Abstract: This invention relates to a cover attached to an output device that is connected to an imaging device. The purpose for this cover is to avoid output motion and media movement detection in high security areas, such as banks, insurance companies or the like. Such structures of this type, generally, provide an alert mechanism to the imaging device to forward the printed output to the covered output device.

Abstract: This invention relates to printing stations. Such structures of this type, generally, proved for a printing station to be located in the back of mass transit vehicle seats such that the mass transit rider can be able to view and subsequently print that viewed information.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOB). Such structures of this type, generally, allow the MIOB to scan/read machine readable data on an input/output job banner page. This information allows the MIOB to determine the owner of the input/output job, the owner's location, and the location where the input/output job is to be delivered so that the input/output job can be delivered by the MIOB.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOB). Such structures of the type, generally, allow the MIOB to replenish the consumable handling device. For example, the MIOB can be used to replenish the paper in a printer and/or printing device.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method and apparatus for indicating roller wear in a media handling device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of a laser beam that is located adjacent to the media handling device roller. Initially, the roller material obstructs the laser beam. However, when the roller becomes worn out, the roller material no longer obstructs the laser beam and the beam shines on a piece of reflective material that is illuminated when the laser beam contacts it. This illumination will then be seen from the front of the media handling device, such as through the use of an LED. The laser beam can also activate an optical sensor that relays information to the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOB). Such structures of this type, generally, allow the MIOB to provide an automated input/output job distribution. For example, the MIOB can be used to transfer a print job to a scanner so that the print job can be scanned and forwarded.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method and apparatus for indicating roller wear in a media handling device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of variable inductance to determine roller wear. The media transport roller has a non-conductive surface with a conductive core. Located just above the conductive core is a rod containing a power coil that is driven by AC excitation and a pick-up coil. The pick-up coil is connected to circuitry that measures the inductance. As the media transport roller wears, the conductive core moves closer to an inductive pick-up unit. The measured output voltage from the pick-up unit depends upon the distance between the core and the pick-up unit. This inductance change can then be correlated to media transport roller wear and relayed to the user through the use of an LED or other similar types of numerical/graphical displays.

Abstract: This invention relates to the printing of transparent media often used for later projection, commonly referred to as Over Head Transparencies, or OHT's. These OHTs are used in several ways: They can be printed in advance and projected in sequence, created in the course of the presentation using marking pens, or a combination of he two, where a pre-printed OHT is edited or modified after printing or in the course of presentation using pens or other marking means. This third use is often compromised by incompatibilities between the marking technology used to create the pre-printed image and the marking pens used to edit the image later. This invention describes a technique for separating the two images, placing each on opposite sides of the transparent film, avoiding this conflict and producing a better solution for the user.

Abstract: The user goes to a Web imaging homepage to print a document that was recently submitted to the Web-based imaging system. The user selects a printer from the list of available printers. The user then clicks on the “print one” button located beside the printer selected. If the-user has previously printed to this particular device, the printer will print one page according to last printer settings. If the user has not printed to this particular device, the printer prints one copy based upon a master list of default settings the for that printer, such as SourceTray=AutoSelect, Duplex=None or Printer Default, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining media level in a cassette. A single, fixed media level sensor is located adjacent to where the media is fed from the cassette. The bottom of the cassette is moved up until the top piece of media triggers the fixed sensor. The number of steps of the stepper motor (or the time an analog motor is on) indicates the distance the bottom of the cassette must be raised before the top of the media stack hits the sensor. The number of steps is used directly to determine the height of the stack of media and, therefore, the level of media in the cassette.

Abstract: This invention relates to a media weight sensor of the type that includes a transducer consisting of a metal desk with a piezoelectric element fabricated by one side which form the back of a Helmholtz resonator cavity mounted in a printer so that the media going to the printer moves across the top of the Helmholtz resonator where an opening of the resonator is located. A soft, polymeric roller is used to press for media and is the transducer. The resonant frequency of the Helmholtz is affected by the media. The mass of the media adds to the mass of the resonator, thereby lowering the resonant frequency. Consequently, the heavier than media, the more the resonant frequency is lowered.

Abstract: This invention allows the user to prepare customized wrapping paper at a kiosk by downloading an image into the kiosk, selecting a wrapping paper background at the kiosk, selecting wrapping paper quality and dimensions at the kiosk, viewing the customized wrapping paper at the kiosk, and printing the customized wrapping paper at the kiosk.

Abstract: This invention relates to a media weight sensor of the type that includes a transducer consisting of a metal disk with a piezoelectric element mounted in a printer so that the media going to the printer moves across the top of the resonator where an opening of the resonator is located. A soft, polymeric roller is used to press the media against the transducer. The resonant frequency of the resonator is affected by the media. The mass of the media adds to the mass of the resonator, thereby lowering the resonant frequency. Consequently, the heavier the media, the more the resonant frequency is lowered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting overhead transparencies (OHT), such as a dual OHT. Dual overhead transparencies, preferably, have a coating on one side that is compatible with ink jet-type printers and a coating on the other side that is compatible with laser jet-type printers. Such structures of this type, inform the user of the type of OHT.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved heater bar that can be used for either a heater in a laser printer fuser or a heater in a thermal overcoat or laminating mechanism. The improved heater bar utilizes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor element to produce the heat output.

Abstract: This invention relates to a web-based imaging system that provides print job assurance. Such system of this type, generally, warn the user, prior to printing, whether or not the print job will be able to be printed, as expected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a small, wireless transmitter which contains important, personal information, such as the user's name, address, current medications, allergies, contact information or the like. When the user gets into trouble or becomes incapacitated, the transmitter could be used to send a signal to emergency response personnel. In this manner, emergency response personnel could respond to the distress signal and assist the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to color printing, and more particularly, to color laser printing systems. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a rotatable, carousel type shuttle color printer with all in one electrophotographic (EP) cartridges which rotate to a non-printing position such that a predetermined gap or distance between the cartridges and the transfer belt is formed in order that the various colors required to be printed upon the sheet can be printed without adversely affecting the print quality.

Abstract: Edge-to-edge printing in a laser or ink jet printer is accomplished by printing registration or calibration marks proximate to the edges of at least one page. The number of marks visible at each edge provides a measurable indication of the alignment of the print mechanism with respect to the page.

Abstract: This invention relates to color printing, and more particularly, to color laser printing systems. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a rotatable, carousel type shuttle color printer with a plurality of toner reservoirs such that one of the plurality of toner reservoirs is a high capacity toner reservoir.