Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: In certain described implementations, a networked device may be configured to perform multiple actions to distribute operational instructions. These actions may include receiving information that is related to operational instructions for the networked device, procuring a file that has installable operational instructions responsive to the received information, and installing the file to an operational instructions space of the networked device.

Abstract: A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.

Abstract: An imaging media cartridge for use in an imaging apparatus includes a first imaging media reservoir chamber and a second imaging media reservoir chamber. A removable barrier is disposed between the first imaging media reservoir chamber and the second imaging media reservoir chamber. By removing the removable barrier, a reserve of imaging media can be provided from the second imaging media reservoir chamber to the first imaging media reservoir chamber. In one embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a toner cartridge. In another embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a liquid ink cartridge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to generating print history information regarding an electronic document and recording the information into a print history property within the electronic document. Print history information includes details of each print instance, such as the date and time a document is printed, the printer used, and the computer device providing the print job. Advantages of the disclosed system and methods for creating a document print history include an ability to determine particular users who print restricted-access documents and an ability to maintain document databases.

Abstract: An imaging media cartridge for use in an imaging apparatus includes a first imaging media reservoir chamber and a second imaging media reservoir chamber. A removable barrier is disposed between the first imaging media reservoir chamber and the second imaging media reservoir chamber. By removing the removable barrier, a reserve of imaging media can be provided from the second imaging media reservoir chamber to the first imaging media reservoir chamber. In one embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a toner cartridge. In another embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a liquid ink cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing information on printer errors, in response to specific printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and a memory. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. The user may view the error messages, each error message contains basic information on the type of error that occurred, and a “link” to obtain further information. By activating the link, the user can download information on that error from a remote computer over World Wide Web (Internet) or other network. Information on printer errors is maintained and updated in a memory of the remote computer. The system thus provides the most current information related to each printer error.

Abstract: A method and system for managing and manipulating documents sent via e-mail wherein dedicated e-mail addresses associated with daemons, or other programming code, are used to direct the functions carried out on the documents, such as printing, storing, or posting to an Internet file, portions of an e-mail message or attachments.

Abstract: A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying a network administrator of any attempted or actual remote firmware upgrades, or software updates, occurring on a network device, particularly a printing device, wherein a network administrator may be informed of the remote firmware update by e-mail.

Abstract: A method and system for organizing printed documents associated with an e-mail message wherein each of the printed documents may be separated by a printer header page reflecting some or all of the signature information included with the e-mail message from which the printed documents originate.

Abstract: A system and method for managing firmware on network devices wherein a computer program operates a plurality of executables for determining firmware versions, obtaining firmware updates from remote locations over an Internet connection, and updating or installing new firmware on network devices monitored by the computer program.

Abstract: Systems for retaining print job settings based upon a user's preferred print settings including a processor adapted to communicate with an imaging device and a registry coupled to the imaging device that includes the user's preferred print setting. In one embodiment, the registry stores the user's print settings in a database as name/value pairs. The user's print settings in the registry can override any default settings stored in the registry. Likewise, if print settings accompany a print job, those settings can override the user's preferred print setting stored in the registry. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: In a computer system, print jobs are printed on a selected printer utilizing the printer properties in effect for that printer at the time that the print job was spooled for printing. Typically, the printer prints utilizing default printer properties. However, users may temporarily override these default values by specifying temporary printer properties from within applications. A printer properties notification is provided to a user when temporary printer properties are in effect when printing is initiated. Selection buttons provided during this notification allow the user to then indicate how to proceed.

Abstract: A system for facilitating remote printing via a network. The system includes a first mechanism for receiving information with respect to the presence of one or more printers connected to the network and selecting an available printer in response thereto. A second mechanism pulls the document from the first mechanism in preparation for printing via the available printer. In the illustrative embodiment, the inventive printing system is adapted for use with Internet appliances and handheld computers. In a specific embodiment, the first mechanism includes a first software module implemented via a client running on the device. The first software module generates a print broadcast to the one or more printers and includes a second software module for responding to the print broadcast via an availability message that indicates the availability status of the one or more printers. The second mechanism includes is adapted to receive the availability message and provide a list of available printers in response thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for partitioning multiple media handling jobs in an input tray/automatic document feeder (ADF) and performing different functions for each job. Such structures of this type, generally, allow for partitioning multiple media handling jobs. For example, a user arrives at a multi-functional product (MFP) with several documents. The user wishes to fax a document, make copies of another document, and digitally transmit and archive a third document. This invention would enable the user to load all three documents into the ADF and program the MFP to perform the desired tasks on the different documents even if the documents contained differently sized and shaped media.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically converting data received from a remote device are described. A representative data conversion system includes at least a first remote device. The system also includes a conversion device communicatively coupled to at least the first remote device. The conversion device is configured to receive information from at least the first remote device, wherein the information is configured to enable conversion of data from a first format to a second format. Other methods, devices, and programs are included.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting data across a firewall are described. A representative method includes: receiving a request to transmit data to a destination; searching for a firewall associated with the destination, the firewall being configured to prohibit communication to the destination via a primary communication protocol and allow communication to the destination via a secondary communication protocol. If the firewall is detected, automatically configuring the data for communication with the secondary communication protocol; and transmitting the data to the destination by utilizing the secondary communication protocol. Other devices and programs are disclosed.