DESCRIPTION RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S, Provisional Patent Application No. 63026144 filed May 15th, 2020, which is incorporated, herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to personal protection equipment (PPE); an ambidextrous forearm fabric sleeve that, comprises an interchangeable and programmable electronic RFID module of components that communicate with near field RFID transponders placed strategically on a human’s upper arm (biceps/ triceps} and/or torso area. The sleeve module comprises; a modified printed circuit board , microcontroller, an RFID reader, a monitor to visually track each engagement, Bluetooth that sends the data to authorized, paired devices, an. audio alert for each engagement, LED (light emitting diodes) flashes for each engagement and battery monitoring. The upper arm passive transponder is within a wearable and machine washable fabric band and the forearm sleeve is also machine washable after removal of the electronic module and battery. The torso area transponders are skin and. fabric stick-ons which may be placed wherever needed exposed, and/or underneath, clothing. The .system sensitivity is adjustable from person to person, via proximity which, results in higher accurate engagements and minimal false positives.

The present disclosure further relates to changing human behavioral patterns that may be detrimental to humanity’s overall, health because the undisciplined touching of one’s eyes, nose and mouth (t-zone) may result .in the further spreading of infections from, disease causing pathogens now known or later found that may be deposited upon, surfaces after unconscious and unsafe face to hands touching, and/or transmitted to humans, via unconscious and unsafe hands to face touching (fomite transmission).

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC.gov) , several administrative factors may affect the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings: institutional culture, individual worker behavior, and the work environment. Each of these areas is suitable for performance improvement monitoring and incorporation into the organization’s patient safety goals. Since healthcare workers cannot avoid contact with infected patients it is critical that all healthcare workers are disciplined in the soundest hygienic behavior patterns available to humankind whereas technological advances, such as this subject invention, can provide a fresh and novel opportunity for healthcare workers to overcome detrimental behavior patterns within their fundamental training. The subject invention can provide healthcare workers a simple and effective way to compare their beginning t-zone touching habits with their newly disciplined t-zone touching habits and the described t-zone therapies may be re-evaluated and revisited as needed from time to time as the data may be monitored and/or stored by users and/or third parties as authorized. By design, the hygienic sleeve may be shared and/or discarded within large groups of users as the electronic components module is interchangeable to different sleeves as desired.

The preceding description of benefits to frontline healthcare workers also applies to military personnel whereas troops endeavor to be in ready mode at all times and rampant infections may be devastating within such close quarters as is typical with military personnel. A strong hygienic discipline for preventing and/or mitigating fornite transmissions of infections within the military is critical to national security and the subject invention may be a part of every/ soldier’s basic training and incremental testing thereafter. Schools, teachers and students of all ages and types will also benefit greatly from the subject invention and specifically the very young will because establishing sound hygienic behavior early in a. child’s development may become second nature to the child going forward and that can have a. huge positive effect on the overall health of humanity. In fact, any mitigation of fornite transmission will help slow the exponential spreading of infections among humans. Fomite transmission to humans occurs when viruses or bacteria get transferred to, and/or deposited upon surfaces, which then get transferred further while touching one’s face (t-zone) with contaminated hands (a vicious circle) as opposed to diseases being transmitted from person to person, in the air, in infected water, or in other manners. Some diseases are more likely to be transmitted by fomites than other diseases. For example, according to the CDC.gov, COVID19, a novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. And although most coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets, and although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging. However, it may be possible that people can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or their eyes (mucosae membranes), but this is not thought to be the main way COVID-19 spreads. And although fomite infections may or may not be the primary way humans get infected by pathogens, there is plenty of science to support why fomite transmissions should be taken very seriously in the quest to control infectious diseases. That is why every infectious disease authority places hand sanitation very high on the list of preventative measures to circumvent and / or eliminate any opportunities for infections and / or spreading infections. The subject invention, essentially a training device and therapy program, endeavors to provide users a final stop gap measure to eliminate opportunities for fomite infections by training users not to touch their faces unconsciously and unsafely. Typically over the course of 3-4 weeks of training while following the programs, users will have gained more than a modicum of control over unconscious face touching at which point the hygienic and interchangeable modular features of the present disclosure become even more valuable as the sleeve may he sanitized and shared with others to use in their own quests to control face touching. Healthcare workers, military personnel, schools, parents of young children, and anyone else interested in controlling infections will benefit from the face touching discipline the subject invention provides and this discipline should be a part of everyone’s fundamental training for a safer and smarter world. In fact, the CDC.gov published the following stats to show how hand washing helps people and their communities stay healthy; (1) Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40% (2) Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58% (3) Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16- 21% (4) Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57%. These stats further illustrate the importance of not touching one’s face unconsciously and unsafely because fomite transmissions will be deterred if one’s hands are clean and/or one’s hands do not touch within the t-zone or other vulnerable mucosae membranes while contaminated.

While controversy continues about disease causing pathogen transmission routes, the general acceptance is a consensus that pathogens may infect via multiple routes and the primary routes may vary from pathogen to pathogen. For example, according to the NlH.gov (National Institutes of

Health), Rhinovirus is likely transmitted by autoinoculation of ocular or nasal mucus membrane after contact with fomites. Nonenveloped viruses such as rotavirus, may persist in the environment for several months.

Influenza is an enveloped virus, potentially rendering it more susceptible to inactivation by environmental stressors. The presence of a lipid envelope is not solely responsible for poor fomite transmission, however, because spread via fomites has been demonstrated for respiratory syncytial virus, and environmental persistence has been shown for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, both enveloped viruses. No matter how one looks at it, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, (Benjamin

Franklin quote), so every effort by humans to promote efficient hygienic habits will have a positive impact on limiting infection rates. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags and/or trigger programmed events upon detection of tags. The subject invention uses an interchangeable embedded module of electronic components (e.g,, RFID receiver and transmitter) within a hygienic and ambidextrous forearm sleeve which communicates with embedded hygienic RFID tags (transponders) strategically placed on the upper arm (armband) and/or upon the torso area (inserts/ stick-on) of a user. This combination of components enables the subject invention to perform accurately underneath clothing as well as when it is worn exposed under the functional conditions designed into the invention .

The RFID receiver and transmitter is active, therefore powered, whereas the RFID tags are passive, therefore the power is supplied to tags by the active transmitter. The rechargeable and interchangeable lithium battery is embedded alongside the electronic components within the sleeve.

The hygienic sleeve is made from a variety of fabrics and/ or materials that perform like fabrics that can be worn comfortably on the forearm of users.

The sleeve is hygienic by design because it is machine washable (after removing the module) under the included instructions and therefore may potentially be shared with other users. The armband and torso tags offer the same hygienic features as the sleeve. The sleeve and armband/ torso tags work together to provide an optimal range of sensitivity adjustments to fit the needs of a variety of user types. For example, the forearm sleeve may be moved up or down the forearm to accommodate the placement of the upper armband or torso tags. Moving the sleeve can adjust when the RFID triggers the audio alarm, LED and digital count on the monitor each time a user nears the t-zone. Likewise, the armband may be raised or lowered and turned left or right to adjust the detection zone emitted from the transmitter. The torso tags enable similar adjustments.

The Bluetooth component of the module can send the real time data to authorized third parties and apps for storage and analysis. Any authorized Bluetooth device may pair with the invention within the typical range of Bluetooth technology. While there are multiple pharmaceutical approaches to dealing with diseases like diabetes and cancers, etc., there may be multiple approaches to dealing with controlling face touching by humans. However, prior art in this field, U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,742 to Kovarik et al, has not addressed the fact that RFID is the more accurate technology to use in such an endeavor yet 5742 describes using 1R technology (infrared). And as one skilled in the art will find, IR includes serious accuracy vulnerabilities because the IR light beam can easily be interrupted whereas the present RFID invention by design, works continuously underneath and through do thing/ materials if necessary": prior art in this field has not addressed the hygienic sharing of a wearable that monitors and helps control unconscious face touching among large groups such as healthcare workers, military" personnel, schools of students and beyond; prior art in this field, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014/0066817 to Kovarik et al, hits not addressed an interchangeable and programmable module of components that is critical to the hygienic features of the subject invention; prior art hits not addressed a Bluetooth interface to Google Chrome API; and prior art has not addressed customized proximity" settings and sizing to accommodate a variety of potential users. While there may be other distinctions that differentiate the subject invention from prior art to someone skilled in the art, the previously described distinctions are glaring indications of novelty. Along with the glaring indications of novelty, there are several enabling and overlapping prior art references that should be acknowledged; in the field of RFID, U.S. Pat. No. 10,210,445 to Nikunen and Vikari; in the field of micro-processers, U.S, Pat. No, 8, 555, 032 to Snyder; in the field of GLED displays, U.S. Pat. No. 10,627,683 to Gao, Li, Zhu, Xiang, Zhou; in the field, of Bluetooth, U.S. Pat. No. 9,813,845 to Kirn, Kwari, et al; in the field of printed circuit boards, U.S. Pat. No. 9,813,845 to Takahashi et al, and by these references, the preceding and listed patents are hereby incorporated in their entirety. SUMMARY

Another aspect of the subject invention is the accompanying best practices for best results guidelines, herein, the program and/or therapy. For example, user sessions are broken down under the following headings: (1) While Driving (2) While Video Conferencing (3) While Watching a Movie/TV or Video (4) While on the Phone (5) While Playing Video Games (6) While

Lying Down (7) While Working at a Desk (8) While Reading (9) While on a Toilet. Best practices are designed to significantly improve unconscious and unsafe face touching within a matter of 3-4 weeks per heading. It is very possible for success within multiple headings within 3-4 weeks so long as the time allotted each heading in best practices is adhered to. It is critical that all healthcare workers become disciplined in the soundest hygienic behavior patterns available to humankind whereas technological advances like the subject invention, can provide a powerful and effective opportunity for healthcare workers to overcome detrimental face touching behavior patterns within their fundamental training, a training that may be re-visited from time to time because the previous data can be stored. In a study published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a behavioral observation study was undertaken involving medical students at the University of New South Wales, Their face-touching behavior was observed via videotape recording. Using standardized scoring sheets, the frequency of hand-to-face contacts with mucosal or non-mucosal areas was tallied and analyzed. On average, each of the 26 observed students touched their face 23 times per hour. Of all face touches, 44% (1,024/2,346) involved contact with a mucous membrane, whereas 56% (1,322/2,346) of contacts involved non-mucosal areas. Of mucous membrane touches observed, 36% (372) involved the mouth, 31% (318) involved the no.se, 27% (273) involved the eyes, and 6% (61) were a combination of these regions. Medical students.

It is equally as critical for all military personnel, schools, teachers, and students to also become disciplined in the soundest hygienic behavior patterns available to humankind. Exponential growth is a disastrous event when it comes to infections. In summary, the subject invention enables controlled face touching to be a part of every human being’s fundamental quest for a safer and smarter world.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an arm with the hygienic RFID forearm sleeve positioned to detect the transponder within the upper armband

FIG.2 showcs how the upper armband can be moved upwards (or downwards) to accommodate different sized arms and sensitivity for transponder detection.

FIG.3 show’s that the upper armband may also be rotated to adjust the sensitivity for transponder detection.

FIG.4 is a frontal torso view showing the stick-on transponders in a strategic location for detection by the forearm sleeve.

FIG.5 show’s a fabric stick-on with an exposed tag or transponder.

FIG.6 shows an upper armband and embedded transponder.

FIG.7 is a top view of the electronic components mounted upon a customized printed circuit board or PCB (module)

FIG.8 is an inside out view of the extended hygienic forearm sleeve before the module is added and the sleeve is folded over. FIG.9 is an inside out view of the extended hygienic forearm sleeve after the module is added but before the sleeve is folded over.

FIG. 10 is an outside view' of the hygienic forearm sleeve after the fold over and the battery is connected but not yet inserted into the battery pouch.

FIG. 11 is an outside view' of the hygienic forearm sleeve after the fold over and after the battery has been inserted into the battery pouch.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the sleeve locking ring after the ring is attached to the OLED monitor to lock the sleeve in place and view the digital count displayed for each engagement.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the sleeve locking ring after the ring is attached to the OLED monitor to lock the sleeve in place and view the digital count displayed for each engagement.

FIG, 14 is a view of the hygienic RFID sleeve from a user’s point of view and while the sleeve displays an engagement/ detect count.

FIG, 15 is a screenshot of the real time date being transmitted by the Bluetooth module and captured by the app terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1 shows a configuration whereby the ambidextrous hygienic RFID forearm sleeve 2 is in position to detect a transponder 9 embedded within the upper armband 1. The embedded on and off switch 8 within the sleeve determines when the RFID module 12 starts looking for a passive transponder 9 signal within the armband 1 as the sleeve 2 and armband 9 move closer together as a user bends their arm attempting to touch their face. Also shown in FIG.1 are the on indicator light 5 and reset button, the OLED window 7, which displays the digital count 33 of detects in real time, the LED 4 which indicates detects and monitors battery 15 strength, a buzzer 22 which emits an audio sound upon each detect 15 and the zippered pouch 6 for the battery (s) . In FIG.2 what is shown is the ability to change the signal detection range and sensitivity by moving the armband 1 upwards and therefore downwards for the opposite effect. FIG.3 show's the ability to change the signal detection range and sensitivity by rotating the armband. FIG.4 shows left and right torso stick-on transponders 10 in place using double sided body and/or clothing tape. The positioning of the transponders 10 may be adjusted as needed and may be worn in place of the armband 1 transponder and/ or together, however, if is not necessary to wear both the armband and the stick-ons at the same time. FIG.5 shows the passive transponder 9 (tag) before it is inserted info the stick-on wearable and FIG.6 before it is embedded within the armband. FIG.7 showcs the interchangeable and customized printed circuit board (PCB) 13 components module comprising a power switch 17, a microcontroller 19, a power converter 14, an RFID receiver and transmitter 12, a Bluetooth module 23, an audio buzzer 22, an LED 21, an OLED display 20, a reset button 18, battery connector 16, a LIPO battery 15 and embedded PCB fasteners 24 designed to connect to the hygienic sleeve FIG.8 in a manner that causes the module to become embedded within the sleeve FIG.11 once the sleeve is folded over. FIG.8 show’s the sleeve extended inside out 25 and ready to receive the interchangeable module FIG.9 and battery FIG.7. The hygienic sleeve FIG. 11 may be made of any machine washable or disposable fabric and / or fabric like materials and the sleeve contains the connecting fasteners 24 to the interchangeable module as FIG.9 shows the electronic module snapped in place and the battery connected before the fold over. In FIG.10 what is shown is the sleeve folded over FIG 10 and locked in using the OLED sleeve locking ring 32, exposing an LED 4 and audio buzzer 3 as well and then FIG.11 show's the battery contained within the zippered pouch 31a. FIG.12 and FIG.13 show a top and side detail of the OLED sleeve locking ring 32 as attached to the OLED display which aligns and locks 32 in the hygienic sleeve. FIG.14 shows a functioning modular and hygienic RFID t-zone training sleeve with a digital count 33 that is being transmitted in real time via the onboard Bluetooth module to an authorized FIG.15 Bluetooth terminal for storage and/or analysis.

BEST MODUS OPERANDI

Best: practices include but are not limited to the following: (applicable to both arms in ambidextrous sessions) · 1 ^st establish existing face touching habits by monitoring and documenting the number of face touches over multiple beginning sessions · Upon establishment of the averages begin to consciously lower that average by repeating identical sessions and comparing the counts · Once familiar with the system start setting tangible goals to further lower the averages · Take a break from using the sleeve for a while and then redo matching sessions to see if there were satisfactory improvements · Monitor the results and adjust the goals as needed then revisit the therapies as needed until satisfied · Repeat cycles breaking lor longer periods oi time to build up trust and confidence that you have gained significant control over unconscious face touching and have therefore significantly reduced the chances of getting and spreading infections

INDUSTRY EXPLOITATION

Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, and the CDC.gov concerns over the regular flu season infections combining with COVID 19 to potentially make the coming fall-winter flu season the worst ever from a public health perspective, the following industries and/or institutions should benefit the most from the subject invention: · The Healthcare Industry (1) • The Military (2) · Schools (3) · Students & Teachers (4)