Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for delivering hard-copy facsimile documents, the confidential information of which is visibly concealed. In general, the apparatus includes a facsimile message concealing mechanism which cooperates with a facsimile message recording unit to produce secured hard-copy facsimile documents. In one embodiment, the apparatus is the form of a facsimile machine having facsimile transmission and reception capabilities. Facsimile messages to be transmitted are encoded with one or more command codes which are sent with the facsimile message. At a receiving station suitably adapted to the transmission scheme, the command codes are decoded to reveal specific instructions and message data. Using this decoded information, the receiving station executes the transmitted command, such as concealing the recorded facsimile message, to produce a secured hard-copy facsimile document.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associatable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing telecommunication-time data representative of a prepurchased amount of telecommunication-time available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associatable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing telecommunication-time data representative of a prepurchased amount of telecommunication-time available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: Flexible composite material is provided upon which a facsimile message containing both confidential and non-confidential information can be recorded. In general, the composite material comprises a recording layer and a cover layer. The cover layer is disposed over a substantial portion of the recording layer to define a confidential message recording area and a non-confidential message recording area. The cover layer has a plurality of transverse perforation lines formed along the longitudinal extent of the cover layer. The transverse perforation lines are spaced apart in parallel fashion, and each pair of adjacent perforation lines forms a cover layer strip that can be selectively removed. One or more of the cover layer strips bear preprinted instructions as to how to reveal the non-confidential area without revealing the confidential message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing monetary value data representative of a prepaid e.g. deposited in a centralized storage device, amount of monetary value available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associatable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing telecommunication-time data representative of a prepurchased amount of telecommunication-time available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for delivering hard-copy facsimile documents, the confidential information of which is visibly concealed. In general, the apparatus includes a facsimile message concealing mechanism which cooperates with a facsimile message recording unit to produce secured hard-copy facsimile documents. In one embodiment, the apparatus is the form of a facsimile machine having facsimile transmission and reception capabilities. Facsimile messages to be transmitted are encoded with one or more command codes which are sent with the facsimile message. At a receiving station suitably adapted to the transmission scheme, the command codes are decoded to reveal specific instructions and message data. Using this decoded information, the receiving station executes the transmitted command, such as concealing the recorded facsimile message, to produce a secured hard-copy facsimile document.

Abstract: Flexible composite material is provided upon which a facsimile message containing both confidential and nonconfidential information can be recorded. In general, the composite material comprises a recording layer and a cover layer. The recording layer has a predetermined width and a longitudinal extent which varies in length consistent with the length of the recorded message. The cover layer is disposed over the recording layer to define a confidential message recording area and at least one non-confidential message recording area. Both message recording areas extend along the longitudinal extent of the recording layer. The cover layer permits recording upon the non-confidential area and confidential area, while concealing the confidential message prior to the cover's removal.