WO2004075206A2

WO2004075206A2 - Method for decontaminating large numbers of casualties of unconventional weapon and conveyor systems for implementing the method

Info

Publication number: WO2004075206A2
Application number: PCT/IL2004/000154
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pinhas Krainer
Original assignee: Krainer, Malka
Priority date: 2003-02-19
Filing date: 2004-02-19
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Also published as: WO2004075206A3; IL154539A0; IL154539A

Abstract

System for decontaminating large number of casualties attacked by unconventional weapon is disclosed, comprising conveyor arrangements for conveying a plurality of lying casualties form a gathering terminal to and between powdering and washing stations, then to an evacuation station to a delivery to a comprehensive medical care. Method for rapidly decontaminating large number of casualties by positioning conveyor near casualties collecting point, positioning lying casualties one after another on te conveyor or on stretchers on the conveyor and delivering the casualties on the conveyor for treatment through powdering and washing stations before evacuatin them to a comprehensive medical care, is disclosed as well.

Description

METHOD FOR DECONTAMINATING LARGE NUMBERS OF CASUALTIES OF UNCONVENTIONAL WEAPON AND CONVEYOR SYSTEMS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of decontaminating casualties attacked by either radiological, biological or chemical (in the context of the present invention referred to also as "unconventional") weapon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Decontamination is generally defined as the reduction or removal of radiological biological or chemical agents, as well as any chemical hazards, so that they will no longer be toxic. The decontamination is usually divided to physical treatment and to detoxification, whereat those hazards are neutralized chemically. In most cases, skin is the main attacked organ, yet eyes and wounds may also be infected. Decontamination may be classified into three subcategories: (i) personal decontamination, especially regarding to the decontamination steps that should be taken within the first few minutes after the exposure of a person to a hazard source; (ii) casualty decontamination, and (iii) personnel decontamination. Col. Charles G. Hurst, M.D. of the Medical Corps. U.S. Army stated in the article "Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Weapon" (p. 352) that the decontamination of chemical casualties is an enormous task. The process requires dedication of both large numbers of personnel and large amounts of time. Even with appropriate planning and training, decontamination of casualties demands a significant contribution of resources. As radiological, biological and chemical weapon are weapons of mass destruction providing for a mass of powerless casualties (lying patients) and able casualties (walking patients), no emergency organization or army could treat today said mass in an appropriate time. An efficient, simple, cost-effective, automatic decontaminating module, adapted for reduction or removal of such hazards from a mass of powerless casualties by minimal manpower is not yet exist, although the notable need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention first relates to a method for rapidly conveying large numbers of casualties for treatment, comprising (a) positioning of at least one conveyor capable of conveying a line of a plurality of lying people, near casualties collecting point; (b) positioning lying casualties one after another on the conveyor or on stretchers on the conveyor; (c) delivering the casualties on the conveyor for treatment. In the context of the present invention the term "conveyor" relates to at least one chain, belt, track or plate capable of carrying people lying upon, or capable of carrying stretchers with people lying upon, either if the stretchers can be placed on the at least one chain, belt, plate, or track or they are suspended from the at least one chain, belt, plate or track through holder units, or they are connected (either permanently or detachably) to the at least one chain, belt, plate or track. In the context of the present invention the term "chain" and the term "belt" refer to endless chain or belt that are capable of a circulation (endless) motion along a predetermined path, and the term "plate" refers to a plate capable of a rotational (carousellike) circulation (endless) motion. The term "track" relates to a looped track allowing a plurality of wheeled wagons or wheeled holder units to travel along the track in circulatory path.

The treatment may be either powdering, washing and/or evacuation to a comprehensive medical care (i.e. in a hospital), therefore the method may further comprise the delivery of the casualties on the conveyor through a powdering post, through a washing post or through evacuation post (the evacuation post will be referred to also as "evacuation terminal"). According to one embodiment the posts are located along the path of one long conveyor, however according to other embodiments the posts are positioned each along the path of a separate conveyor, thus the method may further comprise transferring the casualties from one conveyor to another.

Furthermore, in order to allow for a maximum effective decontamination of a casualty, the method may comprise overturning at least part of the casualties up side down or left to right during their delivery by the conveyor or while being transferred from one conveyor to another.

The present invention further relates to a conveyor for casualties (hereinafter will be referred to also as "casualties conveyor"), which allows for loading and transporting a plurality of lying persons between a first and a second terminals. The present invention further relates to a multi-stage or multi-post (hereinafter referred to also as "multi-station") decontaminating conveyor comprising at least one casualties conveyor cooperative with decontamination arrangements for decontaminating a mass of casualties attacked by radiological, biological or chemical weapon (or other hazards as well) before they accept a comprehensive medical treatment. Said decontaminating conveyor is characterized by having at least one of a powdering post and a washing post.

In the powdering post physical absorbing of harmful fall out products of said weaponis provided, for a predetermined period, by means of effective dispersal of appropriate powder material/s. In the washing post, appropriate liquids are effectively provided to cleanse the external surface of each of the casualties from powders and contaminants.. After being treated in said posts, the decontaminated casualties are amassed in the delivery post until a comprehensive medical care is provided. Said multi-post decontaminating conveyor may comprise in addition an accumulating post; whereat contaminated casualties are amassed before treatment in any of the posts. Said conveyor is an elongated line wherein casualties are amassed either in the accumulating post or in the powdering post, then washed and delivered to a medical care in a First In First Out (hereinafter referred to as FIFO) order. Said line may comprise a plurality of parallel lines. The conveyor is preferably adapted to conveying a line of stretchers, each stretcher carries one casualty, and said stretchers are arranged either laterally (i.e. along the lateral dimension of the conveyor) , longitudinally (i.e. along the length dimension of the conveyor). The posts are preferably interconnected by means of a carousel-like joint, a manifold-like joint or by means of a rotateable joint. At least one post is preferably placed in a suitable tent-like or shed-like construction, wherein the construction is selected from stationary, collapsible or mobile structure.

The aforementioned conveyor is particularly adaptable to decontaminate a mass of powerless and able casualties. Those powerless casualties are lying on a conveyor. Those able casualties are walking by their own from post to post in the manner they are powdered and washed independently.

The present invention further relates to a method for rapid highly effective decontamination of a mass of casualties of biological or chemical attack , the method comprising positioning each casualty lying on a casualties conveyor; conveying a plurality of lying casualties on the conveyor from a first terminal to a second terminal. Said method enables to reduce or remove most of the hazard origins by further comprising the following steps: (i) powdering the casualties by a means of powdering agents; (ii) washing the powdered casualties by a means of washing agents; and (iii) delivering said decontaminate casualties to a medical care. Preferably, said method comprising also an initial step of amassing the casualties before powdering them.

To summarize, the present invention relates to various embodiments of casualties conveyor (and of multistage decontaminating conveyor assembly, as will be detailed herein below, after describing the casualties conveyor), wherein the casualties conveyor is useful for delivery of casualties of radiological biological or chemical attack along a delivery path between a first and a second terminals, and it is basically comprised of (a) at least one moving element (such as chain, belt or plate) capable of endless circulation motion or at least one track allowing for endless circulation motion of a plurality of wheeled elements; (b) a plurality of built-in stretchers or a plurality of holder units each adapted to receiving one stretcher wherein the holder unit is connected to the at least one chain belt or plate or is wheeled on the track, and each stretcher is useful for receiving and supporting one lying casualty for delivery by the conveyor along the delivery path; and (c) driving mechanism for moving the at least one chain belt or plate in a circulation motion.

According to various embodiments it is further comprising at least one treatment post, for treating the casualties during their motion (in the context of the present invention "during motion" does not come to exclude short stops during motion; thus any treatment given to a casualty between a first terminal of the conveyor and a last terminal of the conveyor should be referred to as given "during motion").

In the context of the present invention the term "treatment post" refers to a station at which casualties are treated during being conveyed by the conveyor, regardless of what type of treatment it is, and regardless whether it is performed automatically, or by manpower. One example of a treatment post is a powdering post adapted for powdering the casualties with absorbing or decontaminating material during their motion on the conveyor. Another example of a treatment post is washing post adapted for rinsing the casualties with absorbing or decontaminating material during their motion on the conveyor. Other examples of a treatment post will become more apparent in other parts of this specification of the present invention. They may be selected from (however not limited to): Vacuuming post, amassing post, evacuating post, syringing post, drying post, registration post (wherein identity, medical details, or other information of casualties are registered, copied or photographed).

The chain belt or plate of the conveyor are arranged for a straight path motion of the stretchers however the present invention relates also to embodiments wherein the chain belt or plate are arranged for a circular path motion of the stretchers.

Preferably, the driving mechanism comprising a motor or engine and a gear, however the present invention relates also to embodiments having (at least as an option for an emergency case) manually operated conveyor (such as operation through pedals, manual rotating handle or the like, and any appropriate power transformation arrangement as known to those who skill in the art) .

According to various preferred embodiment the casualties conveyor is further comprising controller unit communicating with at least one switching or sensor element for controlling the speed of convey or for stopping the convey upon recognition of a stretcher reaching a terminal of the delivery path.

The multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to the present invention is useful for decontaminating a mass of casualties attacked by radiological, biological or chemical weapon before given them a comprehensive medical treatment, and it is basically comprised of at least one conveyor capable of conveying a plurality of lying people, wherein at least one of powdering post whereat contaminated casualties are to be powdered or washing post whereat contaminated casualties are to be washed during their convey, is located along a limited portion of the conveyor length. Preferably, casualties are amassed on o first portion of the multi-stage decontaminating conveyor, then conveyed to a portion where powdering arrangement is located (i.e. poedering post), then, after being remaining powdered for a predetermined period (e.g. 120 seconds) during the convey, are continue the convey to a portion of the conveyor where washing arrangement for removal of soaked powder and contaminants is located (i.e. washing post), then conveyed along an and portion of the multistage decontaminating conveyor, to an evacuation terminal.

The present invention relates also to a multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly useful for decontaminating a mass of casualties attacked by radiological, biological or chemical weapon before given them a comprehensive medical treatment, comprising at least two casualties conveyors (as disclosed and defined by the text of the present invention) operating in cascade (i.e. wherein casualties treated on a first of the at least two, are moved to further treatment on the second, and from the second to a third, if one exists, and so on).

According to various embodiments at least two of the casualties conveyors are connected to one another through a rotateable joint, through a carousel-like joint, or through a slideable joint.

According to various embodiments of the present invention at least one of the casualties conveyors forming the multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly is an accumulating post whereat contaminated casualties are amassed and wherein at least one conveyor is further comprising a treatment post (e.g. washing post or a powdering post whereat contaminated casualties are being powdered or washed).

According to the present invention, the multi-stage decontaminating conveyor may comprise (according to capacity requirements that may rise) a plurality of casualties conveyors arranged in parallel lines along at least one of its post.

The multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to the present invention is preferably adapted to conveying al least one line of stretchers, each stretcher carries one casualty, said stretchers are arranged in each of the at least one lines either laterally .longitudinally or diagonally respective to the direction of convey.

According to various embodiments of the multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to the present invention, its casualties conveyors are interconnected by means of a carousel-like joint. According to other of its embodiments at least part of its casualties conveyors are interconnected through a manifold-like joint or through a rotateable joint. It is in the scope of the present invention wherein at least one post is provided with suitable tent-like or shed-like construction, in which the post is placed and protected (e.g. from winds that may disturb the powdering or the washing), wherein said construction may be either collapsible or mobile structure.

It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the decontaminating conveyor assembly is designed and adapted to decontaminate a mass of powerless casualties, together with able casualties. The powerless are lying on a conveyor, and the able ones are walking from post to post in the manner they are powdered and washed independently of the conveyor motion. For said adaptation a walking track is provided aside of the conveyor path, allowing able casualties to pass through the powdering post and/or through the washing post for being powdered and washed.

Preferably, the multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to the present invention is further comprising at least one motor or engine and a gear for driving at least one of its moving parts (e.g. the conveyor chain, belt or plate, the conveyor joints, or moveable powder blowers and sprinklers at the respective posts). According to various preferred embodiments there is provided also at least one controller unit programmed to communicate with at least one switching or sensor element for controlling the speed of convey of at least one of the casualties conveyors, for stopping the convey upon recognition of a stretcher reaching a terminal of the delivery path of at least one casualties conveyor, for determining the flow rates of powders or washing liquids, or for coordinating between the casualties conveyors.

According to various embodiments of the present invention the conveyor motion during powdering process or during washing process is in steps, such that each stretcher is stopped at least once in a powdering post and/or in a washing post, such that a casualty receives a powdering or a washing process motion lessly.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention the multi-slage decontaminating conveyor assembly is comprised of casualties conveyors built as modular parts allowing for replacement between differently sized or differently shaped parts, for extending conveying path by connecting at least one additional conveyor segment serially to existing one, for extending conveyor width by connecting at least one additional conveyor segment parallel to existing one, or for connecting conveyor to conveyor joint, useful for a facile adaptation of the multi-stages decontaminating conveyor to the requirements and to the conditions of a specific site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 schematically presents a top view of one embodiment of the decontamination assembly defined by the present invention;

Fig 2 schematically presents a top view of another embodiment of the aforementioned assembly; Fig 3 schematically presents a top view of another embodiment of the aforementioned assembly; and

Fig 4 schematically presents a side view of one embodiment of roller assembly of a conveyor according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of a conveyor having suspended stretchers traveling along a looped track, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following description is provided, along all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a a method for treating large number of casualties of radiological, chemical or biological attacks, casualties conveyor, and a multi-station decontaminating conveyor assembly.

Said assembly is especially useful for decontaminating a mass of casualties attacked by radiological, biological or chemical weapon and other hazards before given them comprehensive medical treatment. The assembly allows for a sequence of several decontamination procedures being implemented through what hereto defined in the term 'posts'. Three post types are hereto described: (a) powdering post - whereat physical absorbing of the fall out of said weapon or hazards is provided for a predetermined period of time; (b) a washing post - whereat liquids are effectively provided to cleanse the external surface of the casualties; and (c) a delivery post - whereat the decontaminated casualties are amassed until the comprehensive medical care is provided.

The aforementioned terms radiological, biological or chemical weapon and other hazards shall denoted in the present invention in the collective term 'contaminating agents'. Those contaminating agents are selected from, yet not limited to radiological weapon, such as fallout, radioactive materials of any type or kind. Biological weapon is selected, yet not limited to viruses (such as small pox, influenza vectors etc), bacteria (such as anthrax), fungi, yeast, biological substances, toxins (such as ricin and Clostridium botulinum toxin), proteins and fermentation products of any type or kind. Chemical weapon isselected from, yet not limited to any organophospherous or nerve agents (such as Vx, GB etc), mustard gases (such as HN, HD etc), oximes, tear gases, etc. Chemical hazards are selected, yet not limited to any toxic composition of gas, liquid, solid phase or any mixtures thereof. Such hazards are selected, yet not limited to any amine containing compositions such as ammonia, halogenes (such as bromine and chlorine) or cyanide gases; solvents, acids, or any oxygen containing liquids etc; soot, metallic dusts, or any toxic solid particles.

It is well in the scope of the present invention wherein the decontamination conveyor comprises both 'walking line' and 'lying line'. The term walking line is referring to a sequence of decontamination steps, adapted to treat casualties that can walk from post to post; while the term 'lying line' in one of the sequences defined below, is especially referring to the treatment sequence adapted to decontaminate powerless casualties, that are been transferred by a means of the conveyor through and from post to post.

Reference is made now to Fig. 1 , schematically presenting a top view of one embodiment of the present invention. This conveyor assembly is comprises of a powdering post (A), a washing post (B) and a delivery post (C). The length of the presented assembly is about 28 m and the width is about 2 m. It is acknowledged in that dimensions are to be of a wide range, and are function of the architecture of the assembly, such as the existence of kinks in the line; the use of a plurality of parallel lines, usually in order to increase the capacity of the contamination. The dimensions of the assembly is also affected by other factors, such as the coexistence of other lines, such as 'walking line' as shall defined below; the free space given to locate the assembly in the field etc.

Thus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a single elongated line is provided. Casualties are amassed in the powdering post conveyor (A) in a first-in-first-out (FIFO) mechanism. Here, a parallel powdering post is described, characterized by a relatively high accumulating capacity. An powerless casualty is evacuated and placed onto the first stretcher of the line (1 A). Then, the casualty is a subject of effective powdering process.

It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the powdering step comprising the at least one of the operations related with known physical decontamination processes. Usually, said physical decontamination process comprising powdering of the casualty with an effective measure of Bentonite powder, also known in the term 'fuller earth' powder. Many commercial available powders are currently used. Some of them comprises one or more of the following ingredients: (I) a filler portion (e.g., particles comprising talk, magnesia, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, silica powders, sodium chloride salt, metal salts, alkali and earth alkali salts for example); (II) an active portion, such as basic amines, oxidizing substances, hypochlorides etc; and (III) an indicator adapted to indicate the presence of predetermined hazardous material. For convenience, all aforementioned material and their mixtures shall be denoted in the present invention in the term 'physical decontamination powder'.

It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the casualties are powdered by means of said physical decontamination powder for a predetermined period of time. It is known in the literature that for physical decontamination of powerless casualties, attacked by chemical weapon, about two minutes is effective period of time to absorb the residues (fall out) of the weapon by fuller earth powder. The powdering can be made manually by a manpower team, however according to various preferred embodiments of the present invention it is made by means of powder blowers located in appropriate positions along the powdering conveyor (A), for supplying optimal coverage of the casualties. The powder blowers may all contain the same type of powder or powder mixture, or may contain different types of powders such that a casualty is first being powdered by one type of powder, then (after advancing along the conveyor) being powdered with another powder type or types

In order to allow the entire body of the casualty, powder blowers are provided underneath the stretcher (and in various appropriate embodiments underneath the conveyor), wherein the stretcher's bed (and in various embodiments the conveyor as well) is made as a spaced web allowing the powder to reach the underside of the casualty body lying on the stretcher.

Transport along the powdering conveyor (A), as well as in other portions of the decontamination assembly is provided either manually or automatically. It is thus well in the scope of the present invention wherein the conveyor is operated manually. In a manual conveyor, stretchers of any type or size, and/or any other analogous apparatuses adapted to carry powerless casualties in a decontaminating line (hereto defined in the term 'stretchers') are been transported along the conveyor by hand, wherein mechanical gear is proving for a secure movement of the stretchers in a predetermined course and velocity. In an automatic conveyor, stretchers are been transport along the line by means of pneumatic, hydraulic and/or mechanical motors and gears.

A rotateable connector (U) is interconnecting the aforementioned powdering post (A) with a washing post (B). Casualty located in stretcher 11 is transformed to connector 1J, either manually or automatically, then the connector (1J) is rotate to about 90°, so said stretcher is to be easily interconnected into the washing line B. According to the said embodiment, four casualties, laying in stretchers 1 K to 1 N are been effectively washed in the line B.

It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the term 'washing' and/or 'wash' is generally referring to any effective means to cleanse and/or to decontaminate the outer surface of the casualties by liquids and/or by vapors and/or certain gasses (i.e., 'washing agents').

The above mentioned washing agents are selected from a wide range of materials and compositions selected, yet not limited to liquids and gasses. Water may provide an excellent decontaminating agent, as it may be used as cold water, water at ambient temperature, hot water, and vapors of water as wet or dried steams, ozone enriched vapors etc. Water solutions, and preferably soaps, detergents, surface-active agents may be in use in a verity of concentrations (e.g., sodium dodecil sulfate 0.5 to 5.0% water solution at 35 to 40°C).

Alternatively or additionally, emulsions and water-immiscible solvents may be used, as many types of chemical weapon and hazards are characterized by noticeable hydrophobicity. For example, kerosene was found to be effective cleansing solvent for both Vx and serine (GB) verve agents. Moreover, both waterbome solutions and solvate solutions comprising active decontaminating agents are to be in used according to the present invention. Thus for example, solutions comprising hypochlorites (preferably sodium hypochlorite solution or calcium hypochlorite suspension) are to be in use in effective amount, such as in the range of about 4% to 10%. Water suspensions comprising about 4% of commercially-available super tropical bleach (STB), comprising calcium hypochlorite, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide mixture was found to be effective in the decontamination of germs and various chemical weapon agents. It is acknowledged that many water-immiscible solutions were also suggested for noticeable effectiveness in the decontamination of both biological and chemical weapon agents. In few cases, thus, a diluted solvent solution of the aggressive and commercial available amine-based decontamination solution II (DS2) may be in used, especially in cleansing boots and other external parts, not being in communication with the casualty to be treated.

Reference is still made to Fig. 1 , showing the washing post B. Said elongated line is provided with a plurality of splinters, sprayers, aerosols and/or foggers of any type or size (i.e. 'sprays'), located and adapted to effectively rinse a measured volume of the aforementioned washing agent over the casualty laying on stretchers 1 K to 1 N. According to one embodiment of the present invention, said rinse is provided generally from elevated sprayers downward to the conveyor. It is nevertheless according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein at least in portion of the said line B, washing agents are rinsed from the top, from the sides and/or from the bottom (wherein the stretcher's bed is made as a spaced web) of the stretcher.

Still according another embodiment, solvents and/or water solutions of active decontamination agents are to rinsed in the first portion of line B, wherein water and/or detergents are rinsed in the subsequent portion of said line B. Similarly, in case that portion of the contaminating agents are of elevated solubility in cold water and other ingredients of said agents are better solvated in hot solutions, cold liquids are in used in one portion of the line, while relatively hot liquids are to be rinsed in the other portion.

Whereat line B is preferably of a FIFO mechanism, powerless casualties are lying on the stretchers defined above and automatically transported along the line. As those casualties sometimes requires medical escorts along the line, accompanied personal stuff walks on a predetermined pavement-like root located at the side of the heads of the lying casualties, without being wetted by the said washing agents rinsed from the said sprayers.

The time interval form the beginning of the wash (see position 1 K) until the end of the wash (position 1 ) is varied from few seconds to several minutes, and is greatly depend of the condition of the casualties, the type and capacity of the washing agents etc.

Line B is located according to one embodiment of the present invention in a collapsible and/or mobile construction. The length of said construction is primary depend on the number of the stretchers in the line. As demonstrated schematically in Fig. 1 , line B comprises four stretchers following each other by their longitudinal axis, the minimal length of the washing post B is thus about 12 m. Nevertheless, wherein the stretchers are stacked by their narrow dimension (See for example line A), for four stretchers, a length of about 4 m is required. The width of line B is about 2 m, not including the pavement-like root for the medical stuff.

Whereat the powerless casualty is effectively washed and cleansed by means of the said washing agents, and further whereat said casualty is now located in position 1 N, it is the time to transfer the casualty to a comprehensive medical care, such as the treatment provided in the interior of hospitals. In delivery post C, those powdered and washed casualties are amassed. Reference is hence made now to Fig. 1 , showing a manifold-like connector (3). Stretcher 10 caries the casualty treated just before the casualty lying in stretcher 1 N, while stretcher 1 P contains the casualty treated just before the one lays in stretcher 10. Stretcher 1Q located in the transmission post comprises the casualty to be now deliver into the hospital. The dimension of the delivery post C as described in Fig. 1 is about 6x6 m.

Reference is made now to Fig. 2, presenting a schematic top view of another embodiment of the decontamination conveyor assembly according to the present invention. Basically, this conveyor assembly is similar to the one presented in Figure 1 , with one main difference, as it is characterized in line A. Here, a rotateable connector (21) is presented. Said loading apparatus is especially useful for a quick load of powerless casualty on the conveyor line, namely of stretcher 2A. A casualty loaded on stretcher 2A is transport to the location of stretcher 2B1. By rotating the carousel to about 180° allowed loading the subsequent casualty in location of stretcher 2B2 and vis versa. Post A comprising two parallel lines, whereat 8 casualties are powdered as defined above. Such an arrangement is especially useful in cases whereat washing takes more time than powdering. Here, a prolonged physical contamination procedure is applied, while other decontamination steps are quit similar The dimension of post A, comprising 8 casualties is about 13x2 m.

It is further acknowledged that posts A and B are interconnected by means of a joint 2F (that is a rotateable joint according to one option, or slideable, according to another option). Still referring to Fig. 2, which is showing that casualty lying in stretcher 2E1 is collected by stretcher 2F, and then transferred to stretcher 2G, while for the purpose of collecting the casualty lying on stretcher 2E2, stretcher 2F should be rotated (or being slide, according to said other option) about 1 m to the right side, then rotate back (or being slide) about 0.5 to left, thus to deliver the casualty to the location denoted as 2G.

Reference is made now to Figure 3, presenting a top view of a decontamination conveyor of a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the powdering post is arranged as a carousel-like conveyor (31), comprising a plurality of stretchers, here 8 such stretchers. An powerless casualty is loaded by a means of loading assembly D. Said assembly D comprises a rotateable connector (32) and a loading platform (33) interconnecting the connector (32) with the powdering post (31).

It is acknowledged in this manner that the radial velocity of the carousel-like powdering post conveyor (31) is a function of the powdering time, e.g., the time period whereat the hazards are been absorbed by the powdering agents. This period is ranges from few seconds to several minutes.

The dimensions of the carousel-like powdering post conveyor (31 ) are about 7x7 m for an assembly comprising eight stretchers. The dimensions of the loading assembly D are about 2x5 m.

The term 'stretcher' and the term 'conveyor' are referring in this invention to any means adapted to transport powerless casualties along the decontamination pathway defined above. According to various embodiments of the present invention the two terms are incorporated into one. According to these embodiments the stretchers and the conveyor form together one carrying apparatus whereat the aforementioned conveyor comprises a plurality of stretchers- like built-in units. Those units are of general length of 1.8 to 2.2 m, and preferably 2m. The general width of those built-in units is in the range of about 0.6 to 1.2 m, preferably 1 m. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor is a highly porosive net, or spaced web, made of polymeric and/or metal materials, allowing for powdering, rinsing and draining, through the conveyor. The stretchers, as defined above, are preferably made of a similar highly porosive net, or spaced web, made of polymeric and/or metal materials, wherein metal infrastructure, especially in the outside frame of the stretcher is made of metal, such as aluminum alloy or hollow stainless steel rods.

Reference is made now to Figure 4, presenting a schematic side view of one embodiment of a conveyor according to several embodiments of the invention. The conveyor hereto presented is rolled on by a means of a roller assembly. Said assembly is comprises of rollers (41 A and 41 B), upper tight net (42A) and lower net (42B), tension rollers ((46) for example). This roller assembly is supported by metallic frame (43). The roller assembly is of any desired length, wherein two or more such assemblies are to be in a desired sequence. Hence, roller (41 B) of one assembly is located adjacent to roller (44) of a second assembly, in the manner that net (42A) and net (45) are to form approximated one moving conveyor. The rollers (41 B)(44) are driven by two respective motors (47) which transmit their rotation through transmission belts (47a), respectively. The conveyor is controlled by a controller (49) which coordinate between separate parts of the conveyor, the speed of convey, the starting and stopping of convey, and the operation of the sprinklers (48) of a treatment post located adjacent the path of convey. Additional treatment posts may cooperate with the conveyor from above trucks or other vehicles having appropriate equipment and/or reservoirs containing powdering materials or rinsing liquids, adapted to operate with the conveyor and having appropriate interface allowing a mutual communication with the controller (49).

Fig. 5 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view of a portion (50) of a conveyor according to the present invention, comprising suspended stretchers (55) traveling along a looped track

(51) (only one straight portion of it is seen). Each stretcher (55) has two supporting rods (54)(54a) extending along the two sides of the bed and protruding at their ends from both ends of the bed. The protruding ends of the rods rest and gripped inside a concave portion (53) of a holder (52), and preferably secured there by a bolt (53a). Each stretcher is thus being supported and gripped by four holders (52), each of which holds the end of supporting rod of a neighboring stretcher. Therefore the holder unit (that is according to the present invention a mechanical arrangement for supporting one stretcher on the conveyor) according to this specific embodiment, is comprised of four halves of separate holders (52). The holders

(52) travel along the track (51) by means of wheels (52a)(52b). Each of the wheels (52a)(52b) has a corresponding toothed wheel from the hidden side of the track, and the toothed wheels rotate thus force the wheels (52a)(52b) of the holders to travel along the track, due to a chain drive geared to the toothed wheels.

Claims

1. Casualties conveyor for delivery of casualties of radiological biological or chemical attack along a delivery path between a first and a second terminals, comprising (a) at least one chain belt or plate capable of endless circulation motion; (b) a plurality of built-in stretchers or a plurality of holder units each adapted to receiving one stretcher wherein the holder unit is anchored to the at least one chain belt or surface, and each stretcher is useful for receiving and supporting one lying casualty for delivery by the conveyor along the delivery path; and (c) driving mechanism for moving the at least one chain belt or plate in a circulation motion.

2. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one treatment post adapted for treating casualties during their motion on the conveyor.

3. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one powdering post adapted for powdering the casualties with absorbing or decontaminating material during their motion on the conveyor.

4. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one washing post adapted for rinsing the casualties with absorbing or decontaminating material during their motion on the conveyor.

5. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , wherein the chain bell or surface are arranged for a straight path motion of the stretchers.

6. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , wherein the chain belt or surface are arranged for a circular path motion of the stretchers.

7. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , wherein the driving mechanism comprising a motor or engine and a gear.

8. Casualties conveyor according to claim 1 , further comprising controller unit communicating with at least one switching or sensor element for controlling the speed of convey or for stopping the convey upon recognition of a stretcher reaching a terminal of the delivery path.

9. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly useful for decontaminating a mass of casualties attacked by radiological, biological or chemical weapon before given them a comprehensive medical treatment, comprising at least one conveyor capable of conveying a plurality of lying people, wherein at least one treatment post for treating the casualties is located along a limited portion of the conveyor path.

10. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor useful for decontaminating a mass of casualties attacked by radiological, biological or chemical weapon before given them a comprehensive medical treatment, comprising at least two casualties conveyorsoperating in cascade.

11. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein at least two of the casualties conveyors are connected to one another through a rotateable joint, through a carousel-like joint, or through a slideable joint.

12. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10 wherein at least one of the casualties conveyors is an accumulating post whereat contaminated casualties are amassed and wherein at least one other casualty conveyor is further comprising a treatment post.

13. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10 comprising a plurality of casualties conveyors arranged in parallel lines along at least one of its post.

14. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, adapted to conveying at least one line of stretchers, each stretcher carries one casualty, said stretchers are arranged in each of the at least one lines either laterally .longitudinally or diagonally.

15. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein the posts are interconnected by means of a carousel-like joint.

16. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein the posts are interconnected by means of a manifold-like joint.

17. ; A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein the posts are interconnected by means of a rotateable joint.

18. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein at least one post is placed in a suitable tent-like or shed-like construction.

19. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein said construction is either collapsible or mobile structure.

20. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, adapted to decontaminate a mass of powerless and able casualties; said powerless are lying on a conveyor and said able casualties are walking from post to post in the manner they are powdered and washed independently of the conveyor motion.

21. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, further comprising motor or engine and a gear for driving at least one of its moving parts.

22. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, further comprising at least one controller unit programmed to coordinate communicating with at least one switching or sensor element for controlling the speed of convey of at least one of the casualties conveyors, for stopping the convey upon recognition of a stretcher reaching a terminal of the delivery path of at least one casualties conveyor, for determining the flow rates of powders or washing liquids, or for coordinating between the casualties conveyors.

23. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein the conveyor motion during powdering or during washing is in steps, such that each stretcher is slopped at least once in a powdering post or in a washing post.

24. A multi-stage decontaminating conveyor assembly according to claim 10, wherein its casualties conveyors are built as modular parts allowing for replacement between differently sized or differently shaped parts, for extending conveying path by connecting at least one additional conveyor segment serially to existing one, for extending conveyor width by connecting at least one additional conveyor segment parallel to existing one, or for connecting conveyor to conveyor joint, useful for a facile adaptation of the multi-stages decontaminating conveyor to the requirements and to the conditions of a specific site.

25. Method for rapidly conveyin large numbers of casualties for treatment, comprising (a) positioning of at least one conveyor capable of conveying a line of a plurality of lying people near casualties collecting point; (b) positioning lying casualties one after another on the conveyor or on stretchers on the conveyor; (c) delivering the casualties on the conveyor for treatment.

26. Method according to claim 25, further comprising the delivery of the casualties on the conveyor through powdering post.

27. Method according to claim 25, further comprising the delivery of the casualties on the conveyor through washing post.

28. Method according to claim 25, further comprising transferring the casualties from one conveyor to another.

29. Method according to claim 25, further comprising overturning at least part of the casualties up side down or left to right during their delivery by the conveyor or while being transferred from one conveyor to another.