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: 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.

Abstract: A method for regulating a call placement rate (CPR) of an autodialer (AD) (100) includes: measuring a time delay between a first event and a second event; and, adjusting the CPR of the AD (100) in response to the measured time delay.