Controlling Access and Monitoring Firefighter Air Supply Systems
This patent describes a system that uses computers and sensors to control who can access parts of a firefighter's air supply and to record how those parts are used.
Original patent title: “Method, device and system of access control and management of components of a firefighter air replenishment system having breathable air supplied thereacross”
This patent describes a system that uses computers and sensors to control who can access parts of a firefighter's air supply and to record how those parts are used. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a system for managing access to components of a safety system that provides breathable air. It uses a computing platform running on a data processing device, which is connected to one or more sensors. The system controls access to these components and, at the same time, captures specific details about that access. For example, when a firefighter connects an air tank to a refilling station, the system could verify their authorization, allow the connection, and then record the time, user, and amount of air supplied.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover general access control systems for buildings or vehicles that are not specifically related to breathable air components.
- Does not cover safety systems that monitor or control equipment not directly involved in supplying breathable air.
- Does not cover systems that only monitor parameters of a breathable air system without also controlling access to its components.
- Does not cover systems that control access to components without also capturing parameters of that access.
- Does not cover purely mechanical access control mechanisms that do not involve a computing platform and sensors.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever bit is the integrated approach of using a computing platform with sensors to simultaneously manage access to breathable air components and capture detailed usage parameters, providing both control and comprehensive data for safety systems.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Firefighter SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) refilling stations
Emergency vehicle air supply management systems
Industrial safety systems for hazardous environments requiring controlled air access
Breathing air cascade systems in fire stations
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology matters because it enhances safety and accountability for critical life-support equipment used by firefighters. By controlling who can access air supply components and meticulously logging usage, it helps prevent unauthorized use, ensures proper maintenance, and tracks equipment deployment. This can significantly improve operational efficiency and the reliability of essential gear during emergencies.
Filed
May 15, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies specializing in firefighter safety equipment and industrial safety solutions are likely to build on or incorporate such technologies. Major players like MSA Safety, Dräger, and Scott Safety (now part of 3M) develop and manufacture self-contained breathing apparatus and related air management systems, making them prime candidates for implementing advanced access control and data capture features.
Market impact
As a recently granted patent (2026), its market impact is still emerging. This patent could drive the development of more integrated and digitally managed safety systems within the public safety sector. It has the potential to set new standards for accountability and operational security in the management of critical life-support equipment, leading to increased adoption of smart, connected devices in emergency services.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a system for managing access to components of a safety system that provides breathable air. It uses a computing platform running on a data processing device, which is connected to one or more sensors. The system controls access to these components and, at the same time, captures specific details about that access. For example, when a firefighter connects an air tank to a refilling station, the system could verify their authorization, allow the connection, and then record the time, user, and amount of air supplied.
The clever bit
The clever bit is the integrated approach of using a computing platform with sensors to simultaneously manage access to breathable air components and capture detailed usage parameters, providing both control and comprehensive data for safety systems.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover general access control systems for buildings or vehicles that are not specifically related to breathable air components.
- Does not cover safety systems that monitor or control equipment not directly involved in supplying breathable air.
- Does not cover systems that only monitor parameters of a breathable air system without also controlling access to its components.
- Does not cover systems that control access to components without also capturing parameters of that access.
- Does not cover purely mechanical access control mechanisms that do not involve a computing platform and sensors.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 16.6 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). Controlling Access and Monitoring Firefighter Air Supply Systems (U.S. Patent No. 12,734,376). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734376/method-device-and-system-of-access-control-and-management-of-components-of-a
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Controlling Access and Monitoring Firefighter Air Supply Systems cover?
This patent describes a system that uses computers and sensors to control who can access parts of a firefighter's air supply and to record how those parts are used.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology matters because it enhances safety and accountability for critical life-support equipment used by firefighters. By controlling who can access air supply components and meticulously logging usage, it helps prevent unauthorized use, ensures proper maintenance, and tracks equipment deployment. This can significantly improve operational efficiency and the reliability of essential gear during emergencies.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover general access control systems for buildings or vehicles that are not specifically related to breathable air components.
Patent monitoring