PROTECTIVE DEVICES TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INFECTION TRANSMISSION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS

Abstract

This document describes protective devices and associated systems for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and / or other infectious diseases between people in close proximity, including, for example, transmission via droplets projected from the mouth or nasal region of an infected individual. Such devices may comprise a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component comprising a connection aspect. The protective devices may also include light-emitting diodes and associated control means. The protective devices described herein may further include a camera communicatively connected to a display screen.

Description

PROTECTIVE DEVICES TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INFECTION TRANSMISSION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation in part of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. patent applications n216 / 943.133 and 16 / 943.178, both filed on July 30, 2020, which claim the benefit and priority of U.S. patent application n216 / 924.649, filed on July 9, 2020. Each of the patent applications identified above, including the present application, also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application n263026110, filed on May 17, 2020. The contents of each of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION This disclosure relates to protective devices and associated systems designed to minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus and / or other sources of infection in environments where there is a high risk of transmission due to the physical proximity of individuals. More specifically, the description relates to protective devices comprising a substantially transparent screen component and a handle component comprising a connection aspect that can be installed, without limitation, on a vacuum hose or other substantially cylindrical object. BACKGROUND COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. More than 41 million patients have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in over Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ from 213 countries and territories. As of the date of this disclosure, more than 1.1 million deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported. COVID-19 can be transmitted through droplet contact (e.g., coughing and sneezing); direct physical contact; indirect physical contact (e.g., touching a contaminated surface); and airborne transmission. However, the primary mode of transmission is through small droplets produced when coughing, sneezing, and talking, where people are in close physical proximity. COVID-19 can be transmitted by infected individuals who are asymptomatic. The future effects of COVID-19 remain uncertain, as there is no known solution to mitigate or eliminate the undesirable conditions that lead to continued transmission. Close physical proximity between people increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19 because COVID-19 can be transmitted at least through droplet contact (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., touching a contaminated surface), and airborne transmission. Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, is one of the main tactics that have been used worldwide to try to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Social distancing involves maintaining certain minimum physical distances between people and reducing the number of times people come into close physical contact with one another. However, not all activities allow for maintaining sufficient minimum physical distances. For example, many healthcare workers must be in close proximity to their patients to perform their duties.When physical proximity between people cannot be avoided, there is a need for a heating system that is effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Particles are classified according to their size. Coarse particles are 2.5 to 10 microns. Fine particles are smaller than 2.5 microns. Ultrafine particles are smaller than 0.1 microns. The human nose typically filters particles larger than 10 microns. If a particle is smaller than 10 microns, it can enter the respiratory system. If a particle is smaller than 2.5 microns, it can enter the alveoli. An ultrafine particle can enter the bloodstream and target organs. COVID-19 exists as ultrafine particles. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Current research suggests that respiratory transmission of COVID-19 from host to host occurs through large respiratory droplets. These large droplets typically fall to the ground after traveling approximately six feet at most. However, activities such as coughing and sneezing can aerosolize the droplets so they can travel farther, increasing the risk of transmission (i.e., the droplets carry COVID-19). When aerosolized, COVID-19 can travel up to approximately 20 feet and will remain suspended in the air longer than when it is not aerosolized. In addition to coughing and sneezing, respiratory droplets are routinely aerosolized in dental practice. Dentists who use aerosolization in their practice, and therefore their staff, are at high risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Patients of such dentists are also at high risk of infection from the dentist and their dental assistants in the immediate area during treatment. Most of this risk results from the transmission of splashes and droplets to the midface of the dentist and assistant and to the nasal area of ​​the patient. Subject matter experts will appreciate that individuals in other professions recognize the benefits of the protective equipment and associated systems permitted by this disclosure, such as, without limitation, other healthcare professionals who, in the course of their work, may come into close proximity to the nasal and oral regions of the individuals they are treating. SUMMARY The protective devices enabled by this disclosure advantageously address known deficiencies in the prior art. According to an embodiment enabled by this disclosure, a protective device is provided that advantageously improves the effectiveness in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 or another infectious disease by mitigating direct, indirect, and / or other contact between individuals. Non-limiting examples of such indirect contact include, without limitation, the projection of droplets and other fluids from the mouth or nose of a patient onto or near a healthcare worker treating the patient. Another non-limiting example of such indirect contact is the projection of droplets and other fluids from the mouth or nose of a patient onto or near a healthcare worker treating the patient. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ that two people are physically close enough to each other for one person to inhale the air exhaled by the other. According to an embodiment permitted by this disclosure, a protective apparatus is provided comprising a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component, wherein the handle component further comprises a connection aspect. The connection aspect can be attached to a suction device including, without limitation, a substantially cylindrical vacuum hose. According to an embodiment enabled by this description, a protective apparatus is provided comprising a chamber communicatively connected to a display screen. In another aspect, the protective apparatus may further comprise light-emitting diodes.These light-emitting diodes can be located along one or more sides of the protective device and / or at corners or other junctions where the sides of the protective device meet. According to an embodiment enabled by this description, the protective devices as described herein can be connected to an articulated robotic arm. The articulated arms can be positioned to place the protective device over a person, such as a dental patient, to facilitate optimal treatment conditions. In this embodiment, a dentist or other healthcare worker can treat the patient under conditions that minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a protective device of the present description. Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a protective device of the present description. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a protective device of the present description. Figure 4 is a bottom plan of a protective device of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a top plan view of a protective device. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ this disclosure. Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a protective device of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a protective device of the present description. Figure 8 is an exploded view of a protective device of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of a protective device of the present disclosure Figure 10 is a top plan view of a protective device of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of a protective device intended to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses and infectious agents that can be transmitted between people in close physical proximity and / or that can interact with common surfaces or objects. Skilled craftspeople will appreciate additional embodiments and uses of the devices that extend beyond the examples in this description. Terms included in any claim should be interpreted as defined in this disclosure. Singular forms should be read to contemplate and reveal plural alternatives. Similarly, plural forms should be read to contemplate and reveal singular alternatives. Conjunctions should be read inclusive, except where otherwise noted. Expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" should be understood to allow any of A, B, or C individually or in combination with the retraining elements. Furthermore, these groups may include multiple instances of one or more elements from that group, which may be included with other elements from the group. All numbers, measurements, and values ​​are given as approximations unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure should be interpreted broadly. The terms should be understood in accordance with the Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ definitions provided in this specification. Technical dictionaries and common meanings understood within the applicable technique are intended to supplement these definitions. In cases where a suitable definition cannot be determined from the specification or technical dictionaries, such terms shall be understood according to their plain and common meaning. However, the definitions provided by the specification shall prevail over any other source. Several objects, features, aspects, and advantages described by this disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings. In order to clearly describe the components and features discussed throughout this disclosure, some frequently used terms are defined below, without limitation. The term COVID-19, as used throughout this disclosure, is defined as an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The term aerosol, as used in this description, is defined as a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. The term universal mount, as used in this description, is defined as a universal clamp together with one or more compatible brackets. The term individual, as used throughout this disclosure, should not be interpreted restrictively, but rather broadly, and should be understood, without limitation, as synonymous with subject.The term LED(s), as used in this disclosure, is defined as light-emitting diodes. The following section describes in detail, without limitation, several aspects of the disclosure. The following disclosure will discuss protective equipment designed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and / or other infectious disease transmission, such as that resulting from close physical proximity. Subject matter experts will appreciate that alternative labeling of the equipment may be provided, which is consistent with the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Expert readers should not view the inclusion of any alternative labeling as a limitation in any way. The protective devices covered by this disclosure 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 may be operatively linked to a Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ number of objects including, without limitation, a substantially cylindrical object such as a vacuum hose or other similarly shaped suction device. In another embodiment, the protective devices covered by this description can be operatively attached to an articulated mechanical arm. A protective device enabled by this description can be attached to such objects by any suitable connecting means, which those skilled in the art will readily appreciate. Such means may include, without limitation, a universal mounting. The protective apparatus enabled by this disclosure may comprise a substantially transparent shield component 101 and a handle component 102. The substantially transparent shield component described herein may be substantially flat or may be curved. The substantially transparent shield component described herein may comprise protrusions to accommodate the curvature of a person's face, such as when said shield component is placed over a person occupying a chair, such as a dental patient occupying a dentist's chair. The substantially transparent shield component of this description may be removed from the protective devices enabled by this description to facilitate washing of said shield component and replacement of said shield component. The substantially transparent shield component may be composed of any substantially transparent solid material such as, without limitation, certain types of plastics, clear glass, or polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, the shield component may be composed of materials that are non-toxic to humans. Plastics that may be suitable for use in the preparation of the shield component may include, without limitation, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polycarbonate, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (or PETG plastic). Without limitation, the shield component may be composed of a lightweight material to facilitate the contraction and expansion of the protective apparatus toward or away from the front surface of a dental chair or other object and from a patient or other individual. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ sitting on or otherwise occupying said object. When in use, such as in a dentist's office, the protective devices described herein are intended to be placed near, but not in contact with, a person seated in the chair or otherwise occupying the object. In a preferred embodiment, this distance between the downward-facing surface of the shield component and the person occupying the dentist's chair or other object may be from approximately one inch to approximately ten inches, without limitation. Other distances between the downward-facing surface of the shield component and the person that allow the person to remain sufficiently comfortable and, where applicable, allow the dentist or other health worker to comfortably treat the patient are intended to be included within the scope of this description, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The substantially transparent shield component of this Disclosure 101 can exist in virtually any number of dimensions. The shield component can be from approximately twelve inches to approximately six feet long, and is preferably between approximately twelve inches and approximately two feet, six inches long, without limitation. The shield component can be from approximately twelve inches to approximately three feet wide, and is preferably between approximately twelve inches and approximately two feet wide, without limitation. The substantially transparent shield component of this disclosure 101 may further comprise lighting to enhance the visibility of, for example, a dentist or dental assistant performing dental work inside the mouth of a patient occupying a dental chair upon which the protective apparatus, as contemplated by this disclosure, has been placed. Such lighting may be located, without limitation, on the downward-facing surface of the protective apparatus. The protective devices of this disclosure may further comprise magnifying materials, such as, without limitation, a magnifying glass, light-emitting diodes and / or a camera communicatively connected to, without limitation, a liquid crystal display, in which such magnifying materials may be located within Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ of a portion of the protective apparatus in a location intended to optimally improve visibility around the head region of an individual on whom the protective apparatus has been placed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, such location shall be approximately two-thirds of the distance from the distal end of the shield component to the proximal end of the shield component nearest to a connecting aspect of the handle component. The protective devices covered by this description may further comprise a camera communicatively connected to a display screen. Such a display screen tray includes, without limitation, a liquid crystal display screen. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that such a display screen may comprise any number of other materials, including, without limitation, electroluminescent material. The camera and display screen will now be discussed in more detail. A camera, as described herein, can be placed in virtually any number of locations within or on the protective devices covered by this description. Such a camera can be integrated directly into the protective device 601, 701, 801, 901 or attached to it 103, 301, 501, without limitation. When the camera is integrated into the protective device, including when it is embedded within 601, a display screen associated with such a camera can also be integrated into the protective device 602, 702, 882, 902, 1001, or attached to it 104, without limitation.When the viewing screen and / or camel are attached to the protective device, such attachment can be made using any number of joints and / or hinges, as a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate. Where the camera is integrated into the protective device, the camera lens can be positioned on the downward-facing surface of the protective device in a location that does not obstruct the substantial transparency of the shield component and, therefore, does not affect the visibility of the patient and the visibility of the working space of the dentist or other health worker. In an alternative embodiment, the display screen may be physically separated from the protective apparatus, but still communicatively connected to the camera. The protective apparatus described herein may further comprise a control console for controlling the operation of the camera. Such a control console may comprise a number of control components 1002. Such control components may include, without limitation, a component that controls the power supply to the camera (i.e., on / off), a component that enables video and audio recording, and a component that enables the taking of stills and moving images with sound. Alternatively, a camera 103 and a display screen 104 may both be included in a rotating aspect 105 operatively attached to the handle component 102 along the perimeter of the protective apparatus by any number of joints and / or hinges 106 such as, without limitation, a hinge, a joint, or a saddle joint, or by other suitable connecting means.This aspect connected to the protective device can be rotatable along a horizontal axis. In such an embodiment, the camera's operability may correspond to the camera's positioning. For example, positioning the camera so that the lens is facing downwards through the substantially transparent shield component may supply power to the camera, thus making it operable; whereas positioning the camera so that the lens is facing forwards or not downwards may prevent power from being supplied to the camera, rendering it inoperable.In this embodiment, the display screen 104 can be located on the rotating aspect side opposite the camera 103, so that, when in operation, a dentist working on a patient whose head region is under the protective apparatus can experience greater visibility (due to the camera) inside the patient's mouth, as shown on the display screen 104. As those skilled in the field will readily recognize, the cameras covered by this disclosure may include high-definition cameras such as, without limitation, 720p or 1080p high-definition cameras. Such cameras may include an autofocus function. Such cameras may have a digital zoom function operable while the camera is recording video. Such cameras may be capable of recording and playing back slow-motion video. Such cameras may include an image stabilization function. The foregoing optional features are not intended to be limiting. The display screens covered by this description may include optional features such as backlighting and an anti-reflective coating. The display screens may have virtually any number of dimensions. The display screens must have dimensions that facilitate integration with or attachment to a protective device as described in this disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the display screen may have a diagonal length of approximately six inches. Alternatively, the display screen may have a diagonal length of approximately eight inches, without limitation. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective devices of the present disclosure may, without limitation, be substantially rectangular in shape, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000. As used herein, substantially rectangular means two sets of two parallel sides. The junctions between the sides may form 90-degree angles or may be rounded in the vicinity of the junction, or may not form a right angle. In such an embodiment, one or more sides of the protective devices may comprise an array of LEDs 201, 302, 401, 703, 803, 903, 1003. Such array of LED trays forms a substantially linear row of LEDs. In such an embodiment, each row may include from 15 to 35 LEDs, without limitation. Each row of LEDs may preferably include 20-25 LEDs.The LEDs of the nature described herein may comprise, without limitation, cool white LEDs, warm white LEDs, combined cool and warm white LEDs, amber LEDs, and / or blue LEDs. As used herein, cool white LEDs may be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 4000 Kelvin. As used herein, most white LEDs may be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 3000 Kelvin. As used herein, amber LEDs may be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 3000 Kelvin. As used herein, amber LEDs may be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 2300 Kelvin. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Blue LEDs can be LEDs where the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 5750 Kelvin without limitation. Those skilled in the technique will readily appreciate the functional significance of each of the aforementioned color temperatures for the practice of dentistry. In addition to this series of LEDs, the protective devices of this disclosure may include up to four corner LEDs, 704, 804, 904, 1004, placed at or near each corner, or other junction where two sides meet, of a substantially rectangular protective device enabled by this description. The protective devices of this disclosure further comprise one or more control consoles for operating the LEDs, 603, 805, 1005. Each of these consoles comprises one or more control components 1006, 1007, 1008, and 1009. In one embodiment, a protective device may comprise two control consoles, each comprising control components. In this embodiment, one such control console controls the output of a row of LEDs covering one or more sides of the protective device, as contemplated in this disclosure. In this embodiment, a control component 1006 can control the power supply to the row(s) of LEDs; that is, whether these LEDs are on or off. A second of the four control components 1007 controls the color of the light emitted by the rows of LEDs.Without limitation, such colors may include cool white, warm white, a combination of cool and warm white, amber, or blue. Such colors may change with successive manipulation of the control component; i.e., by successively pressing the button or similar control element.For example, pressing this second control component once causes the LED rows to emit cool white light; pressing this control component a second time causes the LED rows to emit warm white light; pressing this control component a third time causes the LED rows to emit a combination of warm and cool white light; pressing this control component a fourth time causes the LED rows to emit amber light; and pressing this control component a fifth time causes the LED rows to emit blue light. In this embodiment, the third control component 1008 and the fourth control component 1009 can control the degree of light intensity emitted by the lower LEDs.Without limitation, pressing the third control component can increase the intensity of the light emitted by the rows of LEDs (i.e., make it brighter), while pressing the fourth control component can decrease the intensity of the light emitted by the rows of LEDs (i.e., make it dimmer). The degree of increase or decrease in light intensity can be proportional to the number of times the third or fourth control component is pressed, up to a preselected maximum and minimum, respectively. For further illustration, the protective devices of this disclosure comprise a second control console 603, 805, 1005 comprising one or more control components 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009. In this embodiment, a first control component 1006 can control the power supply to one or more LEDs located at or near corners or other junctions where the sides of the protective device adjoin 1004; i.e., whether these LEDs are on or off. A second control component 1007 can control the color of the light emitted by these LEDs. Without limitation, such colors may include cool white, warm white, or a combination of cool and warm white. This color tray changes after successive manipulations of this second control component; i.e., by successively pressing the button or similar control element.For example, pressing this second control component once can cause these LEDs to emit a cool white light; pressing this control component a second time can cause these LEDs to emit a warm white light; and pressing this control component a third time can cause these LEDs to emit a combination of cool white and warning light. In this embodiment, the third and fourth control components 1008, 1009 can control the degree of intensity of the light emitted by these LEDs. Without limitation, pressing the third control component can cause the light emitted by these LEDs to increase in intensity (i.e., become brighter), while pressing the fourth control component can cause the light emitted by these LEDs to decrease in intensity (i.e., become dimmer).The degree of increase or decrease in light intensity can be proportional to the number of times the control component is pressed, up to a preselected maximum and to a preselected minimum, respectively. The control components covered in this document may, without limitation, be integrated into the display screen described herein. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ document and can be operated via capacitive touch, without limitation. The capacitive touch feature can respond even if the operator is wearing gloves, such as those a dentist might wear while working with a patient, without limitation. In such an embodiment, no physical control component, such as a conventional button, is required. Alternatively, the control components covered by this document can be operated via resistive touch or can comprise physically actuated conventional buttons. A connection aspect 202, 303, 604, 705 of the handle component of the protective devices covered by this description can comprise a universal mounting. Such a connection aspect can comprise a wide range of inner diameters.In a preferred embodiment, a connecting aspect of the handle component may be structured to accommodate a vacuum hose or other substantially cylindrical suction means having an outside diameter of approximately five inches, without limitation. The handle component may further comprise venting to help prevent objects such as, without limitation, towels or other fabrics from being in the immediate vicinity of, for example, a vacuum hose as contemplated herein, before being drawn into the vacuum hose. The protective devices described in this disclosure may consist of an articulated arm. The end of the articulated arm not connected to the protective device may be attached to any number of objects, including, without limitation, a wall, a ceiling, or a freestanding mobile platform. Although several aspects of the systems in this disclosure have been described above, the description in this disclosure is intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of the system. The invention is defined by the scope of the claims and not by the illustrations and examples provided in the prior disclosure. Skilled craftspeople will appreciate additional aspects of the systems enabled by this disclosure, which can be realized in alternative embodiments, after having the benefit of the prior disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A protective apparatus comprising a substantially transparent protective component; a handle component further comprising a connection aspect; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

2. The protective apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a camera communicatively connected to a display screen.

3. The protective apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus has a substantially rectangular shape.

4. The protective apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of substantially linear rows, each of which comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

5. The protective apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one junction point where the sides of the protective apparatus are joined comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

6. The protective apparatus of claim 4, wherein the light emitted from the substantially linear paths of the light-emitting diodes comprises cool white light, warm white light, a combination of cool and warm white light, amber light, or blue light.

7. The protective apparatus of claim 5, wherein the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes located at one or more junction points on the sides of the protective apparatus comprises white light, warm white light, or a combination of cool and warm white light.

8. The protective apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection aspect comprises a substantially cylindrical opening having an inside diameter of approximately five inches.

9. The protective apparatus of claim 2, wherein the camera is integrated into said protective apparatus.

10. The protective apparatus of claim 9, wherein the display screen is integrated into said protective apparatus. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ 11. The protective apparatus of claim 2, wherein the camera and / or display screen are operatively connected to the protective apparatus by means of a joint and / or a hinge.

12. The protective apparatus of claim 2, wherein a two-sided rotating aspect attached to the protective apparatus comprises the camera on the card-oriented rotating aspect side toward the substantially transparent shield component and the display screen on the outward-facing rotating aspect side.

13. A system comprising a substantially rectangular protective apparatus comprising: a substantially transparent shield component; a handle component further comprising a connection aspect; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said protective apparatus further comprises: a camera communicatively connected to a display screen; a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged as a substantially linear row along at least one side of the protective apparatus; wherein said protective apparatus is operatively attached to an articulated mechanical arm.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the protective apparatus comprises at least one junction point where the sides of the protective apparatus are joined, and wherein at least one of said junction points comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

16. The system of claim 15 further comprises a control console comprising: a first control component for controlling the power of substantially linear rows of light-emitting diodes; a second control component for controlling the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes comprising the substantially linear rows of light-emitting diodes; a third control component which, when manipulated, increases the intensity of the light emitted by the substantially linear rows of light-emitting diodes; and a fourth control component which, when manipulated, decreases the intensity of the light emitted by the substantially linear rows of light-emitting diodes.

17. The systems of claim 16, wherein the substantially transparent shield component further comprises a second control console comprising four control components, wherein: a first control component of said second control console controls the power supply to the light-emitting diodes located approximately at one or more junctions on the sides of the shield; a second control component of said second control console controls the color of the light-emitting diodes located approximately at one or more junction points on the sides of the shield; a third control component of said second control console, when manipulated, increases the intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes located approximately at one or more junction points on the sides of the shield;and a fourth control component of said second control console, when manipulated, decreases the intensity of the light emitted in front of the light-emitting diodes located approximately at one or more junction points on the sides of the protective apparatus; 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes comprising substantially linear rows of light-emitting diodes comprises cool white light, warm white light, a combination of cool and dim white light, amber light, or blue light. Qnw? ιη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes located approximately at one or more junctions on the sides of the protective apparatus comprises cool white light, warm white light, or a combination of cool and warm white light. 5 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the camera is integrated into the protective apparatus.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the display screen is integrated into the protective apparatus.

22. The systems of claim 17, wherein the camera is connected to the protective apparatus by means of a joint or hinge.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the connection aspect comprises a substantially cylindrical opening comprising an inside diameter of approximately five inches.

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