Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include wireless electronic memory devices formed within plugs for sealing the filling ports of containers of consumable substances; containers incorporating the plugs; and related methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include hybrid ink delivery systems which allow a flexible arrangement of free ink supplies to be connected to multiple printhead assemblies, while preventing printhead deprime or drooling during setup, and provide control and verification of ink supply replacement through the use of integral memory components on the in supplies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a toner cartridge for the printing of MICR characters that includes a memory device that is programmed with the requisite font for MICR characters. The font is accessible for the printing of MICR characters when the toner cartridge is installed in a printer. In a further embodiment, the memory device on the toner cartridge may also contain a data flag indicating that a print job must print at least one symbol in the MICR font. Corresponding printer firmware may then determine if this flag is present, and, if present, will prevent the printing of print jobs that do not include at least one character to be printed in the MICR font. This prevents MICR toner from being wasted on documents that do not require MICR toner, such as normal office correspondence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reducing the print-job completion time in a printing system having at least one printhead that is intermittently refilled from an “off-axis” ink supply during non-printing intervals. A reduced refill time is determined from an estimation of the amount of ink expended since the printhead was previously refilled, and on a characterization of the ink refill behavior of the printing system. The refill behavior of the printing system may be quantified in data stored in a memory device integral with a replaceable ink supply.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates providing apparatus and methods for recommending to a consumer an optimal replacement consumable size, based on a record of the consumer's past utilization rate and on recommended intervention rate information stored in a memory device on the consumable.

Abstract: Venting mechanisms are provided for allowing air to replace fluid in the sealed fluid interconnect port of a container substantially filled with a capillary material, thus enabling absorption of residual fluid into the container capillary material. In one embodiment, the venting mechanisms include small ribs formed on the floor of the container body to space the capillary material away from the floor, thus allowing air to flow along the container floor to the interconnect port.

Abstract: A side plug for an ink-jet cartridge body, and methods of attaching the side plug to the cartridge body, are disclosed. The side plug seals a mold access hole in the cartridge body. The side plug is preferably formed of a carbon fiber filled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material; the carbon content of the side plug allows microwave curing of the epoxy adhesive used to attach the side plug to the cartridge body. The side plug may have sculpted protuberances which extend into the cartridge body to form complex ink channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a “smart” power circuit protection system in which the trip level of a circuit breaker is dynamically set based upon information communicated from the load over the power lines. The system is adaptable to configurations involving multiple loads protected by a single circuit breaker, and an adapter permits loads not incorporating a “smart” current reporting capability to be included in the circuit breaker load. The invention is intended to provide additional protection against line to neutral power faults.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for compensating for variations between different ink or toner characteristics, and for variations between sensors, by characterizing the ink or toner and storing one or more static threshold level on printer consumable memory devices during manufacture of the printer consumables. When installed in a printer, a dynamic threshold may be determined based on the static threshold level; the dynamic threshold accounting for variations between sensors and printers. The dynamic threshold may further be stored on the printer consumable memory device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise capillary fluid transport and containment structures in which a capillarity gradient is provided in a direction other than the primary direction of fluid transport to selectively capture and transport gas bubbles. The structures may be formed with single capillary members or may include a plurality of capillaries, such as sheet capillaries joined by appropriately sized through-holes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise geometric features in the fluid interconnect region of an ink container which inhibit residual ink from contacting a removable seal on the container or the fingers and clothing of the container installer. The features comprise a fluid accumulator and capillary break.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise one-part elastomeric valves which are manipulated after molding to preload the valve seal. The valves maintain positive seal until a fluidic pressure or mechanical force is applied to open the valve. The valves return to a closed state after the pressure or force is removed.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a paintbrush is disclosed, which releasably attaches to the handle of the paintbrush and provides a means of resting the brush on an external support while preventing the "wet" end of the brush from contacting nearby surfaces. The paintbrush accessory provides several alternative ways of supporting a paintbrush on an external support, and may be easily modified by the user. The accessory is preferably integrally molded of a resilient plastic, such that it is inexpensive to the consumer and may be disposed of or recycled after use.

Abstract: A combined plate and cup holder incorporates an integral cup holder, the bottom surface of which serves as a convenient means of holding the plate. Access to the bottom surface of the cup holder is enhanced with a raised hand passthrough element connecting the rim of the plate to the cup holder, which also serves to lower the center of gravity of the plate with respect to the diner's hand, thereby facilitating the balance of the plate on the diner's hand and increasing security and comfort. The lower surfaces of the plate and cup holder are substantially coplanar, allowing the plate to rest stably on a flat surface. The cupholder extends above the rim of the plate, providing increased stability for a cup or beverage can. Both full-size and small embodiments of the buffet plate are presented, with the full-size plate having the cupholder positioned near the center of the plate for improved comfort and balance.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope uses a high refractive index solid immersion lens (SIL) probe to provide optical images with a resolution better than the diffraction limit in air. The SIL probe has a spherical upper surface and a conical (or pyramidal) lower surface with a sharp tip. The SIL reduces the focused spot size because the spherical surface increases the angle of the marginal rays and the high refractive index material shortens the wavelength. The focused spot generates an evanescent wave having an amplitude that decays exponentially with distance from the SIL. The sharp tip on the lower surface reduces the tip-sample contact area and the tip-sample separation so that sample is within the near-field of the SIL probe. The sample perturbs the evanescent wave and a photodetector monitors characteristics of the light. A cantilever carries the SIL probe and a cantilever deflection sensor permits precise control of tip-sample forces and separation.