Patents Assigned to Hewlett-Packard Company
  • Battery recycling
    Patent number: 6618644
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide a convenient way for consumers to recycle used batteries. The apparatus is a self-contained station or kiosk that accepts used batteries from a consumer and dispenses one or both of fully charged batteries and credit for the used battery to the consumer. The method determines one or more of chemistry, rechargeability and condition of the used battery, assigns a credit value to the used battery, and dispenses a form of credit based on the assigned credit value. The present invention recycles one or both of used rechargeable and used non-rechargeable batteries and separately dispenses fully charged batteries. Used rechargeable batteries are recharged and reused, and used non-rechargeable batteries are collected for proper disposal according to regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company, LP.
    Inventor: Heather N. Bean
  • Superscalar processing system and method for selectively stalling instructions within an issue group
    Patent number: 6618802
    Abstract: A processing system receives instructions from a computer program. Each instruction is included within an issue group such that each issue group only includes instructions that may be simultaneously processed. The issue groups are then sequentially transmitted to a plurality of pipelines that simultaneously processes and executes the instructions within the issue groups in program order. During execution, the instructions within an issue group are analyzed to determine whether any of the instructions in the issue group is dependent on unavailable data. Any of the instructions in the issue group determined to be dependent on unavailable data are independently stalled, while execution of other instructions in the issue group is allowed to continue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronny Lee Arnold, Donald Charles Soltis, Jr.
  • Tool-less coupling system for electronic modules
    Patent number: 6618264
    Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling device boards for a computer system during any operational state of the computer system. A tool-free latch assembly is provided for coupling a device switchboard and the device boards to a mounting structure of the computer system. The tool-free latch also may have a transparent portion for transmitting light from a device status light to interior and exterior areas of the computer system. A non-mechanical switch also may be utilized in conjunction with the tool-free latch assembly to control power to the device boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard-Company, L.P.
    Inventors: George D. Megason, Joseph R. Allen, Henry C. Coles, Dit Charoen
  • Call-center call routing
    Patent number: 6614902
    Abstract: A call center has a number of workgroups each with a routing controller for determining the most suitable destination within the workgroup for receiving a call. This determination is done on the basis of a routing table periodically generated for the workgroup by the routing controller. The workgroups exchange their routing tables. The routing controller of every workgroup thus has sufficient information to globally determine the most suitable workgroup to handle an incoming call. This redundancy avoids the need to provide a fault tolerant central controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Daniele Rizzetto
  • System and method for illuminating light emitting diodes in a contact image sensor
    Patent number: 6614191
    Abstract: A circuit and method are provided for generating light to illuminate a subject such as a print medium for scanning using, for example, a contact image sensor. The circuit includes a light emitting diode and a variable current control circuit coupled to the light emitting diode. The variable current control circuit is configured to establish a current through the light emitting diode, the magnitude of the current being variable. The variable current control circuit includes a programmable current sink. Alternatively, the variable current control circuit may also include an offset current sink. The programmable current sink and the offset current sink (if included) are employed to establish the variable current through the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Curt Van Lydegraf
  • Ink drop sensor
    Patent number: 6612677
    Abstract: A sensor includes an ink drop sensing element integral to a printed circuit board. Sensing circuitry is coupled to the printed circuit board and may be configured to receive electrical signals from the sensing element. A method of manufacturing such an ink drop sensor and a printing mechanism having such an ink drop sensor are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Wen-Li Su, Patrick J. Therien, Steve O'Hara
  • Inkjet printing system with ink-efficient font
    Patent number: 6609776
    Abstract: A customized font based on fixed font cells having certain non-printable pixels along its perimeter, and formed by a pixel grid having a higher dpi horizontal resolution as compared to its vertical resolution. By preventing any marking dots on adjacent pixels in a given row, a minimal amount of ink drops can be used to print digitized characters, and higher throughput is obtained by using a printhead having a nozzle pitch which is the same as the vertical print resolution, and which has a swath width which allows a complete row of character cells to be printed in a single pass of the printhead across the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Eric L. Ames, Reece D. Theobald, Don Carroll
  • Solid-state memory with magnetic storage cells
    Patent number: 6607924
    Abstract: A solid-state memory including an array of magnetic storage cells and a set of conductors. The process steps that pattern the conductors also patterns the magnetic layers in the magnetic storage cells thereby avoiding the need to employ precise alignment between pattern masks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James A. Brug, Lung T. Tran, Thomas C. Anthony, Manoj K. Bhattacharyya, Janice Nickel
  • Reserving ink for printer servicing purposes
    Patent number: 6607262
    Abstract: An inkjet printing system and method that enables printing to continue after an ink supply has been depleted without damaging the printhead associated with the depleted ink supply. The method detects whether less than a predetermined reserve amount of ink remains in a depleted ink supply and, if so, then ink drops will be ejected from that depleted ink supply only during servicing operations. Since ink drops from non-depleted ink supplies will still be ejected during both printing operations and servicing operations, printing can continue, though possibly with reduced image quality. This is particularly advantageous in printing systems that include fax capability, since fax messages that cannot be printed may be lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ronald G. Paul, Rory A. Heim
  • Network-based game system and method
    Publication number: 20030153373
    Abstract: A network-based game system is provided that includes a game processing subsystem for providing a virtual game environment in which player-controlled virtual game entities can move. Players communicate with the game processing subsystem via connectivity subsystems, such as wireless and wired LANs, that each permit access by multiple players. The processing subsystem associates each connectivity subsystem with a respective particular location in the game environment. Each such particular location has at least one special game-play significance for a virtual game entity associated with a player communicating with the processing subsystem via the corresponding connectivity subsystem; for example, the game entity may only be allowed to enter and leave the game at this location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert Francis Squibbs
  • Apparatus and method for selling personal information
    Publication number: 20030154171
    Abstract: A system for selling personal information through a trusted third party. An owner of the personal information provides policy governing the sale of the owner's personal information and authorizes information sources to provide the personal information to the trusted third party. The trusted third party provides for validation of the personal information and sells it to requesters in accordance with the policy, and provides payment or credit to the owner as compensation for the sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventors: Alan H. Karp, Rajiv Gupta, Arindam Banerji
  • Method and apparatus for detecting anomalous nozzles in an ink jet printer device
    Patent number: 6604807
    Abstract: A method for detecting clogged or otherwise anomalous nozzles in an ink jet printing device having a printer head containing at least one nozzle configured to eject droplets of ink, the method including sending an instruction to the printer head to eject droplets of ink, generating an output signal from a detecting means configured to detect a passage of droplets past the detecting means and applying an algorithm to the output signal which is configurable to check a correct functioning of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Antoni Murcia, Xavier Bruch, Josë Luís Valero, Xavier Girones
  • Photosensitive color toner
    Patent number: 6605403
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: C. Troy Jensen, David M. Payne
  • Print on two pages concurrently
    Patent number: 6604804
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving printing efficiency are shown and described including recognition of a condition where print head swath height spans successive media including a gap therebetween. Such conditions provide opportunity to print concurrently on both media pages during one print head scan. This utilizes more fully the vertical swath height of the printer by applying when possible image to media exposed to the print head including successive media pages concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Stuart Asawaka
  • Indexing scraper cleaning system for inkjet printheads
    Patent number: 6601943
    Abstract: An indexing wiper scraper cleaning system for cleaning a scraper, which has removed ink residue from a wiper following an inkjet printhead wiping routine where the residue was first removed from the printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, has a reservoir filled with an ink solvent. Rotary scraper member having a series of scraper bars projecting radially from a cylindrical body is supported to periodically soak at least one of the scraper bars in the ink solvent bath. Following this soaking, the scraper bars are rotated through an indexing motion into a scraping position to scrape the ink residue from the wiper where the wiper is scraped across a positioned one of the scraper batrs, thereby leaving he remaining scraper bars untouched. After the scraping operation, the scraper bars are returned to the solvent bath to ready them for the next scraping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: John A. Barinaga
  • Apparatus for setting access requirements
    Publication number: 20030145222
    Abstract: A computer system comprising a trust engine for determining a trust level associated with a computer node and a policy engine for setting access requirements to a personal profile, from the computer node, based upon the determined trust level of the computer node and respective sensitivity levels associated with sub-components of the personal profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventors: Mihaela Gittler, Stephanie Riche, Marco Casassa Mont, Keith Alexander Harrison, Gavin Brebner
  • Restricting usage of digital objects associated with a wireless LAN
    Publication number: 20030144025
    Abstract: Wireless LANs can be used to provide connectivity over limited areas such as public spaces and publicly-accessible premises, both commercial and non-commercial. A variety of digital objects can be made available via a wireless LAN which can enhance the experience of persons in its coverage zone. Indeed, the availability of such digital objects (such as unusual graphic images and readings by authors of their works) can be a strong incentive for people to frequent the coverage zone. This obviously has application to premises wishing to attract people. However, the incentive to visit provided by the digital objects is degraded rapidly if it becomes easy to download copies of the digital objects into a mobile device and take them away for future enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventor: Stuart Philip Stenton
  • Discounted printing
    Publication number: 20030142339
    Abstract: A method for authorising discounted printing, comprising identifying content which has been captured by a consumer in authorised defined circumstances, and authorising discounted consumer printing of the identified content or of further content linked to the identified content
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventor: Maurizio Pilu
  • Method and apparatus for embodying documents
    Publication number: 20030142347
    Abstract: An information technology network includes a plurality of printers, at least two of which run a distributed print management programme. The programme operates to monitor all network traffic by snooping, and on the basis of monitored network traffic maintains a log of network printers, their capabilities and status. In addition the programme repeatedly checks for print job notices placed on a spooler, determines on the basis of the updated log which printer under its management is most appropriate to perform the outstanding job, and that printer to retrieve the outstanding job notice and perform the job. Conflicts between different printers retrieving the same job are either resolved by leader election, or preventing conflict by invoking the use within the spooler of a processor instruction known as TEST/SET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventors: Athena Christodoulou, Richard Taylor, Christopher Tofts
  • Method and system for collecting user-interest information regarding a picture
    Publication number: 20030144843
    Abstract: A user is presented with a picture image either in hard-copy or electronic form. Particular picture features in the image each have associated information that is presented to the user upon the user requesting such information by at least selecting the picture feature using a feature-selection arrangement. Should the user select a picture feature for which no information is provided, an identifier of the feature, for example its image coordinates, are output to inform a person involved in providing the picture and related information. Preferably, to request information about a picture feature, the user as well as selecting the feature, also inputs a query by voice; in this case, where the selected feature has no associated information, the user query is also provided back to the person involved in providing the picture and related information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventor: Guillaume Belrose