Apparatus for cooling and storing produce

• US 20050225800A1
• Filed: 06/10/2005
• Published: 10/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Lapstun, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 7,515,292 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/1.150
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/02 Framework

Abstract

Apparatus for storing and cooling produce, the apparatus including first and second storage compartments, each storage compartment being accessible by way of a hinged door and a printer. The printer includes a printer module provided in the door of the first storage compartment and a collector provided in the door of the second storage compartment, the collector being positioned so as to receive a printed document generated by the printer module.

Claims

1. Apparatus for storing and cooling produce, the apparatus including:

first and second storage compartments, each storage compartment being accessible by way of a hinged door; and

,

a printer including;

a printer module provided in the door of the first storage compartment; and

,

a collector provided in the door of the second storage compartment, the collector being positioned so as to receive a printed document generated by the printer module.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment is positioned above the second compartment.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second compartments are adapted to store foods at respective first and second temperatures.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a consumables access hatch provided in the first door for allowing access to consumables requiring periodic replacement.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer includes:

a media store; and

,

at least one print engine for printing on media provided from the media store.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer is for printing visible information and substantially invisible coded data.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer includes a page binder positioned between the printer module and the collector for binding multiple printed pages to thereby form the printed document.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer is adapted to communicate with a computer system to determine information to be printed on the document.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printed document includes coded data printed thereon, the coded data being at least partially indicative of at least one interactive element, the printer including a communication module for receiving indicating from a sensing device, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the printed document, senses at least some of the coded data, and generating the indicating data using the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the interactive element.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the printer includes a second communications module for transferring the indicating data to a computer system.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printer includes:

a first communications module for communicating with a sensing device; and

,

a second communications module for communicating with a computer system.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer:

receives at least a page description from a computer system, the page description describing a layout of visible information; and

,

prints, using the page description, visible information on media to form the printed document.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the printer:

receives at least a map from the computer system, the map describing an arrangement of coded data; and

,

prints, using the map, coded data on the media to form the printed document.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the printer:

receives data indicative of an interactive element;

generates, using the received data and the map, coded data indicative of the interactive element; and

,

prints the coded data on the media.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least some of the visible information extends over a zone of an interactive element, at least some of the coded data being provided within the zone, such that when a sensing device is placed in an operative position with respect to the zone, the sensing device can sense at least some of the coded data within the zone.

16. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the appliance includes at least one sensor for measuring operating parameters of the apparatus, the at least one sensor being coupled to the printer to allow the printer to provide a printed document including information relating to the operating parameters.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the printed document includes at least one interactive element relating the operating parameters, the interactive element allowing a user to interact with the document using a sensing device to thereby control at least one operating parameter of the apparatus.

18. A printer for use in apparatus for storing and cooling produce, the printer including:

a printer module, the printer module being provided in a door of a first storage compartment; and

,

a collector, the collector being provided in a door of a second storage compartment, the collector being positioned so as to receive a printed document generated by the printer module.

19. A printer according to claim 18, wherein the printer includes a page binder positioned between the printer module and the collector for binding multiple printed pages to thereby form the printed document.

20. A printer according to claim 18, wherein printer includes:

a first communications module for communicating with a sensing device; and

,

a second communications module for communicating with a computer system.