Abstract: A postage meter is disclosed in which security information is encoded in the printed indicia. The information is encoded in a binary format which is transformed in a predetermined manner such that the information is retrievable by a special reader and decoding algorithm for obtaining the original binary format. The transformed indicia may be in one color or maybe multicolored.

Abstract: A multichannel communications recorder or logger having the capability to display channel activity, failsafe back-up capability, a unique identification code with provision for changing such code, and apparatus for securing access to the communications recorder. The recorder is formed from modular elements which may be configured into a large number of selectable configurations. Possible configurations include provision of back-up record decks and back-up record amplifiers, as well as various selectable auxiliary components. In each configuration one or more record decks is controlled by a control module which includes a system control microprocessor and a CRT control microprocessor, which, in turn, controls a user interface including a CRT for displaying pages of control information and a plurality of softkeys.

Abstract: Input coupling apparatus for coupling a telecommunications link, such as a telephone line, to an audio device, such as a recording channel of a telecommunications logger. Input terminals connect the coupling apparatus to the telecommunications link, such as to the tip and ring leads of a telephone line, for receiving audio signals. Voltage, current and remote sensing devices are coupled to the input terminals for detecting an active mode, such as an off-hook condition, during which audio signals are present. When connected to a telephone line, either an off-hook voltage condition or an off-hook current flow is sensed to produce an off-hook signal. When coupled to another communications link, such as a radio link, an external, simulated off-hook signal is detected. A selector is coupled to the voltage, current and remote sensing devices and selects one of those devices to supply the off-hook signal to the audio device, for example, to enable a logger to record audio signals.

Abstract: A modular dictation/transcription system is described comprising a modular construction wherein the system is composed of a set of modules which are detachably connectable to each other. Connection or detachment of individual modules from the system configures the system to provide such functions as may be required while deleting such functions which are not necessary. Included within the modules are one or more recording/playback modules a display module and a telephone module. All of the modules interact with each other in accordance with preselectable functions to provide for a more efficient utilization of the dictation/transcription system. Clusters of the modules may be arranged as stations, with the stations connected by a digital communication link.

Abstract: A multiline access module for connection of a number of telephone lines to a station set. The station set is controlled by a microprocessor and communicates with the access module through a communications channel to select one telephone line for connection to the station and to read the line status, ringing, on-hook, seized, no connection, or hold, for each line; the microprocessor controlling audible and visual indicators accordingly. The access module monitors voltage levels on each line to determine the line status. Each access module includes apparatus for connection to first and second groups of telephone lines and when two modules are interconnected by an appropriately polarized cable each will activate a different connection apparatus, allowing two modules to be connected in parallel for greater line capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning a moveable record medium, detecting the presence of signal information on the moveable record medium and halting the moveable record medium at the detected signal information or automatically rerecording the detected signal information. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted to function in a multichannel logging system, wherein the desired signal information is intermixed with low frequency time and information signals. The method and apparatus is capable of filtering out the low frequency signals while the tape moves at speeds between playing speed and up to 100 times playing speed, detecting if any signal information remains, and either halting the tape at the detected signal information or automatically rerecording it.

Abstract: A dictation transcription system having two or more recording/playback modules and a display module, all of which are detachably connectable to form an integral structure. The display module provides a visual display of the length, locations and types of messages recorded on either recording/playback module by storing and utilizing display data derived from either active module. This display data is generated and displayed during a dictate operation. When one recording/playback module is disposed in an inactive mode, its display data is stored and the display data derived from the other module if active, now is displayed.

Abstract: Telephone number information representing a name and a telephone number is entered into the memory of an automatic dialer, either by actuating a telephone dial-type keypad or by reading that information from a magnetic recording medium. When utilizing the keypad to generate telephone number information, actuation of the keys in one mode generates digital signals representing alphabetic characters constituting a name, and actuation of those same keys in a second mode generates digital signals representing numerical characters constituting the telephone number associated with that name. The telephone number information is stored as a telephone directory in record blocks which may be revised or deleted, in whole or in part, to carry out a telephone number edit operation. The stored record blocks may be read out from the memory and written onto the magnetic recording medium of a recorder, such as dictating machine, from which the recorded telephone directory may be downloaded to another automatic dialer.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the security of user postal funding charges and allowing accurate accounting of delivery charges includes the step of and apparatus for printing on a mailpiece or type at the originating station value to cover delivery charges along with encrypted validation information which is later employed to account for postage funds, particularly at the time of delivery. A visual marking is imprinted on the mailpiece at the time of accounting to show that accounting has occurred. The mail deliverer can rely on the visual indication for assurance that processing and accounting has occurred.

Abstract: A dictation/transcription system wherein identifying signals are recorded with audio messages. One of at least two different types of identifying signals, such as single or double bursts of cue tones, together with a block of digital data are recorded. The digital data block is comprised of fields of data for providing additional message identifying information, such as message type, time and date of recording, author identification and the location of the message on the record medium.

Abstract: A telephone terminal or a combined telephone-dictation terminal is disclosed. Such telephone apparatus includes a handset having a microphone and a speaker together with a speakerphone having a microphone and a speaker. Such telephone apparatus also includes a hook switch, which detects on-hook and off-hook conditions of the handset, a speakerphone switch, and a control mechanism, which is responsive to the hook switch and the speakerphone switch. The control mechanism may successively enable and disable at least one of the speakerphone microphone and the speakerphone speaker in response to successive operations of the speakerphone switch during the on-hook condition.

Abstract: A mailing system, including a postal scale and a postage meter controlled by the postal scale, and having one step metering capabilities. A postal scale controls a postage meter to set postage values as a function of the weight of an item to be mailed and, possibly, other postal information entered by an operator. The postage meter is physically mounted on the postal scale and the weight of the meter forms part of the tare weight of the scale. In one embodiment of the subject invention a letter placed in the meter will automatically be weighed and metered in a single step. In another embodiment of the subject invention the system also operates in a second mode wherein items placed on the system (i.e. on top of the meter) are weighed and postage values are computed in accordance with the weight and other postal information entered by an operator. Postal labels for packages, envelopes too thick to be weighed in the meter, or other items weighed, may then be printed upon command by the operator.

Abstract: A system for accounting for postage on large batches of mail without franking of each mail piece. The system includes an intelligent inserter system or automatic weighing system for generating postage determining information for mail pieces in a large batch of mail and a printer or scanner for serializing the batch by either imprinting each piece with a serial number or scanning for pre-printed serial numbers. The postage determining information and serial numbers are transmitted to a manifest system which generates a manifest (i.e., a matched list of serial numbers and postage) and computes the total postage due on the batch. In one disclosed embodiment, the manifest system then selects a random sample of the manifest, encrypts the serial numbers and transmits this encrypted sample to a data processing center.

Abstract: A microprocessor based mailing system, wherein postal rate charts are provided on portable media such as floppy disks, having the capability to update such postal rate charts. The mailing system includes a microcomputer system made up of a microprocessor, a CRT display, a keyboard, dual disk drives and printer; a scale for determining the weight of items to be mailed, and an optional postal meter. The microprocessor determines the appropriate postage for items to be mailed in accordance with the item's weight, postal information input by an operator and postal rate charts stored on a first disk in one of the disk drives. To update the postal rate charts a second disk may be substituted for the first while the first disk is shifted to the other drive. The second disk contains updating information and an updating program to update the rate charts. Upon initialization of the system the updating program is loaded and executed.