Abstract: The present invention includes methods for operating a mailing machine. A permit mail imprint is generated in the mailing machine on the basis of input signals entered into the mailing machine via a user interface of the mailing machine. At least some of the input signals may represent alphanumeric characters. For example, the permit number may be entered via a keypad or keyboard in the form of numeric characters.

Abstract: A media feeder for feeding media items includes a moveable media side guide. A force limiting mechanism is coupled to move the side guide such that the side guide can be moved into engagement with media items with a force that will not exceed a predetermined level. A second mechanism is coupled to move the side guide a predetermined distance away from the media items. In one arrangement a first and a second moveable media side guides are mounted adjacent a media elevator platform. A first force limiting drive means is connected to a side guide adjustment mechanism operable to cause the guides toward or away from each other. A second drive means is connected to the side guide adjustment mechanism and is operable to cause the side guide adjustment mechanism to move the guides such that a predefined gap is established between the media items on the platform and the side guides after the side guides are moved into engagement with the media items.

Abstract: An electrical conductor strain relief for connecting electrical conductors to a printed circuit board. The strain relief includes a first member having a first array of first conductor receiving holes and a second member having a second array of second conductor receiving holes. The second member is connectable to the first member at a predetermined fixed location such that the second holes are at least partially aligned with respective ones of the first holes as pairs of holes. The first and second holes of each pair of holes have center axes which are offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A Dynakey Screen Generator (DSG) is disclosed which is a graphical user interface prototyping and specification tool. DSG is a Microsoft Windows-based tool for prototyping and specifying a graphical user interface having dynamic keys. More specifically, the present invention preferably is a Microsoft Visual Basic application and preferably uses an underlying Microsoft Access database. Advantageously, the present invention allows a user interface designer (the “author”) to enter design specifications into forms. The design specifications cover the general, visual style of the user interface being designed, as well as the specific design of each screen. Once the specifications (stored in the Access database) have been entered, an “end user” (e.g., interface designer, developer, customer, potential end user) can immediately “run” the specification as an interactive prototype.