Surgical garment system

Abstract

A surgical garment configured for attachment to a surgical helmet is disclosed, wherein the surgical garment defines a barrier between a wearer and an environment. A surgical helmet includes a peripheral device, a jaw rod, and a coupling member. The coupling member may be recessed into the chin bar. The surgical garment may include an attachment element configured for detachable coupling with a coupling member of a surgical helmet. The coupling member and the attachment element may include mutual features, such as protrusions and grooves. The protrusions and / or corresponding grooves may include curved or similarly shaped surfaces configured to resist disengagement of the attachment element and the coupling member upon application of a force to the surgical garment.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 602,859, filed on November 27, 2023, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a surgical garment system. The surgical garment system includes a surgical garment assembly that can be configured to be attached to a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical garment assembly can be used to provide a barrier between a person wearing the system and the surrounding environment.

[0004] An exemplary configuration provides a surgical garment system that includes a helmet, which in turn can include a ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly and a first helmet terminal and a second helmet terminal, each of the first and second helmet terminals being electrically connected to the controller. The system also includes a surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet. The surgical garment can include a transparent face shield and a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The surgical garment also includes a first garment terminal, a second garment terminal, and a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second garment terminals. The system can be configured such that each of the first and second garment terminals detachably engages the first and second helmet terminals to form a circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the controller, the sensor being configured to detect an electrical parameter of the conductor associated with the first and second garment terminals. The controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the electrical parameter of the conductor detected by the sensor.

[0005] In another exemplary configuration, the surgical garment system further includes a helmet, which can include a ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the first and second coupling members being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material. The system also includes a surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet. The surgical garment can include a transparent face shield and a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield. The surgical garment can also include a first attachment element and a second attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material. The surgical garment can include a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second attachment elements, the conductor being configured to define a resistance. The system is configured such that the first and second attachment elements detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet to form a circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the resistance of the conductor when the circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment is closed.

[0006] In yet another exemplary configuration, the surgical garment system also includes a helmet that may include a ventilation assembly. The system also includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly. The system also includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member, each coupling member formed of one of ferromagnetic or magnetic materials. The system also includes a surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment may include a transparent face shield. The system also includes a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The system also includes a first attachment element, a second attachment element, and a third attachment element, each attachment element formed of the other of magnetic or ferromagnetic materials. The system also includes a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element. The system also includes wherein each of the first, second, and third attachment elements is configured to detachably engage one of the first, second, and third coupling members of the helmet to detachably couple the surgical garment to the helmet such that when the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet, the conductor forms an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The system also includes the controller being configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form / close the electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The system also includes the controller being configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form / close the electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment.

[0007] In yet another exemplary configuration, the surgical garment system also includes a helmet, which may include a ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member, each coupling member being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material. The system also includes a surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment may include a transparent face shield. The surgical garment may also include a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The surgical garment further includes a first attachment element, a second attachment element, and a third attachment element, each attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material. The surgical garment further includes a conductor that forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and at least one of the second attachment element and the third attachment element. The system also includes wherein each of the first, second, and third attachment elements is configured to removably engage one of the first, second, and third coupling members of the helmet to removably couple the surgical garment to the helmet such that when the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet, the conductor forms an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The system also includes the controller being configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The system also includes the controller being configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment. The system also includes the controller being configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a third operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and both the second and third attachment elements and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment.

[0008] In yet another exemplary configuration, the surgical garment system also includes a helmet that may include a ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material. The system also includes a first surgical garment for use with the helmet. The first surgical garment may include a first transparent face shield. The first surgical garment also includes a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The first surgical garment also includes a first attachment element and a second attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The first surgical garment also includes a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second attachment elements. The system also includes a second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment may include a second transparent face shield. The second surgical garment also includes a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency. The second surgical garment also includes a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The system also includes that the conductor of the first surgical garment is configured to form a closed loop between the helmet and the first surgical garment when the first and second attachment elements engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The system also includes that the second surgical garment is configured to form an open circuit between the helmet and the second surgical garment when the third and fourth attachment elements engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The system also includes that the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when there is a closed loop between the helmet and the first surgical garment, and is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when there is an open circuit between the helmet and the second surgical garment.

[0009] In yet another exemplary configuration, the surgical garment system also includes a helmet, which may include a ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material. The system also includes a first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment may include a first transparent face shield. The first surgical garment also includes a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The first surgical garment also includes a first attachment element and a second attachment element, formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The first surgical garment also includes a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second attachment elements, the first conductor defining a first resistance. The system also includes a second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment may include a second transparent face shield. The second surgical garment also includes a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency. The second surgical garment also includes a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element, formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The second surgical garment also includes a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third and fourth attachment elements, the second conductor defining a second resistance. The system also includes wherein each of the first and second conductors is configured to form a circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment when the attachment elements engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The system also includes wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the circuit may include the first conductor having the first resistance, and is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the circuit may include the second conductor having the second resistance.

[0010] In yet another exemplary configuration, the surgical garment system also includes a helmet that may include a ventilation assembly. The helmet further includes a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly. The helmet also includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material. The system also includes a first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment may include a first transparent face shield. The first surgical garment further includes a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The first surgical garment further includes a first attachment element and a second attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The first surgical garment further includes a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second attachment elements, the first conductor defining a first resistance. The system also includes a second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment may include a second transparent face shield. The second surgical garment further includes a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency. The second surgical garment further includes a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The second surgical garment further includes a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third and fourth attachment elements, the second conductor defining a second resistance. The system also includes wherein each of the first and second conductors is configured to form a circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment when the attachment elements engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet. The system also includes the controller being configured to operate the ventilation assembly in a first operating characteristic / setting or a second operating characteristic / setting based on the resistance across the conductors when the circuit between the helmet and the first or second surgical garment is closed / formed.

[0011] In yet another exemplary configuration, a surgical garment system for use with a surgical helmet that includes a ventilation assembly. The surgical garment system also includes a first surgical garment that may include a first transparent face shield. The first surgical garment further includes a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The first surgical garment further includes a first attachment element and a second attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material. The first surgical garment further includes a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second attachment elements. The system also includes a second surgical garment that may include a second transparent face shield. The second surgical garment further includes a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency. The second surgical garment further includes a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material. The second surgical garment further includes a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third and fourth attachment elements.

[0012] In yet another exemplary configuration, a surgical garment system for use with a surgical helmet that includes a ventilation assembly. The surgical garment system also includes a first surgical garment that may include a first transparent face shield. The first surgical garment also includes a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency. The first surgical garment also includes a first attachment element and a second attachment element formed of either a magnetic material or another ferromagnetic material. The first surgical garment also includes a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second attachment elements, the conductor defining a first resistance. The system also includes a second surgical garment that may include a second transparent face shield. The second surgical garment also includes a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency. The second surgical garment also includes a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element formed of either a magnetic material or another ferromagnetic material. The second surgical garment also includes a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third and fourth attachment elements, the conductor defining a second resistance.

[0013] These and other configurations, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to or by these configurations, embodiments, features, and / or advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate exemplary diagrams in detail. Although the drawings represent exemplary embodiments and / or exemplary configurations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the exemplary configurations. Additionally, the exemplary descriptions herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limited or constrained to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0015] The advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a surgical garment system that includes a surgical hood and a surgical helmet, the surgical hood including a face shield, wherein the surgical helmet is shown in dashed lines.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the surgical helmet of the surgical garment system of

[0018] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a surgical garment coupled to a chin bar of the surgical helmet shown in Figure 1

[0019] Figure 4 is Figure 1 ​Front view of the first configuration of the face mask of the surgical gown, where the surgical gown includes a conductive trace that defines an electrical connection between two attachment elements of the surgical gown, and the attachment elements are configured to connect the surgical gown to a surgical helmet.

[0020] Figure 5 Is Figure 1 Front view of the second configuration of the face mask of the surgical gown, where the surgical gown does not include an electrical connection between any attachment elements.

[0021] Figure 6 Is Figure 1 Front view of the third configuration of the face mask of the surgical gown, where the surgical gown includes a conductive trace that defines an electrical connection between two attachment elements of the surgical gown and the surgical helmet.

[0022] Figure 7 Is Figure 1 Front view of the fourth configuration of the face mask of the surgical gown, where the surgical gown includes a conductive trace that defines an electrical connection between three attachment elements of the surgical gown. Detailed Description

[0023] During a medical procedure or examination, it is extremely important to maintain a reliable barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient to prevent the exchange and / or migration of particles or foreign substances. During medical and surgical procedures, a healthcare provider may wear components of what is referred to as a surgical clothing system, such as Figure 1 the surgical clothing system 110 shown in

[0024] Thus, the surgical clothing system 110 may include a surgical gown component that includes a surgical gown 112 configured to be attached to a surgical helmet 120. The surgical gown 112 is configured to provide a barrier between the wearer and the surrounding environment, such as a microbial barrier. The barrier established by the surgical gown 112 can benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical gown 112 can substantially eliminate the possibility that the wearer may come into contact with fluids or solid particles from the patient that may be generated during a surgical procedure. The barrier can substantially prevent any foreign particles emitted by the wearer during a surgical procedure from migrating to the patient.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 , the surgical gown 112 may include a surgical fabric 114 configured to cover at least a portion of the surgical helmet 120 and the wearer's head. As Figure 1As shown, the surgical garment 112 can be configured as a hood. It will be understood that a hood 112 refers to a surgical garment 112 that covers the head and may only extend a short distance below the neck when worn by a wearer. However, although not shown in the figures, it is also contemplated that the surgical garment 112 can be configured as a toga, a shirt, or a jacket. It will be understood that a toga 112 refers to a surgical garment 112 that covers the head in the same manner as a hood and extends at least to the waist when worn by a wearer.

[0026] The surgical garment 112 can be made of any suitable surgical fabric 114 or combination of fabrics to help block and / or absorb water, debris, and other contaminants. The surgical fabric 114 can include multiple layers. One such layer can be a microporous membrane that allows gas to pass through the fabric while still maintaining a microbial barrier. In certain configurations, the surgical fabric 114 is a fabric that meets the ASTM F1670-98 standard for blood penetration resistance and / or the ASTM F1671-97B standard for virus penetration resistance. In a non-limiting example of the surgical fabric 114, the pore size of the surgical fabric 114 of the surgical garment 112 is in the approximate range of 0.05 microns to 0.20 microns. However, other pore sizes of the surgical fabric 114 are also contemplated.

[0027] It is further contemplated that the surgical garment 112 can be constructed of a variety of different fabrics that are joined to one another to define the barrier. For example, the surgical garment 112 can be primarily composed of a barrier surgical fabric 114 and a filter fabric 116. Compared to the barrier surgical fabric 114 described above, the filter fabric 116 can be more permeable and thus more breathable. The filter fabric 116 can be located in areas where the risk of microbial particles crossing the barrier is reduced, such as above the wearer's head or near the top of the wearer's head, and is configured to help air circulate through the barrier. The barrier surgical fabric 114 can be attached to the filter fabric 116 using any suitable means (such as adhesives, stitching, welding, or combinations thereof).

[0028] As Figure 1 shown, the surgical garment 112 can also include a face mask 118. The face mask 118 portion of the surgical garment 112 allows the wearer to see through the barrier provided by the surgical garment 112. The face mask 118 is typically a sheet-like structure and can have a thickness of about 1 mm or less. The face mask 118 can be mounted and / or attached to an opening or incision formed in the surgical fabric 114 of the surgical garment 112. The surgical fabric 114 can be attached to the periphery or edge of the face mask 118 by stitching, snap fasteners, hook and loop, adhesives, welding, or combinations thereof. The face mask 118 can be made of a transparent material such as polycarbonate. One such polycarbonate is sold by Sabic under the trademark LEXAN TMFor sale. The face mask 118 of the surgical garment 112 can also be dyed to protect the wearer's eyes from exposure to strong light. In addition, the face mask 118 can be flexible so that the face mask 118 can be bent to fit different head sizes, as will be described below.

[0029] The surgical garment 112 can also include one or more attachment elements 158 positioned around the surgical garment 112. The attachment elements 158 can also be referred to as garment fasteners, garment terminals, etc. The attachment elements 158 are configured to releasably secure the surgical garment 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The attachment elements 158 can also be configured to define an electrical connection between the surgical garment 112 and the surgical helmet 120, as will be described in more detail below. The attachment elements 158 can take any suitable form and can include metal studs, rivets, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, or similar types of fasteners, alone or in combination. As Figure 1 shown, the attachment elements 158 can be mounted to the face mask 118 of the surgical garment 112 so as to extend inwardly from the wearer side of the face mask 118. Although not shown in the drawings, it is also contemplated that the attachment elements 158 can be positioned at any other location or portion around the surgical garment 112, including being mounted to the barrier surgical fabric 114 and / or the filter fabric 116. The attachment elements 158 can be mounted to the face mask 118 and / or the fabric(s) 114 / 116 by adhesives, rivets, snaps, similar mounting means, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Referring again to Figure 1 and 2 , an exemplary configuration of the surgical clothing system 110 is described in detail. The system can include a surgical garment 112 and a surgical helmet 120. The surgical garment 112 can be configured as a hood or toga to be placed over the surgical helmet 120. In Figure 1 the hood configuration shown, the surgical garment 112 can be positioned over the surgical helmet 120 and configured to surround the surgical helmet 120 and, accordingly, surround the head of a person wearing the surgical clothing system 110, thereby covering the wearer's face and the back of the head. Alternatively, if the surgical garment 112 is configured as a toga, the toga can be positioned over the surgical helmet 120 and configured to surround the surgical helmet 120 and, accordingly, surround the head, arms, shoulders, and torso of a person wearing the surgical clothing system 110. To place the surgical garment 112 over the surgical helmet 120, the inner side of the surgical garment 112 is typically turned out when aligning and attaching the face mask 118 to the surgical helmet 120 in the manner described below. Once the face mask 118 is positioned relative to the surgical helmet 120, the remainder of the surgical fabric 114 is typically pulled over the wearer's head to cover the exposed components of the surgical helmet 120 and the wearer's head.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , an exemplary configuration of a surgical helmet 120 that can be used as part of a surgical gown system 110 is shown. Figure 2 The surgical helmet 120 in [[ ]] includes a headband 122. The headband 122 can be configured to surround the wearer's head and support the surgical helmet 120. The headband 122 can be made of a generally flexible or bendable material, allowing the headband 122 to conform to the overall shape of the wearer's head. The headband 122 can include a headband control assembly 138 configured to adjust the size / shape of the headband 122. The headband control assembly 138 can include a control member 139 that can be manipulated by the wearer to adjust the size of the headband 122. For example, as Figure 2 shown in [[ ]], the control member 139 can include a rotatable knob or rod. When the wearer rotates the control member 139 in one direction, the headband control assembly 138 can be configured to reduce the size (i.e., circumference) of the headband 122. Alternatively, when the wearer rotates the control member 139 in the opposite direction, the headband control assembly 138 can be configured to increase the size (i.e., circumference) of the headband 122. This allows for adjustment and / or customization of the headband 122 of the surgical helmet 120 to fit securely on the head of a particular individual, regardless of the size and / or shape of the individual's head.

[0032] The surgical helmet 120 further includes a housing 132 supported by the headband 122 and positioned above the headband 122. The housing 132 can be configured in an arcuate shape to fit over the head of an individual wearing the personal protection system 110. Other helmet designs are contemplated. Many portions of the housing 132 can be formed to define voids or open interior spaces. For example, the housing 132 can include a central void. The central void can be positioned toward the rear of the housing 132. There can be air inlets or pores in the top portion of the housing 132 to provide a passage to the central void. The housing 132 can also include additional voids, such as a front void near the front of the housing 132 and a rear void near the rear of the housing 132. The additional voids can be configured to form a conduit-like structure or passage within the housing 132. The additional voids can even interconnect to the central void.

[0033] The surgical helmet 120 may include one or more powered peripheral devices 130, including but not limited to a ventilation assembly, lights, cameras, microphones, or other communication devices, cooling devices, or combinations thereof. These devices may be mounted to and / or attached to the surgical helmet 120 at various locations and orientations. Each peripheral device 130 may be configured to receive commands that affect the operating state of the corresponding peripheral device. For example, each peripheral device 130 may receive an on / off command. Alternatively, the peripheral device 130 may receive commands that change one or more settings of the peripheral device 130. This configuration allows the wearer of the surgical helmet 120 to control the operating state of the various peripheral devices 130 during a surgical procedure. In a specific example, when the peripheral device is the ventilation assembly 130, the ventilation assembly 130 may be configured to receive a variety of commands to control the actuation of the fan in the ventilation assembly 130 and / or to adjust the speed of the fan. Alternatively, when the peripheral device is the cooling device 130, the cooling device 130 may be configured to receive commands to control the intensity of the cooling output provided by the cooling band. When the peripheral device is the microphone 130, the microphone 130 may be configured to receive commands to control the volume of the audible signal generated by the microphone. When the peripheral device is the light 130, the light 130 may be configured to receive commands to control the direction and / or intensity of the emitted light. Of course, the peripheral device 130 may be configured to respond to other types of commands that control the operation of the peripheral device 130.

[0034] Wearing a surgical garment system 110 that includes a surgical gown 112 on the wearer's head inevitably results in the accumulation of carbon dioxide and an increase in the temperature within the surgical gown 112 due to the wearer's normal breathing. The increase in temperature beneath the surgical gown 112 may in turn cause the accumulation of water vapor on the wearer and / or the face mask 18, thereby obscuring the wearer's line of sight. To prevent these adverse effects, the surgical helmet 120 of the surgical garment system 110 may be configured to attach to and / or include one or more of the aforementioned peripheral devices 130, such as a ventilation assembly, a cooling device, and the like. Certain features of the surgical helmet 120, the peripheral devices 130, and the surgical gown 112 are visible in one or more of the following U.S. patents, which are hereby incorporated by reference: 6,481,19; 6,622,311; 6,973,677; 7,735,156; 7,752,682; 8,234,722; 8,282,234; 8,407,818; 8,819,869; and 9,173,437.

[0035] Figure 2The ventilation assembly 130 shown is an example of a peripheral device 130 that can be incorporated into the surgical helmet 120 of the surgical garment system 110. Although the ventilation assembly 130 is shown as an integral part of the surgical helmet 120, it should be understood that each of the other peripheral devices 130 described above can be an integral part of the surgical helmet 120 or can be detachably coupled to the surgical helmet 120. Figure 2 The surgical helmet 120 shown includes a ventilation assembly 130 positioned within a central void of the outer shell 132. The ventilation assembly 130 can include fan blades, an impeller, a propeller, a fan impeller, or a similar vane mechanism configured to cause air movement. The vane can be coupled to a motor configured to rotate the vane when powered by a power source. When the vane is actuated, the ventilation assembly 130 is configured to draw air into the central void of the outer shell 132 through an air inlet in the top of the outer shell 132. Additional voids of the outer shell 132 can be connected to the central void and serve as ducts for dispersing the air drawn into the central void.

[0036] The surgical helmet 120 can include a chin bar 124 extending downward from the front of the headband 122. The chin bar 124 can include a first post 126A and a second post 126B. A beam 128 extends between opposite free ends of the posts 126A, 126B. The chin bar 124 is formed such that the beam 128 is positioned beneath and slightly forward of the chin of a person wearing the surgical helmet 120. The beam 128 can curve outwardly from the free ends of the posts 126A, 126B. The chin bar 124 can extend outwardly from the headband 122 such that the chin bar 124 is positioned in front of and generally encircles the face of the wearer when the surgical helmet 120 is secured to the wearer's head.

[0037] A plurality of coupling members 148 (such as magnets, hook-and-loop, metal rivets, snaps, or similar types of fasteners) can be mounted to the chin bar 124, the face frame 124, 126, 128, 129, or another location on the helmet 120 and configured to align with and / or attach to the face shield 118 of the surgical garment 112. For example, the coupling members 148 can be positioned on the chin bar 124, near the opposite free ends of the posts 126A, 126B, and / or at opposite ends of the adjacent beam 128. Alternatively, the coupling members 148 of the surgical helmet 120 can be arranged or configured in any suitable manner to cooperate with complementary attachment elements 158 of the face shield 118, as described above, in order to releasably secure the surgical garment 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The coupling members 148 can also be configured to define an electrical connection between the surgical garment 112 and the surgical helmet 120 via the complementary attachment elements 158 of the face shield 118, as will be described in more detail below.

[0038] In addition, as described above, the face mask 118 and / or the surgical fabric 114 may include a plurality of attachment elements 158 disposed around the surgical gown 112. In Figure 1 and 3 the exemplary configuration of the surgical gown 112 shown, the attachment elements 158 of the surgical gown 112 may be arranged and / or positioned on the face mask 118 such that when the top coupling member 148A of the surgical helmet 120 is coupled to the top attachment element 158A of the face mask 118 and the face mask 118 is bent around the chin bar 124 and the strap 144 of the headband 122, each gown attachment element 158 will abut and latch to a complementary magnet or other suitable coupling member 148 on the surgical helmet 120. Referring to Figure 1 the example configuration of the system 110 shown and Figure 3 the cross-sectional view of the face mask 118 and the chin bar 124, the surgical gown 112 includes a top attachment element 158A near the top portion of the face mask 118, and a plurality of lower attachment elements 158B are positioned around the periphery of the face mask 118. The attachment elements 158 may be spaced around the periphery of the face mask 118 to matingly engage complementary magnets 148 on the chin bar 124 of the surgical helmet 120. Although the surgical gown 112 shown in the figure includes a top coupling member 148A, it is also contemplated that in some configurations the top coupling member 148 may not be required. Alternatively, the attachment elements 158 may also be configured to couple and / or align the face mask 118 with the surgical helmet 120.

[0039] In operation, once the top attachment element 158A on the face mask 118 is coupled to the top coupling element 148A of the surgical helmet 120, the face mask 118 may be bent around the surgical helmet 120 and / or the chin bar 124 to matingly engage the lower attachment elements 158B spaced around the periphery of the face mask 118 with complementary coupling members 148B on the chin bar 124 of the surgical helmet 120. The size of the face mask 118 and the spacing and / or position of the attachment elements 158 on the surgical gown 112 may be varied to vary the curvature and / or shape of the face mask 118 when attached to the surgical helmet 120. For example, the attachment elements 158 on the surgical gown 112 may be spaced closer together to reduce the curvature of the face mask 118 when the face mask 118 is attached to the surgical helmet 120. Alternatively, the attachment elements 158 on the surgical gown 112 may be spaced farther apart to increase the curvature of the face mask 118 when the face mask 118 is attached to the surgical helmet 120.

[0040] Referring to Figure 5, shows an alternative configuration of the surgical garment system 110. It should be understood that various configurations of the surgical garment system 110 may include similar elements, which may be identified by reference numerals increased by 100. It should be understood that those elements including the reference numerals increased by 100 may have the same features as described above. The surgical garment system 110 may include a surgical garment assembly that includes a surgical garment 112 configured to be attached to a surgical helmet 120. As described above, the surgical garment 112 may be configured to provide a barrier (e.g., a microbial barrier) between the wearer and the surrounding environment. The barrier established by the surgical garment 112 may benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical garment 112 may substantially eliminate the possibility that the wearer may come into contact with fluids or solid particles from the patient that may be generated during a surgical procedure. The barrier may substantially prevent any foreign particles emitted by the wearer during the surgical procedure from migrating to the patient.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5 , the surgical garment 112 may include a fabric 114 configured to cover at least a portion of the surgical helmet 120 and the wearer's head. As described above with reference to the first configuration of the surgical garment system 110, the surgical garment 112 may be configured as a hood, a toga, or other similar medical garment. The surgical garment 112 may also include a face mask 118 and one or more attachment elements 158 positioned around the surgical garment 112. The attachment elements 158 may also be referred to as second members. The attachment elements 158 may be configured to function as alignment elements and / or centering features. Additionally, the attachment elements 158 may be positioned on the face mask 118, above the attachment points where the fabric 114 is attached to the face mask 118, to ensure that the fabric 114 covers the attachment elements 158 thereby maintaining the barrier provided by the surgical garment 112 between the wearer and the environment. The attachment elements 158 may be configured to be made of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. It should be understood that the surgical garment 112 and all of its components may be similarly configured and / or have the features described above with reference to the surgical garment 112.

[0042] Referring again to Figure 2 and 3, the surgical helmet 120 may further include a control housing 150, which may be disposed on the front of the helmet 120 and is coupled to the front bellows 136 opposite to the ventilation assembly 130 as shown. It is also contemplated that the control housing 150 may be positioned on or within the chin bar 124. For example, the control housing 150 may be positioned within the chin bar 124 relative to one or more of the coupling members 148. The control housing 150 may include a top coupling member 148A configured to engage at least one of the attachment elements 158. The top coupling member 148A may also be referred to as a helmet coupler, as the top coupling member 148A is generally configured to couple and / or attach an item such as surgical clothing 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The control housing 150 may be coupled to a top beam 129 that extends across the front portion of the surgical helmet 120 between the first post 126A and the second post 126B, and the top beam 129 extends from opposite sides of the control housing 150.

[0043] The surgical helmet 120 may further include a sensor 152 or a detector. The sensor 152 may be disposed in the control housing 150. Although the sensor 152 is shown as being disposed within the control housing 150 in Figure 2 and 3 , it is also contemplated that the sensor 152 may be disposed at any location on the surgical helmet 120. The sensor may be configured to sense or detect electrical parameters, such as voltage, current, resistance, the presence or change of an electromagnetic field, etc.

[0044] The sensor 152 may be electrically coupled and / or connected to each coupling member 148 of the surgical helmet 120 through traces 154A, 154B, 154C, wires, or similar electrical connectors. It is also contemplated that the sensor 152 may not be directly coupled to one or any of the coupling members 148, but may be configured to measure general characteristics near one or more of the coupling members 148. For example, the sensor 152 is a Hall effect sensor configured to measure the presence, absence, and / or change of an electromagnetic field near one or more of the coupling members 148. Although Figure 2 and 3 only show a single sensor 152, it is contemplated that the surgical helmet 120 may include multiple sensors 152. For example, the surgical helmet 120 may include sensors 152 mounted near each coupling member 148.

[0045] The sensor 152 can be configured to generate a signal to a controller (not shown) based on a measured and / or detected electrical parameter. The controller can be configured to send and receive data, such as receiving from the sensor 152 a signal and / or data indicative of the electrical parameter measured by the sensor 152. The controller can also be configured to store operating instructions related to the operation of the peripheral device 130 of the surgical helmet and be capable of transmitting these operating instructions to the peripheral device 130 for the purpose of controlling the operation of the peripheral device 130. For example, as described above, the peripheral device 130 can include a ventilation assembly 130, and the controller can store operating instructions (such as a preferred fan speed) and / or transmit them to the ventilation assembly 130.

[0046] Referring Figure 3 , a partial perspective view is shown of a surgical gown 112 coupled to the chin bar 124 of the surgical helmet 120 and the control housing 150. The sensor 152 is disposed within the control housing 150 and is connected to each of the coupling members 148 disposed on the surgical helmet 120. The surgical gown 112 includes a plurality of attachment elements 158 positioned peripherally around the mask 118, the attachment elements 158 corresponding to one or more of the coupling members 148 of the surgical helmet 120. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the mask 118 includes a pair of attachment elements 158B, 158C positioned at opposite ends of the lower portion of the mask 118, and each attachment element is configured to couple to a corresponding coupling member 148B, 148C on the chin bar 124. The mask 118 also includes a top attachment element 158A positioned near the center of the top portion of the mask 118 and configured to couple to a top coupling member 148A disposed on the control housing 150.

[0047] One or more of the attachment elements 158 can be electrically connected by a trace, wire, or similar electrical connector capable of forming an electrical connection between the attachment elements 158. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the top attachment element 158A is connected to one of the lower attachment elements 158B by a trace 156A. The traces 156 can include conductive traces, and the conductive traces 156 can be formed of one of silver, carbon nanoparticles, and / or another suitable printable ink capable of providing an electrical connection between two components (such as the attachment elements 158 on the mask 118). The conductive traces 156 can be applied to the mask 118, although it is not required to apply them to the mask. For example, the trace between one or more of the attachment elements 158 can be simply a wire connecting the two points.

[0048] The conductive trace 156 on the surgical garment 112 can be configured to provide authentication of the surgical garment 112 and the surgical helmet 120. The conductive trace 156 can be configured to provide an electrical connection between the attachment element 158 attached to the face mask 118 and in close contact with the coupling member 146 on the surgical helmet 120 when the surgical garment 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120. The combination of the attachment element 158, the coupling member 146, and the traces 154, 156 can be arranged to produce an electrical parameter that can be detected or sensed by the sensor 152. The sensor can be configured to detect the electrical parameter and / or confirm the completed loop and generate a signal identifying the specific surgical garment 112 to the controller. The sensor 152 can be configured to generate a specific signal, which can include data based on the measured electrical parameter, such as a specific measured resistance, and then the controller can use this specific signal to identify the specific surgical garment 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120. Alternatively, the sensor 152 can be configured to generate different types of signals (e.g., yes or no signals based on whether the measured electrical parameter is above or below a known threshold) to the controller based on the measured electrical parameter, and then the controller can use these signals to identify the specific surgical garment 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120. For example, one way to identify the surgical garment 112 is to configure the sensor 152 to measure the resistance and compare the measured resistance to a specified value. Then, the sensor 152 can be configured to send a first signal if the measured resistance is below the specified value and a second signal if the measured resistance is above the specified value.

[0049] The characteristics of the trace 156 disposed on the face mask 118 can be manipulated to establish different levels of resistance across the attachment element 158 and the trace 156. For example, reducing the cross-sectional area of the trace 156 generally results in a higher resistance. Thus, the resistance of a given trace can be changed and / or manipulated by changing one or more of the width, length, pattern, and / or shape of the trace 156 that connects one or more attachment elements 158 on the face mask 118. Regarding the trace width, a narrower trace 156 can be established by having multiple different options for applying the trace to the face mask 118. Regarding the trace thickness, the resistance can be increased by depositing a thinner layer (customizing the ratio of the ink to make it thinner), or depositing multiple layers of ink stacked on top of each other to increase the printed cross-section and decrease the trace resistance. Regarding the trace pattern, different patterns of the trace 156 can be deposited (lay down) to increase or decrease the trace length, which results in different levels of trace resistance.

[0050] Reference Figures 4 - 7, showing different example variations of the traces 156 connecting one or more attachment elements 158 on the face mask 118. In addition to measuring the electrical parameters of the traces 156 connecting one or more attachment elements 158 on the face mask 118 to identify a particular surgical garment 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120, this can also be achieved by completing (or closing) the circuit across one or more attachment elements 158 and the coupling member 148. For example, the trace 156B can be formed between the top attachment element 158A and the lower left attachment element 158C of the face mask 118A, thereby completing the circuit between the sensor 152, the top coupling member 148A, the lower left coupling member 148C, the top attachment element 158A, and the lower left attachment element 158. Based on this, the sensor 152 can provide a signal to the controller indicating which attachment elements 158 and coupling members 148 have completed the circuit, so that the controller can use this signal to identify the particular surgical garment 112.

[0051] Reference Figure 5 , showing an alternative configuration of the face mask 118B, where there are no traces 156 connecting any attachment elements 158 on the face mask 118B. In this configuration, the circuit will always be open. Similarly, the sensor 152 can provide a signal indicating an open circuit to the controller, and the controller can use this signal to identify the particular surgical garment 112.

[0052] Reference Figure 6 , showing an alternative configuration of the face mask 118C, where the trace 156A can be formed between the top attachment element 158A and the lower right attachment element 158B on the face mask 118C, thereby completing the circuit between the sensor 152, the top coupling member 148A, the lower right coupling member 148B, the top attachment element 158A, and the lower right attachment element 158B. Similarly, the sensor 152 can provide a signal to the controller indicating the presence of a closed circuit between the top attachment element 158A and the lower right attachment element 158B, and the controller will use this signal to identify the particular surgical garment 112.

[0053] Reference Figure 7 , showing an alternative configuration of the face mask 118D, where the trace 156B can be formed between the top attachment element 158A and the lower left attachment element 158C, and the trace 156A can be formed between the top attachment element 158A and the lower right attachment element 158B. In this configuration, the circuit is closed between the top attachment element 158A and the lower right attachment element 158B and between the top attachment element 158A and the lower left attachment element 158C. Similarly, the sensor 152 can provide a signal indicating this closed circuit to the controller for the controller to use to identify the particular surgical garment 112.

[0054] As described above, the sensor can be configured to measure an electrical parameter established by and / or defined across a trace 156 of one or more attachment elements 158 on the connection mask 118. The controller can then be configured to identify a particular surgical garment 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120 using the electrical parameter measured or detected by the sensor 152. This can allow the controller to customize the operation of the peripheral device 130 (e.g., the ventilation assembly) based on the particular characteristics of the surgical garment 112 attached to the surgical helmet 120. For example, a surgical garment 112 including a filter fabric 116 with a higher filtration efficiency may require a higher fan speed compared to a surgical garment 112 including a filter fabric 116 with a lower filtration efficiency. Based on one of the trace 156 configurations on the surgical garment 112 and / or the trace 156 characteristics designed to establish a detectable electrical parameter, the controller can be configured to identify when a high-filtration-efficiency surgical garment 112 and when a low-filtration-efficiency surgical garment 112 are coupled to the surgical helmet 120 and provide operating instructions to the peripheral device 130 based on the surgical garment 112. When the surgical garment is made as a toga instead of a hood, it may be advantageous to operate the peripheral device 130 (such as the ventilation assembly) at a higher fan speed to provide additional air movement based on the additional body coverage of the toga. Similar to the above, based on one of the trace 156 configurations on the surgical garment 112 and / or the trace 156 characteristics designed to establish a detectable electrical parameter, the controller can be configured to identify when a toga and a hood are coupled to the surgical helmet 120 and provide operating instructions to the peripheral device 130 based on the type of the surgical garment 112.

[0055] The present disclosure also includes the following clauses, and the specific features are listed in the dependent clauses. Specifically, more detailed descriptions can be made with reference to the above configurations and drawings for implementation.

[0056] I. A surgical garment system, comprising: a helmet, the helmet including: a ventilation component; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation component; and a first helmet terminal and a second helmet terminal, each of the first helmet terminal and the second helmet terminal being electrically connected to the controller; a surgical garment configured to be at least partially disposed above the helmet, the surgical garment including: a transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield, the surgical fabric having a first fabric property; a first garment terminal and a second garment terminal; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal; wherein each of the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is configured to detachably engage the first helmet terminal and the second helmet terminal to form a circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; a sensor communicating with the controller, the sensor being configured to detect an electrical parameter of the conductor associated with the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal; wherein the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation component based on the electrical parameter of the conductor detected by the sensor.

[0057] II. The surgical garment system according to clause I, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a resistance across the conductor; wherein the conductor defines a first resistance when the circuit is closed; and wherein the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation component based on the first resistance in the circuit.

[0058] III. The surgical garment system according to clause II, wherein the first resistance is related to a first fabric property of the surgical fabric of the surgical garment, such that the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation component based on a first filtration efficiency of the surgical fabric.

[0059] IV. The surgical garment system according to clause III, wherein the surgical fabric includes a filter fabric, and the first fabric property includes a filtration efficiency rating of the filter fabric.

[0060] V The surgical garment system according to clause II, wherein the first resistance is related to a characteristic of the surgical garment, such that the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the helmet based on the characteristic of the surgical garment.

[0061] VI. The surgical garment system according to any one of clauses I to III, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is formed on the transparent face shield.

[0062] VII. The surgical garment system according to any one of clauses I to VI, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal includes a conductive trace or a conductive layer.

[0063] VIIII. The surgical garment system according to any one of Clauses I to VII, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is a conductive trace, and the conductive trace is formed of a conductive ink.

[0064] IX. The surgical garment system according to any one of Clauses I to VII, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal comprises a trace formed of at least one of silver, carbon nanoparticles, or printable ink.

[0065] X. The surgical garment system according to any one of Clauses I to VIII, wherein the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal are provided on the transparent face shield.

[0066] XI. The surgical garment system according to any one of Clauses I to X, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is a conductive trace, and the resistance of the conductive trace is determined by at least one of the material of the conductive trace, the depth of the conductive trace, the width of the conductive trace, the length of the conductor trace, or the pattern / shape of the conductor trace.

[0067] XII. A surgical garment system comprising: a helmet including: a ventilation assembly; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; a surgical garment configured to be at least partially disposed above the helmet, the surgical garment including: a transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the conductor having / defining a resistance; wherein the first attachment element and the second attachment element are configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet to form a circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; and wherein the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the resistance of the conductor when the circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment is closed.

[0068] XIII. The surgical garment system according to Clause XII, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a conductive trace or a conductive layer.

[0069] XIV. The surgical garment system according to Clause XIII, wherein the resistance of the conductor is defined by the width of the conductive trace.

[0070] XV. The surgical gown system according to Clause XIII, wherein the resistance of the conductor is defined by the thickness of the conductive trace or the number of conductive layers.

[0071] XVI. The surgical gown system according to Clause XIII, wherein the resistance of the conductor is defined by the shape of the conductive trace.

[0072] XVII. The surgical gown system according to any one of Clauses XIII to XVI, wherein the conductor is configured to define the resistance to provide a first ohmic resistance; and

[0073] wherein the first ohmic resistance is associated with a surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency.

[0074] XVIII. The surgical gown system according to any one of Clauses XIII to XVI, wherein the conductor is configured to define the resistance to provide a second ohmic resistance; and wherein the second ohmic resistance is associated with a surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency.

[0075] XIX. The surgical gown system according to any one of Clauses XIII to XVI, wherein the conductor is configured to define the resistance to provide a third ohmic resistance; and wherein the third ohmic resistance is associated with a surgical fabric having a third filtration efficiency.

[0076] XX. A surgical garment system, comprising: a helmet, the helmet including: a ventilation assembly; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material; a surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially above the helmet, the surgical garment including: a transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element, a second attachment element, and a third attachment element, each of the attachment elements being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element; wherein each of the first attachment element, the second attachment element, and the third attachment element is configured to detachably engage one of the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the third coupling member of the helmet to detachably couple the surgical garment to the helmet such that when the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet, the conductor forms an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form / close the electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form / close the electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment.

[0077] XXI. The surgical garment system according to clause XX, further comprising a sensor configured to detect an electrical parameter of a conductor between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element when an attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to a coupling member of the helmet.

[0078] XXII. The surgical garment system according to clause XXI, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a resistance of the conductor between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element when an attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to a coupling member of the helmet.

[0079] XXIII. The surgical garment system according to clause XXI, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a voltage across the conductor between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element when an attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to a coupling member of the helmet.

[0080] XXIV. A surgical garment system includes: a helmet that includes: a ventilation assembly; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and first, second, and third coupling members, each of the coupling members being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material; a surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment including: a transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face shield, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; first, second, and third attachment elements, each of the attachment elements being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element; wherein each of the first attachment element, the second attachment element, and the third attachment element is configured to detachably engage one of the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the third coupling member of the helmet to detachably couple the surgical garment to the helmet such that when the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet, the conductor forms an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a third operating characteristic / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and both the second attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment.

[0081] XXV. The surgical garment system according to clause XXIV, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a voltage of a conductor between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element when an attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to a coupling member of the helmet.

[0082] XXVI. The surgical garment system according to clause XXIV or XXV, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element includes a conductive trace or a conductive layer.

[0083] XXVII. The surgical gown system according to any one of clauses XXIV to XXVI, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element is a conductive trace, and the conductive trace is formed of conductive ink.

[0084] XXVIII. The surgical gown system according to any one of clauses XXIV to XXVI, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element comprises a trace formed of at least one of silver, carbon nanoparticles, or printable ink.

[0085] XXIX. The surgical gown system according to any one of clauses XXIV to XXVIII, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element is a conductive trace, and the resistance of the conductive trace is determined by at least one of the material of the conductive trace, the depth of the conductive trace, the width of the conductive trace, the length of the conductor trace, or the pattern / shape of the conductor trace.

[0086] XXX. A surgical garment system, comprising: a helmet, the helmet comprising: a ventilation assembly; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material; a first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment comprising: a first transparent face shield; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element; and a second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment comprising: a second transparent face shield; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element, the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; wherein the conductor of the first surgical garment is configured to form a closed circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment when the first attachment element and the second attachment element engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; wherein the second surgical garment is configured to form an open circuit between the helmet and the second surgical garment when the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when there is a closed circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment, and is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when there is an open circuit between the helmet and the second surgical garment.

[0087] XXXI. The surgical garment system according to clause XXX, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a voltage of a conductor between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element when the attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to the coupling member of the helmet.

[0088] XXXIL. The surgical garment system according to clause XXX or XXXI, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element comprises a conductive trace or a conductive layer.

[0089] XXXIII. The surgical gown system according to any one of clauses XXX to XXXII, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element is a conductive trace, and the conductive trace is formed of conductive ink.

[0090] XXXIV. The surgical gown system according to any one of clauses XXX to XXXII, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element comprises a trace formed of at least one of silver, carbon nanoparticles, or printable ink.

[0091] XXXV. The surgical gown system according to any one of clauses XXX to XXXIV, wherein the conductor connecting the first attachment element to one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element is a conductive trace, and the resistance of the conductive trace is determined by at least one of the material of the conductive trace, the depth of the conductive trace, the width of the conductive trace, the length of the conductor trace, or the pattern / shape of the conductor trace.

[0092] XXXVI. A surgical garment system, comprising: a helmet, the helmet including: a ventilation assembly; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material; a first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment including: a first transparent face shield; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and being configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the first conductor defining a first resistance; and a second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment including: a second transparent face shield; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element, the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and being configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element, the second conductor defining a second resistance; wherein each of the first conductor and the second conductor is configured to form a circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment when the attachment elements engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the circuit includes the first conductor having the first resistance, and is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the circuit includes the second conductor having the second resistance.

[0093] XXXVII. A surgical garment system, comprising: a helmet, the helmet comprising: a ventilation assembly; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material; a first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment comprising: a first transparent face shield; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the first conductor defining a first resistance; and a second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment comprising: a second transparent face shield; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element, the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material and configured to detachably engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element, the second conductor defining a second resistance; wherein each of the first conductor and the second conductor is configured to form a circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment when the attachment elements engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly in a first operating characteristic / setting or a second operating characteristic / setting based on the resistance across the conductor when the circuit between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment is closed / formed.

[0094] XXXVIII. A surgical garment system for use with a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet including a ventilation assembly, a controller for operating the ventilation assembly, and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material, the surgical garment system including: a first surgical garment including: a first transparent face shield; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element; and a second surgical garment including: a second transparent face shield; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element, the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material; a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element.

[0095] XXXIX. A surgical garment system for use with a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet including a ventilation assembly, a controller for operating the ventilation assembly, and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member being formed of one of ferromagnetic material or magnetic material, the surgical garment system including: a first surgical garment including: a first transparent face shield; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face shield, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the conductor defining a first resistance; and a second surgical garment including: a second transparent face shield; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face shield, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element, the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element being formed of the other of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material; a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element, the second conductor defining a second resistance.

[0096] XL A method of operating a surgical garment system including a helmet and surgical clothing, the helmet including a ventilation assembly, a controller, and first and second helmet terminals, the surgical clothing including a surgical garment, a transparent face mask, a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face mask, the surgical fabric having a first fabric property, first and second garment terminals, and a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first and second garment terminals, the method including: connecting the first and second garment terminals of the surgical clothing to the first and second helmet terminals to form a circuit between the helmet and the surgical clothing; sensing an electrical parameter / resistance of the conductor associated with the first and second garment terminals via a sensor communicating with the controller; controlling an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the sensed electrical parameter / resistance of the conductor associated with the first and second garment terminals.

[0097] Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit system 110 to any particular form. The terms that have been used are intended to be of the nature of descriptive words rather than restrictive. Given the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations are possible and the system may be implemented in ways different from the specifically described manner.

Claims

1. A surgical garment system, comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first helmet terminal and a second helmet terminal, each of the first helmet terminal and the second helmet terminal being electrically connected to the controller; A surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment comprising: Transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face mask, the surgical fabric having a first fabric property; a first clothing terminal and a second clothing terminal; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal; wherein each of the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is configured to detachably engage the first helmet terminal and the second helmet terminal to form a loop between the helmet and the surgical garment; a sensor in communication with the controller, the sensor configured to detect an electrical parameter of a conductor associated with the first and second laundry terminals; Wherein the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on an electrical parameter of the conductor detected by the sensor.

2. The surgical garment system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to measure resistance across the conductor; wherein the conductor defines a first resistance when the loop is closed; and The controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on a first resistance in the circuit.

3. The surgical garment system of claim 2, wherein the first resistance is associated with a first fabric property of a surgical fabric of the surgical garment, such that the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the first fabric property of the surgical fabric.

4. The surgical garment system of claim 3, wherein the surgical fabric comprises a filter fabric and the first fabric characteristic comprises a filtration efficiency rating of the filter fabric, the controller being configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the filtration efficiency rating of the surgical fabric.

5. The surgical garment system of claim 2, wherein the first resistance is related to a characteristic of the surgical garment such that the controller is configured to control an operational characteristic of the helmet based on the characteristic of the surgical garment.

6. The surgical garment system of claim 1, wherein the first garment terminal end and the second garment terminal end are disposed on the transparent face mask; and A conductor connecting the first clothing terminal and the second clothing terminal is formed on the transparent mask.

7. The surgical garment system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal comprises a conductive trace or a conductive layer.

8. The surgical garment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is a conductive trace, and the conductive trace is formed of conductive ink.

9. The surgical garment system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal comprises a trace formed of at least one of silver, carbon nanoparticles, or a printable ink.

10. The surgical garment system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first garment termination point and the second garment termination point are disposed on the transparent face mask.

11. A surgical garment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductor connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal is a conductive trace, and the resistance of the conductive trace is determined by at least one of the material of the conductive trace, the depth of the conductive trace, the width of the conductive trace, the length of the conductor trace, or the pattern / shape of the conductor trace.

12. A surgical garment system, comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; A surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment comprising: Transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face mask; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the conductor having / defining a resistance; wherein the first and second attachment elements are configured to detachably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet to form a loop between the helmet and the surgical garment; Wherein the controller is configured to control an operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly based on the resistance of the conductor when the circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment is closed.

13. The surgical garment system of claim 12, wherein the conductor connecting the first and second attachment elements comprises a conductive trace or a conductive layer.

14. The surgical garment system of claim 13, wherein the resistance of the conductor is defined by the width of the conductive trace.

15. The surgical garment system of claim 13, wherein the resistance of the conductor is defined by the thickness of the conductive trace or the number of conductive layers.

16. The surgical garment system of claim 13, wherein the resistance of the conductor is defined by the shape of the conductive trace.

17. The surgical garment system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the conductor is configured to define the resistance to provide a first ohmic resistance; and Wherein the first ohmic resistance is associated with a surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency.

18. The surgical garment system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the conductor is configured to define the resistance to provide a second ohmic resistance; and Wherein the second ohmic resistance is associated with a surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency.

19. The surgical garment system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the conductor is configured to define the resistance to provide a third ohmic resistance; and The third ohmic resistance is associated with a surgical fabric having a third filtration efficiency.

20. A surgical garment system comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; A surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment comprising: Transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face mask, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element, a second attachment element, and a third attachment element, each of the attachment elements being formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element; wherein each of the first attachment element, the second attachment element, and the third attachment element is configured to removably engage one of the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the third coupling member of the helmet to removably couple the surgical garment to the helmet such that the conductor forms an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment when the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet; wherein the controller is configured to operate the vent assembly in a first operating feature / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form / close an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; and Wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly in a second operating feature / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form / close an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment.

21. A surgical garment system, comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; A surgical garment configured to be disposed at least partially over the helmet, the surgical garment comprising: Transparent face shield; a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face mask, the surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element, a second attachment element, and a third attachment element, each of the attachment elements being formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and one of the second attachment element or the third attachment element; wherein each of the first attachment element, the second attachment element, and the third attachment element is configured to removably engage one of the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the third coupling member of the helmet to removably couple the surgical garment to the helmet such that the conductor forms an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment when the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet; wherein the controller is configured to operate the vent assembly in a first operating feature / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; wherein the controller is configured to operate the vent assembly in a second operating feature / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is coupled to the helmet to complete an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment; and Wherein the controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a third operating feature / setting when the conductor forms an electrical connection between the first attachment element and both the second attachment element and the third attachment element and the surgical garment is connected to the helmet to form an electrical circuit between the helmet and the surgical garment.

22. A surgical garment system, comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; A first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment comprising: First transparent mask; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face mask, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; first and second attachment elements formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material and configured to removably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element; and A second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment comprising: A second transparent mask; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face mask, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; third and fourth attachment elements formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material and configured to removably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; wherein the conductor of the first surgical garment is configured to form a closed loop between the helmet and the first surgical garment when the first and second attachment elements engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; wherein the second surgical garment is configured to form an open circuit between the helmet and the second surgical garment when the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the helmet; The controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when a closed circuit exists between the helmet and the first surgical garment, and is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when an open circuit exists between the helmet and the second surgical garment.

23. A surgical garment system comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; A first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment comprising: First transparent mask; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face mask, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; first and second attachment elements formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material and configured to removably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the first conductor defining a first resistance; and A second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment comprising: A second transparent mask; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face mask, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; third and fourth attachment elements formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material and configured to removably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element, the second conductor defining a second resistance; wherein each of the first and second conductors is configured to form a loop between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment when the attachment element engages the first and second coupling members of the helmet; wherein the controller is configured to operate the vent assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting when the circuit includes a first conductor having a first resistance, and is configured to operate the vent assembly with a second operating characteristic / setting when the circuit includes a second conductor having a second resistance.

24. A surgical garment system comprising: A helmet, comprising: Ventilation components; a controller electrically connected to the ventilation assembly; and a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; A first surgical garment for use with the helmet, the first surgical garment comprising: First transparent mask; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face mask, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; first and second attachment elements formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material and configured to removably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the first conductor defining a first resistance; and A second surgical garment for use with the helmet, the second surgical garment comprising: A second transparent mask; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face mask, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; third and fourth attachment elements formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material and configured to removably engage the first and second coupling members of the helmet; a second conductor forming an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element, the second conductor defining a second resistance; wherein each of the first and second conductors is configured to form a loop between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment when the attachment element engages the first and second coupling members of the helmet; The controller is configured to operate the ventilation assembly with a first operating characteristic / setting or a second operating characteristic / setting based on the resistance across the conductor when a loop is closed / formed between the helmet and the first surgical garment or the second surgical garment.

25. A surgical garment system for use with a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising a ventilation assembly, a controller for operating the ventilation assembly, and first and second coupling members, each of the first and second coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, the surgical garment system comprising: A first surgical garment, the first surgical garment comprising: First transparent mask; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face mask, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element; and A second surgical garment, the second surgical garment comprising: A second transparent mask; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face mask, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; A second conductor forms an electrical connection between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element.

26. A surgical garment system for use with a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising a ventilation assembly, a controller for operating the ventilation assembly, and first and second coupling members, each of the first and second coupling members being formed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, the surgical garment system comprising: A first surgical garment, the first surgical garment comprising: First transparent mask; a first surgical fabric coupled to the first transparent face mask, the first surgical fabric having a first filtration efficiency; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; a first conductor forming an electrical connection between the first attachment element and the second attachment element, the conductor defining a first resistance; and A second surgical garment, the second surgical garment comprising: A second transparent mask; a second surgical fabric coupled to the second transparent face mask, the second surgical fabric having a second filtration efficiency; a third attachment element and a fourth attachment element formed of the other of a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material; A second conductor is formed electrically connected between the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element, the second conductor defining a second resistance.

27. A method of operating a surgical garment system comprising a helmet and a surgical garment, the helmet comprising a ventilation assembly, a controller, and first and second helmet terminals, the surgical garment comprising a surgical garment, a transparent face mask, a surgical fabric coupled to the transparent face mask, the surgical fabric having a first fabric property, a first garment terminal and a second garment terminal, and a conductor forming an electrical connection between the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal, the method comprising: connecting the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal of the surgical garment to the first helmet terminal and the second helmet terminal to form a loop between the helmet and the surgical garment; sensing an electrical parameter / resistance of a conductor associated with the first and second garment terminals via a sensor in communication with the controller; An operating characteristic of the ventilation assembly is controlled based on a sensed electrical parameter / resistance of a conductor associated with the first garment terminal and the second garment terminal.

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