Abstract: An air bearing transport apparatus has a support structure coupled to a plurality of traction units. The traction units are tracks that are rotationally coupled to the support structure and independently steerable. Each traction unit is coupled to the support structure by a linear actuator that acts as a normal force applicator to prevent slippage. A plurality of thrusters in a lower portion of the support structure provides a gas flow substantially perpendicular to a support surface of the support structure to provide an upward force on the support structure. The air bearing transport apparatus may be used with a portable modular surface comprising interlocking tiles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a customer identifying information in a consumable used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving an order from a customer for one or more consumables, each of the one or more consumables having a tag memory, retrieving customer identifying information relating to the customer, storing the retrieved customer identifying information in the tag memory of each of the ordered one or more consumables, and sending the ordered one or more consumables to the customer corresponding to the customer identifying information stored in the tag memory of each of the ordered one or more consumables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a part number for a consumable to be used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include generating a pre-printed label that includes one or more potential part numbers for the consumable with an indication area proximate to the one or more potential part numbers, the indication area including reactive material, attaching the preprinted label on packaging for the consumable, determining a desired part number from the one or more potential part numbers for the consumable, and indicating the desired part number for the consumable by activating the reactive material proximate to the desired part number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a part number for a consumable to be used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include generating a pre-printed label that includes one or more potential part numbers for the consumable with an indication area proximate to the one or more potential part numbers, the indication area including reactive material, attaching the preprinted label on packaging for the consumable, determining a desired part number from the one or more potential part numbers for the consumable, and indicating the desired part number for the consumable by activating the reactive material proximate to the desired part number.