1. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person comprising, in combination:
a portable communications unit worn on the body of said person, said communications unit including:
a memory for storing identification data uniquely identifying said person,
a first radio device, and
a first infrared device;
a base station including:
a second radio device for detecting the presence of said first radio device within radio range of said second radio device, and
a second infrared device for detecting the presence of said first infrared device within line of sight range of said second infrared device; and
a computing system coupled to said base station for performing one or more functions when said first radio device is within radio range of said second radio device and said first infrared device is within line of sight range of said second infrared device.
2. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portable communications unit further includes means for detecting the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
3. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 2 wherein said communication unit further includes means for preventing said identification data from being retrieved from said memory in response to the detection of the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
4. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 2 wherein said portable communications unit further includes means for transmitting a signal to said computing system in response to the detection of the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
5. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 2 wherein said system includes means for verifying the identity of said person before storing said identification data in said memory.
6. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 5 wherein said means for verifying the identity of said person includes a biometric sensor for obtaining biometric data from the body of said person and means comparing said biometric data with previously stored biometric data identifying said person.
7. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 6 wherein said biometric data is fingerprint data.
8. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 6 wherein said biometric data is iris scan data.
9. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 2 wherein said portable communication unit further includes means for actuating an alarm device in response to the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
10. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 9 wherein said alarm device includes an audible alarm generator forming part of said portable communication unit.
11. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said identification data includes a stored password known to said person and wherein one of said one or more functions include requesting and accepting the entry of a user-supplied password for comparison with said stored password to confirm the identity of said person.
12. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said system includes means for verifying the identity of said person before storing said identification data in said memory.
13. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means for verifying the identity of said person includes obtaining biometric data from the body of said person and comparing said biometric data with previously stored biometric data identifying said person.
14. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said one or more functions includes retrieving identification data from said memory in said portable communications unit and enabling said computing system to perform operations which the person designated by said identification data is authorized to perform.
15. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said one or more functions includes providing information to said person.
16. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 15 wherein said one or more functions further includes accepting data entered by said person.
17. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said one or more functions includes accepting data entered into aid computing system by said person.
18. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portable communications unit further includes a communications subsystem for establishing a data communications link with said computing system via said base station, said communication link employing either a radio data link between said first and second radio devices, or an infrared data link between said first and second infrared devices, or both said radio data link and said infrared data link.
19. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 18 wherein said computing system includes means for verifying the identity of said person upon whose body said communications unit is being worn and means for transmitting said identification data via said data communications link to said portable communications unit for storage in said memory.
20. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 19 wherein said means for verifying the identity of said person includes obtaining biometric data from the body of said person and comparing said biometric data with previously stored biometric data identifying said person.
21. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 20 wherein said portable communications unit further includes means for detecting the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
22. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 21 wherein said portable communications unit further includes means for transmitting a signal to said computing system via said data communications link in response to the detection of the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
23. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 21 wherein said communication unit further includes means for preventing said identification data from being retrieved from said memory in response to the detection of the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
24. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 19 wherein said portable communications unit further includes means for detecting the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
25. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 24 wherein said portable communications unit further includes means for transmitting a signal to said computing system via said data communications link in response to the detection of the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
26. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 24 wherein said communication unit further includes means for preventing said identification data from being retrieved from said memory in response to the detection of the removal of said communications unit from the body of said person.
27. A system for detecting the identity and location of a person as set forth in claim 1 wherein said computing system includes a database for storing data indicating whether a particular person is authorized to be in an area in the vicinity of said base station, means for comparing identification data received from said memory with said database, and means for issuing a notification alert if said person is not authorized to be in said area.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling, wherein the ceiling face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a ceiling layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling; and
a corner trim member attached to the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel, wherein the corner trim member flexes to allow the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel to move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first wall face panel covers substantially the entire first wall and is a floating wall face panel.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first wall face panel is attached to the first wall in a manner that allows the first wall face panel to move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a plurality of face panel mounting fasteners attaching the first wall face panel to the first wall, wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of the face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel are configured inside of the burn room to move independently of each other as the temperature inside of the burn room rises and falls.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first wall face panel is attached to the ceiling face panel in a manner that allows the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel to each move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a plurality of spaced apart face panel mounting brackets connecting the first wall face panel to the first wall.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further including an insulating strip disposed between each face panel mounting bracket and the first wall face panel.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets is a z-shaped mounting bracket.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets displaces the first wall face panel away from the first wall.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets includes a flex member that flexes to allow the first wall face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets includes a displacement member disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, wherein the angle of orientation of the displacement member changes as the first wall face panel moves in response to changes in temperature inside of the burn room.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a plurality of face panel mounting fasteners attaching the first wall face panel to the plurality of face panel mounting brackets, wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each of the face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
18. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first layer of insulation is comprised of at least one insulating blanket disposed between adjacent spaced apart face panel mounting brackets.
19. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling, wherein the ceiling face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a ceiling layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling; and
a corner trim member attached between the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel, wherein the corner trim member includes at least one flex joint that allows the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first wall face panel covers substantially the entire first wall and is a floating wall face panel.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first wall face panel is attached to the first wall in a manner that allows the first wall face panel to move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 further including a plurality of face panel mounting fasteners attaching the first wall face panel to the first wall, wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein each of the face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the first wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
25. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel are configured inside of the burn room to move independently of each other as the temperature inside of the burn room rises and falls.
26. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first wall face panel is attached to the ceiling face panel in a manner that allows the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel to each move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
27. The apparatus of claim 19 further including a plurality of spaced apart face panel mounting brackets connecting the first wall face panel to the first wall.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 further including an insulating strip disposed between each face panel mounting bracket and the first wall face panel.
29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets is a z-shaped mounting bracket.
30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets displaces the first wall face panel away from the first wall.
31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets includes a flex member that flexes to allow the first wall face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
32. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets includes a displacement member disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, wherein the angle of orientation of the displacement member changes as the first wall face panel moves in response to changes in temperature inside of the burn room.
33. The apparatus of claim 27 further including a plurality of face panel mounting fasteners attaching the first wall face panel to the plurality of face panel mounting brackets, wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein each of the face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the first wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
36. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first layer of insulation is comprised of at least one insulating blanket disposed between adjacent spaced apart face panel mounting brackets.
37. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall; and
a plurality of spaced apart face panel mounting members disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, wherein each of the face panel mounting members includes a flex member that allows the first wall face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the first wall face panel covers substantially the entire first wall and is a floating wall face panel.
39. The apparatus of claim 37 further including an insulating strip disposed between each face panel mounting member and the first wall face panel.
40. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein each of the face panel mounting members is a z-shaped mounting member.
41. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein each of the face panel mounting members displaces the first wall face panel away from the first wall.
42. The apparatus of claim 37 further including a plurality of face panel mounting fasteners attaching the first wall face panel to the plurality of face panel mounting members, wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
43. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein each of the face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein the first wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
45. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the first layer of insulation is comprised of at least one insulating blanket disposed between adjacent spaced apart face panel mounting members.
46. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall; and
a plurality of spaced apart face panel mounting members disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, wherein each of the face panel mounting members includes a displacement member disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, wherein the angle of orientation of the displacement member changes as the first wall face panel moves in response to changes in temperature inside of the burn room.
47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the first wall face panel covers substantially the entire first wall and is a floating wall face panel.
48. The apparatus of claim 46 further including an insulating strip disposed between each face panel mounting member and the first wall face panel.
49. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein each of the face panel mounting members is a z-shaped mounting member.
50. The apparatus of claim 46 further including a plurality of face panel mounting fasteners attaching the first wall face panel to the plurality of face panel mounting members, wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein each of the face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and the first wall.
52. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein the first wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the first layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
53. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the first layer of insulation is comprised of at least one insulating blanket disposed between adjacent spaced apart face panel mounting members.
54. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall;
a second wall, wherein the second wall adjoins the first wall and is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a second wall face panel attached to the second wall, wherein the second wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the live fire burn room, and further wherein the second wall face panel and the first wall face panel are configured inside of the burn room to move independently of each other as the temperature inside of the burn room changes;
a second layer of insulation disposed between the second wall face panel and the second wall;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling, wherein the ceiling face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room and further wherein the second wall face panel and the ceiling face panel are configured inside of the burn room to move independently of each other as the temperature inside of the burn room changes;
a ceiling layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling; and
a corner trim member attached to the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel, wherein the corner trim member flexes to allow the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
55. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room, and further wherein the first wall face panel is a corrugated face panel; and
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling, wherein the ceiling face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a ceiling layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling; and
a corner trim member attached to the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel, wherein the corner trim member flexes to allow the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel to move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.
56. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the first wall face panel covers substantially the entire first wall and is a floating wall face panel.
57. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room, and further wherein the first wall face panel is a corrugated face panel;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall; and
a plurality of spaced apart face panel mounting brackets connecting the first wall face panel to the first wall, wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets includes a flex member that flexes to allow the first wall face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
58. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the first wall face panel is attached to the first wall in a manner that allows the first wall face panel to move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.
59. The apparatus of claim 57 further including an insulating strip disposed between each face panel mounting bracket and the first wall face panel.
60. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room, and further wherein the first wall face panel is a corrugated face panel; and
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall; and
a plurality of spaced apart face panel mounting brackets connecting the first wall face panel to the first wall, wherein each of the face panel mounting brackets includes a displacement member disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall, wherein the angle of orientation of the displacement member changes as the first wall face panel moves in response to changes in temperature inside of the burn room.
61. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the first wall face panel is attached to the first wall in a manner that allows the first wall face panel to move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.
62. The apparatus of claim 60 further including an insulating strip disposed between each face panel mounting bracket and the first wall face panel.
63. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a wall, wherein the wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a wall face panel attached to the wall and disposed on the inside of the burn room, wherein the wall face panel is a corrugated face panel;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling and disposed on the inside of the burn room, wherein the ceiling face panel is a corrugated face panel; and
a plurality of wall face panel mounting brackets connecting the wall face panel to the wall, wherein each of the wall face panel mounting brackets includes a flex member that flexes to allow the wall face panel to move as the temperature inside of the burn room changes.
64. The apparatus of claim 63 further including a layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling.
65. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein each of the wall face panel mounting brackets is a z-shaped mounting bracket.
66. The apparatus of claim 63 further including an insulating strip disposed between each wall face panel mounting bracket and the wall face panel.
67. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein each of the wall face panel mounting brackets displaces the wall face panel away from the wall.
68. The apparatus of claim 63 further including a layer of insulation disposed between the wall face panel and the wall.
69. The apparatus of claim 68 further including a plurality of wall face panel mounting fasteners attaching the wall face panel to the plurality of wall face panel mounting brackets, wherein each of the wall face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the wall face panel and the wall, and further wherein the layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each wall face panel mounting fastener and the wall.
70. The apparatus of claim 69 wherein the wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each wall face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
71. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a wall, wherein the wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a wall face panel attached to the wall and disposed on the inside of the burn room, wherein the wall face panel is a corrugated face panel;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling and disposed on the inside of the burn room, wherein the ceiling face panel is a corrugated face panel; and
a plurality of wall face panel mounting brackets connecting the wall face panel to the wall, wherein each of the wall face panel mounting brackets includes a displacement member disposed between the wall face panel and the wall, wherein the angle of orientation of the displacement member changes as the wall face panel moves in response to changes in temperature inside of the burn room.
72. The apparatus of claim 71 further including a layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling.
73. The apparatus of claim 71 wherein each of the wall face panel mounting brackets is a z-shaped mounting bracket.
74. The apparatus of claim 71 further including an insulating strip disposed between each wall face panel mounting bracket and the wall face panel.
75. The apparatus of claim 71 further including a layer of insulation disposed between the wall face panel and the wall.
76. The apparatus of claim 75 further including a plurality of wall face panel mounting fasteners attaching the wall face panel to the plurality of wall face panel mounting brackets, wherein each of the wall face panel mounting fasteners has an end disposed between the wall face panel and the wall, and further wherein the layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each wall face panel mounting fastener and the wall.
77. The apparatus of claim 76 wherein the wall includes a plurality of wall studs, and further wherein the layer of insulation is disposed between the end of each wall face panel mounting fastener and each of the wall studs.
78. An apparatus for training firefighters comprising:
a burn room configured to contain a continuous live training fire during a firefighter training exercise without sustaining damage to the burn room, wherein the burn room includes a ceiling, a floor, and a first wall, wherein the first wall is disposed between the ceiling and the floor;
a first wall face panel attached to the first wall, wherein the first wall face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room, and further wherein the first wall face panel is a corrugated face panel;
a first layer of insulation disposed between the first wall face panel and the first wall;
a ceiling face panel attached to the ceiling, wherein the ceiling face panel is exposed to the inside of the burn room;
a ceiling layer of insulation disposed between the ceiling face panel and the ceiling; and
a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes a first outer leg member attached to the first wall face panel, a second outer leg member attached to the ceiling face panel, a first flex member connected at an angle to the first outer leg member, and a second flex member connected at an angle to the second outer leg member and at an angle to the first flex member, wherein the angle formed between the first and second flex members changes as the first wall face panel and the ceiling face panel move in response to temperature changes inside of the burn room.