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Flowers, US

Amy Flowers, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110283899BOTTLE COMPACTOR - A compactor device is provided including a cylindrical housing having an elongate channel for receiving a bottle to be compacted therein and elongate guide slots, an end cap attached to a first end of the housing for seating the bottle and protecting the neck end of the bottle, a piston slidably disposed within the channel and having a forward ram for stuffing the bottle, and a lever for actuating linear movement of the piston within the channel, whether manually or automated.11-24-2011

Arnett G. Flowers, Panama City, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100006585Dosage dispensing and tracking container - A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment.01-14-2010

Christian Flowers, Chicago, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090128346ALERT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE REMOVAL FROM CHARGERS - Disclosed are devices and methods of electronic devices for activating an alarm when it is detected that an applied charging voltage has dropped below a threshold value. An electronic device is configured to detect the type of charger, for example, a bicycle charger or motorcycle charger, connected to the electronic device according to a charger attribute. The electronic device may further detect when the applied charging voltage has decreased below the predetermined threshold value. When the device is detected to be connected to a particular type of charger, and it is detected that the applied charging voltage has decreased below the threshold value, the alarm may be activated after a predetermined time. In this way, a user of a bicycle charger or other vehicle charger can be reminded to remove the electronic device from the charging cradle of the vehicle, helping to avoid loss or theft of the device.05-21-2009

Daniel William Flowers, Rush City, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110009245Infant crawler-walker motor development apparatus - This invention relates generally to a portable child development station. More specifically, an infant crawling and walking aid. The invention is collapsible and can be stored in smaller confines. When the invention is set up, it is structurally sound and safe with detachable variations allowing assistance in crawling as well as walking by suspending the infant with variable height adjustments to accommodate infant. The invention is collapsible for storing in smaller confines.01-13-2011

Devin Flowers, Kennett Square, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080221250Spinning Low Fluorosurfactant Fluoropolymer Dispersions - A process for dispersion spinning non-melt-processible fluoropolymer fiber in which a mixture of an aqueous dispersion of non-melt-processible polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer particles and an aqueous solution of matrix polymer is formed. The non melt-processible particles have an SSG of less than about 2.40. The aqueous dispersion contains an aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant having a 20% residuals temperature determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of less than about 290° C. and is essentially free of surfactants containing aromatic groups. The dispersion has a fluorinated surfactant content of less than about 300 ppm. The mixture is extruded into a coagulation bath containing a concentration of ions which coagulate the matrix polymer to form an intermediate fiber structure. The intermediate fiber structure is sintered to decompose the matrix polymer and coalesce. The present invention also provides a spinning composition useful for the dispersion spinning of non-melt-processible fluoropolymer fiber.09-11-2008

Dorian A. Flowers, Chicago, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110201411Gaming Machine With Improved Lighting Arrangement - A gaming machine includes a cabinet frame, a display, and an emotive lighting area. The cabinet frame has a cabinet surface visible to and facing a player position in front of the gaming machine. The display is mounted to the cabinet frame and is configured to display a randomly selected outcome from a wagering game. The emotive lighting area is integrated with the cabinet frame on the cabinet surface, proximate the display, and is separate from the display. The emotive lighting area includes a light source and a reflective surface, each of the light source and the reflective surface being concealed within the cabinet frame such that they are not viewable from the player position, the reflective surface configured to receive light directly from the light source and to reflect the light to a viewable area.08-18-2011

Edward Max Flowers, Grand Prairie, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100116886IMAGING SEMI-ACTIVE LASER SYSTEM - A method and apparatus image a target in a SAL system. The method includes receiving on-board a platform a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the platform; homing the platform on a target responsive to the received target designation; imaging the target from the target designation; and aiming the platform at a point on the target selected from the image. The apparatus includes a receiver capable of receiving and imaging a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the apparatus; at least one flight control mechanism; and a controller. The controller is capable of processing a received target designation and issuing navigation control guidance commands to the flight control mechanism to: home the apparatus on a target responsive to a received target designation; and aim the apparatus at a point on the target selected from the image of the target.05-13-2010

James Flowers, Rutherford, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080238742REMOVING MALICIOUS CODE IN MEDIA - A method may include receiving untrusted digital media; converting the untrusted digital media into an analog signal; converting the analog signal into trusted digital media; and storing the trusted digital media.10-02-2008

James C. Flowers, Rutherford, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090276154METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COORDINATING GROUP TRAVEL AMONG MOBILE DEVICES - An approach is provided for coordinating travel. A plurality of mobile devices is identified as a group, wherein each of the mobile devices is configured to obtain location information. A lead mobile device is designated among the group. Routing information or information about a common destination, specified by the lead mobile device, is transmitted to other mobile devices in the group.11-05-2009

James E. Flowers, Dallas, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080222864Method for forming a multi-frequency surface acoustic wave device - Provided is a method of manufacturing a multi-frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) device on a common piezoelectric substrate. The method features varying the resonant frequency of waveguide elements of the SAW device using a single etch step. The etch step removes a sub-portion of multiple layers of conductive film disposed on the substrate.09-18-2008

James L. Flowers, Las Vegas, NV US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090131532Method of preemptive treatment of inflammation, algesia and poor healing using topical capsaicin - A method of treating the conditions which involve inflammation, algesia and ineffective healing by preemptively applying capsaicin topically prior to or at the onset of the process thereby diminishing harmful effects.05-21-2009

James W. Flowers, Rush City, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110009245Infant crawler-walker motor development apparatus - This invention relates generally to a portable child development station. More specifically, an infant crawling and walking aid. The invention is collapsible and can be stored in smaller confines. When the invention is set up, it is structurally sound and safe with detachable variations allowing assistance in crawling as well as walking by suspending the infant with variable height adjustments to accommodate infant. The invention is collapsible for storing in smaller confines.01-13-2011

John S. Flowers, Mission, KS US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090320138NETWORK SECURITY SYSTEM HAVING A DEVICE PROFILER COMMUNICATIVELY COUPLED TO A TRAFFIC MONITOR - A system and method for providing distributed security of a network. Several device profilers are placed at different locations of a network to assess vulnerabilities from different perspectives. The device profiler identifies the hosts on the network, and characteristics such as operating system and applications running on the hosts. The device profiler traverses a vulnerability tree having nodes representative of characteristics of the hosts, each node having an associated set of potential vulnerabilities. Verification rules can verify the potential vulnerabilities. A centralized correlation server, at a centrally accessible location in the network, stores the determined vulnerabilities of the network and associates the determined vulnerabilities with attack signatures. Traffic monitors access the attack signatures and monitor network traffic for attacks against the determined vulnerabilities.12-24-2009
20110131644NETWORK SECURITY SYSTEM HAVING A DEVICE PROFILER COMMUNICATIVELY COUPLED TO A TRAFFIC MONITOR - A system and method for providing distributed security of a network. Several device profilers are placed at different locations of a network to assess vulnerabilities from different perspectives. The device profiler identifies the hosts on the network, and characteristics such as operating system and applications running on the hosts. The device profiler traverses a vulnerability tree having nodes representative of characteristics of the hosts, each node having an associated set of potential vulnerabilities. Verification rules can verify the potential vulnerabilities. A centralized correlation server, at a centrally accessible location in the network, stores the determined vulnerabilities of the network and associates the determined vulnerabilities with attack signatures. Traffic monitors access the attack signatures and monitor network traffic for attacks against the determined vulnerabilities.06-02-2011

Patent applications by John S. Flowers, Mission, KS US

John S. Flowers, Overland Park, KS US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090077180NOVEL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING SYNTACTICALLY ACCURATE MESSAGES OVER A NETWORK - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries.03-19-2009
20100169352NOVEL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING SYNTACTICALLY ACCURATE MESSAGES OVER A NETWORK - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries.07-01-2010

Patent applications by John S. Flowers, Overland Park, KS US

Jordan M. Flowers, Philadelphia, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100126793Power wheel chair - A power wheel chair is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame having a seat for transporting an occupant. A right and a left caster wheel are located in proximity to a front frame end. A right and a left drive wheel are located in proximity to a rear frame end. A motor drives the right and left drive wheels through a differential gearbox. A right and a left handle are connected to frame for enabling an attendant to steer the power wheel chair. An electronic control has a control lever located in proximity to one of the right and left handles for enabling the attendant to control the speed and braking of the power wheel chair.05-27-2010

Joseph K. Flowers, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080302530Apparatus and Method for Engaging a Tubular - An embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus for engaging with an outside diameter of a tubular comprises a device body having an internal surface that defines an internal diameter in a first position and allowing the tubular to pass therethrough and an actuator operable to move the internal surface of the device body from the first position to a second position, the second position defining an internal diameter less than the first position internal diameter. The internal surface of the device body is sized with a predetermined grip length for engaging with the outside diameter of the tubular. The grip length is determined by a function of the outside diameter of the tubular and the coefficient of friction between of the outside diameter of the tubular and the interior surface of the device body and the device body is operable to engage with a tubular having a predetermined range of outside diameters.12-11-2008
20080302542Riserless Deployment System - A method of deploying a tool into a pressurized well is provided that includes providing the well with a wellhead having a blow out preventer coupled thereto; setting a pressure barrier within the well at a distance below the blow out preventer that is at least as long as the length of the tool to create a pressure chamber between the blow out preventer and the pressure barrier; and opening the blow out preventer to allow for conveyance of the tool into the pressure chamber.12-11-2008
20110253393SWELLABLE DOWNHOLE DEVICE OF SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT PROFILE - A swellable packer device upon exposure to brine in a well. The device may be swellable to a substantially constant profile in spite of significant fluctuations in brine concentrations. Thus, the likelihood of packer failure due to under-swelling or over-swelling is reduced. Indeed, the packer may be employed for long-term operations or isolations ranging from a couple of weeks to twenty years or more without undue concern over packer failure from under or over swelling.10-20-2011

Patent applications by Joseph K. Flowers, Houston, TX US

Keith Flowers, Euless, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090200273Mounting Base With Arc Plenum - The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mounting base with are plenum for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The switchgear mounting base with internal arc plenum can be an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly and is preferably located under the switchgear. The switchgear mounting base works in conjunction with a ventilation system in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from the lower breaker compartments in the front of the switchgear in the event of an internal arcing fault in one of the breaker compartments. The hot arc gasses exit downward from the bottom of the switchgear and into the plenum. The gasses then are channeled to travel backward through the plenum and then up again into the switchgear rear compartment where they can be routed to and safely discharged from the roof of the switchgear apparatus.08-13-2009
20090212022Circuit Breaker Compartment Arc Flash Venting System - The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system is an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly. The arc flash venting system works in conjunction with the bus insulation and ventilation systems in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from a breaker compartment in the event of an internal arcing fault in the breaker compartment. The gasses are channeled to exit the upper rear of the breaker compartment and into the insulated section bus compartment. The hot arc gasses and other particulates then travel upward through the section bus compartment where they are routed to and safely discharged from the vent structure on the roof of the switchgear apparatus.08-27-2009

Kristopher M. Flowers, Troy, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100043173ADJUSTABLE UPSTOP FOR FRAMELESS AUTOMOTIVE DOOR - A guide block for a window in a frameless vehicle door, the guide block, comprising: a main body portion having a collet received within a cavity of the main body portion; a spring disposed between the collet and an inner surface of the cavity; and a threaded screw received within the collet and the spring wherein the spring acts against the collet to allow the screw to threadingly engage the collet and the opens and allows the threaded screw to slide within the collet.02-25-2010
20100043297ADJUSTABLE GLASS CLAMP FOR CABLE DRIVE WINDOW REGULATORS - A window clip for connecting a window to a window lift includes a clip body having a generally U-shaped profile and a window lift connector attached to the clip body. The clip body includes a pair of generally opposed side walls connected at a closed bottom portion with an opening opposite therefrom, each opposed side wall having an inner face and having a single concave curvilinear surface on the inner face. An isolator is adapted to fit into a clip body. The isolator has a convex curvilinear portions adapted to fit and nest within the concave curvilinear surfaces on each inner face.02-25-2010
20100293858SINGLE CHANNEL CABLE DRIVE WINDOW LIFT SYSTEM - A single channel window lift assembly for a vehicle is provided, the window lift assembly having: a door bracket; a single guide rail rotationally mounted to the door bracket for rotational movement in a predetermined range; and a cable assembly secured to the single guide rail wherein at least one cable of the cable assembly is not received within a conduit and the at least one cable is secured to as least one pulley rotationally mounted to the single guide rail and the at least one cable remains on the at least one pulley as the single guide rail rotates within the predetermined range.11-25-2010

Langdon Strong Flowers, Thomasville, GA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080260303INSULSTED SHIPPING BAGS - A collapsible insulated bag designed to allow items retained within an inner pouch thereof to remain within predetermined temperature ranges for predetermined periods of time and wherein the bags are designed to be easily compressed or compacted for storage or shipment to end users. The bags include at least an outer reflective layer, an intermediate open foam layer and the inner pouch layer.10-23-2008

Mary E. Flowers, Sneads, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100006585Dosage dispensing and tracking container - A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment.01-14-2010

Maureen E. Flowers, Center Valley, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110187282Smart Load Control Device Having a Rotary Actuator - A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load comprises a rotary actuator, such as a rotary knob or a rotary wheel. The load control device increases and decreases the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to rotations of the rotary knob in first and second directions, respectively. The load control device accelerates the rate of change of the amount of power delivered to the load in response to the angular velocity of the rotary actuator. The load control device generates a ratcheting sound when the rotary actuator is rotated in the first direction at a high-end intensity of the load control device. The load control device is operable to control the electrical load in response to both actuations of the rotary actuator and digital messages received via a communication link.08-04-2011

Michael J. Flowers, Mantua, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100126793Power wheel chair - A power wheel chair is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame having a seat for transporting an occupant. A right and a left caster wheel are located in proximity to a front frame end. A right and a left drive wheel are located in proximity to a rear frame end. A motor drives the right and left drive wheels through a differential gearbox. A right and a left handle are connected to frame for enabling an attendant to steer the power wheel chair. An electronic control has a control lever located in proximity to one of the right and left handles for enabling the attendant to control the speed and braking of the power wheel chair.05-27-2010
20100244421Stabilizer for three wheel vehicle - A stabilizer is disclosed for a three-wheel vehicle having a frame extending between a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the frame supports a front steering wheel and with the rear portion of the frame supports plural driving wheels. The stabilizer comprises a right and a left stabilizing wheel mounted on a right and a left side of the frame. The right and left stabilizing wheels are positioned above the supporting surface when the three-wheel vehicle moves in a straight direction on a supporting surface. The right and left stabilizing wheels engage the supporting surface when the vehicle is turned in a right and a left direction respectively for stabilizing the three-wheel vehicle while maintaining steering ability. Preferably, the stabilizer includes a right and a left director for directing the right and left stabilizing wheels in a forward direction when the right and left stabilizing wheels are positioned above the supporting surface. The invention is also incorporated into an accessory stabilizer unit adapted for mounting onto existing three-wheel vehicles.09-30-2010

Peter Flowers, Milton, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080252892ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY APPARATUS AND METHOD - An absorption spectroscopy apparatus including an elliptical mirror centered on the midpoint between a source/detector and a mirror. The cavity between the elliptical mirror and the source/bolometer and mirror defines an interior volume of a sample cell. Electromagnetic radiation from the source/detector travels along a multi-segment path starting from the source/bolometer toward the elliptical mirror, reflecting off of the elliptical mirror and traveling toward the mirror, reflecting off of the mirror and traveling back toward the elliptical mirror and finally reflecting off the elliptical mirror for a second time and returning toward the source/bolometer. The multiple reflections combined with the focusing effects of the elliptical mirrored surface result in an efficient sampling device. Among other aspects and advantages, the apparatus of the present disclosure is able to use incoherent, non-collimated light sources while maintaining high optical throughput efficiencies.10-16-2008
20110169994SUPER LIGHT-FIELD LENS - Light field imaging systems, and in particular light field lenses that can be mated with a variety of conventional cameras (e.g., digital or photographic/film, image and video/movie cameras) to create light field imaging systems. Light field data collected by these light field imaging systems can then be used to produce 2D images, right eye/left eye 3D images, to refocus foreground images and/or background images together or separately (depth of field adjustments), and to move the camera angle, as well as to render and manipulate images using a computer graphics rendering engine and compositing tools.07-14-2011

Robert A Flowers, Nazareth, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110237676SPERMICIDAL AND MICROBICIDAL COMPOSITIONS - Provided herein are new spermicidal compositions that include one or more fluorous surfactants, e.g., non-ionic fluorous surfactants, anionic fluorous surfactants, cationic fluorous surfactants, and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of preventing fertilization of an ovum, which include a step of contacting at least one spermatozoon with one or more fluorous surfactants. Additionally described herein are methods of preventing infection, which include a step of contacting at least one infectious pathogenic microorganism with one or more fluorous surfactants. Numerous fluorine-containing surfactants are demonstrated to be efficacious as human spermicides.09-29-2011

Stephen Flowers, Hamilton, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110033443Method for Increasing Bone Mass - The present invention features methods for promoting the differentiation of osteoblast bone forming cells to a mineralization phenotype and increasing bone mass using inhibitors of Brahma. Subjects benefiting from such treatment may have non-union fractures, osteopenia or osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, or a bone graft or bone fusion or orthopedic and dental implants, osteolytic bone disease, skeletal defects or deficiencies or periodontal disease.02-10-2011

Steven C. Flowers, Nashville, GA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090261629Automatically Adjustable Seat - Automatically adjustable seating apparatus are described. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus include first and second seat bottom portions that at least one of which is moveable. The first and/or second seat bottom portions are moveable by automatic adjusters that alter the position of a seat bottom portion between a retracted position and an extended position. When the moveable seat bottom portion or portions are in their retracted position, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the seat bottom portion or portions are in their extended positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a substantially flat surface.10-22-2009
20110109136AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTABLE SEAT - Automatically adjustable seating apparatus are described. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus include first and second seat bottom portions that at least one of which is moveable. The first and/or second seat bottom portions are moveable by automatic adjusters that alter the position of a seat bottom portion between a retracted position and an extended position. When the moveable seat bottom portion or portions are in their retracted position, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the seat bottom portion or portions are in their extended positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a substantially flat surface.05-12-2011

Troy D. Flowers, Bargersville, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090249685Closed loop biomass energy system - A closed loop biomass energy system includes at least one agricultural facility that produces agricultural waste; a waste processing system operable to convert the waste into biomass; a wastewater treatment system operable to treat wastewater created by the waste processing system and an energy production system operable to utilize the biomass to produce energy and provide the energy to an energy end-user. In one form, the energy is steam and the energy end-user is a biofuel production facility that utilizes the steam to power production of a biofuel. In a further aspect of this form, wastewater created as a byproduct of the biofuel production is transferred to and treated by the wastewater treatment system. However, additional forms, embodiments, features and aspects are contemplated as discussed in further detail in this document.10-08-2009

William Flowers, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110197845PISTON ASSEMBLY - An exemplary piston assembly and method of making the same are disclosed. A piston assembly may include a piston crown and piston skirt. The crown may include a ring belt portion defining at least in part a cooling gallery, as well as radially inner and outer crown mating surfaces. The skirt may be received in a central opening of the crown such that the crown and skirt cooperate to form an upper combustion bowl surface. The skirt also may include radially inner and outer skirt mating surfaces that are abutted with the inner and outer crown mating surfaces, respectively, such that the cooling gallery is generally enclosed by the skirt.08-18-2011

William G. Flowers, Lexington, KY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090122358PORTABLE USER CONFIGURATION FOR IMAGING DEVICES - User configurations are stored on a portable storage device for reuse later on an imaging device. Methods and apparatus contemplate establishing an initial configuration of identity information about the user and then creating imaging preferences, such as duplexing, overlaying, and orienting options, for a to-be-imaged media. The initial configuration and the imaging preferences are stored on the portable storage device, such as a USB flash drive. Upon interfacing of the portable storage device with the imaging device, users are queried as to whether the stored imaging preferences are to be used in imaging the to-be-imaged media (such as by presentation of a dedicated icon). If so, a controller reads the stored imaging preferences from the portable storage device and images the media accordingly. In this manner, users are uniquely outfitted with configuration options to avoid generic settings of an imaging device generally configured at the time of device installation.05-14-2009
20090172807METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE SECURITY PROTOCOLS AND USERS FOR IMAGING DEVICES - Methods and apparatus contemplate a system for securing imaging devices on a network by allowing a system administrator to apply different security protocols to specific functions of an imaging device. This allows a system administrator to customize the functions of the imaging device by restricting the particular functions to only those users who need them, as opposed to the global security policies currently required. The system uses a computer program product, including executable instructions, which can be stored on the imaging device itself, a network server, and/or some other device attached to the network. The computer program product can be installed directly from the manufacturer, through computer readable media, or by downloading. The product interfaces directly with the imaging device to determine what imaging functions are present and to set what security protocols are required to access those functions.07-02-2009