Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a help feature for providing the user with a hard copy of "help" information, outputted via the facsimile printer, relevant to the existing operating mode of facsimile machine at the time the help feature was activated. If the help feature is activated when the facsimile machine is in a standby mode, the user is prompted to request a menu or to select the type of help information to be outputted in facsimile form. If the help feature is activated when the facsimile machine is in an active operating mode, (e.g., programming, service or error modes), the outputted help information is selected by the facsimile machine based on machine sensor status and/or the present software state. The help feature is activated by a predesignated push button or access code.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus provides a user with paper vendor order information when a substantially out-of-paper condition is detected. The facsimile apparatus provides the user with various vendor paper ordering information, including a telephone number, via a display, a printer, or a speaker of the facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus enables the user to manually call or autodial the paper vendor using preprogrammed numbers. The facsimile apparatus enables the user to send to the paper vendor a prestored data or facsimile message, or a fax of a paper order form outputted by the facsimile apparatus and filled-in by the user.

Abstract: A facsmile machine determines the status of a received or a transmitted facsimile message and, in response thereto, dials a specified telephone number and outputs a status message to notify a user of the status of the received or transmitted facsimile message. Another feature outputs a status message to indicate a predetermined condition at the facsimile machine. The status message may include an audio message to a data message. Another feature uses information detected in the control portion of the facsimile message to identify which of a plurality of predefined facsimile machine users is to be notified of the receipt of the facsimile message. In one embodiment, the detected information includes the identity of the location that transmitted the facsimile message.

Abstract: A communication system is comprised of two or more circuit pack modules mounted onto a mounting apparatus. Each circuit module includes a plastic housing which holds a circuit board mounted therein. An equipment cabinet is formed by mounting a circuit module at each end of the mounting apparatus and utilizing a surface of each circuit module, respectively, as a side of the cabinet. A top panel of the cabinet mounts to the mounting apparatus and circuit modules and covers the circuit modules and any space therebetween. A front panel mounts to the top panel and circuit modules and serves as the front cover of the cabinet.