Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for condition and location monitoring of mobile entities. One embodiment of a system may comprise a sensor system that measures at least one real time parameter associated with the mobile entity and compares the measured at least one real time parameter to at least one predetermined threshold to determine at least one condition of the mobile entity. The system may also comprise a situational awareness (SA) beacon having a global position satellite (GPS) device that determines a location of the mobile entity and a transceiver, wherein the SA beacon periodically transmits location information and condition information via the transceiver to a central control for display.

Abstract: A system includes a computer having at least one power input connection and at least one I/O connection grouped into a first port. The system also includes a docking station that has at least one power output connection and at least one I/O connection grouped into a second port. The system further comprises a cable having a first end connectable with the first port and a second end connectable with the second port. The cable provides an interconnection between the at least one power output connection of the docking station and the at least one power input connection of the computer. The cable also provides interconnection between the at least one I/O connection of the computer and the at least one I/O connection of the docking station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for utilizing personal digital assistants in a portable communications system. A personal digital assistant includes a global positioning system module, an L-band transceiver, and a processing system. The global positioning system module produces location information associated with the position of the personal digital assistant. The L-band transceiver broadcasts the location information to a network of at least one other personal digital assistant and receives location information from at least one other personal digital assistant within the network via a communications satellite. The processing system provides messages to the L-band transceiver and updates a display associated with the personal digital assistant according the received location information and the location information produced at the global positioning system module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for utilizing one or more tablet computer assemblies in a portable communications system. A tablet computer assembly includes a global positioning system module, an L-band transceiver, and a processing system. The global positioning system module that produces location information associated with the position of the tablet computer assembly. The L-band transceiver broadcasts the location information to at least one portable communication device through a relay network and receives location information from the at least one portable communications device via the relay network. The processing unit provides messages to the L-band transceiver and updates a display associated with the tablet computer assembly according the received location information and the location information produced at the global positioning system module.