used to power the device. A hybrid combination of energy sources may be used, such as a battery and a piezoelectric energy harvesting fabric.

Connector for Data and Energy Transfer

In some embodiments, the devices of the invention include a connector for data and energy transfer. The connector may allow for wired and or wireless transfer of data and energy (to recharge the energy accumulators), and to connect to other devices and external computing units. The connector may transfer all types of information that were accumulated over a certain period of time (and stored on the onboard memory), but also allow for a “live” view, i.e., a reading of all the sensor signals in real-time. Also, the transfer connector allows access to the on-board controller and memory, for read and write actions (e.g., to update the on-board program).

Visual Feedback Device

The device may contain a visual feedback device. The visual feedback device can be configured to display features associated with the wearable device, such as stored energy level or remaining battery power or on/off status. The visual feedback device may display information about the features or stimuli detected by the sensors of the device. The visual feedback device may be an LED device or other small monitor, tablet, or smartphone. The visual feedback device may be connected (e.g., wired, or wirelessly) to the central information processing unit of the device or to a peripheral device. The visual feedback device may be affixed on the device, for example, on the arm, torso, or belt region. Alternatively, the visual feedback device may be integrated into the materials of the device or affixed on top of the outer layer of the device. The visual feedback device may be the peripheral device as described above.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

The present embodiment of the invention is not intended to be limited to only those items illustrated herein, but rather, includes items which are known in the art and are not necessary for understanding the present invention. Therefore, the drawings have been simplified to eliminate many of the known electrical and transmitting components associated with the apparatus.

Cascade of Events

FIG. 15 illustrates the cascade of actions that will happen, once the system is triggered. In its simplest automated variant, the device can be set to “hover mode” or “record mode” when switched on. In “hover mode” the system will detect any impact to the wearer, and will trigger all necessary following actions, but will not record any data from the sensors upon an impact. Sensory data may include the GPS position of the device, and other data about the wearer's condition, such as temperature and pulse rate. “Hover mode” will minimize the electrical power consumption significantly, as only the processing unit and the impact detection layer are active. In “record mode”, the device will record data from all previously selected sensors. It may also transmit data on a continuous basis. The power consumption may be significantly higher than in “hover mode”.

Once an impact to the impact detection layer occurs, is detected by the main processing unit, and is above a certain threshold, the processing unit would switch the system into “auto action mode”. In this mode, the processing unit calculates the impact area and severity, and opens all required valves in this area. An audio signal/buzzer sound/vibration may be triggered to alert the user that the system will start the cascade of following steps. The user may stop this cascade at any time (e.g., by hitting a certain defined area, such as the chest) repeatedly (e.g., three times). The system will recognize this and immediately stop all events, and go back to its previous mode setting. The device can be deflated (if already inflated) by this in a very simple manner.

After the signal (sound or vibration) occurs, the cascade of the following steps will take place:

Data from all sensors will be recorded (if not already done so), and broadcasted automatically with a distress signal.

The main valve 89 directs the pressurized gas into the wound sealant container, which will flow to the site of the impact, and cover the wound. The main valve then starts directing portions of the pressurized medium to the bladders at the site of impact and will pressurize them to a previously determined point. Once a previously defined point of flow rate, volume and pressure is reached, the system will switch to “maintain mode”, in which it will maintain the previous set-points of pressure levels until the system detects another impact, or is set back to its initial mode (i.e. “hover mode” or “record mode”), e.g., hitting the chest three times, or is turned “off”. Once the cascade of steps has been initialized, the system will record this event, and signal it, for example, by a red LED light, which signalizes the user, that maintenance on this unit is required. A signal will also occur after a certain usage period, or if power level is low.

In case the processing unit, or the sensors were malfunctioning and never detected a signal triggered by an impact, the user may manually trigger the system, for example, by pulling a rip cord on the outside of the unit. This will set the system into “manual action mode”. Once triggered, the system will record all sensory data, open up all directing valves of the wound sealant and bladder network follow the cascade of steps, mentioned above for “auto action mode”.

Uses

The devices and systems of this invention may be used for a variety of purposes. The device may be used in various military and combat applications where dangerous situations and impact injuries may be highly prevalent. Other professional groups may benefit from the invention, such as police officers, SWAT team members, FBI, bomb detection units, and other law enforcement agencies.

The invention may also be useful for other high risk activities or sports where danger or risk is inherent to the activity. For example, the invention may be used by race car drivers, boat riders, white water rafters/kayakers, motorcyclists, mountain climbers, alpinists, backcountry skiers, runners, scuba divers, etc. The invention may be useful to provide buoyancy in water sports, for example, as to prevent drowning, or for protection during an avalanche.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In addition to the features and components described above, devices of the invention can also include components that enable or provide signal transfer, data transmission, heart rate monitoring, respiratory data monitoring, body movement monitoring, GPS, hemorrhage control in the extremities and/or trunk, buoyancy, environmental data (e.g., pressure, wind speed, humidity), and autonomous action.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are to illustrate the invention. They are not meant to limit the invention in any way.

Example 1

A military or law enforcement person encounters a hostile situation and is hit by a fragment. The fragment(s) penetrated the body armor and created hemorrhage. The wounded person might move into a shock state and loose conscience. The accompanying partner is returning fire and is unable to immediately assist. The wounded person is wearing the invention as a jacket underneath his OTV (Outer tactical vest). The impact detection layer registers the impact and immediately triggers the wound sealant to be delivered to the site of the wound (to the entrance and exit wound), and the pressure layer starts building up pressure in that same area, to restrict the loss of blood. In case multiple hits to the wearer occur, the system will respond in the same manner.

Also, at the same time an encrypted emergency beacon signal identifying the unit and the location (and the status of the injured) is transmitted to a friendly post, an army or police station, or similar.

In order to transport the wounded person to the closest medical emergency facility, the partner decides, to manually inflate the entire suit of the wounded person, in order to stabilize the body. For this, the partner pulls the ripcord, which is attached to the outside of the unit. The full body suit inflates, and stabilizes the wounded person.

Once emergency medical care can be delivered to the injured, the care taker presses the emergency release button on the side of the suit, to deflate the unit, and then takes it off the person, to treat the injury.

Example 2

A prison guard is stabbed during a riot outbreak. The person is wearing a “vest-version” of the device. The unit detects the penetration of the layers and activates automatically the flow of wound sealant to the site of the wound, the pressurizing of the area, and the broadcasting of an emergency signal. The central control room receives the distress signal, and sends in medical personnel to assist.

Example 3

A diver encounters a life threatening situation during a shark attack, when losing a limb, and starts to faint. The diver is wearing a full body suit, which has the multi-layer device integrated. The impact detection layer detects the massive destruction at the limb and immediately pressurizes the area circularly from all sides, to act as a tourniquet, and decrease the blood loss. At the same time the bladders around the diver's shoulders and the upper part of the body will inflate, in order to increase the buoyance forces, and to raise the diver to the water surface.

Example 4

An inflatable boat uses an integrated version of the device as an additional “skin”. The site of the boat is damaged in an ongoing storm. The impact detection layer senses the area of destruction and delivers a foam sealant for bonding and gap filling purposes to this site, while the bladders increase in size and apply pressure to the opening site. In conjunction with the sealant, which bonds to the boat's wall material and the bladders, the bladders seal off the site of destruction. Depending on the damage that occurred, an emergency beacon signal gets released.

Example 5

The device is integrated into an oil tank unit. During a blast, fragments penetrate the oil tank wall. The device detects the impact and uses a non-flammable and oil resistant sealant to seal off the penetrated site while bladders generate a pressure to keep the site closed off.

Example 6

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for manually preserving brain function until further measures to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It is indicated in those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing, for example, agonal respirations.

Per the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines (as of 2010), CPR involves chest compressions at least 5 cm (2 in) deep and at a rate of at least 100 per minute to pump blood through the heart and thus the body.

In this example a person is wearing the device as a vest, which also includes a position and motion and pressure sensors and a pulse meter. The wearer of the device collapses due to heart failure. The device automatically senses the critical condition of the user, triggers the transmission of an emergency signal and the inflation-and-deflation-cycle for the chest compression (in accordance with current CPR guidelines).

In an alternative example of a military personnel on the battlefield who encounters an individual heart failure, the device can also be triggered when a conventional CPR is performed on the wearer. Once a fellow soldier starts performing CPR, the device detects the (external initiated) chest compressions and activates the automated compression cycle, so that the helping soldier can stop performing compressions and is “freed up” to focus on providing additional oxygen to the person and to continue defending the position until support arrives, if necessary.

The chest compression cycles are monitored by the on-board controller, which also controls the airflow and pressure of the integrated miniature air-pumps, and the position (open/close) of the valve-arrays. The electronics, sensors, air-pumps, and valves may be powered by an integrated power source.

Once the device detects a pulse of the wearer and/or becomes manually disengaged, the compression cycles stop.

Example 7

Massage Therapy is essential in the management of tight muscles, aiding circulation, avoiding blood clots, and overall relaxation. Especially people with disabilities benefit greatly from a wearable device that can give automated massages.

In this example, a wheelchair user paralyzed from the hip down to his feet, wears pants which have an integrated network of feeding tubes, multiple valves and bladders, a micro air-pump, and a controlling unit. The unit can be programmed to trigger a series of inflation and deflation cycles at different locations of the pants, to generate localized areas of pressure changes thus enabling the massaging of the wearer's extremities. The same approach can be used for integrated jackets, which can perform massaging procedures of the upper body.

In another example the device can be wrapped around extremities (i.e., it is not worn constantly, but rather placed on top of normal clothing when desired). The device can be fixated via hook-and-loop fastener and then be activated for massaging purposes when desired, e.g., for passengers on long flights to avoid blood-clotting complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.

The device can also be used to provide post-surgical massage, e.g., to the extremities (e.g., the lower legs) in order to avoid the formation of blood clots. Devices of the invention that provide massage therapy may be configured to provide oscillating pressure (e.g., by repeated filling and deflating of the bladders, such as in random order, in an ordered sequence, or by substantially simultaneous inflation and/or deflation of the bladders).

Example 8

The device in this example is similar to the one described in Example 7. Due to the multiple bladder arrays throughout the wearer's device, pressure points can be generated throughout the entire device, creating a unique touch-like feeling on the wearer's body.

In Example 7 this capability may be used to massage the user, giving the user the control over position, strength and motion of the pressure points. In this example, another user transmits signals that the device controller translates into pressure points, mimicking for instance someone's touch, or an impact, e.g., in virtual reality and haptic teleoperation.

Example 9

The device in this example is similar to the one described in Example 7 except the bladders are integrated into a device which functions as a breast pump (e.g., a device configured as a single breast pump, a double breast pump, or incorporated into a bra-like garment). Once the impact detection layer senses a pressure change, or is manually triggered, the bladders will inflate to contact the skin. The device can be configured to perform a massage of the breast (e.g., by providing oscillating pressure (e.g., by repeated filling and deflating of the bladders, such as in random order, in an ordered sequence, or by substantially simultaneous inflation and/or deflation of the bladders)). The device can also be configured to provide a low vacuum that creates a mild suction to retrieve the breast milk, which is then collected into an external container.

Example 10

The device in this example is similar to the one described in Example 7 except the bladders are integrated into a blood pressure cuff for use in a blood pressure monitor. Once the impact detection layer senses a pressure change, or is manually triggered, the bladders will inflate to create the necessary pressure to measure blood pressure using, e.g., one or more sensors capable of detecting blood pressure (e.g., a manometer). The bladders are subsequently deflated and the blood pressure is reported, e.g., using a visual readout, to the subject.

Example 11

In this example the inflatable layer of device is used within a fashion and art setting to allow for creating visual effects by inflation and deflation of certain or all segments of the device. For a show performance one can envision for example a costume like suit, that inflates and deflates segments in accordance to the music playing in a fashion that make it look like waves running all over the body.

Example 12

A device of the invention may also be configured for use as a wound dressing. In this configuration, the device may be applied to a person who has received a traumatic injury to the trunk that results in uncontrolled bleeding (see FIG. 20). Activation of the device applies pressure to the injury and slows the bleeding.

As shown in FIGS. 21A-21C, such a device of may include an energy source 96, a pressurized medium 98, pressure sensitive conductive fabric 90, a piezo-electric impact detection layer 91, a micro-inflatable compression layer bladder network 99, main valve system 89, and a Central unit 74 (including a transmitter for wireless data transmission and communication). This device may be worn, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 22A-22H.

Example 13

A device of the invention has been tested for its ability to activate in response to an impact and to control “hemorrhage” resulting from the impact. In the experiment, a prototype system is mounted to the outside wall of a clear polymer storage box (representing the “user”), which is filled with water and a bag of stones; the stones act as a bullet backstop (see FIGS. 23A and 23B). A .50 caliber rifle shooting 200 grain slugs at 900 FPS (FIG. 23C) is set up at a distance of 10 feet. The system is active and wirelessly transmits in regular intervals user information to the “command central”, in this case, an ANDROID™ based cellphone (FIG. 24D; FIG. 36). The information transmitted includes biometric user data retrieved from the body sensors, which measure heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the user's GPS geo-location information.

A demonstration of the system was carried out as shown in FIGS. 24A-24D):

As shown in FIG. 24A, the system indicates that the device is active and transmits health status (from body sensors) and geo-location of user wirelessly to “command center”.

As shown in FIG. 24B, the impact of the rifle slug hitting the target produces a hole that begins to leak water from box. The impact also activates the system. Detection of the impact by the system sends out a distress signal, incl. user's health status and location.

As shown in FIG. 24C, the system activates the hemorrhage control layer and starts closing up the “user's wound site”. The distress signal continues to be sent out.

As shown in FIG. 24D, the “external hemorrhage” (i.e., water flow) stops after 25 seconds. The distress signal continues to send out updated information on the user's status.

FIG. 24E shows the impact site and the size of the hole created.

As demonstrated by the experiment, a device of the invention can be used to stop “external hemorrhage” in less than 30 seconds, autonomously and automatically. Compared with standard first aid, this is a significant decrease in persistence of the hemorrhage (see FIGS. 25 and 26).

Example 14

A device of the invention is equipped with a smart skull cap and smart shirt. A projectile hits the torso of the wearer and causes him to fall (i.e. off a vehicle or motorcycle) with a subsequent high impact to the head and body. The system sends out a distress signal to, e.g., a medical responder, while inflating the bladders, releasing the wound sealant, and immobilizing the user. (FIG. 31). The trauma to the head and neck region is a traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. The bladders in the collar region and upper torso region inflate and stabilize the head and neck area until a medic arrives.

Example 15

A backcountry skier is hiking in a remote region outside of a ski resort where avalanche danger is high. The skier is wearing a vest comprising the device of the invention. An avalanche is triggered and snow, rocks, trees, and ice balls hit the skier in several body areas. The impact events cause the bladders to inflate in the appropriate regions. As the skier tumbles down the mountain in the avalanche, the bladders fill and protect the skier, while also creating air pockets to prevent suffocation. The user suffers a neck injury, and the bladders of the device stabilize the head and neck of the skier. The activation of the device triggers an emergency message to the local ski patrol, who are using the smartphone application to track all backcountry skiers who are hiking in out of bounds regions that day. The emergency message alerts the ski patrol of which skier is injured, the skier's exact location, as well as that he has suffered a neck injury. The ski patrol then deploys a rescue mission with the appropriate rescue gear to safely transport the skier to a hospital.

Example 16

Each member of a team of four operators are wearing the device during a combat mission. Each individual device has a GPS sensor that transmits the GPS location to each user within the team. Each device has an integrated activity sensor, an integrated respiration sensor, an integrated heart sensor, and integrated impact sensors. Each device communicates via Bluetooth with the individual member's smartphone running an application that visually displays all of the indicia from the various sensors and is integrated with GPS capabilities. The smartphone is able to communicate (e.g., via radio, e.g. TW-400) with the smartphones of the other users (users 2-4) to maintain situational awareness. Each user can also communicate to a central command portal or to a third party responder.

A high impact velocity is detected on user 1 on the lower left side of his torso (FIG. 34B). The impact detection sensors identify the precise region where the impact occurred and the velocity upon impact. By processing the data from the impact detection sensors, the device calculates the projectile weight and caliber of the projectile causing the impact (FIGS. 35A-35B). Once the high velocity impact is detected, the system sends out the impact location (on the body) and the user information to the other team members and begins to continuously transmit vital sign information. Any member of the team can then signal to a third party responder to assist the injured user.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in the above specification are hereby incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described device and methods of use of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

Other embodiments are in the claims.

WEARABLE DEVICE

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