Abstract: Methods and systems for placing a distress call in response to the operation of an implanted device. The implanted device may be any of a plurality of medical devices capable of monitoring and/or regulating an organ. When threshold conditions are reached, a distress signal transmitted by the implanted device activates an external communications system. The external communications system then places a distress call, which may be responded to by the appropriate medical personnel.

Abstract: A flatbed-type digital scanner has a vertically oriented scanning surface. Because the size of the scanner in a dimension normal to the scanning surface is significantly less than the length or width of the scanning surface, the scanner is taller than it is wide, and consumes less space on a desktop than conventional flatbed scanners. Preferably, an outer cover and an intermediate transparent cover are attached to the scanner by a hinge near the bottom. The inner surface of the outer cover has a relatively high coefficient of friction, to prevent slippage of documents. To scan a document, the outer cover is pulled down to a horizontal position, and the document is placed face-up on the outer cover, and the intermediate cover is lowered into position next to the outer cover, so that the scanned document is held in place between the two covers. The two covers are then rotated together to position the document next to the scanning surface for scanning. A latch mechanism holds the covers in place during rotation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for placing a distress call in response to the operation of an implanted device. The implanted device may be any of a plurality of medical devices capable of monitoring and/or regulating an organ. When threshold conditions are reached, a distress signal transmitted by the implanted device activates an external communications system. The external communications system then places a distress call, which may be responded to by the appropriate medical personnel.