Abstract: Apparatus include a thermally activatable sealing member. The sealing member can be operatively positioned in or near an opening or passage to control the flow of material therethrough by way of selective thermal activation of the sealing member. Methods include providing a thermally activatable sealing member in or near an opening or passage and selectively thermally activating the sealing member to control the flow of material through the opening or passage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for facilitating interface of a user with an electrical device. In one arrangement, a system and method include providing a touch-sensitive screen to the user and presenting at least one selectable feature to the user with the touch-sensitive screen, the selectable feature having associated therewith multiple functions, wherein a first function is performed when the feature is selected using a detected relatively light touch and wherein a second function is performed when the feature is selected using a detected relatively firm touch.

Abstract: An image-formation device is disclosed which includes an image-formation mechanism and a controller. The image-formation mechanism is capable of forming images on media. The controller is capable of dynamically determining a first-page out (FPO) time for the image-formation mechanism based on at least changing characteristics of the image-formation mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus include a thermally activatable sealing member. The sealing member can be operatively positioned in or near an opening or passage to control the flow of material therethrough by way of selective thermal activation of the sealing member. Methods include providing a thermally activatable sealing member in or near an opening or passage and selectively thermally activating the sealing member to control the flow of material through the opening or passage.

Abstract: A writing instrument, e.g., a pen, incorporates at least three color ink chambers: cyan (C), yellow (Y), and magenta (M). The ink from the three chambers can be mixed in varying ratios to provide an output ink of any conceivable color. Ink jet nozzles, preferably thermal ink jet nozzles, are used to output the ink from the chambers. The ink may be output to a mixing chamber, onto a roller ball or other transfer member, or directly to the writing medium. Consequently, the ink output by the pen can be adjusted by the user to any desired color.

Abstract: A container for flowable materials includes a first chamber storing flowable material within the container. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber within the container and contains a stirrer. A metering mechanism permits selective transfer of flowable material from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing toner to a laser printed page. The apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a laser optic system for tracing an image on the photosensitive drum, a toner supply electrically charged opposite the image traced on the photosensitive drum, and an ultraviolet light source for imparting energy to the toner to fuse the toner to the page. The apparatus facilitates faster print speeds and lower energy consumption than conventional laser printers that require heating elements to fuse the toner to the page.

Abstract: A method for redirecting calls placed to a mobile phone having a redirect functionality and a second phone via a redirect service, which includes the steps of sending a redirect service request using the redirect button on the mobile phone to the second phone, activating the redirect service by the second phone responsive to the redirect service request, and redirecting incoming calls to the mobile phone to the second phone.

Abstract: A diagnostic service system includes a networked electronic device that can self-determine a need for technical support, initiate communication with a technical support system, and provide information corresponding to the need for technical support to the technical support system. The technical support system receives the information and compares the information with an information database to determine a solution, or solutions, for the electronic device in accordance with the received information. The electronic device receives the solution, or solutions, from the technical support system and implements the solutions to resolve the need for technical support in the electronic device, or renders instructions for user interaction with the electronic device to implement the solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing toner to a laser printed page. The apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a laser optic system for tracing an image on the photosensitive drum, a toner supply electrically charged opposite the image traced on the photosensitive drum, and an ultraviolet light source for imparting energy to the toner to fuse the toner to the page. The apparatus facilitates faster print speeds and lower energy consumption than conventional laser printers that require heating elements to fuse the toner to the page.

Abstract: A color toner is provided that enables printing of all colors, including black, either comprising one particle system that, depending on exposure to a particular wavelength, provides a desired color or comprising a plurality of layers, each of which provide a different color upon exposure to a different wavelength. The color toner comprises three layers, and, optionally, a base, or fixer, layer, each color layer containing separate color grain centers directed to a specific color, including color-sensitive silver halide (AgX) crystals, at least one developing agent, and color coupling chemistry. Advantageously, colors can be created or modified through the application of light (digital), as opposed to application of chemicals. Further, true black is obtainable with a single toner. Finally, image processing is mechanically and chemically simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing toner to a laser printed page. The apparatus includes a printing medium transport system and a radio frequency antenna for imparting energy to the toner to fuse the toner to the page. The apparatus facilitates faster print speeds and lower energy consumption than conventional laser printers that require heating elements to fuse the toner to the page.

Abstract: The addition of directory entries into phone devices, such as telephones, is disclosed. The phone devices are coupled to common phone line wiring, and have caller ID, caller log, and directory storage capabilities. Phone calls are simulated to the phone devices. The phone calls correspond to directory entries, such as those that the user wishes to add to the phone devices. Each phone call has caller ID information reflecting a corresponding directory entry. After the phone calls for the directory entries have been simulated, each phone device has a caller log of the caller ID information of the simulated phone calls for transfer into a directory storage thereof.

Abstract: A writing instrument, e.g., a pen, incorporates at least three color ink chambers: cyan (C), yellow (Y), and magenta (M). The ink from the three chambers can be mixed in varying ratios to provide an output ink of any conceivable color. Ink jet nozzles, preferably thermal ink jet nozzles, are used to output the ink from the chambers. The ink may be output to a mixing chamber, onto a roller ball or other transfer member, or directly to the writing medium. Consequently, the ink output by the pen can be adjusted by the user to any desired color.

Abstract: A computer peripheral device is prevented from being in power save mode by either forcing the peripheral device out of power save mode or preventing the peripheral device from entering power save mode. A timing mechanism tracks time. The timing mechanism either tracks the time of day, the day of the week, an elapsed time, or a combination of these times. The time tracked by the timing mechanism is compared to a pre-set condition stored in a storage device. If the time meets the pre-set condition, the computer peripheral device is prevented from being in power save mode. The computer peripheral device is prevented from being in power save mode by either transmitting a job to the peripheral device for processing, accessing the control means of the peripheral device and terminating the power save mode, or temporarily disabling the power save mode for the peripheral device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for printing particles of a color toner that is selectively colored and can demonstrate or reflect color based upon exposure to light of known wavelength, intensity, and duration. The color toner is sensitive to a plurality of wavelengths to provide a desired color. The apparatus performs three basic functions: (1) applies the toner to a print medium, using an electrophotographic process, requiring the toner to be chargeable; (2) selectively applies light to the toner, the light being of known wavelength, intensity, and duration, to convert the toner particles to the desired color(s); and (3) bonds or attaches the toner to the print medium. Since the color toner includes all necessary colors that are selectively activated, only one color toner and thus only application of one color toner is required.

Abstract: A color toner is provided that enables printing of all colors, including black, either comprising one particle system that, depending on exposure to a particular wavelength, provides a desired color or comprising a plurality of layers, each of which provide a different color upon exposure to a different wavelength. The color toner comprises three layers, and, optionally, a base, or fixer, layer, each color layer containing separate color grain centers directed to a specific color, including color-sensitive silver halide (AgX) crystals, at least one developing agent, and color coupling chemistry. The optional base layer (or a separate layer associated with each color layer) is employed if chemical fixing, instead of electronic fixing, is required. If used, the fixer layer(s) comprise(s) fixing agents for fixing unexcited silver halide by saturating the unreacted silver halide with electrons and to terminate developer and color coupler reactions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for printing particles of a color toner that is selectively colored and can demonstrate or reflect color based upon exposure to light of known wavelength, intensity, and duration. The color toner is sensitive to a plurality of wavelengths to provide a desired color. The apparatus performs three basic functions: (1) applies the toner to a print medium, using an electrophotographic process, requiring the toner to be chargeable; (2) selectively applies light to the toner, the light being of known wavelength, intensity, and duration, to convert the toner particles to the desired color(s); and (3) bonds or attaches the toner to the print medium. Since the color toner includes all necessary colors that are selectively activated, only one color toner and thus only application of one color toner is required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing toner to a laser printed page. The apparatus includes a printing medium transport system and a radio frequency antenna for imparting energy to the toner to fuse the toner to the page. The apparatus facilitates faster print speeds and lower energy consumption than conventional laser printers that require heating elements to fuse the toner to the page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing toner to a laser printed page. The apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a laser optic system for tracing an image on the photosensitive drum, a toner supply electrically charged opposite the image traced on the photosensitive drum, and an ultraviolet light source for imparting energy to the toner to fuse the toner to the page. The apparatus facilitates faster print speeds and lower energy consumption than conventional laser printers that require heating elements to fuse the toner to the page.