text:
9th October 2007
Muslims join Christian condemnation of gay protection law 100
12:31 PM — The Islamic Human Rights Commission has condemned a proposed new offence of incitement to hatred on the basis of sexual orientation, adding its voice to a chorus of complaints from evangelical Christians.The IHRC, an "independent, not-for-profit, campaign, research and advocacy organisation based in London," attacked the concept of a gay incitement law."If someone is reading the Bible and calls homosexuality an abomination, is that going to be incitement?"
Lesbian daughter helped Mrs Cheney "evolve"
10:59 AM — Lynne Cheney, wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, busy promoting her forthcoming memoir, Blue Skies, No Fences, opened up about her experience as the parent of a gay child this weekend during an interview with CBS' Sunday Morning correspondent Rita Braver.In the book, which Cheney describes as "a celebration of the joys of growing up in the West in the '40s and '50s," the "Second Lady" acknowledges that while the times were good for straight, white kids, they weren't always so good for African American and gay kids.
8th October 2007
Government approves incitement to gay hate law 101
7:30 PM — The Justice Secretary has announced that a new offence of incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation will be introduced in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill.Jack Straw added that he would consider similar protections for trans and disabled people.The House of Commons met today for the first time since July to hear a statement from the Prime Minister on Iraq and to give the bill its second reading.
Nick Boles selected to fight Thatcher seat 1
4:40 PM — A prominent gay politician has been selected to fight the constituency of Grantham and Stamford for the Conservatives at the next election.Nick Boles, who was a frontrunner to be his party's candidate for Mayor of London until he withdrew from the race after being diagnosed with a form of cancer, came within 500 votes of winning Hove in the 2005 election.The seat has particular importance for Tories. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was born and raised in Grantham.
Haggard rent boy claims Senator was client 1
3:26 PM — The male prostitute who brought the career of homophobic preacher Ted Haggard to an end by revealing they had a sexual relationship has now made sensational claims about a US Senator embroiled in a cruising scandal.Haggard resigned last year as president of the National Association of Evangelicals after Mike Jones alleged the preacher paid him over a three-year period for sex and sometimes took crystal meth (methamphetamine) during the encounters.
Swedish politicians unite to support gay marriage 1
12:58 PM — The three opposition parties in Sweden have joined forces to put a proposal before the country's parliament to legalise gay marriage.Given the governing coalition's slim majority, only four MPs would need to vote in favour of the opposition motion for it to pass.The Green party, Left party and Social Democrats' motion, if passed, would make Sweden the fouth country in Europe to legalise gay marriage after Holland, Spain and Belgium.
LGBT activists concern over homophobic Patriarch
12:15 PM — The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) has added its voice of protest to the comments made by a Russian religious leader at last week's meeting of the Council of Europe.Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II had called homosexuality an "illness" and attacked what he called "homosexual propaganda" influencing young people during an address to the council's parliamentary assembly.The patriarch was there as part of council's regular debates with political and religious leaders.
English bishop threatens conference boycott over gays 30
11:36 AM — The Church of England's war of words over the ordination of a gay bishop has been reignited by the Bishop of Rochester, who has indicated he may boycott a meeting of senior Anglican leaders next year.The Lambeth conference, held every ten years, has been a focus of discontent from traditionalists angry over the Church's stance over gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex relationships.Conservative bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has said he would "find it difficult" to attend the conference.
State grants right to silence for gay partners in court
11:31 AM — Another small victory for LGBT equality in Australia has been won with the announcement that same-sex partners in the state of New South Wales will have the right to decline to give evidence against their partner in court.The change from "de facto spouse" to "de facto partner" is intended to be gender neutral, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.A spokesman for the NSW Premier pointed out that the Commonwealth, or federal government, still refuses to recognise same-sex couples in this way.
Christians object to proposed homophobic incitement law 100
10:54 AM — Fundamentalist religious groups are claiming their members could face seven years in jail for expressing their views about homosexuality under proposed new legislation.The Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill gets its second reading this afternoon as Parliament reconvenes after its long summer break.Gay rights activists are hopeful that the bill will introduce a new offence of incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation.
7th October 2007
United Nations hosts LGBT rights panel
11:49 AM — The United Nations is hosting a panel discussion today to explore discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.The event, which will bring together non-governmental organisations, UN representatives and state delegates, is an initiative co-sponsored by Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.It will be addressed by Mary Robinson, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
6th October 2007
Gay Republican adverts "out" Presidential candidate 1
11:20 PM — Gay Republicans have launched a new television ad campaign to 'out' US Presidential candidate Mitt Romney on issues such as abortion rights and gun control.The 30-second advertisement will run nationally on Fox News Channel, with a focus on reaching Iowa voters.Romney called the ad from the Log Cabin Republicans a "personal, negative attack" and accused the group of showing their favouritism for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani by airing the ad.
Gordon Brown rules out early election 2
5:41 PM — The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown's official spokesman has ruled out an early election that had been hyped by Labour ministers and the Prime Minister's officials.A spokesman for Mr Brown said: "I can now confirm that the prime minister has said there will be no autumn poll."The Prime Minister has this weekend pored over private and media polls that have shown that Labour's lead over the opposition Conservative Party has narrowed.
Gay hate gang member faces 25 years after manslaughter conviction 1
1:50 PM — A jury has convicted a man for manslaughter and homophobic hate crimes following an attack on a gay victim on a remote New York beach.John Fox was acquitted of the murder of Michael Sandy (pictured) but found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and attempted robbery.Mr Sandy was ambushed and chased into oncoming traffic during a mugging attempt. A car struck him as he fled a gang.
Colombian court rules in favour of equal rights for gay couples
1:50 PM — Gay couples in the deeply Conservative Catholic country of Colombia have won equal social security rights following a Constitutional Court ruling.In June, Colombia's conservative President Alvaro Uribe gave his backing to the country becoming the first in Latin America to nationally give gay couples full rights to health insurance, inheritance and benefits. This followed a bill passing through the country's Congress.
5th October 2007
Prescott rejects Russian church leader's gay hate
6:03 PM — John Prescott, the former British Deputy Prime Minister, joined European Parliamentarians yesterday in petitioning the head of the Russian Orthodox Church about his homophobic views.The petition read: "We urge Patriarch Alexy to avoid the use of language inciting intolerance and to respect, rather than seek to deny, the fundamental rights of sexual minorities."Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II had called homosexuality an "illness" and attacked what he called "homosexual propaganda."
Gay fundraiser to be picketed by trans activists
5:50 PM — America's leading LGBT rights organisation is bracing itself for protests tomorrow at a key fundraising event.Tomorrow night's Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in Washington, D.C will be picketed by trade unionists, trans groups and others over its position on new legislation designed to protect people from workplace discrimination.The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) originally contained measures to protect trans workers.
Gay rights off the agenda for African church leaders
5:16 PM — A meeting of African Anglican Archbishops avoided homosexuality yesterday, a topic dividing their Communion, in favour of other issues affecting the continent.The gathering took place in Mauritius and was chaired by Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, an outspoken opponent of gay rights.Last month he criticised the US Episcopal Church for not making a clear stand against consecrating gay clergy or blessing gay unions.
Australian trans passport victory
4:55 PM — A tribunal in Australia has created the country's first legally recognised same-sex married couple and overturned a government decision about a trans woman's new passport.Grace Abrams was refused a female passport by the Foreign Affairs department despite having undergone transition between 2001 and 2005.She married her partner Fiona Power while still transitioning, and the authorities said that in order to get a new birth cerificate and therefore a passport idenitfying her as female, she would have to divorce.
Sentenced to 7,000 lashes for sodomy in Saudi Arabia 8
1:15 PM — Two men have been publicly flogged in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of sodomy and sentenced to 7,000 lashes.The men, who have not been identified, received an unspecified number of lashes in the south-western city of Al-Bahah on Tuesday evening, according to a report from the Al-Okaz daily.The men will remain in prison until the rest of their punishment can be completed.


text:
Need help/Ideas on rental house(!)
I have a rental house far from where I live, the small PA town seems to be mainly comprised of welfare and disability money gatherers. The last tenant we had, (also on welfare (4th tenant in a row like this!)) broke 8 windows, cracked the foundation, siding, one door, walls and left the house so badly in shape the township condemned it!
Now my problem (as if the above wasn't enough), my parents are elderly and frail (they are the homeowners) and I don't think it a good idea to take them down there (+personal stuff), I can't go alone. We can't hire a contractor to work because they want money upfront. My dad already lost $600 that way (guy ran off). We no longer trust people in that area, due to the way they misrepresent themselves and lie to get the job. My parents are financially just ekeing by.
Do you guys have any ideas to help me in my time of need?! We can't find any property managers either. We can't even sell the house without profit (how badly could this woman have wrecked it?!!). In the end I'll have to try and go if nothing happens but it would be extremely hard for us, so I'm stupidly asking if anything can be done. Thanks
A condemned house, and no budget or skills to repair it? Joke, right? The town will bulldoze it under their neglect ordinances, bill you for the service, and you'll be left with the lot to pay property taxes on if you don't unload that to the first ''we buy ugly houses'' investor that comes along. Sell it at a loss now, or lose more money in the long term.
" the small PA town seems to be mainly comprised of welfare and disability money gatherers."
An interesting social assessment, from someone with a condemned income property.
"The last tenant we had, (also on welfare (4th tenant in a row like this!))"
You are aware that there are housing agencies which, had the property been in qualifying general repair, have systems and methods to have alleviated most of your difficulties.
"broke 8 windows,"
Malicious or retribution?
"cracked the foundation,"
Spent their leisure time with a sledge hammer?
"siding, one door, walls and left the house so badly in shape the township condemned it!"
And you had included the letter of condemnation in your post?
You are very judgmental and snobby. I came to this forum for help, if you cannot do so then I do not need your snarky attitude. Did you think yourself smart and humorous?The "social assessment" came from facts which I have encountered these past few years. Had you bothered to read my post, the house has obviously become condemned recently, up until then it has been rented out for years. People go thru ups and downs at times, especially the elderly find themselves in a "when it rains it pours" situation and one straw is enough to break the camels back. Who the hell do you think you are judging me? What does having a condemned property to do with stating that many people seem to be on welfare? My parents even thru the toughest times have never taken welfare or what they think of as charity- if you are implying anything by that.
You have to be pretty dumb to sit there and make snarky comments like, 'did they use a sledgehammer' when you do not know the full story. Obviously in such a forum posters keep it short. Knowing such should you really have made smarta@@ comments? Not so smart are you?
I never said we have no budget to repair it, I said it is difficult putting down money upfront after being cheated once. My parents are "ekeing by", I did say, but I also asked for advice or ideas on how to proceed, again obviously we will be spending money.
No I am not aware about housing agencies that would help alleviate my problems. If I were would I have come to this forum to ask for ideas or knowledge? Obviously, you do not want to share any knowledge you do have, or you would have skipped the smarta@@ behavior and written to tell me more about these magical agencies that help private homeowners.
Thanks, for your worthless commentary to someone who was asking for advice, there are many harsh words I'd like to give you but I'm letting it go.
Thank you for affirming my original assessment.
The community development reinvestment act was started during the carter administration, used during the clinton administration to induce homeowners to offer residential properties under section 8 program, which are operated in virtually all municipalities in this country and continues to this day.
These programs there benefits and shortcoming have been in the news consistently from their beginning.
A single phone call will answer your question,
Maybe you could share the method employed by the "welfare recipient" to crack the foundation.
This post was edited by snoonyb on Sun, Jul 20, 14 at 0:05
My advice:
- join a local homeowner association where property is located. Become involved in fixing the urban blight. Good place to trade sources and knowledge. These organizations could have easily enlightened you on local reinvestment opportunities for the area.
- join an angieslist or something similar for reputable contractors. Get references and contact them.
- stop renting to high risk tenants.
Real estate is an investment that sometimes pay off and sometimes it doesn't. Sounds like yours is the latter.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
An electronic postal meter is provided with a field service switch, a display, a keyboard and control display keys enabling the display of given values in a display mode for field service, such as the maximum settable amount and a low postage warning, as well as a dollar unlock value. In the service mode, a further switch for changing of the values stored in the postage meter for these parameters.
1. Postal meter having a plurality of defined states, including a first state defining meter operation and a second state defining range resettability, said meter comprising a settable printing means, computing means coupled to control the operation of said printing means and including means for storing data corresponding to a preselected postal value range, a keyboard coupled to said computing means for setting said printing means to desired values of postage to be printed, said computing means being responsive to postage values entered into said keyboard that are defined by said postal value range to control said postal meter within said postal value range, field servicing means operatively coupled to said postal meter to switch said meter from said first state to said second state, and means responsive to said second meter state and to a postage value subsequently entered in said keyboard for altering the limits of said postal value range.
2. A postal meter as defined in claim 1 further comprising a display panel, said computing means data storing means includes storage registers, said keyboard having numeric keys for entering postage and display keys enabling selective display in said display panel of the value of given data stored in said computing means data storing means registers, said field servicing means including a switch means located on said postal meter, said switch means coupled to said computing means and having a first and a second switch position, whereby when said switch means is in said first switch position accounting data are displayed in response to depression of said display keys and when said switch means is in said second switch position data relating to the limits of said range is displayed in response to depression of said display keys.
3. A postal meter as defined in claim 2 wherein said switch means further comprises a second switch having three positions and connected to selectively invoke a first routing enabling display of the limits of said postal value range, a second routine enabling selection of a postal value range by entry of a determined number in said keyboard and a third routine enabling selection of a limiting value in said postal value range by keyboard entry.
4. In an electronic postal meter having settable printing means, an electronic accounting system coupled to said printing means for storing data relating to previously printed postage and the availability of funds for printing further postage, and wherein said accounting system forms a part of an electronic computing system with a first routine controlling postage printing cycles, and further including means for applying a signal to said meter corresponding to postage printing cycles, and further including means for applying signals to said meter corresponding to postage to be printed, means selectively responsive to predetermined ones of said signals corresponding to a given postage value range for providing a unique indication to an operator of said postage meter that signals corresponding to said range have been applied to said postal meter; the improvement wherein said postal meter further comprises switch means coupled to said electronic computing system to enable a subroutine of said computing system to change the limit values of said range in accordance with signals applied to said postal meter.
5. In an electronic postal meter having a keyboard for entering postage values, a settable printing means, an integral digital electronic computer means coupled to said keyboard and to said printing means for controlling the operation of said postal meter in accordance with given routine, including a routine for the setting of printing means in accordance with postage values entered into said keyboard said postage values including a settable subset of postage values and wherein when postage values from said settable subset of postage values is extended into said meter by actuating said keyboard said postage meter is set to a state unique to said subset; the improvement wherein said postage meter includes control switch means coupled to said electronic computer means, and said electronic computer means responsive to operation of said switch means for varying said settable subset of postage values in accordance with a value entered into said keyboard, whereby the settable subset of said postage values of said postal meter are varied.
6. In an electronic postage meter having data entry means, a display, postage printing apparatus and a data processing system connected to control said printing apparatus and display in dependence upon signals from said data entry means, said processing system having a postage printing routine; the improvement wherein said processing system has a service routine, said meter having means invoking said service routine, said service routine enabling variation of determined numeric control parameters in response to signals from said data entry means, said parameters comprising fixed numeric parameters in said printing routine.
7. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 6 wherein said processing system includes a plurality of registers adapted to store data, said data entry means comprises a keyboard, said keyboard having numeric entry keys and display keys, depression of said display keys enabling display of contents of determined registers of said plurality of registers of said processing system.
8. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 7 wherein said numeric control parameters are limiting postage setting values for said postage meter, said service routine enabling display of the values of said limiting postage values in response to depression of determined ones of said display keys.
9. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 8 further comprising switch means having a first, second and third switch positions, said service routine controlling said electronic postage meter when said switch means is in said first switch position to selectively display set numeric parameters, when said switch means is in said second switch position said electronic postage meter is operable to selectively enable variation of one said parameters in response to depression of numeric keys, and when said switch means is in said third position said electronic postage meter is operable to enable variation of the selected numeric parameter in response to depression of said numeric keys.
10. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said numeric control parameters include a dollar unlock value.
11. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said numeric control parameters include a low postage warning value.
12. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said numeric control parameters include a maximum settable value above which said meter will not be able to print postage.
13. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said switch means comprises a lockable switch.
14. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said means invoking said service routine comprises an externally accessable switch.
15. An electronic postage meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said service routine is responsive to the movement of said three position switch means away from said positions to effect the operation control by the respective position.
This invention relates to electronic postage meters, and is more particularly directed to an electronic postage meter of the type having a keyboard for the entry of postage to be printed, a display for displaying postage to be printed as well as other data, an electronic accounting device, and as printing mechanism.
Devices of the above type are generally known, and are discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,457, wherein is disclosed a system for a postal meter including a keyboard for the manual introduction of data corresponding to the postage to be printed.
In known postal meters, such as in mechanical postal meters, it is conventional to provide means for setting the device so that they cannot print postage having more than a given value. In addition, in mechanical machines a dollar lock has been provided, so that it is necessary to push an extra key when equal or exceeding dollar values are to be set into the printing wheel to enable the meter for the printing of postage. These features were normally built into the machine, at the factory, whereby changing was difficult, and surely not possible or practical in the field.
In general, the same practice has been provided in conventional electronic postal machines, whereby although the programs of the machine could be revised to provide any desired values, the programs were not enterable by service personnel. As a consequence, the customer has had to be satisfied with standard set machines.
The present invention is directed to electronic postal machines which overcome the above problems by the provision of means enabling altering of certain values in the field. This alteration, although preferably performed by field servicemen, are within the capabilities of unskilled personnel, such as a postal meter customer, if desired. Further, the present invention is directed to the enhancing of the above serviceability feature, by also permitting field adjustability of a warning that the printable postage remaining in the machine is below a given limit, so that a warning is given at a determined value, dependent upon the needs of the customer.
Briefly stated, in accordance with the invention, a field service switch is provided in an electronic postal meter, whereby a service routine can be invoked, the meter including means for displaying the current value of any of the above parameters as set into the machine. In addition, the postal meter in accordance with the invention provides further switch means enabling the selection of the parameter to be changed, as well as the provision of means for entering the desired value of this parameter into the keyboard of the postal meter, so that future functioning of the postal meter will be in accordance with the latest values keyed into the keyboard.
For the above purpose, in addition to the provision of the necessary switches, the permanent routines of the postal meter are also adjusted to provide subroutines enabling the direction of the selected values to suitable registers. The registers may constitute parts of the central processing unit of the postal meter, or they may be in the form of memory devices connected thereto.
In order that the invention will be more clearly understood, it will now be disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a postal meter which may incorporate the system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the panel of the postal meter of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the orientation of the elements in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of the circuitry of a control unit for a postal meter in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a circuit for the accounting system of a postal meter in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 6 is a more detailed block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the control unit for a postal meter in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an opto-electric isolator that may be employed in the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a more detailed block diagram of a preferred embodiment of an accounting unit in accordance with the invention; and
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the electrical system of the printing unit of a postal meter in accordance with the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, and more in particular to FIG. 1, therein is illustrated a postage meter 20 removably affixed to a base 21, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, a slot 22 is provided between the postage meter 20 and the base 21 at the forward edge thereof, for receiving envelopes or the like and the printing of postage thereon. The postage meter is provided with a display panel 23, preferably an electronic display device, as well as a control panel 24 which may be organized in a manner to be disclosed in the following paragraphs. The apparatus may be energized by way of a supply cable 25.
The postage meter 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be of the type that is removable from the base 21, and the base 21 may be of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,934,009, Bach, et al, incorporating a mechanical drive for operation of the printing mechanism in the meter 20. The separability of the meter and base renders the electronic meter compatible with conventional driving units, simplifies servicing of the device and, if necessary, simplifies transport of the meter for recharging if remote charging capabilities are not employed.
The panel for the postage meter is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein it is seen that the meter is provided with a numeric display 30, for example, a conventional multiplexed seven-segment LED or LCD display. In addition, the keyboard is provided with numeric setting keys 31 and a decimal key 32 operative therewith, for setting the meter to print a desired amount of postage, the amount normally being displayed on the display 30. A clear key 33 may also be provided to clear the display amount in the event, for example, of an erroneous entry. When the displayed amount has been set to the desired value, depression of a set postage key 34 effects setting of the print wheels for setting postage.
The panel may further be provided with a series of keys enabling the selective display of other values on the display 30. For example, depression of a key 35 may enable the display of the contents of an ascending register, i.e., the postage used by the meter, and depression of a key 36 may enable display of the contents of a descending register in the meter, i.e., the postage for which the meter is still charged. Further keys 37-40 may enable display in conventional manner of other specific specialized values as control or postage sum, piece count, batch value, and batch count, respectively. The batch value and batch count registers can be cleared by simultaneous depression of either batch value key or batch count key and the clear key C. The panel additionally preferably is provided with an LED 41 which will be lit upon each application of power to the meter, as is conventionally done at the beginning of a day, to indicate that the dater has not been set or that the dater door is open. A further LED display 42 may be provided and interconnected to be lit if necessary to reset the trip mechanism in the base before operation is to continue.
In order to provide recharging of the meter, for example, by way of the keyboard, the meter may be provided with a key slot 45 illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the key 46 of FIG. 2 may be inserted. The shaft of the lock may be visible through a window 47 to display the position of the key. Thus, in the normal setting of the key this shaft may display the message "operate" as illustrated. This arrangement may also be employed for remote meter resetting, as discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,097,923.
As a further feature, the meter may be provided with a service switch 50 at the rear thereof for the convenience of field service personnel enabling use of the keys of the meter for different functions. Upon operation of the switch 50, the keys 35 through 40 may thereby enable the display of additional values such as the unlock value, the low postage warning amount, the meter number, diagnostic status, and the maximum settable amount. Turning the switch to an "enter combination" position, as indicated in the window 47, while entering a correct coded combination in the keyboard, enables the recharging mode of the meter to he effective. In the charging mode, which may be attained by means of an internal switch lock controlled by the key 46, an "enter amount" position as shown by this message at the window 47, may enable entry of recharging value registers of the meter by way of the keyboard. Returning the key to the operate position enables the resumption of the use of the meter for printing postage.
The service switch may be in an unsecured position in the meter, since the display of the additional values rendered possible by the use of this switch does not affect the security of the meter, and merely enables the display of further values. The fact that it is these values that are being displayed may be shown by distinctive underlining of the display, if desired, and the operation of the service switch 50 partially disables the set postage key 34. It will then not be possible to set a new value of postage in the postage meter when it is in the "service" mode and the interposer will act to block operation of the meter in the service mode. However, the set key may still be used to cause the display of the currently set value.
When the meter is in the service mode, i.e., with the switch 50 operated, and the switch 45 and key 46 activated, the entry into the keyboard of a new value and a code indicating the function of that value, will enable the resetting of the unlock value, low warning postage amount or maximum settable amount, respectively. The "unlock" value is a determined value, for example, one dollar, including and above which the operator should be careful in setting so as to avoid accidental printing of excessive amounts. For this purpose, all values including and above the unlock value require an additional step on the part of the operator, such as an additional depression of the set passage key 34. The display may be provided with a distinctive indication, for example, one horizontal bar, to indicate that the printing wheels have been set but the unlock step, i.e., the additional depression of the set postage key, has not been effected. The completion of the unlock step would be indicated by the display, for example, of three horizontal bars to indicate that the meter is enabled to be tripped, to print postage.
If the descending register does not contain sufficient funds to cover the set amount on the print wheels, the entire display may be caused to blink. On the other hand, if the value stored in the descending register is lower than the low postage warning limit, the decimal point may be caused to blink. The "maximum settable" amount, of course, cannot be exceeded in the setting of any postage.
The meter may also be provided with a "privileged" switch 51 that is normally held in the operate position by a seal. The operation of this switch, following the cutting of the seal, enables the recharging of the meter by post office personnel in a nonremote charging mode.
In addition, the meter is provided with one or more arithmetic function keys 52, enabling a variation of the postage setting amount, such as the addition of further values to the already displayed setting value prior to the depression of the set switch 34. This feature enables the introduction by the operator of further values, such as insurance or the like, without the necessity for manual calculation or calculation on a separate device.
The internal components of the postage meter in accordance with the invention are preferably oriented as illustrated in FIG. 3, and include a first compartment 55 that is physically secure, i.e., as secure as is reasonably possible to avoid tampering with internal components thereof. While it may not be possible to provide 100% security in this regard, physical evidence of tampering will be evident in any event before entry can be gained. The compartment 55 encloses the printing module 56, which may include a mechanical printing assembly, and if desired, a separate microcomputer for controlling this module.
The compartment 55 also encloses a further compartment 57, which is preferably electromagnetically shielded, and encloses an accounting module 58. The accounting module is connected to external devices, i.e., external of the compartment 57, only by optical or similar isolation couplers 59 as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 918,785 filed June 26, 1978, in order to avoid damage thereto, either accidental or intentional, resulting from introduction of noise, for example, excess voltages into the accounting module. Such coupling is, of course, not provided for the energy source thereof, which extends to a power supply 60 in a separate compartment 61 also within the secure compartment 55. The power supply 60 is energized by way of a filter 62 within the compartment 61, to insure the absence of any voltage variations that would adversely affect the accounting module, the power input to the compartment 61 being directed into the compartment 55 from a power supply system in a further compartment 63 that is preferably defined by the outer secure housing of the compartment 55. Thus, while it is not absolutely necessary for all the elements within the compartment 63 to be physically secure, this feature is preferred.
The power from the mains plug 64 is fed into the compartment 63, from where it may be fed by way of a suitable connection 65 to power the meter base. The power for the meter may be fused in the compartment 63, by means of a fuse 66, applied from the fuse to a thermostat 67 and thence to a transient suppressor and filter 68. The thermostat inhibits application of voltage to the unit in the event of excess temperatures. Further protection for the system is provided by means of an isolation transformer 69 and an over voltage cut-out device 70. The power for the meter is finally applied to an energy storage device 71, such as a large valued capacitor 71, the capacitor 71 having adequate energy storage to enable the self-protection features of the meter to operate, such as to transfer data to a nonvolatile memory, in the event of a power failure. The reduction of voltage may be sensed by a sensor 72 in the secure housing 55, with one output of the sensor being directed to the accounting module for signaling the necessity of a mode change, and another output (which can be mechanical) for inhibiting further printing module functions.
A further output of the isolation transformer 69 may be fed externally of the meter to a control unit 75, and one of the isolated outputs of the accounting module may be directed through the chamber 63 also to the control unit. The control unit 75 may thus constitute a keyboard control unit such as illustrated in FIG. 2, including the key switches, displays, etc., necessary for local operation of the device. It is thus apparent that the system of FIG. 3 orients the elements of the postal meter so that elements which are less critical to the security of the postal meter system are provided with successively lower levels of physical and electrical security.
A preferred embodiment of a control unit 75 is illustrated in FIG. 4. This unit, for versatility in design, as well as for minimizing the noncritical elements that must be isolated in the physically secure housing, preferably incorporates a central processing unit 80, for example, of the 6500 series, and connected by way of conventional data lines, control lines and address lines to a multipurpose conventional RAM/ROM I/O timer circuit 81 incorporating read-only memories, random access memories, timing control elements and input/output interface hardware. By the use of suitable decoders 82, the keyboard 83 may thereby be scanned in the conventional fashion, and by the use of suitable drivers 84 the visual display 85 may be energized, preferably in a multiplexing mode according to conventional practice. The data relating to the depression of any of the keys of the panel may thereby be communicated to the processing unit 80, for the development of a serial input/output on the lines 86 for communication with the accounting module 58 within the secure housing 55. The processor 80 and circuit 81 are responsive to the requirement for operator interventions to recock the trigger mechanism in the base, and the failure to open or close the dater door 28 (FIG. 1) following application of power to the unit, to energize selectively an indicator LED 87 corresponding to the indicators 42 and 41, respectively, of FIG. 2. The service switch 50 may also be connected to the circuit 81. If further input/output devices are coupled to the control unit, such as external display devices or control systems, these may be coupled to the unit by way of further input/output lines 88, preferably serial communication paths which may be suitably isolated by opto isolators. The unit may comprise an internal power supply and regulator 89 connected to receive power from the postage meter low voltage power as shown in FIG. 3.
The above-discussed functions under the control of the control unit are thus functions which are not critical in the sense that loss of control or the contents of any register therein will not result in loss to the post office department, or to the user, of funds. These functions have been relegated to the control unit in order that the secure portions of the postal meter include only that programming of the system which must be secure. Additional functions that may be effected by the control unit, such as the addition of sequentially entered amounts may also be controlled by the program of the control unit, since such calculations are not critical to the security of the apparatus, and need not be effected within the physically secure portions of the postal meter. Similarly, the service resettable functions may be effected by the programming in the control unit, since these functions also are not critical to the accounting system and registers themselves. However, to retain these parameters in nonvolatile memory, retention in the accounting unit is desirable.
It will, of course, be apparent that, in a system such as shown in FIG. 4, further arithmetic keys may be provided, without great difficulty, such that the postage meter may be alternately employed also as a calculator.
Alternatively, the central processing unit and its control circuit may be augmented by a calculator chip or the like, connected to the keyboard and display for performing arithmetic functions.
While the control unit of FIG. 4, including all of the functions of the panel shown in FIG. 2 is preferably disposed directly on the postage meter to form a part thereof, it will be apparent that this portion of this system may be physically separate therefrom, or separable therefrom, whereby the postage meter itself may incorporate only the elements that are required to be physically secure.
Since monetary information and control is prevalent in the serial communication employed in the system, a high degree of integrity is mandatory. For this purpose, the system is designed, in the serial transmission communication sections, such that a transmitted bit is returned or "echoed" by the receiver thereof for checking purposes. If the transmitter thereby receives all of the echoed signals satisfactorily, it may issue a "no error" pulse, thereby informing the receiver of the information that the received information is valid.
The circuit arrangement of the accounting compartment is shown in somewhat greater detail in FIG. 5, wherein the walls 90 of the compartment are illustrated as preferably forming an electromagnetic shield. The circuits include an accounting microcomputer 91 having a nonvolatile memory control 92 coupled thereto. The nonvolatile memory control controls the application of stored data between a volatile memory, which may form a part of the accounting microcomputer 91 and a nonvolatile memory 93. The volatile memories, such as random access memories, may function as working ascending registers, working descending registers, and the like. The accounting microcomputer also includes read-only memory control for the necessary accounting routines, as well as control routines. This unit may, in addition, incorporate serial interfaces, to enable its interfacing with the printing and control modules. The microcomputer may, for example, comprise the 8048 series microcomputer from Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, California, with a control circuit in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the control unit 75. In order to avoid damage to the accounting module by electric surges applied accidentally or intentionally, and to eliminate electrical noise induced via groundloops, the accounting microcomputer communicates with the devices external of the compartment 57 by suitable isolators that are not capable of applying voltage surges to the microcomputer. These isolators may, for example, be in the form of opto-electronic couplers, and are also preferably arranged so as to be inaccessible from the exterior of the postal meter. One isolator unit 94 may be provided for the two-way communication path with the control unit. A further isolator arrangement 95 may be provided for the two-way communication with the printer unit, i.e., the printing module 56 of FIG. 3, in particular, the microprocessor circuit thereof. A still further isolator 96 may be provided for applying the power sensing signals to the microcomputer 91. In addition, an isolator 97 may be provided for controlling an interposer (not shown) in the printing module, for example, for mechanically blocking functions of the printer. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 024,812 filed Mar. 28, 1979 by R. McFiggans and A. Eckert, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.
The nonvolatile memory 93, at the present state of the art, is preferably in the form of an MNOS memory, which does not require a back-up power source. This memory may, however, alternatively be formed of elements which do not require a power back-up, in which case a power control circuit may be employed to apply back-up power thereto external from the compartment 57. The purpose of the power control circuit 98 is to provide power to the MNOS memory for the purpose of effecting its data transfer operation, essentially during power up and power down. The program of the microcomputing unit 91 is organized to enter the contents of the registers of the computer units into the non-volatile memory as soon as any indication of failure of the power supply occurs, and to restore this data to the working registers upon restoration of the power.
The thermostat 67 in FIG. 3 cuts off power to the meter in the event of high or low temperature operation. This automatically places the meter in its power down cycle, as a result of the power cut-off.
The compartment 57 may further comprise a temperature sensor 99, with suitable circuits (not shown) coupled thereto, such as to the microcomputer, for transferring data to the nonvolatile memory in the event of excess temperatures. The system may further be operative to prevent the operation of the interposer solenoid by way of the isolator 97, in the event of excess temperatures. It will be appreciated that the interposer is controlled by the microcomputer 91 also to inhibit operation of the printer in the event that insufficient postage remains for a printing operation, or other accounting data indicates that the unit should not be operative.
While the isolators have been indicated as individual units, it is, of course, apparent that these units may incorporate multiple devices, so that two-way communication is established in the respective circuits. It is further noted that systems for the transfer of data between volatile and nonvolatile memories are well known, and are disclosed, for example, in copending application Ser. No. 889,627 filed Mar. 24, 1978.
Referring now to FIG. 6, therein is illustrated in greater detail a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a control unit in accordance with the invention. In this figure the blocks have been identified by part numbers and terminals where applicable. This unit is illustrated as incorporating a type 6503 CPU 100 having its data and address lines coupled to RAM/ROM I/O timer circuit 101 as well as to a type 2716 PROM 102, the PROM 102 having stored therein the program for the control unit. Control lines, such as the interrupt line and read/write line may also be connected to the circuit 101. The circuit 101 has a plurality of ports, as will be discussed.
The control unit further incorporates the keyboard 103 including the numeric keys 31, the display keys 35-40, and the three-position switch 45 shown in FIG. 1. This unit also includes the add-through key 52 and the set postage key 34. All of these keys and switches are connected in a matrix to the circuit 101, in conventional manner, to permit the scanning of the keys and switches in accordance with the program, to detect a key or switch closure. The eight-line port A, as well as four lines of port B of the circuit 101, are also connected to the seven-segment display panel 104 for multiplexed display in the conventional manner. The circuit 101 is further connected by a pair of serial ports for communication to and from the accounting unit. In addition, a pair of further serial ports enable communication to and from external devices, by way of opto-electric isolators 107 and 108, respectively. Another output port of the adaptor is connected to LED 109 for indicating on the display panel that the dater door has not been closed. A further output port is connected to an LED 110 on the display panel for indicating that the operator's intervention is required to recock the trigger mechanism on the base. Finally, another port is coupled to the service switch 50, to enable the functions of the postal meter in the service mode.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the program of the control unit is directed to servicing of the keyboard unit, display panel, etc., so that the control functions and storage of data are effected primarily in the accounting unit. The program thereby includes those functions necessary for the scanning of the keyboard, multiplexing of the display, formatting of signals for communication with the other units, and with external devices, etc., so that any new information may be passed on to the accounting unit.
A typical opto-electric isolator is shown in FIG. 7, this constituting primarily a conventional 6N136 device 115 including a solid state emitter for producing optical signals for reception by a photodiode, the photodiode being connected in the base circuit of a transistor amplifier.
A block diagram of a preferred example of the accounting unit is illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein a type 8039 CPU 120 is shown to communicate to the control unit by way of opto-electric isolators 121 and 122, and to communicate serially with the printer unit by way of opto-electric isolators 123 and 124. The opto-electric isolators 121 and 122 within the accounting unit thus may be connected directly to the corresponding leads of the control unit. The isolators 123 and 124 may be connected directly to the printer unit signal channels, since no further isolation devices are necessary for this purpose. In addition, a control opto-electric isolator 125, for controlling an interposer or the like in the printing unit may be connected to a further port of the CPU 120. Signals corresponding to a pending power failure are further fed to the interrupt port of the CPU 120, by way of opto-electric isolator 126. It is thus apparent that all signal and control to and from the accounting unit must be directed by way of opto-electric isolators, in order to insure the electrical and physical integrity of this unit. The accounting unit further includes a plurality of PROMs 127 coupled to the address and data lines of the CPU 120, each PROM 127 for example, being a E-PROM type 8755. This unit is connected to an electrically alterable read-only memory (EAROM) 128, for example, a type ER 3400, serving as a nonvolatile memory to store data at times during which the power supply to the postage meter has failed, or has been intentionally disconnected. The working memory for the accounting system, including the registers for storing all operational data, are provided in the CPU 120, this data being transferred to the electrically alterable ROM 128 at such time that a reduction of power is sensed. In order to insure the complete transfer of data, storage capacitors may be connected in conventional manner to store adequate power to insure the proper functioning of the circuit until the transfer of data has been effected.
A preferred example of the circuit of the printing unit is illustrated in FIG. 9, this circuit consisting primarily of the CPU 130, for example, a type 8748-8, the CPU being connected by way of suitable buffers where necessary, to the I/O devices within the printing unit itself. The mechanical and opto-electric sensing systems in the printing unit are conventional and may be generally of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,374 and aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 024,812, the disclosures of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the CPU is connected to a plurality of opto-electric sensors (not shown) for sensing of the positioning of the print wheels, these lines also being connected to enable the sensing of the privileged access switch 51 of FIG. 2, The privileged access switch 51 is located within the printing unit and is accessible only by way of a door sealed by the post office. These lines of the CPU are further connected to sense the position of the dater door, the dater door switch and privileged access switch being strobed by way of a further output of the CPU 130. The LEDs for the optical sensors are strobed at the proper times by way of another output of the CPU 130, and still further outputs of the CPU enable the stepping of the bank and digit stepping motors for the print wheels. In addition, the CPU 130 has a pair of ports for serially communicating to and from the accounting unit. Further, the interposer output from the accounting unit, and another output of the CPU 130 control a pair of transistors 131 for energizing the interposer solenoid, whereby the interposer solenoid 153 is not energized until all the preconditions are met both in the accounting unit and the printing unit. As a result, a printing cycle cannot commence unless the physical and electrical conditions in the meter are correct for normal printing. In the printing unit, it is therefore evident that the program is provided within the CPU itself.
Postal meters of the above-described form may be provided with several modifications. For example, in one modification, a remote charging feature is available whereby the key is provided for operation of the three-position charging switch on the keyboard. The operator of the unit may thus be provided with suitable combination for entry into the keyboard, to enable remote charging (i.e., away from the post office). In such units the privileged access switch is omitted.
In a further modification, the three-position recharging switch on the keyboard may be controlled by a simple knob, without the necessity of a key. In this type of a system the meter may be manually recharged at the post office, but the service functions may be effected locally in a manner similar to that of remote recharging type units.
In other words, recharging of a postal meter of the above type can be effected locally, if devices are provided with a key for the three-position switch, in which event further security is required as will be discussed later. On the other hand, in postal meters having a simple knob switch instead of the key switch, the "privileged access", sealed at the post office, is provided for manual recharging.
In the normal mode of operation of the system, as above discussed, the six display keys, when depressed, effect the display on the display panel of the six parameters above noted, i.e., the total in the ascending register of all postage that has been printed, the total remaining in the descending register of postage available, the control sum, the total number of printing operations of the meter, the value of postage printed and the number of pieces that have been printed since the last batch clear operation of the associated registers. The depression of these keys results only in the number of concern being displayed for a timed period after the key is released, for example, two seconds following which the display will return to the postage setting.
In either type of meter, if the service switch is placed in the service position, with the three-position switch still in the operate position, the display function of the display keys will be different. Thus, depression of the "postage used" key 35 will now result in a display of the current value set in the dollar unlock register in the machine, at or above which an operator cannot print postage. Postage values above this value require an additional depression of the set postage key for operation, in order to avoid accidental printing of excessive postage values. Depression of the "postage unused" key 36 will now result in a display of the value in the low postage warning register at which a warning should be given that the contents of the descending register are below a determined amount. Depression of the control or "postage sum" key 37, will now result in the display of the serial number of the postal meter. Depression of the "piece count" key 38 will now result in a display of the diagnostic status of the meter. This display provides an indication to the serviceman of possible misfunctions. A depression of the "batch value" key 39 will now result in a display of the maximum settable amount, i.e., the maximum amount set internally within the meter, above which the meter cannot set the print registers. Depression of the "batch count" key 40 will have no effect in the service mode.
The three-position switch is used to effect recharging of the meter or to effect the change of values in the registers concerned with dollar unlock value, the low postage warning amount and the maximum settable amount.
With the remote recharging feature, positioning the three-position switch in either the "enter combination" or "enter amount" positions enables the customer to enter combination or amount respectively into the meter via the keyboard with indication on the display. Leaving the position enters the display value into the accounting unit and blanks the display for the next entry. Return of the three-position switch to the operate position will cause the accounting unit to complete the recharging routine and return the meter to normal usage with the recharging amount added to the postage unused register. The combination for the remote recharging feature is obtained from a remote data center and is a random or pseudorandom number which changes with each recharging for security reasons.
For meters with the manual recharging feature, the recharging mode is effected by breaking the seal of the privileged access door, and flipping of the privileged access switch. The same sequence of operations of the three-position switch described above for recharging the meter are followed as in those meters having the remote charging feature. In the manual recharging system machine only post office personnel are permitted to effect the change. The combination is a fixed number known only to the post office and is stored within the meter. Normal operation of the meter may proceed once the privileged access switch has been returned to its operate position.
To change values in the registers concerned with dollar unlock value, the low postage warning amount and the maximum settable amount the serviceman would place the meter in the service mode by placing the service switch in the service position. The three-position switch is used as described above for the entry of combination and amount values. The meter will interpret the combination value to indicate which register is to be changed.
For the remote recharging system meter and the manual recharging system meter if an error has been made in entry, the occurrence of this error will be counted, as constituting evidence of tampering with the machine. When a determined number of such errors have been made, for example, 9, since the last setting of the meter, then the function of the machine in recharging postage will be inhibited. The return of the meter to operating status in such circumstances may be effected at the post office. A discussion of the means to return the meter to full operating status is not of consequence to the present invention and relates to the security of the meter.
As above discussed, each of the three units of the postal meter has a microprocessor with a read-only memory defining a given program, and the communication between the units is effected serially and asynchronously. This is achieved in the first place by providing each of the computer systems with a crystal controlled clock. Further, the signals are defined such that the transitions thereof are closely controlled, whereby it is insured that, if a signal is present, it must be present within a given time period. As a still further insurance of the correctness of communication, the bits of a signal are returned to a transmitter as soon as they are received, for error checking at the transmitter, whereby a "no error" bit may be transmitted immediately following a data message if the data has followed correctly.
The program of the control unit responds to the status of the postal meter with respect to determined parameters. A register in the microprocessor of the accounting unit holds meter status information, for example, of two bytes, the bits of which digitally indicate if the meter trip mechanism requires recocking, if the dater door has not been opened following the last application of power or is presently open, if there are insufficient funds to allow printing of the amount set in the print wheels, if the low postage value has been reached, if the meter is in a service mode, if the meter is enabled, if the batch registers are clear, if a trip has been completed, or if various types of errors have occurred. The status message associated with these bits is not the same as the diagnostic message noted above that is employed in the service mode. The accounting unit keeps the control unit informed of the current status by transmitting status message to the control unit after power has been turned on and, thereafter, whenever a change in status occurs, the control unit responds to all such messages by insuring that the display on the meter is consistent with the status message as above discussed. These later steps may include, for example, the display of a row of decimals in the event of certain errors, the flashing of the decimal point in the event of low postage funds, the flashing of the entire display in the event of insufficient postage, the displaying of underscores in the place of blanks if the meter is in the service mode.
An interrupt program in the control unit interrupts the main program of the control unit at regular intervals in order to scan the keyboard and keyswitch, and to drive the display. In order to prevent the display of spurious characters which can be produced by sneak currents when more than one key is pressed, the interrupt program will cause the display to go blank instead. Such values as relate to time, keyboard, and keyswitch are maintained by the interrupt program for use by the main controller program.
The main program for the control unit includes the initializing steps, program steps for the transfer of messages back and forth between the accounting unit and external devices, and control of the timed display, the checking of the status message to insure that dater door and reset base lights are lit in accordance with the status, responding to the reported positions of keys, and three-position switch to ascertain changes of state therein so that the control unit subroutine which corresponds to the function defined for such a state or change of state will be executed.
The program of the accounting unit includes initialization procedures to insure that the working registers are brought up to date, and that no postage has been printed that has not been accounted for, as well as a power down processing program to effect the transfer of data to the nonvolatile (electrically alterable) memory in the event that the power is shut down or is failing.
The main program of the accounting unit effects the transmission of the meter status message to the control unit upon request or change in status, determines the effect of any currently entered postage value on the funding data currently registered and makes any necessary variations in the status message. The main program also controls the timing in the accounting unit for receiving messages from the control unit and the printer. The accounting unit program further includes subroutines for processing of signals in the bringing of the registers up to date when postage is to be printed, and for controlling the operation of the system when the meter is tripped. A further subroutine controls the bringing of the meter status message up to date. In addition an error checking routine which involves cyclical redundancy checking is programmed in the accounting unit software. This will be described in further detail below.
The program of the printer unit includes a main program having initializing steps, steps for scanning the sensors and controlling the strobes for the LEDs of the sensors, and the processing of messages for communication with the accounting system. Subroutines are provided for the setting of the postage wheels, to determine if sensor readings are proper, and to determine if any changes have been made in the outputs of the various hardware sensors and switches such as the privileged access and the dater door switch.
A complete flow chart of the software functions of the accounting, control and printing units is shown in greater detail in copending application Ser. No. 89,413, filed concurrently on Oct. 30, 1979 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In addition, a complete printout of the programs actually contained within the permanent memory of each microprocessor in each of the accounting, control and printing units, respectively is disclosed therein. That disclosure is specifically incorporated by reference in this application.
Variations and modifications in the different functions performed by the operation of the apparatus of the present invention can be effected in accordance with changes in the various programs previously set in memory.
It is known and understood that the terms postage meter and postal meter, as used herein, refer to the general definition of a device for the imprinting of a defined unit value for governmental or private carrier parcel, envelope or package delivery, or other like application for unit value printing. Thus, although the term postal meter is utilized, it is both known and employed in the trade as a general term for devices utilized in conjunction with services other than those exclusively employed by governmental postal services. For example, private parcel or freight services purchase and employ postal meters as a means to provide unit value pricing for individual parcels, including accounting and printing functions.
The present invention is particularly directed to use in a postal meter which will employ varying features and functions, described in differing aspects, in any one or more of the following groups of copending patent applications, including this one, all filed concurrently on Oct. 30, 1979 Ser. No. 89,424 to Jones, et al, for "POSTAGE METER HAVING INTERACTIVE ARITHMETIC OPERATION CAPABILITY"; Ser. No. 89,425 to Eckert, et al, for "POSTAGE METER HAVING FIELD RESETTABLE CONTROL VALUES"; Ser. No. 89,426 to Eckert, et al, for "ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER HAVING KEYBOARD ENTERED COMBINATION FOR RECHARGING"; Ser. No. 89,422 to Eckert, et al, for "ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER HAVING CHECK DATE WARNING"; Ser. No. 89,427 to Eckert, et al, for "ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER HAVING RESET BASE WARNING"; Ser. No. 89,434 to Muller for "ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER OPERATING VOLTAGE VARIATION SENSING SYSTEM"; Ser. No. 89,412 to Eckert, et al, for "PRINT CONTROL SYSTEM"; Ser. No. 89,413 to Soderberg, et al, for "ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER HAVING PLURAL COMPUTING SYSTEMS"; Ser. No. 89,411 to Eckert, et al, for "INTERPOSER CONTROL FOR ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER".
While this invention has been disclosed and described with reference to a simple embodiment thereof, it will be apparent that variations and modifications may be made therein, and it is intended in the following claims to cover each such variation and modification as falls within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
Original Image


text:
Put the slices into a large bowl of water and set aside for 30 minutes.
Drain and dry thoroughly on kitchen towels.
Fill two large saucepans one-third full with oil.
Heat the oil in one pan until it reaches 170°C (325 °F) on a deep-fat thermometer, or until a small cube of stale bread dropped into the oil turns golden in 65 seconds.
Heat the oil in the second pan until it reaches 190°C (375 °F) on a deep-fat thermometer or until a small cube of stale bread dropped into the oil turns golden in 40 seconds.
Drop the potato slices into the first pan and fry for 4 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the slices to the second pan and fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until they puff up.
Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen towels.
Sprinkle over the salt and serve at once.


text:
Petersburg is a populated place located in Rensselaer County at latitude 42.75 and longitude -73.34.
The elevation is 705 feet. Petersburg appears on the Berlin U.S. Geological Survey Map. Rensselaer County is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 hours).
Rensselaer County: Cities & Towns | ZIP Codes | Schools | Features (airports, churches, hospitals, etc.)
BIG Map |
Driving Directions |
Data Source - USGS GNIS FID: 960244
BOUNDARY MAPS: Town of Petersburgh | Rensselaer County
Petersburg, NY
(< 0.1 mile)
Stillham, NY (1.4 miles NW)
East Grafton, NY (3.9 miles WNW)
Berlin, NY (4.3 miles SSW)
North Petersburg, NY (5.1 miles N)
North Pownal, VT
(5.1 miles NE)
Babcock Lake, NY (5.5 miles NW)
Pownal, VT (5.5 miles ENE)
Grafton, NY (5.8 miles WNW)
Petersburg Junction, NY (6 miles N)
Bucks Corner, NY
(6.4 miles SW)
Cozy Meadow Mobile Home Park, VT (7 miles ENE)
Hemlock Brook Estates, MA (7.1 miles ESE)
Steeles Corners, MA (8 miles SE)
Meadowvale, MA (8.5 miles ESE)
The Spruces Mobile Home Park, MA
(8.8 miles ESE)
Ives Corner, NY (10.4 miles WSW)
Brayton Hill, MA (10.6 miles ESE)
Chuckleberry Mobile Home Park, NY (10.8 miles S)
Brunswick, NY (11.3 miles W)


text:
New use for patio doors??
We recently replaced patio doors in a bedroom with windows. The 2 sliding doors (wood frame,double glass 6'x3' each) are in reasonably good shape and it seems to me they could be put to good use.They're very heavy. The only thing I could think of is making a table. Do any of you crafty folks have a suggestion?
I think a glass top table would be a great thing to do with the doors. Would it be safe to use something like a sawhorse as ends? I wounder if they would be sturdy enough??? You could nait wooden pieces to the end(s) sides so the glass door sits down inside those wooden pieces and holds it in place. Maybe even another sawhorse in the middle?
You could also use them for a cold frame for plants. Either go all out and make something elaborate with them (check garden mags for ideas) or just prop them up against one another making a teepee with them. Secure them with latches and hooks (?? - you can tell I'm not the handyman around here, LOL)or with something where they touch so they don't fall.
Check out "Robolady" posts and her website. She's got some great ideas for stuff like that. Find one of her posts in this forum and she usually posts a link to her T2T blog.
The way things are going with produce in this country it would probably be a good use of the doors to make your own greenhouse or at the very least a green room. If you have a pool you could make a very neat changing room with the doors.


text:
WEBSTA - Instagram Web Viewer
Marina and the diamonds
Clean sxmeday
New Message
The user you are sending this message to is not on Websta.
To receive your message, send a request to use Websta Messages.
The request will appear as a comment on his/her latest post.
You need to be following marinasuniverse to like or comment.
Report this link
This product uses the Instagram API but is not endorsed or certified by Instagram. All Instagram™ logos and trademarks displayed on this application are property of Instagram.
2011- © A-FIS PTE. LTD. All rights reserved.
Made with in Wakayama, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur.


text:
Games criminals play: how you can profit by knowing them
Rae John Publishing Company, 1981 - Social Science - 228 pages
A bestseller for over two decades, this fascinating resource exposes how criminals try to control the behavior of correctional personnel--how to recognize, prevent, and stop manipulation. Learn how inmates observe and select victims. Also, see how they gain their confidence and sympathy and make demands.
From inside the book
13 pages matching correctional officer in this book
Where's the rest of this book?
Results 1-3 of 13
What people are saying - Write a review
User ratings
|5 stars
|4 stars
|3 stars
|2 stars
|1 star
Review: Games Criminals Play: How You Can Profit by Knowing ThemUser Review - Bre - Goodreads
A book suggested to me by my father who spent 29 years in Corrections--it's an interesting look into the mind of a criminal and how they seek to compromise the people who work in Corrections. It's also just a disturbing psychological study that views how people manipulate one and other. Read full review
Review: Games Criminals Play: How You Can Profit by Knowing ThemUser Review - Linda Schell - Goodreads
Anyone can benefit from this book in recognizing a manipulator. The book gives the reader respect and a better understanding for what seems like ridiculous prison rules. Those rules are mandated by ... Read full review
Definitions and Terms
The SetUp
Downing a Duck
6 other sections not shown


text:
Maine Senate Membership, Proposed Constitutional Amendment (1931)
From Ballotpedia
The Maine Senate Membership Referendum, also known as Proposed Constitutional Amendment, was on the September 14, 1931 ballot in Maine as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The measure changed the apportionment of senators in the Maine State Senate.[1][2] This amended Sections 1, 2 and 5 of Article IV, Part Second of the Maine Constitution.[3]
Election results
|Maine Proposed Constitutional Amendment (1931)
Election results via: Main State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Proposed Constitutional Amendments 1820-
Text of measure
- See also: Maine Constitution, Article IV, Part Second, Sections 1, 2 and 5
The full text of the ballot language can be read here.
Constitutional changes
The full text of the constitutional changes can be read here.
See also
- Maine 1931 ballot measures
- 1931 ballot measures
- List of Maine ballot measures
- History of Initiative & Referendum in Maine
External links
- Lewiston Evening Journal, "List of Questions," September 5, 1931
- Main State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Proposed Constitutional Amendments 1820-
- National Conference of State Legislatures, State Ballot Measures Database
- ↑ Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, "Proposed Constitutional Amendments 1820-," accessed April 3, 2014
- ↑ Lewiston Evening Journal, "List of Questions," September 5, 1931
- ↑ Resolves of the State of Maine Passed by the Eighty-Fifth Legislature 1931, "Chapter 133," accessed April 18, 2014
|historical ballot measure article requires that the text of the measure be added to the page.


text:
Celebrate Sheldon Adelson & Lloyd Blankfein — Don't Condemn Them
Simple random musings by a self-made New York entrepreneur who is frustrated after the election, and scared about the future of this country.
If the Republicans couldn't win this election, how can they win any election? And for me as a self-made man who was never handed anything how can I believe that this country is headed in the right direction when America voted for handouts? As a New York City resident, I will pay close to 50 percent taxes – and when I drop dead my family will pay another 50 percent. And for that I should work 80-hour weeks?
I teach my children that in America anything is possible, and they can reach the top of the world if they work really hard. Isn't that what America is all about?
To compound my depression about the election, in the last few weeks the scoundrels of "Occupy Wall Street" have moved up to the Upper West Side where I live and I have to see them daily. They stand near my home and the offices of 5WPR: outside of 15 Central Park West, one of the most expensive condominiums in the country.
And they complain about the Chairman of Goldman Sachs. Yes, Lloyd Blankfein is guilty of being rich. Yes, Blankfein makes millions of dollars – and it's after being raised in housing projects in the Bronx, where his dad worked as a clerk for the United States Postal Service. During High School, Blankfein sold hot dogs at Yankee Stadium, and during college to pay for Harvard University he had to work in the cafeteria. For me, who also grew up in the Bronx without a lot of money I view Blankfein as a role model – he worked hard to get to the top. Isn't that what's great about America? The boy next door can conquer the world – and what's so bad about that?
Or Sheldon Adelson, who the Obama campaign demonized – and is also a self-made mega-entrepreneur. Adelson and Blankfein are good men, who give charity and created tens of thousands of jobs – yet are demonized in today's environment.
The state of California passed a bill that taxes anyone making $250k an extra 4%. That 4% essentially gets distributed directly to college kids as state schools. Why not just vote to kick people who make that much out of their homes and give them to low income families? Or anyone with incomes over $1 million, let's just tax them at 100%. The majority would vote for that, lots of money for other people.
It is very scary to think that we live in a society where the tax policy is plain and simple wealth redistribution. Politicians would rather raise taxes than balance a budget. Obama started this war on the wealthy – and it has to be scary for many people who dream of being more successful.
Ronn Torossian founded 5WPR, a Public Relations Agency. He is also a philanthropist via the Ronn Torossian Family foundation.
Also see...
Making a man believe that his child doesn't exist for decades is an unusually cruel thing to do. But for Tony Trapani, a secret letter he found after his wife...Read More
Ronn Torossian
Related Articles
My One Question for All GOP Candidates
In my previous two columns, I outlined the 10 questions we need to ask to find our next president. I
Demonizing the Helpers
It is not easy to demonize people who have spent hundreds of millions of dollars of their own money to
The 8th Miracle To Save America
Despite high unemployment, continued bad news across fiscal America and a presidency that has lacked luster and restorative productivity, Barack


text:
Harrods hotels
Harrods department store has been a premier shopping venue patronised by royalty and wealthy London society for close to two centuries. Henry Edward Harrod began his retail career in the 1820s as a humble draper and grocer. In 1849, he bought a small shop in Brompton to sell perfumes, stationery, and produce. His son, Charles, took over the small business in the 1880s and made Harrods into the retail icon that it is today. Whilst it is under different ownership these days, the stately establishment still caters to the poshest clientele, and visitors must adhere to a strict dress code.
- Shop for some of the most exclusive fashions, jewellery and watches, cosmetics and perfumes, sporting goods, home furnishings and décor, fine foods and wine, and numerous other luxurious products in more than 300 different departments at Harrods in London.
- Enjoy gourmet meals, wines, artisan chocolates, French pastries, and fine international teas and coffees whilst browsing the finest shops in London.
- View the beautiful bronze statue and sombre memorial honouring Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed, who was the son of the current owner of Harrods.
Harrods is located on Brompton Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, just three kilometres from the centre of London and 24 kilometres from Heathrow International Airport. Drivers take the A4 and M4 motorways to reach Harrods, and one can use the Piccadilly Line on the metro or the airport express bus to travel from the airport to Harrods. London has many public transportation options including the tube (the underground), overground rail, buses, and taxis. Many visitors tour the city centre on foot or by bicycle, and there are free city maps available at any tube station.
- London hotels (774 hotels)
- Edinburgh hotels (138 hotels)
- Manchester hotels (97 hotels)
- Birmingham hotels (80 hotels)
- Glasgow hotels (70 hotels)
- Brighton hotels (30 hotels)
- Liverpool hotels (54 hotels)
- West Drayton hotels (1 hotel)
- Leeds hotels (38 hotels)
- Plymouth hotels (15 hotels)
768 hotels near Harrods
1 Eaton Square Hotel
50 Ebury Street Map
The Eaton Square Hotel offers boutique styled contemporary and guest accommodations in central London. Situated in the Belgravia in the heart of central London, the hotel is well located for many... More
2 Comfort Inn Victoria
18 - 24 Belgrave Road Map
Created with the aspiration to become synonymous with innovation, professionalism and a world wide reputation of quality and impeccable service, Comfort Inn Victoria Hotel is just the place for you... More
3 Grange Strathmore
41 Queen's Gate Gardens Map
Grange Strathmore Hotel London, a former residence of the Earl of Strathmore, provides accommodation that reflects the Victorian grandeur. Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and... More
4 The Grosvenor
Buckingham Palace Road Map
The Grosvenor Hotel London is an ideal place to enjoy luxurious accommodation and the best of central London, known for its culture, history and exciting attractions. Buckingham Palace, the... More
5 Radisson Blu, Edwardian Vanderbilt
68-86 Cromwell Road Map
Being a Georgian mansion in fashionable South Kensington, the Radisson Blu, Edwardian Vanderbilt offers luxurious accommodation and quality services. The city's popular museums include Natural... More
6 Rydges Kensington London
61 Gloucester Road Map
Whether it's for leisure or business, Rydges Kensington London Hotel offers an ideal blend of luxurious accommodation and modern facilities for a relaxing stay. Buckingham Palace is just 3... More
7 Crowne Plaza LONDON - KENSINGTON
100 Cromwell Road Map
Providing a quiet, tranquil and relaxing atmosphere in the heart of London, Crowne Plaza London / Kensington Hotel offers easy access to the financial district and Earls Court as well as the... More
8 Tophams Hotel London Belgravia
24-32 Ebury Street Map
Offering contemporary services, traditional hospitality and tranquil atmosphere, Tophams Hotel Belgravia, welcomes guests for a relaxing holiday. Buckingham Palace, whose elaborate exteriors are a... More
9 The Rubens At The Palace Hotel London
39 Buckingham Palace Road Map
Being one of the closest hotels to the popular Buckingham Palace, Rubens At The Palace Hotel London offers luxurious accommodation and modern facilities for an enjoyable stay. Art lovers can admire... More
10 The Queens Gate Hotel London
32 Queen's Gate Map
Offering quality, style, comfort and chic accommodation, Abba Queen's Gate Hotel Kensington is an urban sanctuary offering solace away from the hustle and bustle of London life. GeneralFeaturing a... More
- Previous
- Next


text:
Featured Adventure
Video: Inside Denver's Warwic..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sXIIpXZaR8 Take in Denver from the … more
Date Night
Date Nights Denver: Cook Street Sch..
Dinner, movie, home: the traditional date night pitfall. To showcase … more
Eat & Drink
Bistro Vendome Offers Vegetarian Ta..
Becoming a vegetarian has never crossed my mind. That is until trying … more
Health & Fitness
ClassPass: Why You'll Never G..
Yoga, Pilates, Zumba; with so many workout trends out there, it can … more
Buzz on Local Biz
Profile: Denver's Central Bis..
Dotted with vintage pieces from Denver's past, Central Bistro is a … more
Capturing Characters
Ed Sirokman: Postal Worker by Trade..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDwKLkwFguc A crisp … more
Current Giveaways
Colorado runs for beer in 2015 + Ch..
Chance to win 2 free entries ! Easy Entry! 1. Like Catch Carri on … more
Colorado Escapes
Three Things I Never Knew About Gre..
Greeley, Colorado is seeing a mega progression when it comes to new … more
Outside Colorado
Experiencing the Grand Canyon Via V..
Rolling up to one of the 7 Wonders of the World aboard … more
Spirit of Giving
Mile High Business Alliance and Imb..
Denver restaurants and residents are incredibly passionate about … more
Guest Post
ClassPass: Why You'll Never G..
Yoga, Pilates, Zumba; with so many workout trends out there, it can … [Read More...]
Product Reviews
Q&A with Owner of Etching Expr..
With so many inventive products on the market it's hard to keep up. … [Read More...]


text:
14K White Gold / Pink Tourmaline
18K White Gold / Fire Opal
14K Rose Gold / Pink Tourmaline / Aquamarine
14K Rose Gold / Green Tourmaline
14K Rose Gold / Pink Tourmaline
14K Rose Gold / Pink Tourmaline / Diamond
18K White Gold / Green Tourmaline
Sterling Silver / Pink Tourmaline / White Sapphire
Sterling Silver / Pink Tourmaline / Blue Topaz
Platinum / Pink Tourmaline
At Gemvara, we believe that the jewelry you wear should be as unique as you. Every beautiful Gemvara october birthstone delicately detailed jewelry design will be made just for you. It's jewelry for all life's occasions, from a wedding or Mother's Day to your own personal milestones and celebrations. Gemvara uses only the highest quality materials to craft your october birthstone delicately detailed jewelry with meticulous attention to detail. Our precious metals are recycled or responsibly mined. The October birthstones, opal and tourmaline, are the most colorful of gems. Gemvara offers day-glow orange fire opal and pink or green tourmaline as October birthstone options so there is something for everyone. Our wide selection of october birthstone delicately detailed jewelry by Martha Gomez Gutierrez, Jessica Behzad, Ji Hwang, and other talented designers means you can find rings, earrings, and necklaces that are exactly your style. You can also shop by style, choosing our Symbol, Bold, or Religious Collections. When our work is done and you open that box, you'll see your design is even more beautiful when brought to life in the finest precious materials.
We can help right away. Chat with a jewelry expert now!


text:
Wo! Here's one bit of good news amid all the horrors and fatuities – Priss Choss can't keep his bullying letters to government ministers a secret after all.
The UK supreme court has cleared the way for the publication of secret letters written by Prince Charles to British government ministers, declaring that an attempt by the state to keep them concealed was unlawful. [Read more…]


text:
If You Think Flattery Will Get You Anywhere...
Well, that's where you're right. An old boss of mine made a very endearing comment in an email the other day (to an associate of his):
"The guy in NYC is Ben Nadel. He .... is one of the best programmers I know. He is also the person I find easiest to work with. Young guy, but super talented. I keep trying to get him to move to CA."
Tweet This Thanks my man — you rock the party that rocks the body!
Looking For A New Job?
- IS Sr. Systems Analyst - Web Development at Nationwide Children's Hospital
- ColdFusion Developers Required at Lions Festivals
- Permanent Senior ColdFusion Developer Wanted at Kelaca
- Experienced ColdFusion Developer Wanted for CFWheels Application at F3G
- Web Applications Developer at Virginia Commonwealth University
100% of job board revenue is donated to Kiva. Loans that change lives — Find out more »
Reader Comments
Don't even think about moving to jobs! If you do i will hunt you down and force you to eat food with flavor!
Si, how could I ever think of leaving you?!? Plus, you know food with flavor would kill me.
Oh my chickens, this post is old!


text:
Photo Galleries
< MyNorthwest
President Obama meets with storm victims
President Obama took an aerial tour of the Atlantic Coast in New Jersey in areas damaged by superstorm Sandy. He also met with some of the victims.
4 of 8
President Barack Obama, center, talks with a local resident as he tours a neighborhood effected by superstorm Sandy on Wednesday in Brigantine, N.J. Walking with Obama are Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., far right.
Photo by (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Photo by (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
4 of 8
More Photo Galleries
Amanda Knox and her family celebrate acquittal
Italy's highest court overturned the murder conviction against Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend Friday over the 2007 slaying of Knox's roommate, bringing to a definitive end to the high-profile case.
Week in Photos
Photos from around the world this week.
Hundreds gather to commemorate one-year mark of Oso mudslide
A solemn crowd gathered to honor 43 people who lost their lives a year ago in the deadliest landslide in U.S. history.
Photos: Oso one year after deadly mudslide
Sunday is the one-year anniversary of the slide, and although most of the mangled cars and homes have been cleaned up, reminders of loss are everywhere.
Week in photos
Take a look at the best photos of the week from around the world.
Tuesday in photos
St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2015.
Monday in photos
Monday, March 16, 2015.
Week in photos
Photos from around the world this week.
Friday in photos
The second of three Friday the 13ths in 2015; Friday, March 13, 2015.
Thursday in photos
Thursday, March 12, 2015.


text:
Rack and Spur Hunt Club, LLC is a family friendly and safety oriented hunting club located in Saluda County, South Carolina. At the moment, we have over 3400 acres of hunting land. Approximately 740 of that 3400 acres is quality managed land. There is a great mix of hardwood bottoms, cutover, short pines, tall pines and food plots. We have plenty of box and tower stands that will comfortably seat a grown-up and a child. There's a place to skin your deer and properly dispose the remains. Camper parking is available. The clubhouse has 14 bunks, two bathrooms, kitchen, and a wood burning stove. But best of all - we have plenty of deer, turkey, and small game. We accept major credit cards.
We have new membership packages available for 2015. Click here to see the new packages and pick one out that fits you the best!
Want to see our property locations? Click here https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zs26qAp_zl4A.kjkAAPq31WOU
Kara Miller finally got her first one on January 1st! Last day of the season. She hung in there even though it was a little chilly that morning. Way to go Kara!!
Sarah McGraw
First Deer!!
Congratulations to Rack and Spur Member John Hicks and Family. John was awarded the Medal of Valor. John retired from the US Army and decided to continue his service to the nation and community by serving as a police officer with the city of Newberry,SC. Click here to read the story of John and his heroic actions in the Newberry Observer.
Rack and Spur Hunt Club, LLC supported the Outdoors Without Limits Program this past Saturday with their hunt. This year, unlike last year, was a bit more sucessful. We had lots of deer seen and the biggest dear of the hunt came from our club. Thanks to all the Rack and Spur Hunt Club, LLC members that supported this event and made it a huge success.
Brian Barden escorted OWL Hunter and took this very nice 8 point on a 15 minute hunt! Congrats on a very nice deer!
Start them young.........
Scott Ogle with a nice Thanksgiving 9 point! Way to go Scott - you have a lot to be thankful for. !!!
Kendrick Mariano - Doe
First Deer!!!
Landon Mook is having a very successful deer season. Shot his first one earlier in the year and is knocking them down!
Mike Scott with a double!
8 point and a Doe.
Ms. Tonia displaying the harvest.
Look what followed Mike Scott out of the woods. It's Mr. and Mrs. Cockrell's pet deer! Her name is Pearl. Take note the deer is wearing an orange collar. Be VERY careful when hunting tract 9 and make sure you know your target. This is a pet deer and not one to be harvested.
Now this is team work. Mark shot this big 8 point during the snow and Scott finished off the harvest the next day - way to go guys! But, who gets the meat?
This is a perfect example of what CAN NOT be harvested on Tracts 4 and 7!
Hey - Check out the article about Rack and Spur Hunt Club, LLC in the SC Sportsman magazine. Click here to read the article.


text:
Marriott Guest Services Agent Hourly Pay
Base Pay
Total Compensation
Base Pay
Total Compensation
Additional Compensation
Cash Bonus, Stock Bonus, Profit Sharing, Commission Sharing have not been reported for this role.
- Employee Discount
"The discount program is good there are not always good prices where you want to stay. But when you do find a good price it's very affordable." (25 comments)
- Vacation & Paid Time Off
"The vacation time is accrued based on the amount of hours work and how long you have been with the company." (14 comments)
- Health Insurance
"OK but the problem is the FSA Flex Spend they deny you on about 50% of what you submit even though its qualifies for whatever reason kind of a scam…" (10 comments)
Be the first to get salary and job alerts
Marriott Photos
Explore Guest Services Agent Salaries
Looking beyond Marriott?
Check out the latest Guest Services Agent Jobs or see Guest Services Agent Salaries at other companies.
See if they're hiring! Check out the latest Marriott Jobs


text:
Using Pond Muck In Raised Beds
I have a natrual pond in my backyard that is choked with silt and muck. I'm pretty sure I can pump a slurry of this muck with a trash pump up to an area in my yard where my raised beds are. One of the greatest challenges is getting enough good organic material in a large enough quantity to fill my beds. Often times I'm forced to use compost that isn't quite ready and halfway through the summer when it's finally decomposed and settled they are about half full. I'm putting in two more beds this year and this is what I'm thinking about doing. Once the bed is constructed I'd line it with landscaping fabric or burlap, I would prefer the burlap since it would eventually rot or some other biodegradeable fabric(any ideas here?)
Then I would pump the slurry with the silt into the bed and let the water drain over and over also at the same time mixing in some peat, possibly sand for drainage (would I need this?) and mature compost until the bed is full. Does this sound like a good idea? Would this silt not be perfect by itself. Common sense would say it would since the most fertile tills are floodplains. Has anybody done anything like this? Or am I all wet? (no pun intented)
I've done it. But I used a 2" dia outlet, 8000 gal / minute submersible pump with some kind of hard rubber impeller and inlet screen, and even then the thing would clog up if you tried to pump too much muck/water ratio. So I'd recommend setting the thing up so the outlet is near your raised beds but outside of them, set the pump up so its about an inch off the much, and leisurely stir it up - up goes the water, spills out on the lawn or something, and the water runs off and leaves the muck. If its a small pond, you could rig it up so the pumped water runs back into the pond.
Dry it out a bit and shovel into the beds.
I have a similar pond now, and with a little luck here soon, it will dry out completely before the irrigation season starts in mid-April. When its dry, I scrape off the top 2 inches and wheel-barrow it up to my raised beds.
The stuff is magic. You won't need any further feeding for the first year, maybe a bit of compost the 2nd, and for sure the 3rd. Or just add more pond soil :)
I keep dreaming of getting that same big pump rig again and putting that pond sludge about 1" deep all over my lawn, flower beds, vegetable beds, etc.
I've been netting out the muck from my pond for the last few days. I didn't have that much this year, but what I did have, I put directly onto the lawn, from the net. Some of the first nets full, I put directly into the compost bin. Which by the way is a newly started batch and today it hit a little over 90 degrees in the compost bin.
I have a question about natural ponds. Do you guys live in the country and have true ponds, or are you in the suburbs and have a natural small backyard pond? The reason I'm asking is that I am interested in putting a small pond in my backyard, but I do not want a plastic liner / pump system. I was thinking more along the lines of an English Dew Pond (a clay-lined hole in the ground). I was just curious if anyone has done this on a small backyard scale. I will not have fish, but we do have some toads in my yard and I think it was a frog who jumped out of a water-logged bucket at me last year. I have a ton of clay and I'll use water plants and barley straw to clean it and then compost the muck. It would be filled with rainwater, not tap. I do not want a pump because they use too much electricty and the solar ones do not work. However, I could buy a small electric pump and aerate the water for a few hours every week or so (also to avoid mosquitos). I hate plastic liners because they are icky (algae loves plastic), and clay will slowly allow the water out of the bottom, so the water will not go completely stale. Also, if it doesn't work out I can just turn it into a flower bed.
We have a company here that is dredging the bottom of one of the lakes of the "muck", primarily tree leaves and other forms of organic matter that have accumulated on the bottom of that lake, mixing that with sand and then selling is as "topsoil". I doubt that much of what you would have would be silt, a mineral material, but suspect that it would most likely be partially digested organic matter, whihc could wel be used in a garden bed. Check the pH of that after adding to your soil just in case since vegetative waste anaerobically digested can be acidic.