Abstract: A utility pole (10) includes: a first pole section (12); a second pole section (14) separate from the first pole section (12); and, a spring (36) joining the first and second pole sections together such that the first pole section (12) may, under an application of force thereto, tilt relative to the second pole section (14).

Abstract: A method of administering an emergency call service in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (60) includes: receiving a call at a switching facility (70) from an end user terminal (EUT) (52) served by the facility (70), the facility (70) providing the EUT (52) access to a telephone service feature; disabling the telephone service feature for the EUT (52) in response to the facility (70) recognizing the received call as an emergency call; routing the emergency call to a public safety answering point (PSAP) (80) serving a geographic region in which the EUT (52) is located; and, providing a call taker (84) at the PSAP (80) control over the telephone service feature, such that the call taker (84) can selectively enable the telephone service feature.

Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve (100) includes: a valve seat (120); a stopper (110) movable between an open position wherein the stopper (110) is displaced from the seat (120) and a closed position wherein the stopper (110) is in contact with the seat (120); and, a magnet arranged to urge the stopper (110) toward the closed position.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against wireless phone-triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is described that forces premature detonation of the IED at a safe location, such as a position in advance of a convoy of vehicles or troops, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide for transmitting low power alerting signals (e.g., paging, ringing, message waiting, text messages) from a wireless terminal residing on a mobile platform that is operable to navigate a transportation path in advance of a prospective target, to mobile stations within close proximity of the platform defining an “IED detonation zone.” In such manner, mobile stations within the IED detonation zone that are IED triggering devices (as well as mobile stations that are not IED triggering devices) will receive the alerting signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against wireless phone-triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) is described that forces premature detonation of the IED at a safe location, such as an unmanned checkpoint, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide for transmitting directionalized, low power alerting signals (e.g., paging, ringing, message waiting, text messages) from a stationary wireless terminal advantageously positioned a safe distance from a prospective target area, to mobile stations within a portion of a wireless service area defining an “IED detonation zone.” In such manner, mobile stations within the IED detonation zone that are IED triggering devices (as well as mobile stations that are not IED triggering devices) will receive the alerting signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A method of bridging mobile radio services includes: establishing communication with a first portable two-way radio via a first mobile radio service; receiving traffic from the first portable two-way radio via the first mobile radio service; converting the received traffic into a designated format; and, routing the traffic to a selected destination.

Abstract: A method of providing an individual seeking medical attention (20) access to a remotely located volunteer medical professional (40) includes: screening the individual (20) to determine a type of medical attention that is called for; searching through a plurality of volunteer medical professionals having diverse medical qualifications; selecting a volunteer from the search that is suited to provide the type of medical attention that is called for as determined from the screening, the volunteer being selected based upon their medical qualifications; and, establishing a connection over a telecommunications network (50) between the individual (20) and the selected volunteer (40) such that they are able to interactively communicate with one another over the established connection.

Abstract: An electrical power generating device (10) is provided for supplying electrical power to a charger of a rechargeable electronic device. Suitably, the charger has a connector at one end adapted to interface with the rechargeable electronic device and has at another end a standard electrical plug. The electrical power generating device (10) includes: an electric generator (12) that generates electrical power when driven; and, a receptacle (30) which receives electrical power from the generator (12). The receptacle (30) is provisioned with a standard electrical outlet (34) adapted to fit the standard electrical plug of the charger such that the electrical power received by the receptacle (30) from the electric generator (12) is output through the standard electrical outlet (34).

Abstract: A clip (60) for holding electrical fuses (30) includes: a first end (64) adapted to releasably grip an installed electrical fuse (30) that is electrically connected to a circuit; and, a second end (62) adapted to releasably grip a spare electrical fuse (30) that is not electrically connected to a circuit.

Abstract: A method for reporting an emergency to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (200) is provided. The method includes: detecting for a condition indicative of an emergency; automatically initiating an interactive communication session (310) with the PSAP (200) over a network (300), the session (310) being initiated in response to detection of the condition; and, communicating at least one of a type of emergency and a location of the emergency to the PSAP (200) via the interactive session (310).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assigning an emergency temporary directory number to a roaming mobile unit. A request is received from a mobile unit for an emergency temporary directory number. The communication system determines if the request is a valid request. If the request is a valid request, the communication system grants an emergency temporary directory number for the mobile unit. The communication system then alerts the mobile unit of the emergency temporary directory number.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calling multimedia IP units about an impending emergency situation. A multimedia IP communication network or government authority forecasts the path of an impending emergency situation to create an impending impact area. The VoIP communication network determines the multimedia IP units that are located within the impending impact area. The multimedia IP communication network calls the multimedia IP units that are located within the impending impact area about the impending emergency situation, providing multi-media instructions to the users of the multimedia IP units.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against wireline-device triggered bombs is described that restricts call terminations within a designated security risk area without shutting down an entire telephone office switch serving the affected area. Embodiments described herein provide for restricting wireline call terminations directed to a designated security risk area that are originated from non-privileged users, i.e., the general public, yet authorizing call terminations directed to the security risk area that are originated from privileged government users (e.g., GETS/WPS users). Call originations are permitted within the security risk area from both privileged and non-privileged users.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against cell-phone triggered bombs is described that restricts call terminations within a designated security risk area without shutting down the entire network. Embodiments described herein provide for restricting call terminations directed to a designated security risk area that are originated from non-privileged users, i.e., the general public, yet authorizing call terminations directed to the security risk area that are originated from privileged government users (e.g., GETS/WPS users). Call originations are permitted within the security risk area from both privileged and non-privileged users.

Abstract: A method and/or system (24) is provided for managing power in a telecommunications site (20) having an auxiliary power supply (22) that selectively powers the site (20) when an outage is experienced in connection with a primary power (30) supply for the site (20). The method includes: detecting a power outage to the primary power supply (30); determining a duration for the detected outage; selecting a power conservation protocol based on the determined duration of the outage; switching to the auxiliary power supply (22); and, implementing the selected power conservation protocol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for alerting wireless units of an impending emergency situation. A wireless communication network or government authority forecasts the path of an impending emergency situation to create an impending impact area. The wireless communication network determines the wireless units that are located within the impending impact area. The wireless communication network alerts the wireless units that are located within the impending impact area of the impending emergency situation, providing multi-media instructions to the users of the wireless units.