Abstract: The present invention contemplates a hybrid printer having printing capabilities at its back end and imagining capabilities at its front end. A conventional receipt printer with a MICR read head has been modified by replacing its front cover with a cover having the same platform but that incorporates a pair of opposed imagers, a second MICR read head, a diverter, and rollers for moving media therethrough.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for time-based setting and removal of alarm inhibits are disclosed. In one method, a command is provided that allows a user to specify a time period with which an alarm generated within a telecommunications signaling platform will be inhibited. Once the command is received, alarms associated with the specified device are suppressed. When the time period expires, the alarm inhibit is automatically removed and alarms associated with the specified device can be generated.

Abstract: A node in a converged network converts a session initiation protocol (SIP) message to a signaling system 7 (SS7) message. A SIP INVITE request is received by the node and the node determines whether the SIP INVITE request is destined for an SS7 user. If the INVITE request is destined for an SS7 user, the node determines whether the INVITE request contains MIME-encoded text and constructs a short message service (SMS) message containing the MIME-encoded text. The SMS message is routed to the SS7 user. In addition, the node constructs an initial address message (IAM) and routes the IAM to the SS7 user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically correlating signaling message priority and IP priority are disclosed. A priority level of a signaling message may be determined based on a priority parameter in the signaling message or a user based priority. The signaling message is encapsulated in an IP packet. A priority level in the IP packet is set based on the priority level determined for the signaling message.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing triggerless mobile services are disclosed. According to one method, a mobility management message is sent route-on-point code-subsystem number is received at a network node. The mobile management message includes an MTP destination point code that is not equal to the point code of the receiving node. The mobility management message is identified as a candidate for global title translation service. The mobility management message is analyzed to determine whether the SCCP portion contains global title data. If the SCCP portion does not contain global title data, global title data is derived from a TCAP portion of the message. GTT is performed based on the derived global title data and a point code of a first mobile services node is identified. The MTP DPC in the mobility management message is replaced with a point code of the mobile services node and the message is routed to the mobile services node.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for carrying crates of varying sizes. The apparatus comprises a first elongate member having a handle portion at each end thereof, and a bearing portion disposed between the handle portions, the bearing portion is adapted to engage a first portion of a sidewall of the crate. The apparatus further comprises a second elongate member having a handle portion at each end thereof and a bearing portion disposed between the handle portions. The bearing portion of the second elongate member is adapted to engage a second portion of a sidewall of the crate opposite the first portion. The apparatus further comprises first and second cross brace members adapted to be connected to the first and second elongate members and to thereby engage third and fourth portions of a sidewall of the crate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic time-based routing rule administration are disclosed. According to one method, routing data for routing messages between a source address and a destination address is stored in a network routing table. A time period is associated with the routing data based on agreements between service providers. Messages are routed between the service providers during the time period. Outside of the time period, routing of messages between the source address and the destination address is automatically inhibited.

Abstract: An STP includes a link interface module for performing SS7 signal transfer functions, such as routing messages between SS7 signaling points. A WLAN signaling link interface is operatively associated with the link interface module for sending and receiving SS7 signaling messages over a wireless signaling link.

Abstract: Methods and systems for load sharing signaling messages at the MTP level are disclosed. When a signaling message is received, it is determined whether the signaling message includes a routing indication indicating route-on-point-code-subsystem-number. If the routing indicator indicates route-on-point-code-subsystem-number, it is determined whether the signaling message belongs to an MTP level 3 load sharing group. If the signaling message belongs to an MTP level 3 load sharing group, the signaling message may be routed to any of the point codes in the MTP level 3 load sharing group. Routing the signaling message to a point code in the MTP level 3 load sharing group may include replacing the destination point code in the signaling message with the destination point code of the node to which the signaling message is to be routed. Once the point code has been replaced, the signaling message is routed to the destination associated with the point code.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically populating a network routing table are disclosed. According to one method, where one node includes a route table auto-population application and an adjacent node does not, SS7 network management procedures are used to automatically populate the route table of the requesting node. In another method in which adjacent nodes include route table auto-population applications, the requesting node establishes a secure connection with each adjacent node, requests copies of the route tables from each adjacent node, and uses the received information to populate its route tables. In another implementation, a route table auto-population application dynamically requests and receives routing information for a destination for which no route exists in its route table in response to a received signaling message to be routed to the destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for WLAN-based signaling network monitoring are disclosed. A signaling message is received at a network routing node. A message copy function on the network routing node copies the signaling message. The message copy function forwards the copied signaling message to a WLAN interface. The WLAN interface transmits the signaling message to an external network monitoring platform via a wireless local area network connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing and accessing large amounts of signaling message processing data in a signaling message processing node are disclosed. More particularly, a large amount of signaling message processing data, such as number portability translation data, may be segmented and distributed across multiple processing modules. For example, subscriber portability data contained in a large national local number portability (LNP) database is divided or segmented according to NPA-NXX ranges or geographic regions, and LNP data associated with each region or segment is stored on a different database service module (DSM) within the message processing system. A signaling message requiring number portability processing is received by a communication module. The communication module directs the message a DSM that contains the LNP data segment necessary to process the message.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a WLAN-BTS gateway are disclosed. A handset registers with a WLAN-BTS gateway. The handset then initiates a call by initiating layer 3 air interface signaling with a BTS. The gateway forwards the layer 3 air interface signaling between the gateway and the handset. The gateway learns the control channel and traffic channel allocated to the call, either directly from the layer 3 signaling or from a separate message received from the handset. Once the call is connected, the gateway listens on the traffic channel and forwards voice packets between the handset and the BTS. Communications with the BTS occur over the allocated traffic channel. Communications with the handset occur over a WLAN.

Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring paper or other jams of a carriage in a printer by monitoring the current waveshape in a first winding of a stepper motor at or near the time when a second winding of the stepper motor commutates. The current waveshape is received from a low-value sensing resistor, typically within an integrated circuit stepper motor driver device. Changes in the current waveshape during this time window may be interpreted and accurate deductions may be made concerning the loading of the stepper motor. In the case where the stepper motor is the drive motor for a printer carriage, the loading information may be used to detect a paper jam or similar problem in the printer carriage.

Abstract: A new paper loading system is featured with a convenient drop-in paper loading and a full slip path in a receipt printer. The paper is dropped into a paper receiving bucket disposed in the central portion of the printer. The paper is fed from the bucket; and thereafter, a receipt is printed. Then, the paper is cut to the appropriate receipt length. A slip path is also provided for insertion of a single or multi-part form used for credit or check validation. The relative position of the slip path would normally interfere with the drop-in loading of the paper supply roll into the bucket. The system allows the fixed blade assembly to support a slip path upon a rear surface thereof. The slip path is substantially parallel or adjacent to the paper receipt path, which passes between assemblies supporting a fixed blade and a movable, rotary blade. The fixed blade unlatches and pivots away from the rotary blade, thus opening the printer and exposing the paper loading bucket for access thereto.

Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus for a journal-receipt printing machine. The apparatus semi-automatically loads the journal paper onto the take-up spool. The machine also has a drop-in, loading capability for the journal-paper supply-roll. The journal-printing apparatus utilizes a duckbill, take-up core or spool that is bifurcated into stationary and movable sections. The bifurcated spool is spring-loaded, and is caused to bias-close through the movement on the cam surface. The leader of the journal paper is placed over the stationary section of the spool. The gear train causes the cam follower to turn over the cam surface and close. The gear train then forces the duckbill spool shut against its biasing, thus capturing the paper between the spool sections. In this fashion, the procedure of resupplying the machine with journal paper is accomplished without the user having to thread paper.

Abstract: A journal printing apparatus is disclosed for a journal receipt printing machine. The apparatus semi-automatically loads the journal paper onto the take-up spool. The machine is also characterized by drop-in loading for the journal paper supply roll. The journal printing apparatus utilizes a duckbill take-up core or spool that is bifurcated into stationary and movable sections. The bifurcated spool is spring loaded, and is caused to bias closed by movement of a cam. The leader of the journal paper is placed over the stationary section of the spool and a gear train causes the cam to rotate again. The gear train then forces the duckbill spool shut against its biasing, thus capturing the paper between the spool sections. In this fashion, the procedure of journal paper resupply is accomplished without the user having to thread paper.

Abstract: A platen-yoke apparatus for a printer using a "floating platen". The platen for a wire matrix printer is mounted in a U-shaped channel. When the printer is moved to one side of a document feeding surface, a ramp on one end of the platen cooperates with a roller secured to the print head to depress that end of the platen to cause it to be moved below the feeding surface. A yoke member pivotally secured to the underside of the feeding surface and coupled to the ends of the platen causes the platen to be moved parallel to the feeding surface to lower the platen below the feeding surface to facilitate the insertion of a document to a printing station associated with the printer.