Abstract: A media feed system includes a roller and a selectively adjustable biasing system operatively connected to the roller, wherein the adjustable biasing system includes a spring coupled to an adjustable mount, the mount being movable to compress or decompress the spring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening sealed containers includes, in a container with a removable seal, container packaging, with a removal end and a closed end, conformed to receive and removably retain the container. The seal has a front end and a rear end. A connector connects the seal and the container packaging. In another aspect of the invention, a connector extension is attached to the connector and to the seal.

Abstract: A container for flowable materials includes a first chamber storing flowable material within the container. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber within the container and contains a stirrer. A metering mechanism permits selective transfer of flowable material from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A media feed system includes a roller and a selectively adjustable biasing system operatively connected to the roller, wherein the adjustable biasing system includes a spring coupled to an adjustable mount, the mount being movable to compress or decompress the spring.

Abstract: A writing instrument, e.g., a pen, incorporates at least three color ink chambers: cyan (C), yellow (Y), and magenta (M). The ink from the three chambers can be mixed in varying ratios to provide an output ink of any conceivable color. Ink jet nozzles, preferably thermal ink jet nozzles, are used to output the ink from the chambers. The ink may be output to a mixing chamber, onto a roller ball or other transfer member, or directly to the writing medium. Consequently, the ink output by the pen can be adjusted by the user to any desired color.

Abstract: A container for flowable materials includes a first chamber storing flowable material within the container. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber within the container and contains a stirrer. A metering mechanism permits selective transfer of flowable material from the first chamber to the second chamber.

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.

Abstract: The addition of directory entries into phone devices, such as telephones, is disclosed. The phone devices are coupled to common phone line wiring, and have caller ID, caller log, and directory storage capabilities. Phone calls are simulated to the phone devices. The phone calls correspond to directory entries, such as those that the user wishes to add to the phone devices. Each phone call has caller ID information reflecting a corresponding directory entry. After the phone calls for the directory entries have been simulated, each phone device has a caller log of the caller ID information of the simulated phone calls for transfer into a directory storage thereof.

Abstract: A writing instrument, e.g., a pen, incorporates at least three color ink chambers: cyan (C), yellow (Y), and magenta (M). The ink from the three chambers can be mixed in varying ratios to provide an output ink of any conceivable color. Ink jet nozzles, preferably thermal ink jet nozzles, are used to output the ink from the chambers. The ink may be output to a mixing chamber, onto a roller ball or other transfer member, or directly to the writing medium. Consequently, the ink output by the pen can be adjusted by the user to any desired color.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for printing particles of a color toner that is selectively colored and can demonstrate or reflect color based upon exposure to light of known wavelength, intensity, and duration. The color toner is sensitive to a plurality of wavelengths to provide a desired color. The apparatus performs three basic functions: (1) applies the toner to a print medium, using an electrophotographic process, requiring the toner to be chargeable; (2) selectively applies light to the toner, the light being of known wavelength, intensity, and duration, to convert the toner particles to the desired color(s); and (3) bonds or attaches the toner to the print medium. Since the color toner includes all necessary colors that are selectively activated, only one color toner and thus only application of one color toner is required.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for printing particles of a color toner that is selectively colored and can demonstrate or reflect color based upon exposure to light of known wavelength, intensity, and duration. The color toner is sensitive to a plurality of wavelengths to provide a desired color. The apparatus performs three basic functions: (1) applies the toner to a print medium, using an electrophotographic process, requiring the toner to be chargeable; (2) selectively applies light to the toner, the light being of known wavelength, intensity, and duration, to convert the toner particles to the desired color(s); and (3) bonds or attaches the toner to the print medium. Since the color toner includes all necessary colors that are selectively activated, only one color toner and thus only application of one color toner is required.

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. The optional base layer (or a separate layer associated with each color layer) is employed if chemical fixing, instead of electronic fixing, is required. If used, the fixer layer(s) comprise(s) fixing agents for fixing unexcited silver halide by saturating the unreacted silver halide with electrons and to terminate developer and color coupler reactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening sealed containers includes, in a container with a removable seal, container packaging, with a removal end and a closed end, conformed to receive and removably retain the container. The seal has a front end and a rear end. A connector connects the seal and the container packaging. In another aspect of the invention, a connector extension is attached to the connector and to the seal.

Abstract: A lock control device for a computer or other piece of equipment can control accesses to that equipment. The lock control device provides input to the computer or other piece of equipment to identify an authorized user. This input is in lieu of, for example, entry of one or more passwords using a keyboard. The lock control device of the present invention is preferably activated using, for example, a proximity card or a magnetic strip card. In this way, access to the equipment secured by the lock control device can be quickly activated, even if that equipment has timed out and locked up.

Abstract: The addition of directory entries into phone devices, such as telephones, is disclosed. The phone devices are coupled to common phone line wiring, and have caller ID, caller log, and directory storage capabilities. Phone calls are simulated to the phone devices. The phone calls correspond to directory entries, such as those that the user wishes to add to the phone devices. Each phone call has caller ID information reflecting a corresponding directory entry. After the phone calls for the directory entries have been simulated, each phone device has a caller log of the caller ID information of the simulated phone calls for transfer into a directory storage thereof.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus is configured to substantially support media sheets along their edges by causing the media sheets to substantially bend along their transversely extending axes. Conventional types of media sheets are typically unable to be supported at their edges because they often tend to bend along axially extending axes. According to a sheet handling method, a transversely extending bend is created in the media sheets. In this respect, the media sheets may be supported along their edges without substantially bending along their axially extending axes. In addition, by substantially removing the transversely extending bend in the media sheets, the media sheets are caused to drop substantially straight between a pair of support members. Thus, it is unnecessary to move the support members apart from one another to cause the media sheets to drop between the support members.