Abstract: A noise cancellation system for a building (10) includes: one or more microphones (22) arranged outside the building (10) to detect external noise; one or more speakers (24) arranged inside the building (10), the speakers (24) selectively producing sound within the building (10); and, a noise cancellation processor (28) that receives an output from the microphones (22) and in response thereto controls the speakers (24) so as to substantially cancel sound propagated into the building (10) due to the external noise detected by the microphones (22).

Abstract: A system is provided for selectively connecting a plurality of diverse power adapters (12) to a specific portable electronic device (10). The system including: a set of connector converters (30), each connector converter (30) having a first end (32) which is configured the same as the first end (32) of every other connector converter (30) in the set; and a second end (34) opposite the first end (32), wherein the second end (34) is configured differently from the second end (34) of every other connector converter (30) in the set.

Abstract: A method for eliminating expired personal messages routed over a telecommunications network includes: receiving a message from a message originator for an intended recipient; at least temporarily storing the message; determining when the message expires based upon an expiration parameter included with the message; and, deleting the stored message automatically after the message expires.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detection of performance conditions in processing systems. For example, a method of detecting a performance condition in at least one particular processing device of a processing system having a plurality of processing devices includes the following steps. Data is input to a data structure associated with the particular processing device, over a given time period. The input data may be a buffer or a bucket. The input data represents data associated with the execution of at least one function performed by the particular processing device. The given time period includes the time period between consecutive heartbeat signals transmitted by the particular processing device. At least a portion of the input data is removed from the data structure associated with the particular processing device, near the end of the given time period. The removed input data is compared to an expected function execution level.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for measuring performance in processing systems such as communications systems and computing systems. For example, a method of measuring performance in a processing system having a plurality of processing devices includes the following steps. A measurement system coupled to the plurality of processing devices generates an interrupt signal. The measurement system applies the interrupt signal to a set of processing devices under test, wherein the set of processing devices under test is selected from the plurality of processing devices, such that each processing device of the set under test makes data available to the measurement system. The available data represents data associated with the execution of at least one function performed by each processing device of the set under test.

Abstract: A system for processing emergency calls in a telecommunications network includes: receiving a first call at a node (30) of the telecommunications network from a calling party that originated the first call; detecting that the received first call is an emergency call; establishing a conference bridge in response to the detected emergency call; connecting the emergency call over the conference bridge to a designated facility (40) that handles emergency calls; and, automatically originating at least one second call from the node (30) to at least one predetermined third party that is different than the calling party and the facility (40).

Abstract: A security system is provided for a facility (10). The security system includes: a central monitoring station (20) that controls one or more security measures for the facility (10); and, a heart rate monitor (30) that detects a heart rate of an individual (50), the heart rate monitor (30) being in wireless communication with the central monitoring station (20). Suitably, the central monitoring station (20) selectively implements one or more of the security measures in response to a determination that an abnormal heart rate has been detected.

Abstract: A method of administering a priority service is provided in a telecommunications network (20). The priority service provides higher priority handling of calls employing the service as compared to calls not employing the service for purposes of call completion. The method includes: obtaining at least one authentication credential from a user placing a call over the network (20); verifying a validity of the obtained credential; designating the call for priority handling if the credential is valid, otherwise designating the call for non-priority handling if the credential is invalid; and, attempting to complete the call over the network (20) in accordance with the designated handling.

Abstract: A network is provided that includes: a central node (30) and a plurality of other nodes (32); a plurality of first communication links (34) interconnecting the central node (30) to the plurality of other nodes (32) to form a star network topology; and, a plurality of second communication links (36) interconnecting the plurality of other nodes (32) to form a mesh network topology.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by releasing chemical substances from a stationary or mobile platform within a stationary or mobile “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by chemical substances will receive the released chemical substances, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by creating kinetic energy vibrations from a stationary or mobile platform within a stationary or mobile “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by kinetic energy vibrations will receive the vibrations, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated sound energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating sound energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by sound energy sources will receive the radiated sound energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated laser energy signals (i.e., laser beams). Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating laser beams from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by laser energy will receive the radiated laser beams, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated electromagnetic energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating electromagnetic energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by electromagnetic energy sources will receive the radiated electromagnetic energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A piece of telecommunications equipment (A) includes: a plurality of circuit packs (20), each circuit pack (20) including a circuit arranged thereon and a first connector (24) in communication with the circuit; a rack (10) including a plurality of slots (12), each slot (12) including a second connector (14) and being arranged to have at least one of the circuit packs (20) selectively installed therein such that when a circuit pack (20) is installed in a slot (12) the first connector (24) of the circuit pack (20) operatively connects with the second connector (14) of the slot (12); a plurality of locking mechanisms, each of the locking mechanisms being associated with one of the slots (12); and, a controller (40) that selectively engages and disengages the locking mechanisms such that when a locking mechanism is engaged a circuit pack (20) installed in the corresponding slot (12) is secured therein and when a locking mechanism is disengaged a circuit pack (20) installed in the corresponding slot (12) is free t

Abstract: A barge-in capability for emergency call returns is disclosed. The barge-in capability allows a PSAP to connect to an original calling party in instances where the party party is engaged in another call at the time of the call return attempt. Barge-in may be implemented by setting up a 3-way conference between the PSAP, the original calling party and at least one other party associated with the other call; or alternatively, by disconnecting the at least one other party and setting up a 2-way connection between the PSAP and the original calling party.

Abstract: A therapeutic facemask (10) includes a main body (12). The main body (12) includes a hydrophilic core (20), and a moisture permeable membrane (22) in which the hydrophilic core (20) is enclosed.

Abstract: A method of logging call data for failed emergency calls includes: receiving from a calling party an emergency call that is to be routed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (40) over a telecommunications network (20); determining if the received emergency call is connected to the PSAP (40); and, if the received emergency call fails to be connected to the PSAP (40), then capturing selected call data regarding the failed emergency call and recording the captured call data.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering emergency directions is provided. The disclosure includes the government delivering a warning message for potential evacuees on a gas station pump or automated teller machine point of service display screen. The method includes receiving an emergency alert from a government entity, constructing a warning message, including an evacuation route based at least in part on real time traffic data and the location of the display screen and displaying the warning message on the point of service display screen. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is authenticated. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is continuously updated to provide an effective escape route for evacuees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication facility that includes a plurality of communication circuits. At least one of the communication circuits is a critical communication circuit. The critical communication circuit includes a phosphor-enabled indication that becomes visible to the human eye when exposed to black light.