20th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 36 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120121206 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING SHAPE POINTS IN A GEOGRAPHIC DATA INFORMATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of generating a shaped line in a geographic data information system, comprising selecting a first shaped line ( | 2012-05-17 |
20120121207 | NAVIGATING DIGITAL IMAGES USING DETAIL-IN-CONTEXT LENSES - In an implementation, an appearance of lens is displayed on a display device for a selected region of an image to magnify the selected region of the image in comparison with a portion of the image outside of the appearance of the lens. A zoomed-in view of the image is displayed on the display device by increasing magnification of the portion of the image outside the appearance of the lens successively as an animation until the magnification of the portion of the image outside of the appearance of the lens corresponds with the magnification of the selected region of the image within the appearance of the lens, at which point the appearance of the lens is no longer displayed. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121208 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD - To obtain a high resolution image from two or more low resolution images, positional offsets among the low resolution images are determined and the low resolution images are mapped onto a common plane according to the positional offsets. Pixel values in the high resolution image are calculated by weighted interpolation from the pixel values of the low resolution images, using interpolation coefficients that increases with increasing correlation with the pixel of interest. Correlation is determined by taking horizontal and vertical first and second derivatives of the pixel values in one low resolution image to find a direction of strong correlation. Appropriate interpolation is thereby obtained even near edges and other abrupt changes in the image. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121209 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OPERATIVE TO PROCESS MONOCHROME IMAGE DATA - A method and system operative to process monochrome image data are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can comprise the steps of receiving monochrome image data, segmenting the input pixel values into pixel value ranges, assigning pixel positions in the lowest pixel value range an output pixel value of a first binary value, assigning pixel positions in the highest pixel value range an output pixel value of a second binary value, wherein the first and second binary values are different, and assigning pixel positions in intermediate pixel value ranges output pixel values that correspond to a spatial binary pattern. The resulting binary image data can be written to a file for subsequent storage, transmission, processing, or retrieval and rendering. In further embodiments, a system can be made operative to accomplish the same. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121210 | Bag with Cover - A bag includes an outer body portion or outer shell which encloses a storage compartment. The bag also includes a pocket non-removably attached to the bag which is accessible through the outer body portion or outer shell and is freely contained within the storage compartment. The pocket is configured to retain a cover, which is non-removably attached thereto. The cover is a flexible material that is water resistant or water repellant. The cover can be collapsed and stored within the pocket or can be withdrawn from the pocket and spread over the outer body portion or outer shell of the bag, thereby protecting it, for example, from inclement weather. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121211 | Reusable bag and Its Toy Enclosure - A reusable bag and its toy enclosure comprising of a toy enclosure, the toy enclosure defines a central opening, a rectangular cavity having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is adjacent to the central opening and defines a first and second cavity opening and the second end defines a third cavity opening, and a bag, the bag having two carrying straps and a strip of material, the strip of material attaches to the toy enclosure from within the toy enclosure. The reusable bag and its toy enclosure provides children with a toy to play with while their parents shop that also serves the dual purpose of being a reusable bag for the parents after shopping. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121212 | STORAGE CONTAINER - A storage container comprises a cleat configured to be connected to a structure. A lid is pivotably connected to the cleat. A bag support is releasably connected to the cleat separate from the lid. A bag is supported by the bag support. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121213 | Bags - The present invention is directed to a polymeric bag having a reduced gauge portion extending generally across the width of the bag, wherein the reduced gauge portion allows that area of the polymeric bag to be stretched more easily. This invention is especially advantageous in the context of drawstring trash bags wherein the reduced gauge portion encompasses the hems. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121214 | ROLLER BEARING METHOD AND APPARATUS - Embodiments herein generally provide a pin-guided roller bearing utilizing an interference fit, e.g., a shrink fit and/or press fit, to strengthen the connection between the pins and the cage, which may increase the durability of the cage. Various embodiments generally include a pin-guided cage and a plurality of roller elements coupled to the cage, wherein the pins are coupled to the cage by an interference fit. The roller bearing may further include a top race and a bottom race, coupled to opposite sides of the roller elements. The roller bearing may generally facilitate the movement of the top race relative to the bottom race while subject to a substantial load on the toprace. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121215 | ROLLER CIRCLE ASSEMBLY FOR HEAVY MACHINERY - A roller circle assembly for heavy machinery includes an upper circular rail and a lower circular rail concentrically arranged about a central axis, and tapered rollers between the upper and lower rail. Each tapered roller includes a flange having an angled and convex flange contact surface that contacts the lower rail. The lower rail and/or the upper rail can include an angled surface configured for contact with the flange contact surface. The geometry of the rollers and the lower rail are configured to reduce the stresses applied to the rollers and lower rail due to contact between the flange contact surface and the angled surface. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121216 | Polymer Optical Waveguide Current Sensor - Provided is an integrated optical current sensor for measuring the magnitude of current. The integrated optical current sensor is fabricated by integrating optical elements, such as a thermo-optic phase modulator, a waveguide polarizer and an optical coupler, on a single substrate. As compared to the known current sensors using optical fibers, the integrated optical current sensor is more compact and enables measurement of current with higher reliability. Provided also is a method for producing current sensor chips in a large scale by using a process for fabricating integrated optical elements. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121217 | PROBE FOR ELECTRIC/MAGNETIC FIELD - In an electric/magnetic field probe using an optical fiber, when a stress is applied to the fiber, the polarization state of the light propagating in the fiber changes, and the signal level of the electric or magnetic field detection becomes unstable. For coping with this problem, for suppressing the curve or waggle of the optical fiber caused by a stress applied to the fiber, an electric/magnetic field sensor unit composed of the fiber and EO/MO material is fixed on a quartz substrate, for example, and the part of the fiber other than the sensor unit is stored in an acrylic tube and fixed. Further, polarization adjustment parts like a polarization controller, an optical analyzer or the like is installed in the housing, so that a stress caused by wind pressure or contact is not applied to the fiber connected to the parts. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121218 | PHOTONICS CHIP AND OPTICAL APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Provided are a photonics chip and an optical apparatus including the same. The chip may include a substrate, an optical waveguide, an optical coupler, and a plurality of alignment units. The optical waveguide is formed on the substrate. The optical coupler is formed at the optical waveguide. The alignment units align an optical connector which fixes at least one optical fiber coupled to the optical coupler, on the substrate. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121219 | OPTICAL-SWITCH DRIVER CIRCUIT, OPTICAL SWITCH, AND OPTICAL CHANGEOVER SWITCH - An optical-switch driver circuit includes a pulse signal source and a voltage-applying circuit. The pulse signal source generates pulse waves that rise from a first voltage to a second voltage. The voltage-applying circuit, for one of the pulse waves, outputs a voltage higher than the third voltage, then outputs a voltage lower than the third voltage, and further outputs the third voltage. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121220 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSMISSION OF OPTICAL DATA BETWEEN TRANSMITTER STATION AND RECEIVER STATION VIA OF A MULTI-MODE LIGHT WAVE GUIDE - The invention relates to a method for transmitting optical information between an emitter station ( | 2012-05-17 |
20120121221 | OPTICAL NANOFIBER RESONATOR - To provide an optical nanofiber resonator having an optical waveguide whose diameter is equal to or smaller than the wavelength of a propagation light, a light emitter disposed at a predetermined position of the optical waveguide, and a first reflector and a second reflector formed in the optical waveguide with the light emitter interposed therebetween, wherein at least one of the first reflector and the second reflector transmits a part of the propagation light. With such a configuration, the channeling efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitter and the propagation mode of the optical waveguide is dramatically improved. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121222 | FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, CABLE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Disclosed are fiber optic connectors including a holder for attaching a fiber optic cable to a fiber optic connector along with cable assemblies and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the holder includes a first and a second cantilevered arm that are squeezed together when a sleeve is placed over the holder. Further, one or more of the cantilevered arm may include a plurality of teeth for “biting” into the cable jacket and providing a suitable fiber optic cable retention force. The fiber optic connectors, cable assemblies and methods disclosed herein are advantageous since they allow the craft to quickly, reliably, and easily attach a robust fiber optic cable to a connector, thereby providing a rugged solution for the craft. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121223 | HYBRID CONNECTOR - A hybrid connector is disclosed. The hybrid connector comprises a cable, a plug and a connector housing. The cable has an optical waveguide and conductive wires disposed therein. The plug is connected to the cable. The connector housing is configured to mount on the plug. The connector housing is provided with a connector-side locking portion, an optical connection portion and an electrical connection portion. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121224 | CABLE INTEGRATING FIBER OPTICS TO POWER AND CONTROL AN ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention include a cable for connecting a downhole electrical submersible pump assembly to a control station the cable comprising a plurality of leads disposed in the cable, the plurality of leads disposed in a position that is substantially parallel to each of the other leads, each of the leads being separated by a distance, and each of the leads adapted to carry three phase electrical power to the electrical submersible pump; a plurality of insulated spacers disposed in between each of the leads, the insulated spacers having a width; the insulated spacers having a cross-section that is substantially shaped like an hourglass; and a plurality of optical fibers disposed substantially in the center of each of the spacers, the optical fibers adapted to sense the conditions of the well and electrical pump assembly, the fiber producing an optical signal for receipt by a downhole control circuit positioned near the motor. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121225 | OPTICAL FIBER CABLES - Cables have reduced freespace, reduced tube diameters, and reduced strength member diameters. The cables are designed to pass robustness testing such as GR-20 while using smaller amounts of raw materials to produce. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121226 | INTERLOCKING OPTICAL FIBER - An optical fiber includes an outer periphery formed into a shape that configures the fiber to interlock with the other fibers with complementary shapes. Methods and systems for fabricating such interlocking fibers are also disclosed. In one example, a method includes drawing a first optical fiber from a preform and forming an outer periphery of the first optical fiber into a shape that configures the first optical fiber to be interlocked with a second optical fiber comprising an outer periphery formed into a shape that is complementary to the shape of the first optical fiber. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121227 | CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLY, CONDUCTOR SPACER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF SEPARATING CONDUCTORS - A conductor assembly, a conductor spacer and an associated method for separating conductors are provided in order to secure conductors to one another and/or to an underlying platform. A conductor assembly includes a spacer body having a prismatic solid shape, first and second conductors that extend alongside the spacer body and first and second ties for securing the conductors to the spacer body. The spacer body includes a pair of end faces and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces. The spacer body also defines an internal cavity that is accessible via openings defined by the end faces and at least two of the side faces. The spacer body is configured to provide different spacings between the conductors when the ties extend through different ones of the openings. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121228 | CABLE CONNECTION HOUSING PROVIDING MULTIPLE METHODS FOR WATERPROOFING MAIN CABLES - The present invention relates to a communication cable splice box that is capable of different ways to waterproof the main cable, the cable splice box comprises a protective cover and at least a cable entry place, the cable entry space has at least three hollow cylindrical columns, one of the hollow cylindrical columns can provide entry for two main cables that are preparing for heat shrink tube waterproofing into the cable splice box, the two remaining hollow cylindrical columns each provides entry for one main cable that is preparing for elastic rubber shrinkable pipe waterproofing into the cable splice box. This can improve in the prior art and solve the array of waterproofing problems encountered in the entry opening of the main cable of the telecommunication cable splice box. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121229 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING VIDEO DATA - Described herein are systems and methods for managing video data. Embodiments are described by reference to a Digital Video Management (DVM) system, for example methods for controlling a DVM system. In overview, the present technology relates to the ability of an operator to modify a system alert level in the context of a DVM system, thereby to reduce the need for manual interaction in times of high alert. This may be achieved by implementing a system alert level controller via a graphical user interface. Increasing the system alert level, at least in some embodiments, correspondingly increases system resource consumption, for example by automating various actions (such as record) or increasing the amount/quality of recordings made. In effect, the system is temporarily operated on a high-cost basis thereby to assist manage risk during times of high alert by reducing reliance on the operator. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121230 | AUDIOVISUAL REPRODUCTION SYSTEM - Audiovisual reproduction system comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, characterized in that the operating system comprises a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121231 | DIGITAL BROADCAST RECEIVER HAVING A RECORDING FUNCTION - Provided is a digital broadcast receiver having a recording function, which is capable of automatically selecting a recording destination of reserved recording. The digital broadcast receiver having a recording function includes a connection means | 2012-05-17 |
20120121232 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPRODUCING DATA - A method and apparatus for reproducing data are provided. The method and apparatus involve receiving a first signal for marking a desired reproduction position in media data; storing reproduction information for reproducing the media data from the desired reproduction position without searching for reference data in the media data; and reproducing the media data by using the reproduction information if a second signal is received so as to request the media data to be reproduced from the desired reproduction position. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121233 | REPRODUCING APPARATUS - A reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing section picking up any signals compressed in a plurality of different compression methods from a recording medium. The recording medium records the signals compressed in a plurality of different compression methods and record management information denoting association of the signals compressed in a plurality of different compression methods with each other, respectively. A decoding section decodes the signal picked up from said recording medium, and a recording section records reproduction management information including reproduction-interruption information in the reproducing section associated with the record management information onto the recording medium. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121234 | PLAYBACK DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FUNCTIONALITY BASED ON EVENT INFORMATION RETRIEVED FROM A PLAYLIST - Instead of using events stored in the datastream itself applications can retrieve event information from the playlist on a record carrier such as DVD and blu-disc. By retrieving the event information from the playlist changes in the event information do not require reprocessing of the data stream. In addition the application knows before the start of the playback of the data stream where the events are located and what functionality in terms of resources is required. A better scheduling of resources is thus possible. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121235 | MOVING IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM STORING THUMBNAIL IMAGE GENERATION PROGRAM, AND THUMBNAIL IMAGE GENERATION METHOD - In a moving image processing apparatus, a thumbnail image generation unit acquires moving image data stored in a moving image data storage unit, extracts a thumbnail image from the acquired moving image data based on determination data acquired by a determination data acquisition unit, generates thumbnail image data indicating the extracted thumbnail image, and stores the generated thumbnail image data in a thumbnail image data storage unit. A thumbnail image output unit outputs the thumbnail image data stored in the thumbnail image data storage unit. A determination data acquisition unit acquires determination data for determining a transition of enthusiastic backing of a viewer of a broadcast program during a broadcast time of the broadcast program in which moving image data is broadcast. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121236 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING DIGITAL CINEMA CONTENT AND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PLAYING DIGITAL CINEMA CONTENT - Provided are an apparatus and method for generating digital cinema content and an apparatus and method for playing digital cinema content. The method of playing digital cinema content using a digital cinema package (DCP) including frame data having a first resolution and length information about frame data having a second resolution lower than the first resolution, and a key delivery message (KDM) includes obtaining a material exchange format (MXF) file and a decryption key by parsing the DCP and the KDM, extracting an encrypted triplet from the MXF file, extracting the length information about the second-resolution frame data using the encrypted triplet and the decryption key, decrypting an amount of data required to decrypt the second-resolution frame data in the first-resolution frame data using the length information about the second-resolution frame data, and decoding the decrypted second-resolution frame data. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121237 | BI-HEATING WATER TANK - A bi-heating hot water tank comprising a first compartment including a water inlet for receiving cold water, and a second compartment including a heating element for heating water. The two compartments are in fluid communication with each other whereby the second compartment receives the water from the first compartment. The hot water is discharged from the second compartment using a conduit that passes within the first compartment prior to exiting the water tank to preheat the water in the first compartment prior to entering the second compartment. This arrangement allows for reducing the operation time of the heating element, and for providing hot water at higher temperatures and for longer periods of time. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121238 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A HEATED FLUID - Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus comprises at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121239 | DEVICE FOR PROCESSING SUBSTANCES, IN PARTICULAR DIGESTATE AND DIGESTATE MIXTURES - A device for processing digestate or digestate mixtures ( | 2012-05-17 |
20120121240 | IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes an imaging sensor, a reticle, a focus detection unit, a spectroscopic member, and a diffusion coefficient controller. The imaging sensor is configured to receive light from a lens unit. The reticle is capable of changing a diffusion coefficient. The focus detection unit is configured to detect a focus state of an imaging surface based on a signal from the imaging sensor. The spectroscopic member is configured to split the light from the lens unit to the reticle and the focus detection unit. The diffusion coefficient controller is configured to change the diffusion coefficient of the reticle. The diffusion coefficient controller controls a diffusion coefficient of a portion of the reticle corresponding to a defocus range to be higher than a diffusion coefficient of a portion of the reticle corresponding to a focusing range according to the focus state detected by the focus detection unit. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121241 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS AUTO FOCUSING OF A CAMERA IN A MOBILE TERMINAL - A method of continuous auto focusing a camera in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes setting an arbitrary area of a preview screen as a focus area, the preview screen being divided into at least one tracking area, focusing on a subject located within the focus area and fixing a focus of the subject, and adjusting the focus with respect to the focus area when a movement of the subject is detected within the tracking area that includes the focus area. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121242 | LENS BARREL WITH MEMS ACTUATORS - A lens barrel for, e.g., a miniature camera or another device, includes an annular barrel, a plurality of first optical elements disposed coaxially within the barrel, an actuator device disposed coaxially within the barrel in front of the first optical elements, a front cover attached coaxially to a front surface of the actuator device, and a second optical element mounted coaxially in a central opening of a moving platform of the actuator device such that rotational movement of actuators in the actuator device causes the moving platform and second optical element to move conjointly with a purely translation movement along the optical axis of the second optical element and relative to the first optical elements. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121243 | MEMS ACTUATOR ALIGNMENT - A method for aligning an actuator device relative to an adjacent component, such as a rear cover of an actuator module or a stationary lens, includes disposing a plurality of radially extending tabs around an outer periphery of the actuator device, disposing a corresponding plurality of pairs of raised mounting features on a front surface of the adjacent component, each pair defining a slot having sidewalls that are complementary in configuration to respective sidewalls of corresponding ones of the tabs, and inserting respective ones of the tabs into corresponding ones of the slots. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121244 | VARIABLE FOCUS ILLUMINATOR - A variable focus illuminator includes an array of light sources and a movable lens plate positioned immediately in front of the array of light sources. The lens plate includes a plurality of lenses that redirect the light produced by the light sources, such that different positions of the lens plate result in different sizes of the field illuminated by the variable focus illuminator. The lens plate may be movable in translation, rotation, or both. The variable focus illuminator may also include a cover plate in front of the movable lens plate, which may also include a plurality of cover plate lenses. The variable focus illuminator may be varifocal, or may include a zoom capability. The variable focus illuminator may be part of a system that includes a camera, and the system may also include a pan/tilt mechanism. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121245 | COMBINATION DARK FIELD AND BRIGHT FIELD ILLUMINATOR - Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a curved reflector having an interior and an open end; a light module positioned around a perimeter of the open end of the reflector, the light module including a first side having one or more interior light sources thereon to direct light toward the interior of the reflector and a second side having one or more exterior light sources thereon to direct light away from the reflector; and a light pipe coupled to the light module and aligned so that light from the one or more exterior light sources is launched into the light pipe. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121246 | OPTICAL PATH ADJUSTING DEVICE AND PHOTOGRAPHING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - An optical path adjusting device includes a supporting plate having a hole through which light travels, a two-dimensional (2D) aperture disposed in the supporting plate so as to adjust an open area of the hole, and a three-dimensional (3D) aperture having a plurality of first blinds and a plurality of second blinds. The plurality of first blinds are disposed to correspond to a first area of the hole so as to move to open or close the first area, and the plurality of second blinds are disposed to correspond to a second area of the hole so as to move to open or close the second area. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121247 | LONG HINGE ACTUATOR SNUBBING - A device may comprise an upper module cover, a lower module cover, an outer frame, and an actuator having a movable frame. The movable frame may be at least partially disposed intermediate the upper module cover and the lower module cover. A hinge flexure may interconnect the outer frame and the movable frame such that the movable frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. The upper module cover and/or the lower module cover may be adapted to limit a movement of the movable frame. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121248 | PHOTOGRAPHING DEVICE AND LENS DEVICE - A photographing device is provided, in which an exchangeable lens unit including an image-forming optical system for capturing an image of an object on a photographing element, an end lens interposed between the image-forming optical system and the photographing element, an end lens support for supporting the end lens, and a first mounting unit, and a main body including a second mounting unit to which the first mounting unit is mounted, the photographing element disposed inside the second mounting unit, and an opening unit installed at a side of the photographing element in the second mounting unit, for receiving the end lens therein. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121249 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPTICAL PATH PROTECTION FOR DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for optical path protection for distributed antenna systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a hub and at least one node located remotely from the hub. The hub is coupled to the node by first and second fiber paths, the first fiber path comprising an uplink fiber and a downlink fiber, the second fiber path comprising an uplink fiber and a downlink fiber. The node is coupled to the downlink fibers of the first and second fiber paths via an optical combiner, and is further coupled to the uplink fibers of the first and second fiber paths via an optical splitter. The node further monitors a signal quality of a downlink optical signal and communicates to the hub information indicative of the signal quality. The hub switches communications between the hub and the node from the first to second fiber path based on the information. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121250 | MEASURING DIFFERENTIAL GROUP DELAY IN AN OPTICAL FIBER - A system includes an optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal that includes a scrambled polarization state; and output the optical signal via an optical fiber associated with a network path that is transporting network traffic. The system also includes an optical receiver configured to receive the optical signal; measure a polarization associated with the optical signal; determine, based on the polarization, a degree of polarization associated with the test signal; identify a differential group delay associated with the test signal based on the degree of polarization; output a notification that the optical fiber is available to carry high capacity traffic when the differential group delay is less than a threshold, where the high capacity traffic includes a data rate that his greater than another threshold; and output a notification that the optical fiber is not available to carry the high capacity traffic when the differential group delay is not less than the threshold. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121251 | MONITORING AND CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A method, a system, and a computer program product for managing one or more electronic devices. Performance of an electronic device is monitored and presented to a user through a digital agent interface. The performance of the electronic device is controlled automatically by digital agent through the digital agent interface. The invention also enables automatic testing of the electronic device through the digital agent interface by setting up test configurations, activating test signals, and interpreting any error codes that may be generated. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121252 | OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING REMOTE OPERATION MANAGEMENT - Provided is an optical communication system including: a remote control device for generating OAM (Operation, Administration, and Maintenance) signal including OAM information for equipment, converting the OAM signals to OAM optical signals, overlaying the OAM optical signals and communication upstream signals transmitted to a Communication Stations device, and controlling the transmission of the overlaid signals to the Communication Stations device; and the Communication Stations device for generating OAM control signals, converting the OAM control signal to OAM optical control signals, overlaying the OAM optical control signals and optical communication downstream signals transmitted to the remote control device, and controlling the transmission of the overlaid control signals to the remote control device. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121253 | RANGING METHOD AND APPARATUS IN PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK - The present invention discloses a method for ranging in a passive optical network, and the method includes: obtaining a Round Trip Delay (RTD) between an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and an Optical Network Unit (ONU); and opening a quiet window used for the ranging for the ONU according to the RTD to perform the ranging on this ONU. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for ranging in a passive optical network, and the apparatus includes: an obtainment module which is configured to: obtain a RTD between an OLT and an ONU; and a ranging module configured to: open a quiet window used for ranging for the ONU to perform ranging on the ONU according to the RTD. The present invention shortens the open time of the quiet window used for the ranging and improves the efficiency of the upstream transmission, and the implementation method is simple and convenient. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121254 | MULTI-STAGE POLARIZATION MODE DISPERSION COMPENSATION - A polarization mode dispersion compensator that includes two stages, one for reducing or eliminating first order polarization mode dispersion of an optical signal, and second stage for reducing or eliminating higher order polarization mode dispersion of the optical signal. In each stage, the polarization is adjusted so as to reduce polarization mode dispersion. Based on the power levels of various polarization states generated at the second polarization controller, the optical signal to noise ratio may be estimated. Furthermore, based on the amount of adjustment used to control the polarization controllers and the differential group delay, the polarization mode dispersion may be estimated. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121255 | OPTICAL SWITCHING DEVICE AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM - An optical switching device includes a optical add/drop multiplexer that at least adds an optical signal into and/or drops an optical signal from wavelength division multiplexed light that is wavelength division multiplexed optical signals; a plurality of amplifiers that are disposed on optical paths included in the optical add/drop multiplexer and that can use supplied pump light to amplify the optical signals; an optical source that generates the pump light; and an optical switch that supplies the generated pump light to any one of the amplifiers. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121256 | OPTICAL TRANSMISSION DEVICE, OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION METHOD - An optical transmission device includes an extractor that extracts respective optical signals from optical signals multiplexed from a plurality of optical signals of different wavelengths, a detector that detects wavelengths of the extracted respective optical signals, a storage that stores the wavelengths of the detected respective optical signals, and a processor that is operative to derive trends in wavelength variation of the respective optical signals based on the detected respective optical signals and the respective optical signals stored in the storage, and determines that either one or both of the extractor and the detector cause the wavelengths to be varied when the trends in wavelength variation of two or more wavelengths are the same. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121257 | PRE-EMPHASIS CONTROL METHOD AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A pre-emphasis control method includes calculating an average value of transmission characteristics based on transmission characteristics of a plurality of light beams received by the receiver, and determining that, among signals of the plurality of light beams, a wavelength with a deviation from the average value is a wavelength at which control is to be performed, determining that the wavelength at which control is to be performed and a wavelength adjacent thereto are a group of wavelengths at which control is to be performed, obtaining an average of transmission characteristics of the group of wavelengths at which control is to be performed, and changing a light intensity output from each transmitter that transmits a group of wavelengths at which control is to be performed based on a difference between averaged transmission characteristics and respective transmission characteristics of the group of wavelengths at which control is to be performed. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121258 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION IN PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK - A method, an apparatus, and a system for transmitting information in a passive optical network are provided. The method mainly includes: obtaining OAM information that an RE device needs to report to an OLT device, performing modulation processing, according to the OAM information, on a downlink optical signal sent by the OLT device, and returning the downlink optical signal after the modulation processing to the OLT device; or, obtaining OAM information that an OLT device needs to deliver to an RE device, performing modulation processing, according to the OAM information, on a downlink optical signal sent by the OLT device to the RE device, and sending the downlink optical signal after the modulation processing to the RE device. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121259 | OPTICAL TRANSMISSION DEVICE AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION METHOD - An optical transmission device includes a first power monitor to monitor a first signal into which second signals with respectively different wavelengths are multiplexed so as to measure received power of the first signal; an amplifier to amplify the first signal, to generate a third signal; a driver to drive the amplifier; a demultiplexer to separate the third signal into fourth signals with the different respectively wavelengths; second power monitors each to monitor each of the fourth signals so as to measure received power of each of the fourth signals; a memory to store therein data related to gain in the amplifier, the data corresponding to each of wavelengths of the second signals, with respect to parameters which are the received power measured by the first power monitor and driving condition; and a processor to calculate power of each of the second signals. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121260 | SYSTEM FOR INTERCEPTING SIGNALS TO BE TRANSMITTED OVER A FIBER OPTIC NETWORK AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A system is provided for intercepting signals transmitted between a target served by a fiber optic network and a subscriber. A network is described having a phone switch at a central office configured to receive signals for transmission to and from a target, such as the target of a criminal investigation. A signal received at the central office is assigned to an analog circuit, and a monitoring device configured to intercept and monitor the signal is installed along the analog circuit at a location that allows the monitoring of communications without notifying the target that he is under surveillance. After the signal has been monitored, it is converted to a digital signal for transmission. A method is also provided for intercepting a signal transmitted between the target served by a fiber optic network and a subscriber, such that a monitoring device may be installed without alerting the target. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121261 | TECHNOLOGY FOR ARRANGING OPTICAL CHANNELS IN SWITCHING OPTICAL EQUIPMENT - A reconfigurable optical switching device comprising a Tunable Filters Array (TFA) unit incorporating tunable optical filters, wherein the arrangement is such that one and the same TFA unit is utilized both for performing a drop function of the device in a colorless and reconfigurable manner, and a through function of the device in a reconfigurable manner. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121262 | SYNCHRONOUS PACKET SWITCHES - A synchronous packet switch comprises output modules, input modules, optical connections and a switch control unit. The output modules comprise optical receivers each configured to receive optical signals at a different wavelength. The input modules receive electric signals carrying data cells to be routed. Each input module comprises optical transmitters, each configurable to generate an optical signal at a different wavelength, and routing apparatus comprising output ports. Each output module has at least one output port allocated to it. The routing apparatus is configurable to route a received optical signal to a selected output port. The optical connections are arranged to couple output ports to respective output modules. The switch control unit controls routing of the optical signals from the transmitters to the output modules and generates a routing control signal for configuring the routing apparatus to route an optical signal from a transmitter to a selected output port. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121263 | PON SYSTEM AND TERMINAL OPERATION REGISTERING METHOD - In a PON system in which communication is performed at a plurality of types of transmission rate (L, M, and H) in an upstream direction from a plurality of terminals connected to a station apparatus through optical fibers, within a discovery period for allowing an unregistered terminal to be recognized by station apparatus, the terminal makes a discovery response at one type of transmission rate (L). With this configuration, station apparatus can wait for a discovery response with a receive function being allowed to support transmission rate (L). | 2012-05-17 |
20120121264 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING LIGHT, AND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING LIGHT - An optical transmitting apparatus optically modulates a transmitting signal to transmit the signal to an optical receiving apparatus using a phase of two optical carriers having each wavelength, and an optical receiving apparatus demodulates an optical signal having a modulated phase with intensity modulation to detect a transmitting signal. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121265 | Apparatus And Method For Two-Stage Optical Network - A manner of providing an energy-efficient two-stage PON using a multistage-PON repeater to forward data traffic and other communications between the first stage and the second stage. The multistage-PON repeater receives BI-PON transmission frames from and OLT and decimates them, forwarding data intended for end devices of the second stage. The multistage-PON repeater rate adapts the transmissions so that faster speeds may be associated with PON first stage communications and slower speeds are associated with PON second stage communications. Many though not all of the multistage-PON components are configured to operate at the slower clock speed, conserving energy. Upstream transmissions from the end devices of the second stage are buffered in the multistage-PON repeater and forwarded to the OLT according to an allocation schedule received from the OLT in a BI-PON frame. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121266 | RECEIVER, LIGHT SPECTRUM SHAPING METHOD, AND OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A receiver receiving a phase-modulated optical frequency division multiplexed signal is provided. The receiver includes a light spectrum shaper configured to extract a carrier wave and a modulated light component contained in either one of a short-wavelength-side waveband or a long-wavelength-side waveband with respect to the carrier wave, to output a spectrum-shaped light signal; and an optical-to-electric converter configured to convert the spectrum-shaped light signal into an electric signal. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121267 | OPTICAL ADD-DROP MULTIPLEXER BRANCHING UNIT AND CORRESPONDING OPTICAL TRANSMISSION METHOD AND SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention provide an Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (OADM) Branching Unit (BU) and the corresponding optical transmission method and system. The method includes: separating a part of optical signals of different wavelengths from two trunk fibers respectively, coupling the part of optical signals of different wavelengths, and transmitting the coupled optical signals to a branch station through a fiber; separating, according to wavelengths, optical signals that have different wavelengths and are transmitted by the branch station through a fiber, and then transmitting the optical signals to the two trunk fibers respectively; separating null-compensation light from the optical service signals transmitted through a fiber by the branch station to obtain the null-compensation light; coupling the null-compensation light with the part of optical signals that have different wavelengths and are respectively separated from the two trunk fibers, and transmitting the coupled optical signals to the branch station through a fiber. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121268 | Method And Apparatus Of Microwave Photonics Signal Processing - A radiofrequency (rf) signal-processing device offers the possibility of high bandwidth operation. The disclosed device applies principles of microwave photonics and Linear Amplification based on Nonlinear Components (LINC). For some applications, the device may be embodied in an rf amplifier or rf transmitter. In an embodiment, an optical phase modulator is configured to receive an optical carrier signal as input, and further configured so that, when driven by an rf modulation signal, it will produce a complementary pair of optical signals as output. Each of a pair of detectors is configured to convert a respective one of the complementary optical signals to an rf signal. An rf combiner is configured to add the converted radiofrequency signals from the detectors to form an output signal. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121269 | MULTIFUNCTION RECEIVER-ON-CHIP FOR ELECTRONIC WARFARE APPLICATIONS - What is provided is a receiver-on-a-chip comprising a monolithic integrated circuit that reduces the receiver to a cigarette-pack-sized assembly mountable directly at an antenna element, with a much-increased operational bandwidth and instantaneous bandwidth, increased dynamic range and with a two-order-of-magnitude decrease in size and weight. Moreover, because of the elimination of all of the I/O drivers and attendant circuitry, power consumption is reduced by two-thirds, whereas the mean time before failure is increased to 10,000 hours due to the robustness of the monolithic integrated circuit and use of fiber optics. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121270 | MULTI-PORT ACCUMULATOR FOR RADIO-OVER-FIBER (RoF) WIRELESS PICOCELLULAR SYSTEMS - A multi-port accumulator apparatus for a radio-over-fiber (RoF) wireless picocellular system comprising a housing supporting a tail cable port and transponder ports. The tail cable port is optically coupled to the RoF transponder ports to provide for transmission of uplink and downlink optical signals between the tail cable port and each of the transponder ports. The tail cable port is also electrically coupled to provide power to each transponder port. The multi-port accumulator supports RoF transponders, one at each of the transponder ports. Each RoF transponder includes a directional antenna system forming a picocellular coverage sub-area, with the combined sub-areas constituting a picocellular coverage area for the multi-port accumulator. The multi-port accumulator permits quick installation and deployment of large numbers of RoF transponders without individually connecting each RoF transponder to downlink and uplink optical fibers in an optical fiber RF communication link. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121271 | Method And Apparatus Of Free-Space Optical Signal Reception Having Enhanced Performance In Scattering Environments - A free space optical receiver is provided that can mitigate the detrimental effects of scattering. In an implementation, the optical beam is imaged onto a detector array in the image plane of the receiver telescope. The detector array has a series of two or more concentric zones for detecting optical power, i.e., for converting optical input to electrical output. The electrical output from each of the detection zones is processed by a respective adaptive equalizer, which is operative for compressing the detected signal pulses to counteract the effect of delay spread and thereby to reduce inter-symbol interference. The outputs from the respective adaptive equalizers are then combined for the purpose of signal recovery. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121272 | Opto-electronic assembly for high speed transmission - The optoelectronic assembly for high speed signal transmission based on surface-emitting/receiving components is disclosed. The assembly contains a mounting plate with a top side used for the mounting of the components; single or multiple electrooptical or optoelectronic transducer components with the optical ports of the transducer on the top side and a bottom side used for assembly; a micro-mirror component; an optical transmission path wherein the transmission axis is oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the transducer components and to the top side of the mounting plate; and a transducer component mounted with the bottom side on the mounting plate near a micro-mirror component mounted above the transducer component in such a configuration that the optical transmission path to or from the transducer is reflected at the mirror surface such that the transducer is optically coupled to this same transmission path. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121273 | COMMON BASE CIRCUIT WITH OUTPUT COMPENSATION, CURRENT-TO-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT CONFIGURED WITH COMMON BASE AMPLIFIER, AND OPTICAL RECEIVER IMPLEMENTED WITH THE SAME - An amplifier implementing with a common base circuit is disclosed. The amplifier includes the common base circuit, a current shunt, and a current supplement. The common base circuit receives an input current. The current shunt shunts the input current based on the average of the output of the pre-amplifier. The current supplement supplements a current shunted by the current shunt. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121274 | Clock Recovery for Optical Transmission Systems - A receiver for an optical communications system which corrects distortion of a received signal. A clock recovery system utilising a feedback and feedforward system are provided. The feedback loop comprises a phase detector and a clock source, while the feedforward loop comprises the phase detector and a delay element for delaying the output of distortion correction system. The feedback loop has a significantly lower bandwidth than the feedforward path. There are also provided methods of optimising tap weights and of acquiring initial tap weights. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121275 | DEVELOPER REMAINDER AMOUNT DETECTION SYSTEM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A detecting system for detecting a developer remainder in a developer container includes first, second and third electrodes provided in the container; an AC voltage source for applying an AC voltage to the third electrode; a first electrostatic capacity detector for detecting a first electrostatic capacity between the first electrode and the third electrode; a second electrostatic capacity detector for detecting a second electrostatic capacity between the second electrode and the third electrode; and a developer remainder detector for correcting the first electrostatic capacity detected by the first electrostatic capacity detector on the basis of the second electrostatic capacity detected by the second electrostatic capacity detector, and for detecting a developer remainder of the developer | 2012-05-17 |
20120121276 | TESTING TRANSFER NIPS OF PRINTING DEVICES USING TRANSFER FIELD UNIFORMITY MAPS - A method and apparatus can, while operating a printing device in a test mode, supply a changed transfer field to a marking material transfer device. The changed transfer field is less than or more than the standard transfer field. The method and apparatus disable operations of other marking material transfer devices of the printing device to isolate the marking material transfer device. Further, the method and apparatus compare the actual amount and/or spatial distribution of marking material transferred to a recipient surface (to which the first marking material transfer device transfers the marking material) against a predetermined standard. Then, if the actual amount of marking material transferred to the recipient surface is different than the predetermined standard, the method and apparatus can identify the first marking material transfer device as being a potential source of printing defects. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121277 | Image forming apparatus and fixing unit control method thereof - An image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit which forms an image; a fixing unit which fixes the image transferred to a printing medium; a power supply which supplies operation power to the fixing unit; a contactless sensor sensing a temperature of the fixing unit and respectively outputting a sensor-sensing voltage and a sensor-compensating voltage; and a contactless-sensing protector which shuts off the power if the sensor-sensing voltage is higher than the sensor-compensating voltage. The fixing unit can be protected from overheating and control error through the contactless-sensing protector for sensing the fixing temperature and shutting off the power. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121278 | STORAGE CONTAINER FOR DEVELOPER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A storage container for a developer, includes: a first storage unit in which a collected developer is stored; a second storage unit which is disposed at an end of the first storage unit, in which the developer conveyed from the first storage unit is stored; a detection member which detects the developer stored in the second storage unit; a full-state determining unit which determines whether the first storage unit is a full state or not, based on a detected result of the detection member; and a conveyance member which is disposed in the first storage unit, and is rotated to convey the developer stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit, and the conveyance member has: a first region as defined herein; a second region as defined herein; and a third region as defined herein. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121279 | STORAGE CONTAINER FOR DEVELOPER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A storage container for a developer, includes: a first storage unit; a second storage unit; a detection member; a full-state determining unit; and a conveyance member as defined herein, and one end side of the conveyance member is supported on other end side of the first storage unit in a cantilever state, and other end side of the conveyance member is disposed to have a gap with respect to a wall of one end side of the second storage unit. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121280 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a waste toner box, a base, a detection sensor, a counter and a controller. The waste toner box collects toner not transferred to a sheet but remaining on a surface of a photoreceptor. The base is for placing the waste toner box thereon, and a position of the base changes with a weight of the waste toner box placed thereon. The detection sensor detects the position of the base to detect an amount of toner in the waste toner box placed on the base. The counter counts the number of sheets with images formed thereon. The controller determines whether or not to continue image formation on a sheet on a basis of a signal from the detection sensor and the counter. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121281 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus, which has a plurality of image forming units, comprises a plurality of cartridges adapted to supply developer; a plurality of supply members adapted to supply developer to the image forming units from a plurality of the cartridges; a drive unit adapted to drive a plurality of the supply members; and a control unit adapted to supply developer from a plurality of the cartridges by selectively operating a plurality of the supply members based on the amount of developer accommodated in the cartridges. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121282 | IMAGE FORMATION DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMATION METHOD - An image formation device comprises a control portion for controlling the amount of liquid developer supplied from a toner supply portion and the amount of carrier solution supplied from a carrier solution supply portion to adjust the toner concentration of liquid developer of a liquid developer concentration adjustment portion and to control the amount of liquid developer of the liquid developer concentration adjustment portion on the basis of the measured toner concentration of the liquid developer and the amount of the liquid developer, wherein the control portion adjusts the toner concentration of the liquid developer in the liquid developer concentration adjustment portion and controls the amount of the liquid developer in the liquid developer concentration adjustment portion when a recovered liquid stagnation detection portion does not detect that a recovered liquid is stagnant. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121283 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members; an electrostatic image forming portion; a belt member; an electrostatic image transfer member for transferring an electrostatic index image, onto an electrostatic image transfer area located adjacent to an image area of a toner image with respect to a widthwise direction of the belt member, formed on the upstreammost image bearing member with respect to a rotational direction of the belt member; an antenna potential sensor for detecting an induced current of the electrostatic index image; a controller for controlling superposition of the toner images through detection of the electrostatic index image; and a setting portion on the basis of a detection result of the electrostatic index image which is formed during non image formation. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121284 | FIXING APPARATUS - A fixing apparatus is capable of executing a first fixing mode for performing fixing processing at a first pressing force and a second fixing mode for performing fixing processing at a second pressing force that is lower than the first pressing force. When a pressing force applied to a fixing nip portion is set to the second pressing force, all of a first heating member pattern on a heater is contained within a contact region between a belt member and the heater, and at least a portion of a second heating member pattern is disposed outside the contact region, so that consumed power is reduced. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121285 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, and a power control unit. The image forming unit forms an unfixed image on a recording material. The fixing unit includes an endless belt, a heater held in contact with the endless belt, a pressurization roller to form a fixing nip portion for pinching and conveying the recording material together with the heater via the endless belt, and a pressure changing mechanism to effect switching between a pressurization state and a pressure release state. The power control unit controls power to the heater. In response to transitioning from the pressure release state to the pressurization state, the power control unit starts power to the heater during a transition period before the pressurization state is attained and controls power to the heater such that a heater temperature does not exceed a predetermined upper limit temperature during the transition period. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121286 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a switch member that selectively switches a blowing direction of an air drawn by a fan and passing through a duct to a direction toward a conveying roller pair or a direction toward a sheet conveying path between the conveying roller pair and a fixing device; and a control portion that switches the switch member, based on a setting by an operation portion to that a gloss mode for an image to be formed on the sheet is set, so that when a mode for forming a high gloss image is set, the blowing direction of the air is switched to the direction toward the pair of rollers, and when a mode for forming a low gloss image is set, the blowing direction of the air is switched to the direction toward the sheet conveying path. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121287 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND JOB PROCESSING METHOD FOR THE SAME - An information processing apparatus to output, to an image forming apparatus, a print job using paper stored in paper feed units includes an acquisition unit, a generation unit, an addition unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires configuration information for each paper feed unit including type and number of sheets of paper capable of storage in each paper feed unit. The generation unit generates, based on type and number of sheets of paper required to be used for an externally acquired print job and the acquired configuration information, paper allocation information for associating a paper feed unit with type and number of sheets of paper in such away as to reduce replacement of paper. The addition unit adds the generated paper allocation information to the print job. The transmission unit transmits the print job with the added paper allocation information to the image forming apparatus. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121288 | POWDER CONTAINER, CLEANING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A powder container includes a housing including a container chamber, a rotation member extending in an axial direction, and a sealing member. The housing includes a first wall portion having a first hole into which an end portion of the rotation member is inserted. The rotation member includes a second wall facing a part of the first wall portion around the first hole with a distance therebetween. The sealing member has a second hole through which the rotation member extends, is interposed between the part of the first wall portion around the first hole and the second wall portion, and includes a foam member that is contractible and a pair of sheet members respectively contacting the part of the first wall portion around the first hole and the second wall portion and having a friction coefficient lower than the foam member. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121289 | Image Forming Apparatus and Cartridge - An image forming apparatus is provided that may include a photosensitive drum configured to rotate around an axis and a first rotational member disposed proximate a periphery of the photosensitive drum and configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus may also include a driving-force transmitting member and a driven member, which includes a transmitted portion and a first engaging projection. The driven member may rotate about the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum together with the photosensitive drum and the transmitted portion of the driven member may receive a driving force transmitted from the driving-force transmitting member. The image forming apparatus may also include a rotational-member driving gear which has a loose fit portion configured to engage with the first engaging projection and a transmission gear portion configured to transmit the driving force to the first rotational member. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121290 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE, ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTOSENSITIVE DRUM UNIT - A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a coupling member. The coupling member is capable of inclining relative to the photosensitive drum such that the coupling axis inclines relative to the drum axis. A regulating portion surrounds the coupling member so as to confine the range of inclination of the coupling member. The regulating portion is provided with a recess that recesses in a direction away from the drum axis and away from the developing roller. An angle between the coupling axis and the drum axis is larger when at least a part of the coupling member is in the recess than when the coupling member contacts another portion of the regulating portion. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121291 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTOSENSITIVE MEMBER, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - An electrophotographic photosensitive member having a specific conductive layer and promising less variation in light-area potential and residual potential in reproducing images repeatedly, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus which have such an electrophotographic photosensitive member are provided. Where a test in which a voltage of −1.0 kV having only a DC voltage component is continuously applied to the conductive layer for 1 hour is conducted, the conductive layer has volume resistivity satisfying the following mathematical expressions (1) and (2), as values before and after the test: | 2012-05-17 |
20120121292 | DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE AND PROCESS UNIT - A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller configured to rotate about an first axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction; a case including a first wall disposed at the first side of the developing roller and a second wall disposed at the second side of the developing roller; an arm configured to be supported by the first wall of the case and configured to swing between a first posture and a second posture about an second axis extending the first direction, the arm including a first protrusion projecting from the arm in the first direction. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121293 | TRANSFER DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A transfer device includes a moving device to move a contact surface of an opposing member toward and away from an image bearing surface of an image bearing member. The moving device includes a cam and a cam driving device to rotate the cam. When the cam is at a first position, the image bearing surface and the contact surface are separated. When the cam is at a second position, the image bearing surface and the contact surface contact each other. After a recording medium enters a transfer nip between the image bearing surface and the contact surface, the cam is at the second position, and when the recording medium exits the transfer nip a timing at which the cam starts to rotate from the second position to the first position changes depending on a thickness of the recording medium, to reduce pressure in the transfer nip. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121294 | Coupling, Image Forming Apparatus and Cartridge - A coupling which may include a driving side member, a driven side member, and an intermediate member interposed between the driving side member and the driven side member. The intermediate member may be configured to transmit a driving force from the driving side member to the driven side member. The driven side member may include a first driven side rotating body having a first engaging portion and a second driven side rotating body having a second engaging portion. Further, the second driven side rotating body may be configured to rotate relative to the first driven side rotating body about a common axis of rotation with the first driven side rotating body. Additionally, the second engaging portion may be disposed outside of the first engaging portion with respect to a radial direction of the first driven side rotating body. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121295 | ELECTRIFICATION APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - An electrification apparatus includes: an electrification roller that rotates touching an image carrier to electrify a surface of the image carrier; a support member that by means of a bearing portion, supports rotatably a rotation shat which is disposed at an end portion in a shaft direction of the electrification roller; and a cover member that is disposed on the rotation shaft and covers a portion of the rotation shaft which is near the bearing portion. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121296 | CHARGING MEMBER, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - Provided is a charging member, which has excellent follow-up property to the rotation of a photosensitive drum and can charge an electrophotographic photosensitive member more stably. The charging member is a charging member, comprising a mandrel, an elastic layer formed on an outer periphery of the mandrel, and a surface layer formed on an outer periphery of the elastic layer, in which the surface layer comprises at least one selected from hydroxylated fullerene and oxidized fullerene, and a binder. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121297 | SURFACE-EMITTING LASER, SURFACE-EMITTING LASER ARRAY, OPTICAL SCANNING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A surface-emitting laser includes a substrate; a lower semiconductor multilayer film reflector disposed on the substrate; a resonator structure including an active layer and disposed on the lower semiconductor multilayer film reflector; and an upper semiconductor multilayer film reflector disposed on the resonator structure. The second semiconductor multilayer film reflector includes a confinement structure in which a current passage region is surrounded by an oxidized portion of a selectively oxidized layer containing aluminum. An emission region includes a central portion and a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion being covered with a transparent dielectric film whose reflectivity is lower than a reflectivity of the central portion. The selectively oxidized layer has a thickness in a range from 30 nm to 40 nm. The temperature at which an oscillation threshold current is minimized is 60° C. or lower. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121298 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is to be formed; a rotatable supporting member, configured to support a developing device for developing the electrostatic image and configured to rotationally move the developing device toward a developing position, provided movably in a rotational axis direction with respect to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; an urging member for urging the rotatable supporting member in the rotational axis direction; and a regulating portion for regulating a position of the rotatable supporting member, with respect to the rotational axis direction, urged by the urging member are provided. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121299 | REMOVING ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC CARRIER PARTICLES FROM PHOTORECEPTOR - Carrier particles are removed from a rotatable photoreceptor in an electrophotographic printer. A development member is rotated to selectively supply toner from a developer supply to the photoreceptor, the developer including toner particles and carrier particles, and at least one carrier particle from the developer is drawn into contact with the photoreceptor while the development member supplies toner to the photoreceptor. A skive is moved into proximity with the surface of the photoreceptor and energized so that it provides an electric or magnetic field when in proximity with the surface of the photoreceptor. Carrier particles on the photoreceptor are thus transported into proximity with the skive. After carrier particles are transported into proximity with the skive, the skive is retracted from the photoreceptor, so that the transported carrier particles are drawn away from the photoreceptor; | 2012-05-17 |
20120121300 | TORSION FLEXIBLE DONOR ROLL DRIVE AND METHOD - A donor roll assembly for a developer unit including a donor roll for delivering toner onto a moving photoconductive member. The donor roll is supported for rotation and has an input shaft, a gear slideably received on the input shaft, and a torsion damper for rotationally coupling the gear to the input shaft of the donor roll for torsion damping. The torsion damper includes a resilient member adapted to deform under torsion to damp speed error (jitter) of a driving component, such as a motor. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121301 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Provided is a fixing device successively pressurizing and heating a toner image on a recording member being conveyed to fix the toner image onto the recording member, including a pressure roller, a heating roller arranged opposite to the pressure roller and sandwiching, with the pressure roller, the recording member with the toner image formed thereon to pressurize and heat the toner image on the recording member, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording member, and a housing storing the pressure roller and the heating roller. The housing has a region covered with an emission reducing member smaller in emission rate than the housing. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121302 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - An image forming apparatus includes photoreceptor drums, a charger, an exposure unit, a developing unit, an intermediate transfer belt and a fixing unit for fixing a toner image to a recording medium. The fixing unit includes a fixing part and a pressing part. The fixing part has a fixing roller, a heating member and a fixing belt. The pressing part has a pressing roller. The heating member is arranged close to, and so as to cover, the outer peripheral side of the fixing roller, and formed with an opening. Both edges of the opening extending along the axial direction of the fixing roller, are positioned closer to the pressing part side than the center axis of the fixing roller is. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121303 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a rotatable fixing member in a form of an endless belt; a pressing member pressing the fixing member; a contacting member in contact with the pressing member; a holding member holding the contacting member in a pressing direction of the pressing member; a heating unit heating the fixing member; and shape maintaining units maintaining a shape of the fixing member. Further, the heating unit is disposed on an upstream side of a horizontal line passing through the center of the pressing member and the holding member is disposed on a downstream side of a horizontal line passing through the arc axis of the shape maintaining units. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121304 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a rotatable, flexible fuser belt, a heater, a fuser pad, and a pressure member. The fuser belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration. The heater is disposed adjacent to the fuser belt to heat the fuser belt. The fuser pad is disposed inside the loop of the fuser belt, and has an outer peripheral surface thereof formed in a generally concave configuration. The pressure member is disposed opposite the fuser pad with the fuser belt interposed between the fuser pad and the pressure member. The pressure member presses in a load direction against the outer peripheral surface of the fuser pad through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip therebetween. The fuser pad includes, along the outer peripheral surface thereof, a protruding portion and an inwardly curved portion adjoining the protruding portion to face an outer circumferential surface of the pressure member. | 2012-05-17 |
20120121305 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a tubular belt holder, a rotatable, flexible fuser belt, a heater, a fuser pad, and a pressure member. The belt holder extends in an axial direction. The fuser belt is looped around the belt holder to rotate in a circumferential direction of the belt holder. The heater is disposed adjacent to the belt holder to heat the belt holder. The fuser pad is accommodated in the belt holder inside the loop of the fuser belt. The pressure member is disposed opposite the belt holder with the fuser belt interposed between the fuser pad and the pressure member. The pressure member presses in a load direction against the fuser pad through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip therebetween. The belt holder includes, along a circumferential dimension thereof, an upstream, first circumferential portion, a downstream, second circumferential portion, and a midstream, third circumferential portion. | 2012-05-17 |