Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for controlling the distribution of power (e.g., current) and the temperature to individually accessible compartments enclosing subsystems of a personal communication structure (PCS) is described. The PCS includes a power distribution and temperature controller subsystem, including thermal sensors adapted to generate and transmit temperature measurement data to the temperature controller, which controls fans/blowers. The power distribution subsystem senses and controls the current delivered to the individually accessible compartments.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for vandalism detection in a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include one or more vandalism detection systems which may be located in different system compartments of the PCS. Each vandalism detection system may include (or being communicatively coupled to) an accelerometer and may be able to differentiate forces associated with acts of vandalism from other forces. The vandalism detection systems may transmit alerts with accompanying data to a remote entity. The data allows for an appropriate response to the alert. The alert may be transmitted to a remote security center over a wired or wireless communications system. The controller may transmit the alert again or to other locations if an acknowledgement is not received.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics, communications, and display compartments at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a display subsystem, respectively. The PCS also includes an access controller operable to provide access independently to respective interiors of at least a subset of the compartments to authorized users.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for securing a structure to a support are described. A mounting device may releasably secure a structure to a support. The mounting device may include a first plate, a second plate proximate the first plate, and at least one frangible connection securing the first plate to the second plate. The frangible connection(s) may be adapted to break in response to application of a shear force or other loading above a predetermined value. The mounting device may further include a retention member connecting the first plate to the second plate. The retention member may be adapted to maintain coupling of the first plate and the second plate after breakage of the frangible connection.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. A personal communication structure (PCS) may include a frame, a housing, and a mounting system coupling the housing to the frame. The mounting system may include a plurality of four-bar linkages. Each of the four-bar linkages may include two links, first pin joints coupling first ends of the respective links to the frame, and second pin joints coupling second ends of the respective links to the housing. Rotation of the links of the mounting system results in displacement of the housing relative to the frame along an arcuate path.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics, communications, and display compartments at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a display subsystem, respectively. The PCS also includes an access controller operable to provide access independently to respective interiors of at least a subset of the compartments to authorized users.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments may include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics compartment may be disposed along a lower portion of the PCS, and may at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem. The communications compartment may be located proximate a top of the PCS, and may at least partially enclose a communications subsystem. The display compartment may be disposed along an upper portion of the PCS, and may at least partially enclose a display subsystem. Access to the interior of a compartment may be provided to authorized users without providing access to interiors of other independently accessible compartments.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. In particular, a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a PCS is described. The temperature control system may include a ribbed heat sink and first and second air circulation controllers. The heat sink may be coupled to the PCS's frame, adjacent to the back surface of a housing for a display module. The first air circulation controller may be configured to recirculate air in a cavity within the display module's housing. The second air circulation controller may be configured to move ambient air across the heat sink.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. A personal communication structure (PCS) may include a frame, a housing, and a mounting system coupling the housing to the frame. The mounting system may include a plurality of four-bar linkages. Each of the four-bar linkages may include two links, first pin joints coupling first ends of the respective links to the frame, and second pin joints coupling second ends of the respective links to the housing. Rotation of the links of the mounting system results in displacement of the housing relative to the frame along an arcuate path.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. In particular, a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a PCS is described. The temperature control system may include a ribbed heat sink and first and second air circulation controllers. The heat sink may be coupled to the PCS's frame, adjacent to the back surface of a housing for a display module. The first air circulation controller may be configured to recirculate air in a cavity within the display module's housing. The second air circulation controller may be configured to move ambient air across the heat sink.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for securing a structure to a support are described. A mounting device may releasably secure a structure to a support. The mounting device may include a first plate, a second plate proximate the first plate, and at least one frangible connection securing the first plate to the second plate. The frangible connection(s) may be adapted to break in response to application of a shear force or other loading above a predetermined value. The mounting device may further include a retention member connecting the first plate to the second plate. The retention member may be adapted to maintain coupling of the first plate and the second plate after breakage of the frangible connection.

Abstract: Systems and method are described for making emergency phone calls using a personal communication structure (PCS). In one example, the PCS includes a telephone, an emergency call button, and a controller. When the emergency call button is pressed, the controller is configured to: (i) terminate an existing call being made on the telephone; (ii) place an emergency call using the telephone to a public safety answering point; and (iii) prevent the emergency call from being terminated at the PCS.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics, communications, and display compartments at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a display subsystem, respectively. The PCS also includes an access controller operable to provide access independently to respective interiors of at least a subset of the compartments to authorized users.