Abstract: A system is presented that includes secure push-to-talk voice functionality. Using encryption, authentication, user filtering, and integration with new and existing LMR systems, a secure voice platform ensures malicious software, unauthorized access and brute force security attacks will not compromise the voice communications of the system. The VoIP system is engineered to ensure graceful system degradation in the event of maintenance activities, natural disasters and failure modes. The hardened VoIP system offers the functions a LMR trunking system while utilizing broadband connections. Private calls, group calls, Emergency Alarms with covert monitoring capability, scanning and priority scanning may be incorporated into the system. The system includes a VoIP-controller that serves as a trunking controller, manages available VoIP-based conference bridges, and assigns them as needed to the parties involved in each voice call.

Abstract: Provided are protective drapes for e.g., vehicles, which drapes are configured such that they can be applied to an item (such as a vehicle), prior to or during a precipitation event in a manner such that when the drape is removed, precipitation is easily and efficiently removed from the item. Also provided are methods of protecting an item, and methods of removing precipitation from an item that include applying a protective drape in accordance with the present invention, to the item, and removing the protective drape from the item being protected, after at least a portion of the precipitation event. Further provided are kits that include a protective drape in accordance with the present invention, and instructions for applying and/or removing the protective drape from an item to be protected.