Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving print jobs over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at a location which may be unspecified, and which may be remote from the source of the print job. A spooling server is used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. A printer polling device, which may be used at a location remote from the client device, is capable of polling the spooling server via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the printer polling device are available for printing at a printer currently associated with the polling device. The spooling server need not initiate contact with the printer through a firewall, since it is polled by the printer polling device. Thus, network security is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a document output device. A control request for controlling the document output device is forwarded from a client device to a server via a network. The control request is stored at the server and communicated to the designated document output device in response to a polling request received via the network from a polling device associated with the designated document output device. Once received, the control request may be carried out at the designated document output device. The control request may include a request for the status of the document output device. The control request may also enable the control of a software function of the document output device, or the updating of firmware and software of the document output device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving print jobs over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at a location which may be unspecified, and which may be remote from the source of the print job. A spooling server is used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. A printer polling device, which may be used at a location remote from the client device, is capable of polling the spooling server via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the printer polling device are available for printing at a printer currently associated with the polling device. The spooling server need not initiate contact with the printer through a firewall, since it is polled by the printer polling device. Thus, network security is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display using one or more movable mechanical scanning mechanisms. The mechanical scanning mechanisms and one or more stationary addressing elements provide electrical field addressing for control of the desired pixel(s) in a display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving print jobs over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at a location which may be unspecified, and which may be remote from the source of the print job. A spooling server is used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. A printer polling device, which may be used at a location remote from the client device, is capable of polling the spooling server via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the printer polling device are available for printing at a printer currently associated with the polling device. The spooling server need not initiate contact with the printer through a firewall, since it is polled by the printer polling device. Thus, network security is maintained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for repairing inoperative pixels in a display are provided. In particular, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for improving the effective yield rates of displays, such as liquid crystal micro-displays, by disconnecting inoperative pixels from their defective drive circuitry and tying such pixels to the working drive circuit of a nearby pixel. A display can be repaired without the need to provide redundant drive circuitry underneath each pixel.

Abstract: An exposure slit for an image recording apparatus comprises a plate having an opening for the passage of light. First and second inclined walls extend toward each other from the plate to form a slit over the opening. The inclined walls form a light trap which reduces the occurrence of fogging in the image recorder.

Abstract: One or more lenses are revolved around an axis normal to a flat scan plane to provide a scanning mechanism for exposure onto (or reading off of) a flat plane of a substrate. The data for the image is remapped electronically or in software to compensate for the curved path of the focal point of the scanning lens. Combined with a conventional scanning mechanism in a second axis, an area scan is accomplished inexpensively on a flat plane.

Abstract: A switching power supply that converts an input AC or DC voltage to a regulated output DC voltage while offering electrical isolation between the input and output stages through use of solid state switches and charge storage devices in place of isolation transformer used in traditional systems. The power supply uses two series connected switching blocks that alternately charge and discharge a storage capacitor, wherein each switching block includes a pair of switches which may be turned on and off with a duty cycle adjusted by a controller. The duty cycle and on time of each block is adjusted such that respective blocks are never turned on at the same time, thereby providing electrical isolation.

Abstract: Upon energization of the control unit, it operates a switch to supply air in a gap between the cutting nozzle and the electrode of a plasma torch, a second switch to apply a high voltage from a high voltage DC (direct current) power supply unit at the gap to initiate a starting arc, a third switch to energize a low voltage direct current power supply unit, and a fourth switch in circuitry for applying from the low voltage power supply unit, a low voltage across the cutting nozzle and the electrode to establish a pilot arc after the high voltage has been applied across the gap and after the establishment of the pilot arc and upon moving the head of the torch sufficiently closely adjacent to the a workpiece, establish a main arc between the electrode and the workpiece. Preferably the high voltage is applied for only about 0.25-0.5 seconds and the low voltage applied across the cutting nozzle and the electrode for about 3 second.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a plasma torch that includes a torch body that at its upstream portion is adapted for being removably retained in a plurality of laterally adjusted positions by one lateral end position of a handle. The opposite end of the torch body is joined to the head to extend at an obtuse angle. The head includes an adaptor and an electrode having axial portion coaxially arranged to an air tube and at least parts of the combination of the torch shell and the nozzle to provide a cooling air path to flow downwardly through the tube, thence upwardly around the tube and thence downwardly to primarily discharge downwardly through the shell and in part through the nozzle. A stand and holder are mounted on the shell to hold the nozzle spaced from the cutting surface. The handle has a pair of switches connected in series and positioned to prevent accidently starting the cutting operation, i.e.