Abstract: Provided is a container for transporting a consumable such as a medium on which an image is to be printed. The container includes a support surface and a reading component coupled to the support surface to read a computer-readable code accompanying the consumable. A relay interface is operatively connected to the reading component to receive a signal indicative of the computer-readable code read by the reading component, and communicate with a compatible reader provided to the receiving apparatus to convey information about the computer-readable code read by the reading component to the receiving apparatus. The relay interface can be coupled to the tray at a location remotely located from the reading component and having an orientation that is different from an orientation of the reading component.

Abstract: Provided is a container for transporting a consumable such as a medium on which an image is to be printed. The container includes a support surface and a reading component coupled to the support surface to read a computer-readable code accompanying the consumable. A relay interface is operatively connected to the reading component to receive a signal indicative of the computer-readable code read by the reading component, and communicate with a compatible reader provided to the receiving apparatus to convey information about the computer-readable code read by the reading component to the receiving apparatus. The relay interface can be coupled to the tray at a location remotely located from the reading component and having an orientation that is different from an orientation of the reading component.

Abstract: Provided is a container for transporting a consumable such as a medium on which an image is to be printed. The container includes a support surface and a reading component coupled to the support surface to read a computer-readable code accompanying the consumable. A relay interface is operatively connected to the reading component to receive a signal indicative of the computer-readable code read by the reading component, and communicate with a compatible reader provided to the receiving apparatus to convey information about the computer-readable code read by the reading component to the receiving apparatus. The relay interface can be coupled to the tray at a location remotely located from the reading component and having an orientation that is different from an orientation of the reading component.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stabilizing an elastomeric property of an elastomeric material. The method includes placing the elastomeric material in a pressurizing chamber and applying a suitable hydrostatic pressure to the elastomeric material within the pressurizing chamber to at least partially compress the elastomeric material. Application of the hydrostatic pressure is maintained for a period of time suitable to at least partially stabilize a restorative force exhibited by the elastomeric material in response to subsequent exposures of the elastomeric material to a compressive force.

Abstract: A multi-media printer includes an engine controller, a printhead controller, and a pulse activation table. The engine controller transmits a row of energy values. The printhead controller receives the row of energy values and transmits an activation signal. The activation signal is transmitted based on a comparison of an activating energy level for each pulse position in a pulse stream with the energy values in the row of energy values. Comparison logic performs the comparison and transmits an activation signal if the energy value for the row of energy values is greater than or equal to the activating energy level for the corresponding pulse positions.

Abstract: A hard copy recording device for transferring images to media, the hard copy recording device including an engine, a controller, a first non-volatile memory, and a second non-volatile memory. The engine transfers images to the media in response to control signals. The controller provides the control signals to the engine based upon image data and a first non-volatile memory stores recording device system data accessible by processes executing at the controller. The second non-volatile memory stores a copy of selected portions of the recording device system data, the second non-volatile memory being detachably coupled to the hard copy recording device and capable of being coupled to a second hard copy recording device for downloading the selected portions of the recording device system data to the second hard copy recording device.

Abstract: A hard copy recording device for transferring images to media, the hard copy recording device including an engine, a controller, a first non-volatile memory, and a second non-volatile memory. The engine transfers images to the media in response to control signals. The controller provides the control signals to the engine based upon image data and a first non-volatile memory stores recording device system data accessible by processes executing at the controller. The second non-volatile memory stores a copy of selected portions of the recording device system data, the second non-volatile memory being detachably coupled to the hard copy recording device and capable of being coupled to a second hard copy recording device for downloading the selected portions of the recording device system data to the second hard copy recording device.

Abstract: A multi-media printer includes an engine controller, a printhead controller, and a pulse activation table. The engine controller transmits a row of energy values. The printhead controller receives the row of energy values and transmits an activation signal. The activation signal is transmitted based on a comparison of an activating energy level for each pulse position in a pulse stream with the energy values in the row of energy values. Comparison logic performs the comparison and transmits an activation signal if the energy value for the row of energy values is greater than or equal to the activating energy level for the corresponding pulse positions.

Abstract: A platen roller is placed in a fixture. A plurality of pressurizing rollers are placed in the fixture. At least one of the plurality of pressuring rollers applies a pressure to the platen roller to pre-age the roller. A platen roller is placed in a pressurized chamber. A hydrostatic pressure is applied to the platen roller to pre-age the roller. A pre-aging software program is executed to pre-age a platen roller. The printer is instructed to print a number of large format media prints. The printer is instructed to print a number of small format media prints. This cycling continues for either a pre-determined time or a threshold number of prints.

Abstract: A hard copy recording device for transferring images to media, the hard copy recording device including an engine, a controller, a first non-volatile memory, and a second non-volatile memory. The engine transfers images to the media in response to control signals. The controller provides the control signals to the engine based upon image data and a first non-volatile memory stores recording device system data accessible by processes executing at the controller. The second non-volatile memory stores a copy of selected portions of the recording device system data, the second non-volatile memory being detachably coupled to the hard copy recording device and capable of being coupled to a second hard copy recording device for downloading the selected portions of the recording device system data to the second hard copy recording device.

Abstract: A printer capable of transferring images to different types of media is disclosed. Media sheets of different sizes and types may be dispensed through a single input path to a print station including a printhead and a platen. The printhead is adapted for transferring images to media using either a direct thermal or dye diffusion process. A capstan roller, platen roller, picker assemblies and kicker assemblies are driven by a single motor, allowing for substantial cost and space savings. Other features are directed to improving the quality of images using the direct thermal and dye diffusion processes.

Abstract: A printer capable of transferring images to different types of media is disclosed. Media sheets of different sizes and types may be dispensed through a single input path to a print station including a printhead and a platen. The printhead is adapted for transferring images to media using either a direct thermal or dye diffusion process. A capstan roller, platen roller, picker assemblies and kicker assemblies are driven by a single motor, allowing for substantial cost and space savings. Other features are directed to improving the quality of images using the direct thermal and dye diffusion processes.

Abstract: A printer capable of transferring images to different types of media is disclosed. Media sheets of different sizes and types may be dispensed through a single input path to a print station including a printhead and a platen. The printhead is adapted for transferring images to media using either a direct thermal or dye diffusion process. A capstan roller, platen roller, picker assemblies and kicker assemblies are driven by a single motor, allowing for substantial cost and space savings. Other features are directed to improving the quality of images using the direct thermal and dye diffusion processes.

Abstract: A printer capable of transferring images to different types of media is disclosed. Media sheets of different sizes and types may be dispensed through a single input path to a print station including a printhead and a platen. The printhead is adapted for transferring images to media using either a direct thermal or dye diffusion process. A capstan roller, platen roller, picker assemblies and kicker assemblies are driven by a single motor, allowing for substantial cost and space savings. Other features are directed to improving the quality of images using the direct thermal and dye diffusion processes.