Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130078988 | SYSTEM EFFECTIVE TO MODULATE A CODE AND PROVIDE CONTENT TO A USER - A system and method effective to provide content to a user. The system may include a sound device, a smart phone, and a processor. The sound device may modulate a code where a first set of frequencies represents a logic 0 and a second set of frequencies represents a logic 1. The smart phone may demodulate the modulated code to reproduce the code. The smart phone may send the code as a query to a processor. The processor may receive the query, determine content associated with the code, and send the content over the network to the smart phone. The smart phone may further receive the content and display the content on a display. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079057 | SYSTEM EFFECTIVE TO DEMODULATE A MODULATED CODE AND PROVIDE CONTENT TO A USER - A system and method effective to provide content to a user. The system may include a sound device, a smart phone, and a processor. The sound device may produce a modulated code where different frequencies represent respectively logic 0s and 1s. The smart phone may apply a transform and peak detector to the modulated code to determine logic 0s and 1s to demodulate the code. The smart phone may send the demodulated code to a processor. The processor may receive the code, determine content associated with the code, and send the content over the network to the smart phone. The smart phone may further receive the content and output the content on a display. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079058 | DEVICE EFFECTIVE TO MODULATE A CODE AND TO PROVIDE CONTENT TO A USER - A system and method effective to provide content to a user. The system may include a sound device, a smart phone, and a processor. The sound device may output a modulated code. The sound device may include a processor effective to generate a periodic wave based on a code and a speaker in electrical communication with the processor. The speaker may output the modulated code based on the code. The smart phone may receive and demodulate the modulated code to reproduce the code. The smart phone may send the code to a processor. The processor may receive the code, determine content associated with the code, and send the content over the network to the smart phone. The smart phone may further receive the content and display the content on a display. | 03-28-2013 |
20130288723 | SYSTEM EFFECTIVE TO DEMODULATE A MODULATED CODE AND PROVIDE CONTENT TO A USER - A system and method effective to provide content to a user. The system may include a sound device, a smart phone, and a processor. The sound device may produce a modulated code where different frequencies represent respectively logic 0s and 1s. The smart phone may apply a transform and peak detector to the modulated code to determine logic 0s and is to demodulate the code. The smart phone may send the demodulated code to a processor. The processor may receive the code, determine content associated with the code, and send the content over the network to the smart phone. The smart phone may further receive the content and output the content on a display. | 10-31-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090037841 | System And Method For Dynamic Space Management Of A Display Space - A method for space management of a workspace provided on a display includes defining a first data structure of full-space rectangles present on the workspace, wherein at least a portion of the full-space rectangles are permitted to overlap. A second data structure of largest empty-space rectangles available on the workspace is also defined to complete the representation of the workspace. The methods include performing an operation on at least one full-space rectangle on the workspace and redefining the first data structure and the second data structure in accordance with the workspace resulting from the operation performed. The operations can include adding a new full-space rectangle, moving an existing full-space rectangle and deleting an existing full full-space rectangle from the workspace. Generally, the workspace is a display device coupled to an electronic device such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, electronic book viewer and the like. | 02-05-2009 |
20100141648 | System And Method For View Management In Three Dimensional Space - A method for managing a display space for a 3D environment is provided. A 3D scene having at least one scene object is displayed and the visible surfaces of the scene objects are represented as visible space in a 2D view plane representation. Controllable objects that are to be placed in the scene are defined by parameters such as size, placement priority, proximity relationships and the like. The available space for placing controllable objects, which can include empty space and low priority background and foreground regions, is determined for each controllable object. The placement for controllable objects in the 3D space is then determined in accordance with at least placement parameter and one of the visible space and available space of the view-plane representation such that view management objectives, such as not occluding important scene objects, are accomplished. | 06-10-2010 |
20110099222 | THIN-CLIENT AND DISTRIBUTED DEVELOPMENT USING DATA PROGRAMMING - According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system and method of data programming includes declarative rule-based programming in which a distributed program for computers on a network is defined through tabular structures. The tabular structures can store logic, including data (e.g., primitive variables and dynamic data structures) and code (e.g., arguments and functions) that govern operation of the distributed program. | 04-28-2011 |
20120200599 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC SPACE MANAGEMENT OF A DISPLAY SPACE - A method for space management of a workspace provided on a display includes defining a first data structure of full-space rectangles present on the workspace, wherein at least a portion of the full-space rectangles are permitted to overlap. A second data structure of largest empty-space rectangles available on the workspace is also defined to complete the representation of the workspace. The methods include performing an operation on at least one full-space rectangle on the workspace and redefining the first data structure and the second data structure in accordance with the workspace resulting from the operation performed. The operations can include adding a new full-space rectangle, moving an existing full-space rectangle and deleting an existing full full-space rectangle from the workspace. Generally, the workspace is a display device coupled to an electronic device such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, electronic book viewer and the like. | 08-09-2012 |
20120317559 | Thin-Client and Distributed Development Using Data Programming - A system and method of data programming includes declarative rule-based programming in which a distributed program for computers on a network is defined through tabular structures. The tabular structures can store logic, including data (e.g., primitive variables and dynamic data structures) and code (e.g., arguments and functions) that govern operation of the distributed program. | 12-13-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130198614 | Methods and Systems for Designing Documents with Inline Scrollable Elements - A computerized device can comprise a storage medium and a processor (or other data processing hardware) to implement a bundler module. The bundler module accesses, from the storage medium, data defining an arrangement of document elements and identifies a container frame in the arrangement of document elements. The bundler module searches for a content frame matching the identified container frame, and in response to locating the content frame matching the identified container frame, generates code defining a document. The document comprises HTML or other code that, when processed by a rendering application, provides the content frame as an inline scrollable element. | 08-01-2013 |
20150254627 | Quick Legend Receipt System - Techniques are disclosed for enabling more efficient tipping by providing a merchant the ability to reduce the time used on manually entering tip amounts. In one embodiment, a method includes automatically generating, by a point-of-sale (POS) system, a transaction receipt that indicates a plurality of selectable tip options, wherein said automatically generating the transaction receipt is based on one or more rules specified by a user of the POS system. The method further includes causing the transaction receipt to be printed as a printed receipt. The method further includes identifying, by the POS system, a one of the plurality of selectable tip options specified by a customer on the printed receipt. Among other benefits, the disclosed techniques reduce the time and effort the merchant needs to spend on collating the tipping at end of the business day. | 09-10-2015 |
20150254628 | Quick Legend Receipt System - Techniques are disclosed for enabling more efficient tipping by providing ways to enable a customer to tell a merchant's point-of-sale (POS) system how to customize sales receipts to the customer's preference. In one embodiment, a mobile device includes a communication module and a tipping preference module configured to communicate, via the communication module, a tip preference including one or more rules configured by a user to a point-of-sale (POS) system. The tip preference adjusts how the POS system generates a plurality of selectable tip options for inclusion in a section of a transaction receipt for a transaction. Among other benefits, the disclosed techniques increase the efficiency in tipping, reduce the chances for error, and enable a better overall shopping experience. | 09-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130132830 | BEHAVIOR TEMPLATES - A plurality of behavior templates is generated such that each of the plurality of behavior templates indicates a function that is performed by a corresponding element of a document. Further, a layout policy that indicates a corresponding fixed position in a layout of the document for each of the plurality of behavior templates is generated. The layout is composed by positioning the corresponding element associated with each of the plurality of behavior templates in the corresponding fixed position. | 05-23-2013 |
20130166471 | Content Aggregation - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, can aggregate content from one or more electronic publication documents. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining information including an index to content items of an electronic publication including a discrete package of received data that is stored locally, the content items being less than all content in the electronic publication received; retrieving, by a computer based on one or more criteria, two or more of the content items provided in disparate portions of the electronic publication, including the discrete package of received data, using the index; and presenting the two or more of the content items together on an output device in a user interface format different from that of the electronic publication. | 06-27-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130337083 | NANOCERIA FOR THE TREATMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS - A process for making nanoparticles of biocompatible materials is described, wherein an aqueous reaction mixture comprising cerous ion, citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in a predetermined ratio, an oxidant, and water is provided along with temperature conditions to directly form, without isolation, a stable dispersion of cerium oxide nanoparticles. These biocompatible cerium oxide nanoparticles may be used to prevent and/or treat oxidative stress related diseases, such as stroke, relapse/remitting multiple sclerosis, chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and ischemic reperfusion injury. | 12-19-2013 |
20150231174 | NANOCERIA FOR THE TREATMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS - A process for making nanoparticles of biocompatible materials is described, wherein an aqueous reaction mixture comprising cerous ion, citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in a predetermined ratio, an oxidant, and water is provided along with temperature conditions to directly form, without isolation, a stable dispersion of cerium oxide nanoparticles. These biocompatible cerium oxide nanoparticles may be used to prevent and/or treat oxidative stress related diseases, such as stroke, relapse/remitting multiple sclerosis, chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and ischemic reperfusion injury. | 08-20-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090003782 | FIBER OPTIC DROP RIBBON, SYSTEM, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A fiber optic drop ribbon is described that can be attached to structures, such as the walls of multi-dwelling units (MDUs), for connecting subscribers to a fiber optic communications network. A number of coated optical fibers are supported by a backing strip of the article having a first and second surface. The first surface is attached to the structure, and the optical fibers are attached to the second surface. A cover strip attaches to the second surface of the backing strip to cover the optical fibers. The cover strip may be removable to provide access to the optical fibers and may reattach to the backing strip following removal. Associated systems and methods are also provided that may include additional components, such as furcation sections, furcation splints, and fiber trays, to facilitate the installation of the article and the connection of subscribers to the fiber optic network. | 01-01-2009 |
20090003793 | FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR - A fiber optic connector may include a first cover with an integral restraining mechanism and a second cover with a reciprocal restraining mechanism. A fiber optic cable having a ferrule at a terminating end may be placed within the fiber optic connector. A dust cap may be placed on the terminating end of the fiber optic cable. The integral restraining mechanism and the reciprocal restraining mechanism may detachably mate and enclose the terminating end of the fiber optic cable within the fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector may include one or more gaskets to assist in sealing the connector. | 01-01-2009 |
20110158597 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC STORAGE OF OPTICAL FIBERS FOR MULTI-FLOOR BUILDINGS - A technique for storing cable slack in an automatic and safe manner, to allow a plug and play connectivity for fiber optic cable installation between floors in multi-floor high-rise apartment buildings. A tamper-proof storage box is located in a prescribed location for which its footprint is intended, such as a utility closet in a lobby or basement. The box contains a number of reels of cable (bundles of individual optical strands), each reel's contents designated for a different floor in the building. As pre-connectorized strands are pulled from a rotatable spindle mounted in the storage box to its intended floor, any cable excess (slack) remains automatically on the spindle in the storage box in an out-of-the-way location avoiding tampering and tripping. This allows off the shelf lengths of cable saving time and expense. | 06-30-2011 |
20110317151 | MEDIA STRESS ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system for determining stress associated with a communication device, e.g., an optical fiber, and associated structures are disclosed. An exemplary method includes transmitting an initiated signal through a communication device, and comparing a reflected signal reflected by the communication device with the initiated signal. The method may further include determining a stress associated with the device from at least the comparison of the initiated signal and the reflected signal. | 12-29-2011 |
20120102059 | OPTICAL FIBER OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM - A computing-device implemented method may include performing one or more measurements for a number of optical fiber components. The one or more measurements may be stored. A performance matrix may be generated by at least one processor, based on the one or more measurements, wherein the performance matrix includes measured and estimated performance metrics for combinations of the number of optical fiber components. Suitability of a planned fiber optic installation that includes a number of components may be determined based on the performance matrix. One or more recommended fiber optic components may be determined based on the performance matrix. | 04-26-2012 |
20120155812 | ALIGNMENT-IMPROVED OPTICAL-FIBER MECHANICAL SPLICER - Apparatus and methodology for mechanically splicing two optical fibers of equal or different diameters. Instead of flat V-groove structure for holding the optical fibers to be spliced, embodiments of the present invention use a concave-walled channel to better align two optical fibers if they have different diameters. The cover holding the fibers in place in the concave channel is similarly curved. The improved alignment results in more area overlap between end surfaces of the two optical fibers to be spliced. This reduces insertion loss by 0.1 dB or better, at the splice junction and, therefore, improves light signal transmission. The radius of curvature of the concave structure can be approximately two to three times the radius of the optical fibers being spliced. | 06-21-2012 |
20120237172 | OPTICAL-FIBER MECHANICAL SPLICER USING HEAT-SHRINK FERRULE - Apparatus and methodology for providing a mechanical-only splice between two optical glass fibers. No fusion splicing is involved. A heat-shrinkable plastic ferrule containing an aperture extending from one end of the ferrule to the other accepts a different cleaved and cleaned optical fiber into each of its two ends, the fibers meeting at or near the middle of the ferrule in a parallel or coplanar manner forming a splice junction. Index matching gel is applied to at least one of the fiber ends before entering the aperture. Heat is applied to the ferrule to shrink it upon the portion of the two fibers within the ferrule (sealed fibers) and hold the splice junction in place. Epoxy can be applied to both ends of the ferrule to further seal the fiber splice junction, and to further enhance its integrity. If both fibers are sliced on an angle other than 90 degrees, when they touch inside the ferrule they are automatically coplanar without requiring intervening orientation. | 09-20-2012 |
20130094015 | TESTING HARDENED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR HOUSING - A system includes a first assembly including a fiber optic connector. The system also includes a second assembly to which one end of a rigid arm is rotatingly affixed. Another end of the arm is affixed rigidly to a mass. The system further includes a mechanical device for applying a force to the mass. After the mechanical device applies the force to the mass, the mass swings from and about the second assembly and strikes the fiber optic connector. | 04-18-2013 |
20130236139 | HARDENED MULTIPORT OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A multiport optical connector assembly (MOCA) includes an insertion optical fiber assembly having an insertion assembly housing and a connector disk that includes a first connector element having a first ferrule and a first optical fiber. The MOCA further includes a coupling optical fiber assembly having a second connector element including a second ferrule and a second optical fiber. The MOCA further includes an adapter assembly that includes an adapter assembly housing a docking unit for docking the first connector element and the second connector element when the MOCA is assembled. When the first connector element and the second connector element are docked, a tip of the first optical fiber and a tip of the second optical fiber abut one another and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber form an optical path. | 09-12-2013 |
20140093215 | WATER INCURSION RESISTANT CABLE USING SPACED PLUGS - A fiber optic cable comprises a jacket defining an outer peripheral surface and a radial thickness terminating at an inner periphery defining a surface, a multiplicity of optical fibers which are enclosed by and extend longitudinally through the jacket within the volume defined by the inner periphery of the jacket, and a plurality of plugs longitudinally spaced within the jacket, where each of the plugs envelops the optical fibers along a fixed longitudinal extent while being closely adjacent he surface defined by the inner periphery of the jacket. The system may further comprise the plugs being of a silicone-based material, and absorbent material disposed within the jacket between the plugs. | 04-03-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110017196 | THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE VESSEL, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner. | 01-27-2011 |
20110226780 | ENERGY STORAGE VESSEL, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding side wall, and an inner liner disposed within the bottom wall and side wall and comprising an inner liner bottom and an inner liner side wall. One aspect of the inner liner bottom and side wall is that they are configured to repeatedly expand and contract during the thermal cycling of the storage system. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and arranged so as to enclose a volume within the vessel. Each of the heat exchangers is suspended by a suspension assembly. The assembly may be comprised of a central support hanger, a spring loaded upper hanger, and a lower hanger. | 09-22-2011 |
20140060771 | THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE VESSEL, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner. | 03-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110017196 | THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE VESSEL, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner. | 01-27-2011 |
20140060771 | THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE VESSEL, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner. | 03-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120300225 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SCALING PRINT JOBS IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method for automatically scaling print jobs in an image production device network may include receiving a request to print a print job using a particular media sheet size a particular image production device, determining a size of media in one or more media trays in the particular image production device, determining if the size of the media in the requested print job matches the determined media size in one of the one or more media trays, wherein if it is determined that the size of the media in the requested print job does not match the determined media size in one of the one or more media trays, determining the media size in the one or more media trays closest to the print job media sheet size, scaling the requested print job to the determined closest media size, and printing the requested print job on the determined closest media sheet size from one of the one or more media trays. | 11-29-2012 |
20130063734 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USER-SELECTABLE FONT SUBSTITUTION TO FACILITATE PRINTING - According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided systems and methods that involve providing user-selectable fonts to a printing device so that the printing device can facilitate printing of a print task. In this regard, a representative embodiment of a method and system for printing includes enabling a print file corresponding to a print task to be evaluated, and, if it is determined that a printing device to which the print task is directed is unable to process the print task without performing a font substitution, enabling acquiring of the fonts from a specific user. By using the uploaded fonts, the printing device is able to process the print task without performing a font substitution. | 03-14-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100020147 | INK STICK WITH ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, comprises at least one ink stick and a coupler external to the ink stick. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device attached thereto, with the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the ink stick. The coupler is configured to read the electronic data from the memory device. The data in the memory device may include identification data, anti-arbitrage variables, usage data, maximum use values, and performance data related to the ink stick, and the coupler and memory device may employ various means for communicating this data. Also, communication between the coupler and memory device facilitates a method for determining a quantity of marking material in the machine. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020149 | INK STICK WITH ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, comprises at least one ink stick and a coupler external to the ink stick. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device attached thereto, with the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the ink stick. The coupler is configured to read the electronic data from the memory device. The data in the memory device may include identification data, anti-arbitrage variables, usage data, maximum use values, and performance data related to the ink stick, and the coupler and memory device may employ various means for communicating this data. Also, communication between the coupler and memory device facilitates a method for determining a quantity of marking material in the machine. | 01-28-2010 |
20100039485 | INK STICK WITH ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, comprises at least one ink stick and a coupler external to the ink stick. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device attached thereto, with the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the ink stick. The coupler is configured to read the electronic data from the memory device. The data in the memory device may include identification data, anti-arbitrage variables, usage data, maximum use values, and performance data related to the ink stick, and the coupler and memory device may employ various means for communicating this data. Also, communication between the coupler and memory device facilitates a method for determining a quantity of marking material in the machine. | 02-18-2010 |
20100079253 | RFID Bridge Antenna - An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package. For example, one of the RF antenna elements may be attached to a label on the package, allowing data stored in the tag to be extracted by the external reader. The object may be a module, also known as a customer replaceable unit (CRU), and the tag may be configured as a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM). | 04-01-2010 |
20110205058 | RFID BRIDGE ANTENNA - A package for at least two objects includes RFID bridge antennas, having RF antenna elements, for wirelessly communicating data between a tag associated with each object and a reader. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package. For example, one of the RF antenna elements may be attached to a label on the package, allowing data stored in the tag to be extracted by the external reader. | 08-25-2011 |
20110214399 | SUPPLY UNITS HAVING AN ASSOCIATED ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine. | 09-08-2011 |
20110216138 | SUPPLY UNITS HAVING AN ASSOCIATED ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine. | 09-08-2011 |