Abstract:
A means for receiving an optical disc to be transported to an optical drive is oriented off-axis to maintain an optical disc within such receiving means during loading/unloading of the disc to/from an optical drive. In a preferred embodiment, the optical drive comprises a receptacle operable to transport a disc to/from the optical drive, and such receptacle comprises a cavity that receives the disc. In a preferred embodiment, such cavity is oriented at an acute angle null from the vertical axis. In a more preferred embodiment, such angle null has a value selected from approximately 5 degrees to approximately 45 degrees from the vertical axis. In a most preferred embodiment, angle null is has a value selected from approximately 5 degrees to approximately 15 degrees from the vertical axis. Angle null is sufficient to maintain the disc within the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the optical drive itself is oriented at angle null from the vertical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the drive can be oriented vertically, and the receptacle for transporting the disc to the drive is oriented at angle null from the vertical axis. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the receptacle can be oriented vertically, and the cavity that receives a disc within such receptacle is oriented at an angle null from the vertical axis. In a preferred embodiment, a user can easily place a disc into the off-axis oriented receiving means with little effort and little potential for damaging the disc.
Abstract:
A configurable printhead that includes a plurality of potential signal inputs. The printhead preferably contains logic that is responsive to a signal from a printer controller or elsewhere that specifies the number potential signal inputs that are going to be used for signal (data) transmission. Configurability of the input lines and clock speeds permits use of the printhead in a range of printer environments and may serve to reduce EMI. Printer arrangements and a processing method are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A computer system having client workstations, a shared peripheral, and a web server on a local area network permits administration of the peripheral from the workstation. Administration includes initial installation of the peripheral, obtaining operating status, and reviewing periodic maintenance. The web server includes a general purpose administrator program and modular data files stored in predetermined directories. The administrator interprets modular data files for parametric values used to identify, query for status, and configure the peripheral without foreknowledge of its type. Modular data files conform to a file structure that includes conditional and inheritance expressions so that references to other modular data files and graphic files are resolved dynamically. In one variation, needed modular data files are obtained from the Internet when new or upgraded peripheral equipment is identified on the local area network.
Abstract:
An inkjet printer printhead has a layering of a flexible polymer tape, a patterned barrier material that is acting as an adhesive as well as ink channels, and a substrate that has a plurality of ink expulsion devices. Each of the ink propulsion devices is aligned with an orifice hole ablated in the flexible polymer tape where the ink expels and patterns the medium beyond. To keep adhesives and encapsulants required in the assembly of the inkjet printer printhead out of the critical ink channel area near the orifice holes, fluid accumulation channels are ablated into the flexible polymer tape in a strategic location between the adhesive bead and the ink channel. These accumulation channels function as both a diversion a containment point for the excess flow of adhesive.
Abstract:
A method, and a kit, for mounting an optical assembly in an aperture of a body is provided. The body 56 has a first face and a second face between which the aperture 56A extends. The optical assembly 51 is placed within the aperture such that a flange of the optical assembly abuts the first face of the body around the aperture. A deformable element 55 is disposed around the optical assembly, and deformed (by heat or otherwise) such that the deformation of the deformable element causes a fixed engagement to be made between the optical assembly and the second face of the body around the aperture. Such a mounting is particularly appropriate for use in a camera with a small digital sensor 16, particularly where the body 56 is made of fabric or another flexible or non-rigid body.
Abstract:
A camera assembly comprises a lens housing 24, an objective lens 21 mounted in the lens housing, and a stop 22 located in the lens housing. The stop 22 has a first surface 25 facing towards the objective lens 21, and this first surface is adapted to present information to a user viewing the first surface through the objective lens. The information presented is therefore visible to the user, but not exposed to wear and tear or tampering. This arrangement is particularly useful in a camera with a digital sensor, particular a low cost digital camera with a sensor such as a CMOS sensor. Such an arrangement can advantageously be used for a camera provided as an eye of a toy.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a screen (16) for reflecting a projected image (18), in particular to an active screen (16) for reflecting a projected image (18) having improved contrast. The screen (16) has an active layer (24) whose optical properties in the visible region of the spectrum can be changed under the influence of an electric field; a first electrode (28) and a second electrode (26) for applying an electric field across the active layer (24),; and a photosensitive layer (30). The photosensitive layer is arranged such that the electric field across a localized area of the active layer (24) is dependent on the illumination incident on the photoconductor in that area, with the result that the local reflectance of the projection screen (16) is dependent on the intensity of light incident upon it. In one embodiment, the reflectance of the screen (16) will increase with increasing light intensity, which produces a reflected image (18) with improved contrast.
Abstract:
Uncompleted voice calls towards a mobile entity (20) are transferred to a service system (40) where they are recorded and inserted in corresponding data messages (55). These messages are temporarily held in the service system and later transferred to the mobile entity (20) using a data-capable bearer service (17) of a mobile radio infrastructure (10). This transfer is effected at a time determined with a view to reducing the peak traffic loading of the mobile radio infrastructure (10). At the mobile entity (20) the data messages are stored for subsequent access by a user.
Abstract:
A print feed mechanism for feeding print media to a printing zone of a printer in which the feed mechanism is adjustable to vary the position of a pinch roller against a drive roller so as to vary the angle at which print media is fed to the printing zone.