Abstract: Provided are thermal insulation components, the thermal insulation component extending in the direction of a major axis and the thermal insulation component comprising: an inner wall, the inner wall defining a lumen therein, the lumen having a centerline; an outer wall, the outer wall encircling the inner wall, the outer wall having a plurality of corrugations, the inner wall and the outer wall defining an insulating space therebetween, the insulating space optionally being evacuated; and at least one engagement feature configured to secure the component to an outlet, the engagement feature being arranged such that a line extending radially outward from the centerline of the lumen passes through the engagement feature without passing through the insulating space. Also provided are related methods.

Abstract: Provided are thermally-insulated components that include a first tube enclosing a second tube, the first tube having individual corrugations or one or more helical or other corrugations. The corrugations can be non-perpendicular relative to the major axis of the tube, and the second tube and first tube can define a sealed insulating space of reduced pressure therebetween.

Abstract: Provided are self-recovering insulating components, comprising: a first boundary in a first configuration; and a second boundary in a first configuration, the first boundary and the second boundary defining a sealed evacuated insulating space therebetween, the sealed insulating space defining a degree of vacuum, and the first boundary, the second boundary, or both and the degree of vacuum being selected such that (i) upon deformation of at least one of the first boundary and the second boundary sufficient to place the first boundary and the second boundary into direct thermal communication with one another at a contact location, (ii) the at least one of the first boundary and the second boundary recovers from the deformation so as to place the component into a recovered configuration free of direct thermal communication between the first boundary and second boundary at the contact location

Abstract: Provided are medical devices that comprise first and second tubes with a sealed insulating space formed therebetween, the devices being steerable and configured to deliver a fluid to a treatment site on or within a subject. The tubes of the devices can include corrugations so as to allow for bendability of the devices. Also provided are methods of using the disclosed devices.

Abstract: Provided are thermally insulating components that include sealed joints between the walls that define an insulating space therebetween. Also provided are related methods of forming and using the disclosed components. Additionally provided are thermally insulating components that include a positive thermal coefficient material.

Abstract: Provided are heat transfer components that include a wick and a working fluid enclosed within a sealed evacuated space. Also provided are related methods of using the components.

Abstract: Provided are thermally insulated modules that comprise a first shell and a first component having a first sealed evacuated insulating space therebetween and a current carrier configured to give rise to inductive heating. Also provided are methods of utilizing the disclosed thermally insulated modules in a variety of applications, including additive manufacturing and other applications.

Abstract: Provided are thermally insulating components that include sealed joints between the walls that define an insulating space therebetween. Also provided are related methods of forming and using the disclosed components.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses covering subscriber initiated handoff to improve call quality, change networks, record a quality event, or for other purposes. The subscriber initiated handoff is primarily designed to be used in conjunction with a wireless network.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses covering subscriber initiated handoff to improve call quality, change networks, record a quality event, or for other purposes. The subscriber initiated handoff is primarily designed to be used in conjunction with a wireless network.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for alerting a user, technician, or network administrator to the status or location of a wireless device.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In order to make the decision to provide the information to the requesting party, the mobile subscriber can first determine if the request is being made from a trusted source. If the identity of the requesting party is hidden, the requesting party can be queried to release their identity to be used in conjunction with the permission request to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: Confirmation of a mobile subscriber's permission to release their personal information is completed prior to transmitting the information to a requesting party. The mobile subscriber can view the requesting party's identity prior to making a decision to release their directory information. In the alternative, the mobile subscriber can contact the requesting party directly without a release of their personal information. Other types of information, such as location information, can also be communicated to a requesting party by this permission grant methodology.

Abstract: A grant of permission is operative to release the personal information of a user, such as mobile subscriber of a mobile telephone network, prior to transmitting that information to a requesting party. If the permission grant is delayed, however, the delivery of the mobile subscriber's information can be provided at a later time to the requesting party if the mobile subscriber subsequently grants permission. The requesting party can receive information relevant to the mobile subscriber via text message, e-mail, or other conventional media in response to the delayed permission grant. The mobile subscriber can grant a delayed release of the information or contact the requesting party directly without revealing the requested information.

Abstract: A mobile-oriented information system that requires a grant of permission from a mobile subscriber to release information requested by a requesting party while retaining the identity of the requesting party. The identity of the requesting party can be stored in an electronic telephone book or storage area for a mobile communication device operated by the mobile subscriber. The mobile subscriber can have the option of editing the identity-related information in connection with storage of that information within the telephone book or storage area.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In the alternative, the mobile subscriber can elect to establish a communications path directly with the requesting party. The mobile subscriber can initiate this communications path without divulging their identity or contact information to the requesting party. For example, the mobile subscriber can elect to block a display of their identity and calling information to the requesting party by the use of identity blocking codes or blocking methods that hide this information.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as the this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from a circuit of a fluorescent light. A first circuit supplies power from a fluorescent light power source to a fluorescent lamp. The power converter of an external device can be electrically connected to any two points within that circuit to create a second circuit to supply power to the external device. The power converter may be connected to the first circuit via one or more power coupling or power tether. At least one of the two points within the first circuit may comprise a pin of the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, at least one of the two points may comprise a connector of a fluorescent light fixture designed to receive a pin of the fluorescent lamp or a point within the fluorescent ballast of the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a power source that can be configured for being mounted to a fluorescent light. The internal electronics of the power source are contained within a housing. Attachment means are used to attach the housing to a fluorescent lamp. The attachment means may comprise a support tube attached to the housing. The support tube fits over the fluorescent lamp and attaches to the housing to secure the power source to the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, the housing may include power coupling pins on one side and fluorescent lamp pin connectors on the opposite side. The power coupling pins fit into one receptacle of the fluorescent light fixture and the pins of the fluorescent lamp are inserted into the fluorescent lamp pin connectors of the housing such that the power source is mounted between the fluorescent lamp and the fluorescent light fixture.