Abstract: A portable air conditioning unit (10) that is designed to produce cooled air without the need for a cooling refrigerant. The unit (10) includes an enclosure (12) that houses an air duct (40) having an air input port (42) attached to a fan (48) that is powered by a rechargeable battery pack (34), and an air exhaust vent (36) that protrudes through an air exhaust opening located on a first panel (24) located on the enclosure (12). The air exhaust vent (36) passes the cooled air through a flexible air passage hose (90) having an air output connector (96) that is attached to a structure air input port (102) located on a cooled-air receiving structure (100). The structure (100) can consist of various structures which include a bed sheet (140), a sleeping bag (148), a tent (178), a field suit (204) or a flexible non-porous drape (230) that is dimensioned to be draped over the back of an animal (304) such as a horse.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a CCD and a light monitor window (“LMW”) and a black region adjacent the LMW. The LMW is imaged to provide feedback signals for Red, Green and Blue channels of the CCD. The black region is imaged to remove flare from the feedback signals. The flare-corrected feedback signals may be supplied to gain compensation controls.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a CCD and a light monitor window (“LMW”) and a black region adjacent the LMW. The LMW is imaged to provide feedback signals for Red, Green and Blue channels of the CCD. The black region is imaged to remove flare from the feedback signals. The flare-corrected feedback signals may be supplied to gain compensation controls.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a CCD and a light monitor window (“LMW”) and a black region adjacent the LMW. The LMW is imaged to provide feedback signals for Red, Green and Blue channels of the CCD. The black region is imaged to remove flare from the feedback signals. The flare-corrected feedback signals may be supplied to gain compensation controls.

Abstract: An air-flow containment and distribution assembly (10) consisting of a bed sheet (24) or an agricultural parcel cover (22), an air duct (38) and an electric fan (14) that preferably includes a speed control (18) and a heating element (20). The cover (22,24) includes at least one air-duct opening (36) located near an edge of the cover (22,24), and the air duct (38) includes a closed front section (48) and an open rear end (50). The duct's front section (48) has a bulbous shape (58) and a rectangular opening (52) dimensioned to be attached to the air-duct opening (36) and the rear end (50) forms a shroud (56) that attaches to the fan (14). When the bed sheet (24) is placed over a bed mattress (100), the air (12) from the fan (14) flows through the air duct (38) and under the sheet (24) to maintain a person or persons under the bed sheet at a selectable air flow and temperature. Likewise, the air flowing under the agricultural parcel cover (22) safeguards the produce from damaging adverse weather.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling image transfer device operations through use of sensed indicia disposed on at least one edge of the image transfer medium. A signal responsive to the sensed indicia is produced and transferred to a control signal. The control signal is recognizable by the image transfer device for controlling print operations, thereby configuring the device for the specific media being utilized. In a preferred embodiment of the invention indicia are placed on the four edges of the media. The indicia can be in the form of a bar code encoding such information as brand, media type, orientation, and size. Preferably the indicia include nonvisible, fluorescing ink.