Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for providing enhanced communications for the managing of projects, particularly to project communications involving multiple resource providers. The invention provides for a network accessed business system and database. The system permits parallel public, limited, and proprietary access to database information for the purpose of establishing and managing projects requiring multiple, and potentially competitive, resource providers. The invention specifically provides for the exchange of information required between project owners, project managers, and competitive, bidding resource providers necessary to assemble and manage both materiel and an effective project team.

Abstract: A recording and/or playback apparatus for recording data read out from a first storage medium into a second storage medium, includes a recording device for recording data read out from the first storage medium into the second storage medium, an input unit for inputting identification data identifying the first storage medium in accordance with an operation carried out by the user, and a controller for executing control to associate additional information generated on the basis of the identification data input by the input unit with the data read out from the first storage medium during or after a recording operation carried out by the recording into the second storage medium.

Abstract: Methods and software of the present invention include maintaining a database of buyers and sellers, updating the database with information from sellers about buyers who have defaulted on payment terms, processing data about buyers who have defaulted on payment terms, notifying the buyer(s) who have defaulted of a time to cure the default, determining when a buyer fails to cure a default in time, and notifying all sellers who sell to the buyer who failed to cure the default that the buyer failed to cure the default. According to another embodiment, sellers are classified according to the types of goods/services which they sell and when a buyer fails to cure a default all sellers in the same class as the seller which was party to the default are notified. According to another embodiment, all members in the system may obtain information about any other member in the system prior to doing business with the other member. Individual members of the system may be at once both a buyer and a seller, e.g.

Abstract: In a container, an ink exhausting detecting liquid permeable sponge and an ink permeable sponge are disposed with an isolation film therebetween. The ink exhaustion detecting liquid is oil based, and has a resistance value higher than that of ink, and a specific gravity smaller than that of ink. In usage, the isolation film is drawn out of the container, whereby the ink exhaustion detecting liquid permeable sponge is brought into contact with the ink permeable sponge.

Abstract: An ink pen is provided with a protective cover apparatus to protect the ink pen print head against damage caused by the ingress of dirt and debris, the accumulation of solidification of ink, and the like. The protective cover apparatus has a resilient shield bent in a curve that includes an arch. The shield may be mounted to the ink pen and move between a protective position and a stowed position. In the protective position, the arch is protectively positioned over the print head. In the stowed position, the shield may be retracted into a cavity provided in the ink pen.

Abstract: A system for supplying liquid ink to a thermal ink-jet printing apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having a ventilation port and an outlet port. The chamber retains a quantity of liquid ink. An ink delivery medium is disposed across the outlet port, providing a capillary force greater than that of the medium. The ink delivery medium is a high density, fine pore fully open cell polyester polyurethane, preferably, ULTRA FINE. A filter is attached to the ink delivery medium.

Abstract: A system is herein disclosed for use in the delivery of fluid from a reservoir to a relatively reciprocating fluid discharge mechanism via an arrangement of coiled tubes which may be expanded or retracted with reciprocation of the discharge mechanism. The system is preferably arranged with a series of concentrically coiled tubes, each tube carrying a different fluid to the discharge mechanism. Adjacent coils are wrapped in opposing rotational directions so as to create a web-like matrix which supports the coils in their extended form.