Abstract: A method is provided for permitting a module which is configured to perform a dedicated function on a bed to use a graphical interface. Graphic format data used by the module is downloaded, if necessary, and stored in a memory of the graphical interface.

Abstract: A facsimile machine that is capable of receiving, transmitting and storing both document images and data transfers, identifying the appropriate device the data transfer is intended for, and providing the data transfer to the appropriate device is disclosed. A facsimile machine is provided with one or more ports for coupling with other office equipment, such as, for example, postage meters, postage scales, personal computers, etc. Data transfers from a service center or the like are received by the facsimile machine and identified as to which device is the intended recipient. The facsimile machine can then send the data transfer to the intended device, or store the data transfer for sending to the intended device at a later time. Accordingly, only a single analog telephone line is required for all of the devices coupled to the facsimile machine.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a delivery confirmation service to a mailer who uses a postage meter to pay the postage for mailing a mail piece. The mailer applies a shipping label containing an identification number on the mail piece to identify the mail piece and the mailer. The identification number is retrieved by the postage meter which sends the identification number to a data processing center or a meter refill data center for processing. Upon receiving the identification number, the data processing center sends a shipping file to the carrier. When the mail piece is delivered, a message regarding the delivery status of the mail piece is sent to the carrier by the mail deliverer. With the shipping file and the delivery status message, the carrier makes available the delivery status of the mail piece to the data processing center which stores the delivery status. Upon request, the data processing center communicates at least a portion of the delivery status to the mailer via a meter refill system.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter distally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter display until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: A system for facilitating communication between customer equipment modules and a third party equipment module through use of the data transfer module is described. The data transfer module includes a communication port for communicating with the third party equipment module, as well as ports and a connector for communicating with customer equipment modules. The data transfer module is portable and allows for the transfer of information to and from itself and any customer equipment module while disconnected from the third party equipment module and, likewise, information can be transferred between the data transfer module and the third party equipment module while disconnected from the customer equipment modules. This portability and ability to transfer information to the customer equipment modules without simultaneous communication to the third party equipment module facilitates use of the system when customer equipment modules are not easily accessible to external communication sources.

Abstract: A telecommunications signal routing and data management apparatus for directing incoming telecommunications signals to devices connected thereto, or receiving message signals over a telephone subscriber line from a remote source for display, for receiving and transmitting data to and from a remote source over the telephone subscriber line and for storing received data on a programmable memory module is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus enables the uploading and display of postal rate information, uploading of equipment diagnostic information from a programmable memory module and the downloading of postal rate data onto a programmable memory module. Updating of postal equipment, for example, can be carried out with minimal interruptions to the use of the postal equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a postage indicium on a mail piece. The method comprises the steps of providing a first pattern containing encrypted information in a printed area, engaging a mask with the printed area, wherein the mask comprises a second pattern for forming with the first pattern a third pattern indicative of the encrypted information. The method further comprises the step of comparing the third pattern with a template having stored information. If the encrypted information revealed in the third pattern matches the stored information, then the postage indicium is assumed to be an original copy and not a duplicated copy.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a postage indicium on a mail piece. The method comprises the steps of providing a first pattern containing encrypted information in a printed area, engaging a mask with the printed area, wherein the mask comprises a second pattern for forming with the first pattern a third pattern indicative of the encrypted information. The method further comprises the step of comparing the third pattern with a template having stored information. If the encrypted information revealed in the third pattern matches the stored information, then the postage indicium is assumed to be an original copy and not a duplicated copy.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a postage indicium on a mail piece. The method comprises the steps of providing a first pattern containing encrypted information in a printed area, engaging a mask with the printed area, wherein the mask comprises a second pattern for forming with the first pattern a third pattern indicative of the encrypted information. The method further comprises the step of comparing the third pattern with a template having stored information. If the encrypted information revealed in the third pattern matches the stored information, then the postage indicium is assumed to be an original copy and not a duplicated copy.

Abstract: A method is provided for permitting a module which is configured to perform a dedicated function on a bed to use a graphical interface. Graphic format data used by the module is downloaded, if necessary, and stored in a memory of the graphical interface.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a postage indicium on a mail piece. The method comprises the steps of providing a first pattern containing encrypted information in a printed area, engaging a mask with the printed area, wherein the mask comprises a second pattern for forming with the first pattern a third pattern indicative of the encrypted information. The method further comprises the step of comparing the third pattern with a template having stored information. If the encrypted information revealed in the third pattern matches the stored information, then the postage indicium is assumed to be an original copy and not a duplicated copy.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter distally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: A facsimile machine that is capable of receiving, transmitting and storing both document images and data transfers, identifying the appropriate device the data transfer is intended for, and providing the data transfer to the appropriate device is disclosed. A facsimile machine is provided with one or more ports for coupling with other office equipment, such as, for example, postage meters, postage scales, personal computers, etc. Data transfers from a service center or the like are received by the facsimile machine and identified as to which device is the intended recipient. The facsimile machine can then send the data transfer to the intended device, or store the data transfer for sending to the intended device at a later time. Accordingly, only a single analog telephone line is required for all of the devices coupled to the facsimile machine.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a mail piece using a code identifier of the mail piece that is read as the mail piece is placed within a mail tray. Determination of the location of the mail tray is thus determination of the location of each mail piece therein. Code identifiers on mail trays are read as mail trays are placed in vehicles. Determination of the location of the vehicle is thus determination of the location of each mail tray placed therein and coded mail pieces within the tray. A database is maintained with this hierarchical location information so as to provide a readily available means for determining the location of any mail piece.

Abstract: A chair bed for supporting a person is provided, the chair bed having a head end, a foot end, and opposing sides. The chair bed includes a frame and a deck supported on the frame. The deck includes head, seat, and foot sections. A mattress is mounted on the deck and has an upwardly-facing patient surface. The mattress also has head, seat, and foot portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat, and foot sections of the deck. The head section of the deck and the mattress portion thereon is pivotable from a generally horizontal down position through various positions upwardly to a back-support position. A pair of side rails is mounted on each side of the chair bed. Each pair of side rails includes a body section side rail mounted to move with the deck seat section and extending laterally adjacent the deck head and seat sections and a head section side rail mounted to move with the deck head section relative to the body section side rail and extending adjacent only the deck head section.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

Abstract: A system that uses a digital postage meter or Postal Security Device to add information to the indicia that indicates that the mail piece has already been scanned. This information will inform the scanner and a human that the postage paid for, as indicated in the indicia, has been used. The foregoing is accomplished by printing a scanner readable data field in the indicia or in the vicinity of the indicia that indicates the mail piece was received. Human readable data is also printed in the indicia or in the vicinity of the indicia that indicates the mail piece was received. For instance, the word "VOID" may be written in coded form and/or in human readable form. Information regarding the canceling of the indicia is transmitted to a data center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail pieces by a mailer for mailing by a postal facility utilizes a manifesting system to evidence payment by the mailer to the postal facility for the cost of the mailing. A discrete batch of mail is identified, and each piece in the batch is weighed in succession by a scale which includes a first data processing means and a first data base, and the weight is entered in the first data base, optionally together with other information that is pertinent to the cost of mailing. A first printer collocated with the scale prints a unique number for each mail piece.