Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatuses for patient transfer from a rollable chair to a bed and back. A rollable chair includes a first frame having a seat; a second frame coupled to the first frame, the second frame having a backrest configured to move relative to the first frame; and a third frame coupled to the first frame, the third frame having a track having a curvilinear length configured to allow the first frame to rotate and to translate relative to the third frame. A bed includes a chair-receiving frame configured to couple to the first frame of the rollable chair. The rollable chair and the bed work in tandem to transfer a patient, for example using coordinated, automated motions.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatuses for patient transfer from a rollable chair to a bed and back. A rollable chair includes a first frame having a seat; a second frame coupled to the first frame, the second frame having a backrest configured to move relative to the first frame; and a third frame coupled to the first frame, the third frame having a track having a curvilinear length configured to allow the first frame to rotate and to translate relative to the third frame. A bed includes a chair-receiving frame configured to couple to the first frame of the rollable chair. The rollable chair and the bed work in tandem to transfer a patient, for example using coordinated, automated motions.

Abstract: A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.

Abstract: A hand truck for carrying and lifting a load comprising spaced vertical columns each having a channel. Rollers are captured in each of said channels that are capable of vertical movement along its respective channel. A first toe plate is affixed to said columns and adapted to extend horizontally during use. A second toe plate is attached to the rollers and adapted to move vertically along said columns between upper and lower positions. The first and second toe plates are in nesting relationship when the second toe plate is in its lower position.

Abstract: A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.

Abstract: A hand truck for carrying and lifting a load comprising spaced vertical columns each having a channel. Rollers are captured in each of said channels that are capable of vertical movement along its respective channel. A first toe plate is affixed to said columns and adapted to extend horizontally during use. A second toe plate is attached to the rollers and adapted to move vertically along said columns between upper and lower positions. The first and second toe plates are in nesting relationship when the second toe plate is in its lower position.

Abstract: A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.

Abstract: A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a housing assembly defining a first dispensing outlet, a system for conveying a supply of label material along a feed path and a peeler bar, positionable from a first position to a second position, to effect an abrupt directional change in the feed path thereof, and cause the face material to separate from the liner material. A processor is employed to control the bi-directional displacement of the conveyance system and position the peeler bar within the housing such that the label material is: (i) conveyed downstream of the peeler bar when the peeler bar is in the first position, and (ii) drawn back across the peeler bar to cause a trailing edge of the face material to separate form the liner material when the peeler bar is in the second position.

Abstract: A roll of label stock includes a plurality of first regions suitable for being printed on by thermal printing. The first regions are blank. The label stock also includes a plurality of pre-printed color images, each associated with a respective one of the first regions. A stamp printer that prints postage indicia on the label stock refrains from printing an image thereon, but would print images on another type of label stock that does not include pre-printed images.

Abstract: A method of printing value indicia includes feeding a roll of printing stock into a value indicia printer. The roll of printing stock includes color images pre-printed on the roll of printing stock. The method further includes using the value indicia printer to print value indicia on the roll of printing stock. The printer may be a postage stamp printer which produces custom postage stamps which include pre-printed color images.

Abstract: An offsetting device for use in a mail stacking system receiving a plurality of mailpieces at a receiving end for stacking the mailpieces along a line. The offsetting device has a nip to engage with the mailpieces, and a plurality of rollers to change the moving speed of the mailpiece so as to cause the aligning edge of the mailpiece to misalign with line so as to provide a break in a stack. Alternatively, the rollers can be used to align a mailpiece in relation to the line so as to true stacking.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a locally printed replaceable control panel labels for providing an economical user interface to a postage printing device using a collocated processor are described. In one configuration, a remote data center provides Units of Information of Value UIVs of distinct denominations such as postage indicia to a Virtual Stamp Dispensing Metering VSDM printer. Custom graphic images are also processed for use and stored at the collocated processor for selective transfer to the VSDM. Using the collocated PC, the user selects certain denominations to be assigned to denomination buttons on the VSDM. Similarly, the user selects certain custom images to be associated with custom image buttons on the VSDM. The system then prints a replaceable control panel button label using the VSDM printer having zones associated with each button for printing thumbnails of the custom images and denomination icons for the selected virtual stamp denominations.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for handling mailpieces. A mailpiece handling device includes a substantially horizontal deck for receiving a mailpiece. The device also includes a substantially vertical registration wall that extends upwardly from an edge of the deck. The device further includes a disk mounted for rotation in a circular opening in the deck adjacent the registration wall. The disk has a substantially horizontal surface. In addition, the device includes an arm mounted above the disk so as to be pivotable in a horizontal direction. Also, the device includes a steering member mounted at a free end of the arm. The steering member is for applying downward pressure to a mailpiece that is in contact with the disk.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that differs from the first dimension, prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia image formats, receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats, and printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.

Abstract: A device for moistening an envelope flap includes a reservoir for holding a moistening fluid and an applicator mounted above the reservoir for applying the moistening fluid to the envelope flap. The moistening device also includes a fluid transfer member that is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis to transfer moistening fluid from the reservoir to the applicator while the transfer member rotates.

Abstract: A platter for a weighing scale includes a base and a plurality of legs which extend downwardly from the base. The platter also includes at least one hinged member mounted on the base and movable between a horizontal position and an unfolded position in which the hinged member extends upwardly from the base. When unfolded, the hinged member may aid in supporting a stack of letters on the weighing scale.