Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a waterproof zipper with at least one curve, where the zipper includes a first tape and a second tape, and interlocking elements attached to the first tape and the second tape, wherein the first tape and the second tape are curved, and wherein a curve of at least one of the tapes was caused by compaction of that tape. The zipper is coated on at least one side with a fluid impervious coating.

Abstract: A motorcycle lift that is configured to independently raise and/or lower the front end and rear end of a motorcycle that has been superposed the motorcycle lift. The motorcycle lift includes a frame having a central longitudinal support member having a first end and a second end. A lateral support member is movably secured to the first end of the central longitudinal support member. A first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism are secured to the central longitudinal support member at opposing ends thereof. The central longitudinal support member includes a plurality of apertures on opposing sides thereof. The lateral support member is operably coupled to the central longitudinal support member with fasteners to the plurality of apertures and movable along a length thereof. The second lifting mechanism is movable along a length of the central longitudinal support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying nip pressure in a media feedpath including a feed roller and a pressure roller defining a feed nip there between includes a rotatable cam having a preselected eccentric path when rotated, a first pivotable linkage pivotally engaging the rotatable cam, a second pivotable linkage, a biasing member operably interconnecting the first and second pivotal linkages for providing a biasing force on the pressure roller. The pressure roller is rotatably connected to the second linkage opposite the biasing member, wherein rotation of the cam varies the biasing force provided by the biasing member on the pressure roller.

Abstract: A gauge for detecting the level of ink in a printer's ink reservoir includes: a transmitter antenna adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of a printer's ink reservoir; a transmitter circuit operatively coupled to the transmitter antenna for generating a radio-frequency signal for transmission by the transmitter antenna; a receiver antenna; a receiver circuit for obtaining at least a portion of the radio-frequency signal received by the receiver antenna; and a processing circuit, operatively coupled to the receiver circuit, and configured to determine an approximate level of ink in the ink reservoir based upon, at least in part, a characteristic of the obtained portion of the radio-frequency signal, such as a voltage level of the obtained portion of the radio-frequency signal.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a media support surface. A light source and a light detector are positioned in relation to a reflective surface such that when a sheet of print media covers the reflective surface, a reflected specular light component of a light beam is received by the light detector, and when the reflective surface is not covered, the reflective surface directs the reflected specular light component of the light beam away from the detector. The signal strength of the output from the light detector when receiving a diffuse light component reflected from the reflective surface is less than the signal strength of the output from the light detector when receiving the reflected specular light component that is reflected from a low reflectance print media.

Abstract: A gauge for detecting the level of ink in a printer's ink reservoir includes: a transmitter antenna adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of a printer's ink reservoir; a transmitter circuit operatively coupled to the transmitter antenna for generating a radio-frequency signal for transmission by the transmitter antenna; a receiver antenna; a receiver circuit for obtaining at least a portion of the radio-frequency signal received by the receiver antenna; and a processing circuit, operatively coupled to the receiver circuit, and configured to determine an approximate level of ink in the ink reservoir based upon, at least in part, a characteristic of the obtained portion of the radio-frequency signal, such as a voltage level of the obtained portion of the radio-frequency signal.