Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for executing an emergency plan using a push-to-talk network is disclosed. In a first step, a notification of an emergency is received at an emergency communication platform. Next, a proper response group based on the type of emergency is determined. Then, an emergency message is sent to the response group using the push-to-talk network.

Abstract: A method for providing push-to-talk service between PTT enabled devices and non-PTT enabled devices is disclosed. First, the non-PTT enabled device is registered at a PTT interworking agent. Then, signaling data is received at an interface in a first format. The signaling data includes an identifier corresponding to one or more destination phones. Next, the signaling data in the first format is converted to a second signaling protocol at the PTT interworking agent. The push-to-talk signaling information is sent to a push-to-talk server and a destination address is located for each of the one or more phones associated with the signaling data. The signaling data is then routed to the one or more phones.

Abstract: A determination is made whether a service provider (28, 40) is capable of supporting at least one service for one of a plurality of subscriber units (30–36, 42–46). The determination is based on whether the service provider has sufficient processing capabilities and memory to receive the service processing software from the subscriber unit and/or whether the service provider is authorized, based on communication system policies to process the particular service request for this subscriber. If the service provider is capable, the subscriber unit provides service processing logic (e.g., the service processing application and/or user customization software) to the service provider. Upon receiving the service processing logic, the service provider stores it and eventually executes it to process the requested service for the subscriber units.

Abstract: A communication control method and apparatus (101) includes an adaptive throttling message agent (102) in communication with an adaptive throttling strategy module (104) for throttling message information (112) provided from a messaging server (110) to a communication device (136). When the messaging server (110) provides message information (112) to the adaptive throttling message agent (102), a throttling strategy request (120) is provided to the adaptive throttling strategy module (104). The adaptive throttling strategy module (104) generates a throttling strategy (132) in response to a plurality of system and communication device input parameters (126, 128 and 130). The throttling strategy (132) is provided back to the adaptive throttling message agent (102) whereupon a throttled message (134) is generated and provided to the communication device (136) in response to the throttling strategy (132).

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a razor cartridge with one or more razor blades, a shaving aid body, a handle, and a linkage pivotally connected to the handle. The linkage is connected to the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body in a manner such that the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body are moveable relative to the handle. Movement of one of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body in a first direction causes the other of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body to move in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. As a result, the positions of the shaving aid body and the razor cartridge are continuously adjusted to maintain the contact surface of the shaving aid body approximately co-planar with the cutting edges of the razor blades within the razor cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method of facilitating talkgroup communications across a multiple-system communication network (100). A typical multi-system network (100) includes a plurality of communication units (122), a plurality of communication location areas (117-119), and a plurality of system controllers (100, 116). Upon migration of a communication unit (122) from one communication system to another, the communication unit (122) sends a registration request to the system controller (116) at the new communication system (102). The system controller (116) determines whether the talkgroup of the migrating communication unit (122) is registered with the new communication system (102). If the talkgroup is not registered with the new system (102), a database (120) is updated with the new talkgroup information, thereby facilitating talkgroup communication involving, members of the talkgroup.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method of facilitating a talkgroup call throughout a communication network (100). A typical multi-system network (100) includes a plurality of communication units (122), a plurality of communication location areas (117-119), and a plurality of system controllers (110, 116). A communication unit (122) sends a request for a talkgroup call involving members of a first talkgroup to a system controller (116). The system controller (116), after receiving the talkgroup call request, determines which other communication systems in the multi-system network (100) contain members of the requested talkgroup. The system controller (116) sends a talkgroup call command to all communication systems that presently contain members of the first talkgroup, thereby facilitating the talkgroup call throughout the communications network.

Abstract: A method of transmitting messages, where transmitting a message requires a plurality of transmissions, includes communicating control information, e.g., a communication resource allocation request (106) and a communication resource assignment (110), between a controller (101) and a communication unit (104) on a control communication resource (114), such that a working communication resource (115-117) is assigned to the communication unit (104). While the communication unit (104) is engaged in a first transmission of the message on the working communication resource, the control information is communicated between the controller (101) and the communication unit (104) on the working communication resource (115-117), such that the working communication resource (115-117) is assigned to the communication unit (104) for a second transmission of the message.

Abstract: Synchronization of secure information on a control channel (104) of a secure radio trunking communication system (100), is maintained by periodically transmitting control encryption parameters (CEP) (111) by the controller (101) on the control channel (104). A secure communication unit (102 and 103) may receive and store the CEP (111) in memory (108 and 109), and subsequently, use the stored CEP (111) to communicate securely with the controller (101) on the control channel (104). When the secure communication unit is assigned to a working channel (105-107), the controller periodically sends the CEP (117) to the secure communication unit (102 and 103) on the working channel (105-107). When the secure communication unit (102 and 103) returns to the control channel (104), the secure communication unit may use the CEP (117) stored in the memory (108 and 109) to communicate securely on the control channel (104).