Abstract: A cellular alert device according to the present invention notifies a user that a cellular call is being received by an associated cellular telephone even when the alert device is not in close proximity or in data communication with the associated telephone. The cellular alert device includes a receiver for acquiring the same cellular paging signal that is also received by an associated cellular telephone. The alert device also includes a processor and an alarm such that the processor actuates the alarm when the receiver acquires a paging signal that is the same as that received by the associated telephone. The alert device and telephone are “associated” in that they both have the same mobile identification code.

Abstract: The concept of “renderers” and “translators” is introduced in connection with bidirectional conversion between object models and XML. A renderer embodies the logic responsible for mediating the parser specific APIs for reading and writing XML. It utilizes a plurality of translator objects, which embody the mapping information needed to convert the XML into object model instances. The translator objects themselves do not contain “knowledge” of parser implementations; thus, the translators are common and can be shared and reused by any and all renderer implementations. Since each translator embodies the knowledge and rules regarding how to convert an XML model to an object model, and how to convert object models to XML, it is thus independent of the particular renderer that is being used, whether it be SAX, DOM, or some other renderer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing thermal printhead thermal history temperature management by preprocessing target images are described. In one example, a thermal compensation process is applied to a target image to provide offset values in order to create a compensated image that is later printed without local printhead thermal compensation.

Abstract: Slots or apertures are formed in the connector shroud of a T/R module in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connector so as to allow plating solution to flow freely through the entire inner portion of the connector, particularly the rear portion, during fabrication of the T/R module. The slots are formed prior to the shroud being brazed on to the module substrate. By allowing plating solution to flow through the connector, the interior of the connector can be more thoroughly plated, thereby improving the yield of the assembly while reducing cost.

Abstract: A collagen-binding MSCRAMM entitled Ace from enterococcal bacteria is provided which was homologous to the ligand-binding region of Cna, the collagen-binding MSCRAMM from Staphylococcus aureus, and which can be utilized in a similar manner as other collagen-binding MSCRAMMs to inhibit adhesion of enterococcal bacteria to extracellular matrix proteins. The N-terminal region of Ace contained a region (residues 174-319), or A domain, which appears to be equivalent to the minimal ligand-binding region of the collagen-binding protein Cna (Cna 151-318), and contains several 47-residue tandem repeat units, called B domain repeat units, between the collagen-binding site and cell wall-associated regions. The Ace protein of the invention can thus be utilized in methods of preventing and/or treating enterococcal infection, and in addition, antibodies raised against Ace, or its A domain, can be used to effectively inhibit the adhesion of enterococcal cells to a collagen substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing one or more faults or one or more potential faults in a machine. The system and method has a communications module for communicating machine data between the machine and the system. It also has a fault recognition module for analyzing the machine data, which can determine one or more faults or potential faults in the machine. An expert system module having a fault tree is guided through only a truncated portion of the fault tree based upon output from the fault recognition module.

Abstract: A method for acquiring customers for meter licenses for PC postage. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.

Abstract: A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.

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: In a postage meter, funds are requested from an accounting unit and transferred to a print buffer when a print registration sensor detects a mailpiece at a location that is sufficiently downstream of the printing mechanism in order to enable the meter sufficient time to compose the indicia. A presentation sensor detects the presence of the mailpiece just prior to printing the indicia; and a printing mechanism prints the indicia if the mailpiece is properly aligned with the printing mechanism, or stores the indicia data in a secure register if the mailpiece is not properly aligned with the printing mechanism to enable the operator to obtain a refund.

Abstract: In a postage meter, funds are requested from an accounting unit and transferred to a print buffer when a print registration sensor detects a mailpiece at a location that is sufficiently downstream of the printing mechanism in order to enable the meter sufficient time to compose the indicia. A presentation sensor detects the presence of the mailpiece just prior to printing the indicia; and a printing mechanism prints the indicia if the mailpiece is properly aligned with the printing mechanism, or stores the indicia data in a secure register if the mailpiece is not properly aligned with the printing mechanism to enable the operator to obtain a refund.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing one or more faults or one or more potential faults in a machine. The system and method has a communications module for communicating machine data between the machine and the system. It also has a fault recognition module for analyzing the machine data, which can determine one or more faults or potential faults in the machine. An expert system module having a fault tree is guided through only a truncated portion of the fault tree based upon output from the fault recognition module.

Abstract: A candle having a fruit preserve appearance has a translucent container for holding the components of the candle. A fruit layer is positioned in the container. A first gel wax layer is placed in the container and on top of the fruit layer. A partition is placed in the container and on top of the gel wax layer. A wick assembly is coupled to the partition. A second gel wax layer is placed in the container and on top of the partition.