Abstract: An in-line accessory (10) for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system (12) and associated method include a hardware form factor comprising an opening (42); a first connection interface (30) on the hardware form factor configured to selectively connect with a connection interface on a regulator (16) of the SCBA system (12); a second connection interface (32) on the hardware form factor configured to selectively connect with a connection interface on a mask (14) of the SCBA system (12); and circuitry disposed on and/or within the hardware form factor to perform and add one or more functions to the SCBA system (12); wherein the hardware form factor is disposed between the regulator (16) and the mask (14) in a non-obtrusive manner in the SCBA system (12) and the opening (42) supports air flow from the regulator (16) to the mask (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a haptic feedback to a rotary knob is provided herein. During operation the rotary knob will be rotated, causing a display to cycle through menu items. A haptic feedback is provided to the rotary knob in order to identify a border (transition) between menu items. During operation a different haptic effect may be provided to different borders in order to distinguish between menu items. In addition, an angle of rotation for a particular menu is allowed to vary prior to a border being encountered. Because both the haptic effect and the angle of rotation for the rotary knob is allowed to vary, a user may be able to easily identify transitions to various menu items.

Abstract: A cradle locks a mobile unit (MU) therein with a single insertion process. The cradle includes a cup shaped to receive a first portion of the MU. The cradle includes a backing portion including a first end coupled to the cup portion. The cradle includes a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position and a receiving position, the hoop being biased toward the securing position. The cradle includes a latch releasably securing the hoop portion in the receiving position. The cradle includes a plunger extending out of the backing portion in a first direction so that, when engaged by the MU, the plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction moving the latch to release the hoop portion so that the hoop portion moves under its bias into the securing position.

Abstract: A cradle locks a mobile unit (MU) therein with a single insertion process. The cradle includes a cup shaped to receive a first portion of the MU. The cradle includes a backing portion including a first end coupled to the cup portion. The cradle includes a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position and a receiving position, the hoop being biased toward the securing position. The cradle includes a latch releasably securing the hoop portion in the receiving position. The cradle includes a plunger extending out of the backing portion in a first direction so that, when engaged by the MU, the plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction moving the latch to release the hoop portion so that the hoop portion moves under its bias into the securing position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for employing a token based arbiter. The apparatus includes a priority provider (26) comprising a processor for calculating an arbiter metric and an identity provider (18) having a processor for embedding the metric into a secured token. The apparatus also comprises memory coupled to the processor having one or more instructions executable at the processor. The processor is operable when executing the instructions to: collect authorization attributes (A) from one or more users seeking use of a resource (20) associated with a service provider; determine the level of priority to the one or more users based on prescribed policy of the priority provider; assign at least one arbiter metric (22, 32) to a secured token (T) for each of the one or more users based on the level of priority identified by the priority provider.

Abstract: A mobile computer is described. The mobile computer includes a memory for storing a software application. A processor is coupled to the memory for executing the software application. A display is coupled to the processor for graphically displaying information generated by the software application. A card reader having a slot is coupled to the processor for receiving input from a data card. A radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna is embedded in a portion of the card reader proximate to the slot. The RFID antenna includes at least one conductor that forms at least one loop for communicating with an RFID device positioned at least partially within the slot.