Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: An embodiment of a storage device for medical products includes a cabinet defining an enclosure having a plurality of compartments. In addition, the storage device includes a plurality of storage containers, each storage container configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of compartments. Further, the storage device includes an actuation assembly including a plurality of arms that are configured to engage the plurality of storage containers so as to secure the plurality of storage containers in the plurality of compartments. Still further, the storage device includes a release mechanism that is configured to simultaneously actuate each of the plurality of arms to release the plurality of storage containers from the plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A modular duplexing housing for an all-in-one device which may be added at a final stage of assembly in order to convert a simplex printing unit into a duplex printing and duplex ADF scanning unit. The modular duplexing unit includes a duplexing feedpath which may be positioned for feeding communication with a simplex printing feedpath in the all-in-one device. The modular duplexing unit may also comprise a secondary input tray in feeding communication with the simplex printing unit and duplexing ADF scanning unit.

Abstract: A method for scanning a media sheet with a scanning apparatus includes feeding the media sheet through the first set of rollers into a scanning area, such that a first portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A first partial media sheet image of the first portion is scanned. The media sheet is fed into the second set of rollers, then out of the first set of rollers, such that a second portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A second partial media sheet image of the second portion of the media sheet is scanned. At least the first partial media sheet image is combined with the second partial media sheet image to generate a full image of the media sheet. In a further embodiment, the number of partial scans may be increased as necessary to provide a complete image of the scanned object, e.g., the media sheet. For example, one or more intermediate scans may be performed in accordance with the present invention in addition to the scans occurring at the ends of media sheet.

Abstract: A method for operating a printer for printing a print job requiring at least one color ink. At least one printer operating parameter is chosen which may include a remaining ink volume of the at least one color ink. A first print density for one color ink is obtained for at least one future print job without regard to the obtained printer operating parameter(s). A different second print density for the one color ink is obtained for the at least one future print job based on at least the obtained printer operating parameter(s). A user prompt is issued for user approval or non-approval to use the second print density for the one color ink when printing the at least one future print job. The second print density is used upon receiving a user reply of approval. The first print density is used upon receiving a user reply of non-approval.

Abstract: User-selectable functions for use in output devices to generate background images. One embodiment of the invention provides an image capture and printing device for creating a scanned image of an item or an original image. The device includes a user interface configured to present a plurality of capture-to functions and to receive input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the plurality of capture-to functions; an image capturer configured to capture an image, where the size, shape, or intensity of the image, or a combination thereof is based upon the selected capture-to function; and a print engine configured to print the captured image as a background layer in a copy.

Abstract: A method for determining a printhead gap between a printhead and a sheet of media in an ink jet apparatus that performs bi-directional alignment of the printhead includes determining a first amount of bi-directional misalignment of the printhead at a first unknown printhead gap; changing the printhead gap from the first unknown printhead gap to a second unknown printhead gap by a known printhead gap change amount; determining a second amount of bi-directional misalignment of the printhead at the second unknown printhead gap; and calculating at least one of the first unknown printhead gap and the second unknown printhead gap based on the first amount of bi-directional misalignment, the second amount of bi-directional misalignment, and the known printhead gap change amount.

Abstract: Method for printing an image on a print medium having an edge or an edge portion. A printer adapted to print the image by printing dots is obtained. Dots are printed beyond a preselected distance from the edge or edge portion at a first percent of print dot density. Dots are printed at and within the preselected distance from the edge or edge portion at a varying percent of print dot density, wherein the varying percent steps down and not up at least two times as the distance from the edge or edge portion of dots to be printed decreases. In one example, the printer is an inkjet printer.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to select for additional processing a digital image, utilizing an apparatus containing a printer and a scanner, is disclosed, which may comprise: an order form generator adapted to generate a proof-less order form having at least one image order selection designation area, each of the at least one image order selection designation areas printed on the proof-less order form spatially accompanying one of a plurality of image identifiers, each image identifier corresponding to an image that is available for designation as being selected, without the reproduction of any graphical representation of the respective image itself on the order form; and an order processing apparatus adapted to scan the proof-less order form and interpret image order selection information associated with each of the plurality of image identifiers and to generate image selection information for further image processing.

Abstract: An in-ground receptacle for a fluid meter and/or a valve, comprising a continuous wall defining a chamber for the meter and/or valve. The wall is co-molded in three layers comprising inner and outer layers of plastic with an intermediate plastic layer having high insulative characteristics. The receptacle is provided at its upper end with an appropriate openable closure, substantially at ground level, and permitting inspection of and access to the meter and/or valve. The receptacle may have an annular interior rim near its upper end. The rim supports an insulative pad at the top of the receptacle beneath the openable closure therefor. The pad has a removable center portion enabling inspection and access to the fluid meter and/or valve. The construction of the receptacle is such as to prevent freezing of the fluid meter and/or valve.

Abstract: A life safety device is provided including a pool having an upper exterior edge. A cover is provided having a continuous sleeve formed about a periphery thereof. Also included is a belt situated within the continuous sleeve of the cover for precluding the removal of the cover from the pool.

Abstract: An in-ground receptacle for a fluid meter and/or a valve, comprising a continuous wall defining a chamber for the meter and/or valve. The wall is molded in three layers comprising smooth inner and outer layers of plastic with an intermediate plastic layer having high insulative characteristics. The receptacle is provided at its upper end with an appropriate openable closure, substantially at ground level, and permitting inspection of and access to the meter and/or valve. The receptacle has an annular interior rim near its upper end. The rim supports an insulative pad at the top of the receptacle beneath the openable closure therefor. The pad has a removable center portion enabling inspection and access to the fluid meter and/or valve. The construction of the receptacle is such as to prevent freezing of the fluid meter and/or valve.