42nd week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 33 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080253743 | Digital Information Recording/Reproducing Apparatus - An apparatus for processing a transmitted digital signal including at least one of a video signal and an audio signal. The apparatus includes a receiver which receives the transmitted digital signal, wherein the transmitted digital signal includes a video signal which is bit-compressed, an audio signal which is bit-compressed, and an error correction signal added commonly to both the video signal and the audio signal, a demodulator which demodulates the received digital signal, and an error corrector which corrects an error of the digital signal demodulated by the demodulator. A first expander bit-expands the video signal of the digital signal corrected by the error corrector, a second expander bit-expands the audio signal of the digital signal corrected by the error corrector. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253744 | VIDEO RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a video recording and reproducing apparatus capable of obtaining a video content, recording the video content in a recording unit, and executing an up-converting process on the recorded video content, the video recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a selecting unit configured to select a video content, a retrieving unit configured to retrieve specification information for the video content selected by the selecting unit, and a determining unit configured to determine whether or not to provide a user with a notification that inquires about whether or not to execute an up-converting process on the video content in accordance with the specification information retrieved by the retrieving unit. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253745 | Decoding and encoding method for deinterleaver - A decoding method implemented in a deinterleaver is provided, converting a television signal to image data. A preset mechanism is provided for converting the television signal to the image data. The preset mechanism comprises a plurality of multiplication and addition operations performed using a database and an adder. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253746 | Storage Capacity Configuration - A method for configuring the storage capacity of a recording apparatus. An AV content item is recorded ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080253747 | RECORDING APPARATUS AND RECORDING METHOD - A recording apparatus comprises: a removable recording medium; a processor; and a receiving unit that receives an operation command for demounting the removable recording medium, wherein, when the receiving unit receives the operation command, the processor demounts the removable recording medium from a file system; and wherein the processor automatically mounts the recording medium on the file system under a predetermined condition in which a command of mounting the recording medium is not given. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253748 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING AND ANALYZING DIGITAL RECORDING DEVICE EVENT SEQUENCES - Methods and apparatus for tracking a sequence of events associated with a digital recording device are disclosed. An example method involves monitoring data conveyed via a data bus communicatively coupled to a processor and a data storage device associated with the digital media device. The example method also involves identifying event information associated with the digital media device based on the data and identifying the viewing information based on the event information. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253749 | Recording Apparatus and Method for Optimized Overwriting - The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a corresponding method for recording information in an information layer of a record carrier ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080253750 | PROTECT-CONTROL DEVICE CAPABLE OF LIMITING CURRENT FOR REDUCING NOISE RESULTLING FROM SWITCHOVER OF MOTOR - A protect-control device capable of limiting current for reducing noise resulting from switchover of a motor includes a motor coil set, a driving unit, a sensing unit and a control unit. The motor coil set constituting a motor. The driving unit is electrically connected to the motor coil and provides a driving level to pass through the motor coil for driving the motor. The sensing unit is electrically connected to the motor coil set, provides a preset reference level, detects the driving level, compares the driving level to the preset reference level and outputs identifying signal. The control signal is electrically connected to the driving unit, the sensing unit and a Hall component, adjusts the driving level based on the identifying signal for driving unit output maintaining a basic duty cycle. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253751 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ROTATIONAL SPEED OF FAN - An apparatus for controlling rotational speed of a fan includes a sensor module, a single chip microcomputer (SCM) module, and a driving module. The sensor module collects rotational speed signals of a fan, and converts the rotational speed signals to voltage signals. The SCM module receives the voltage signals from the sensor module and compares the voltage signals with a predetermined rotational speed value stored in the SCM module, and outputs a control signal according to the comparison. The driving module receives the control signal from the SCM module, and outputs a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to control the rotational speed of the fan. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253752 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AND CONTROLLING OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS OF A DC MOTOR AND A SELF-PROPELLED APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A method for detecting and controlling output characteristics of a DC motor is provided in the present invention, wherein an input impedance related to the DC motor is measured for analyzing the output characteristics of the DC motor so that the output characteristics of the DC motor is capable being controlled according to the requirement of usage. By means of the foregoing method, the present invention further provides a self-propelled apparatus which functions to detect and control the output of the DC motor for maintaining the moving speed according to the environment status and road condition. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253753 | Brushed Motor Control with Voltage Boost for Reverse and Braking - A single low side power transistor switch is used to efficiently control a brushed motor in a forward rotational direction. A boost voltage power supply is used to supply voltage to the brushed motor in a reverse rotational direction and/or braking from the forward rotational direction. A digital device controls the brushed motor rotational speed and rotational directions. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253754 | Sterilising Filter Arrangement Apparatus & Method - A sterilizing hand-drying apparatus is used to produce a stream of sterilized, heated air for drying hands. The apparatus is provided with an electric control circuit that supplies electrical power to the apparatus. The electric control circuit has a cut-off mechanism that disables the supply of electrical power when the housing is opened. This minimizes the risk of the user being electrocuted when opening the housing. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253755 | Fragrance emanation system - The fragrance emanation system includes a container for holding preferably a fragranced liquid or gel, a housing for holding the container, and a wick. The housing contains a socket for attaching to the container, a cavity for receiving the container and a door for enclosing the container. One end of the wick protrudes from the container. An electrical circuit is included having a heater for heating the protruding end of the wick and electrical connectors coupled to the circuit to receive current from a power source to provide the current to the heater. The heater heats and evaporates the liquid within the wick, thereby accelerating the emission of vapors from the evaporated liquid. The door includes a window, a bottom and a mechanism for holding the door closed to assist in holding the container in engagement with the socket. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253756 | Housing with glass window for optical instruments in high pressure underwater environments - A housing for underwater imaging comprising a first section for housing an optical instrument; a second section secured to the first section adapted to house a window; a window disposed within the second section; and a buffer ring disposed between the window and the first section. The buffer ring is a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to that of the window. In the best mode, the window is optical grade glass and the buffer ring is aluminum foil. In the illustrative embodiment, a mounting ring is disposed between the buffer ring and the second section of the housing. The mounting ring is steel and must be polished, lapped, stainless steel as well. The buffer ring protects the glass window from the mounting ring. A third ring is disposed over the window and secures it to the second section of the housing. The second section is removable relative to the first section to allow for a camera to be placed within the housing and secured thereby for deep-sea underwater use at high pressure. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253757 | AUTOMATIC MAP ZOOM-LEVEL ADAPTATION - A method is provided for dynamically determining a zoom-level to display to a user of a mapping application executing on a mobile device. The method comprises the following steps. The zoom-level is determined in accordance with at least one predefined parameter. The at least one predefined parameter is monitored for detecting a change. A new zoom-level corresponding with the detected change is determined. Lastly, the zoom-level of the mapping application is changed to the new zoom-level. A mobile device and computer-readable medium configured to implement the method are also provided. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253758 | Image processing method - In a method for processing an image, a scene to be captured is divided into multiple zones and statistical values for a plurality of the multiple zones are obtained. In addition, a short-exposure time and a long-exposure time from the statistical values of the plurality of zones are determined. A long-exposure frame is captured at the long-exposure time and a short-exposure frame is captured at the short-exposure time. The long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame are combined into a combined image while correcting for motion estimated to have occurred between the long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame, and the combined image is stored. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253759 | IMAGING APPARATUS - A lens barrier is arranged on a front face of a photographic lens. The lens barrier can move into a lens barrier retraction space at an angle which is inclined with respect to the optical axis of the photographic lens. The lens barrier retraction space is provided under the photographic lens. As a result, a remote control light receiving element and a microphone can be arranged on an object side of the lens barrier retraction space, whereby the object side surface area of a camera body can be made smaller due to the configuration of the lens barrier. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253760 | Monitor Camera - A monitor camera device ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080253761 | DETECTING ABNORMALITY IN AN OPTICAL RECEIVER - An optical apparatus comprising: a branching unit branching an input light modulated by DQSPK format and thereby outputting a first branched light and a second branched light; a first branch and a second branch inputting the first branched light and the second branched light, respectively, the first branch and the second branch having an interferometer, a photo detector, and discriminator and demodulating I-signal and Q-signal, respectively; and an abnormality detection unit detecting an abnormality of the input light based on a synchronized detection of a first demodulated signal output from the photo detector in the first branch and a first recovered signal output from the discriminator in the first branch, and a synchronized detection of a second demodulated signal output from the photo detector in the second branch and a second recovered signal output from the discriminator in the second branch. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253762 | Method and system for performance monitor for digital optical DWDM networks - A system for performance monitoring for a DWDM network. The system includes a photonic integrated device configured to receive an optical signal and output a first plurality of electrical signals for a plurality of channels respectively. The system also includes a clock and data recovery device configured to receive the first plurality of electric signals. Additionally, the system includes a switch device coupled to the first clock and data recovery device without an error correction device in between. The switch includes a first interface to output a second plurality of electrical signals and a second interface to add or drop one or more channel devices. The switch also includes an output port configured to provide information associated with the plurality of channels. An error detection device is coupled to the output port and is configured to monitor and report performance of the channels. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253763 | OPTICAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS - An optical transmission apparatus is arranged by: means for demultiplexing monitoring light for received wavelength-multiplexed signal light so as to detect optical intensity of the monitoring light; means for detecting optical intensity of wavelength-multiplexed signal light after the monitoring light has been demultiplexed therefrom; a gain controlling type optical amplifier for amplifying the wavelength-multiplexed signal light; an optical attenuating unit for adjusting optical intensity of the amplified wavelength-multiplexed signal light; and a monitoring control unit for controlling the gain controlling type optical amplifier in such a manner that the gain of the optical amplifier becomes constant, and for controlling an attenuating amount of the optical attenuating unit in such a manner that the optical intensity of the wavelength-multiplexed signal light becomes a predetermined target value. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253764 | Methods and systems to stabilize an optical network against nodal gain changes - The present invention provides methods and systems to stabilize an optical network against nodal gain changes through two nested control loops for controlling node gain and node output power. The present invention includes two nested control-loops running at different update speeds including: an inner, faster, control-loop which sets the gains and losses within a node to achieve a node-gain target, and a node-gain target for the inner loop is set by an outer, slower, control loop that whose target is the node output power. Advantageously, the present invention reduces the problem of concatenated overshoot by minimizing the control-loop response to events that occur at other nodes. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253765 | OPTICAL POWER MEASURING APPARATUS AND OPTICAL SIGNAL RECEIVING APPARATUS COMPRISING SAME - An optical power measuring apparatus for measuring a power level of an optical signal comprised of a light intensity modulated signal, received by a light receiving element is provided. In the apparatus, a first signal path including a first voltage detection circuit and a first amplifier circuit supplies a processor with a first signal having a voltage proportional to a current flowing through a light receiving element (PD), and a second path including a TIA, a DC detection circuit and a second amplifier circuit supply the processor with a second signal. The second signal corresponding to an envelope of a voltage from the TIA. The processor compares the level of the first signal with a predetermined set value to select an optical power value retrieved based on the first signal when the level of the first signal is equal to or higher than the set value, and to select an optical power value retrieved based on the second signal when lower than the set value, and outputs the selected optical power value as a measured optical power value Pout. An output signal of the TIA can be supplied to an external device, so that the optical power measuring apparatus can measure an optical power level while serving as an optical signal receiving apparatus. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253766 | Synchronization and Processing of Secure Information Via Optically Transmitted Data - A method and device enables data communication via optical pulses from a light source of an electronic device. A data transfer interface is provided to support processing of selected data by a processor of the electronic device. The electronic device comprises an illumination light source, which is selectively utilized for illuminating a component in the electronic device and for transmitting data via optical pulses. An optical receiver also receives optically transmitted data. The transmission and receiving of the data is provided on a bidirectional duplex communication link created with a second optical receiver and an optical data transmission mechanism of a second electronic device. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253767 | Method and System for Hitless Tunable Optical Processing - A method for switching from a first optical path optically coupled to an optical processing device to a second optical path, the first and second optical paths optically connecting, in parallel configuration, a first optical switch to a second optical switch, according to the following steps: directing optical radiation comprising at least a fast operating wavelength through the first optical path to the optical processing device, which is tuned to the first operating wavelength; tuning a resonant all-pass filter optically coupled to the second optical path so as to match, at least at a wavelength adjacent to the first operating wavelength, a phase distortion introduced by the optical processing device on the optical radiation; synchronously actuating the first and the second optical switch so as to switch the optical radiation from the first optical path to the second optical path. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253768 | High Bit Rate Packet Generation with High Spectral Efficiency in an Optical Network - Optical packets are generated by generating a first optical beam with a first wavelength and a second optical beam with a second optical beam. The first optical beam is modulated with a payload signal and then filtered to reduce the bandwidth of the signal. The second optical beam is modulated with a label signal. The filtered modulated first optical beam and modulated second optical beam are combined to generate a dual-wavelength optical beam. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253769 | Management method of optical fiber network system - A management method of an optical fiber network system is disclosed. The optical fiber network system includes at least one user apparatus and an optical network unit (ONU), and the ONU is connected with the user apparatus. The management method includes the steps of: adopting at least one information string, which is set by an ONU management and control interface (OMCI), by the optical network unit; packing the information string into a management packet; and transmitting the management packet to the user apparatus by the optical network unit according to an Ethernet protocol. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253770 | Optical transmission device and optical transmission method - An output control unit outputs data of bit rate A to a first header-attaching unit and data of bit rate B to a second header-attaching unit. An instructing unit instructs the first or the second header-attaching unit to attach a header of bit rate being the least bit rate to the data of bit rate A or B. The first header-attaching unit creates a header of bit rate A, including an ID of a destination ONU of the data of bit rate A and information concerning the data length, and attaches the header of bit rate A to the data of bit rate A. The second header-attaching unit creates a header of bit rate A, including an ID of the destination ONU of the data of bit rate B and information concerning the data length, and attaches the header of bit rate A to the data of bit rate B. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253771 | Method and apparatus for configuring Optical Network Terminals (ONT) in a network - A method and system allowing a network operator to change services on a large group of Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at one time through the use of profiles. At least one profile is configured, and at least one of the profiles is associated with at least one Optical Network Terminal (ONT) having a number of ports. A configuration for the ONTs is generated based on the profiles and, upon a request by an ONT, the configuration is forwarded to the requesting ONT. The method and system may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for entering information used in configuring the profiles, and may assign the profiles to multiple ONTs. Further, the GUI may automatically gather and provide statistics relating to the ONTs to the network operator. Additionally, in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) network, the method and system may communicate with the ONTs without using a SIP protocol stack. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253772 | Remote controller, electronic apparatus, and remote control system - A remote controller sets up a pairing via two-way communications. The remote controller contains a light-emitting unit that emits a pairing-set-up request code for requesting a pairing-set-up start using infrared rays. The remote controller also contains a communication unit that receives unique information transmitted using the radio wave in response to the pairing-set-up request code emitted from the light-emitting unit and transmits unique information of the remote controller using the radio wave. The remote controller further contains a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit and the communication unit to register the unique information received by the communication unit and to set a partner of the pairing. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253773 | System And Communication Method For Interconnecting Optical Network And Radio Communication Network - A system and communication method for the system interconnecting the optical network with the radio communication network is provided. The solution mainly applies to an optical access network employing fiber for transmission and the radio communication network connected to the optical access network, wherein a base station of the radio communication network is connected to the optical access network and communicates to an entity in the optical access network to achieve interconnection between the optical network and the radio communication network. After the interconnection is established, a user equipment can enjoy communication services through the interconnected radio communication network and the optical network. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253774 | Device having a casing containing a potting material for transmitting signals between electronic components - A device including: at least two electronic/electrical components; and a casing, the casing having at least a portion thereof acting as a communication bus for connecting the at least two electronic/electrical components. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253775 | Electrically Programmable Pulse Generator, in Particular a Pulse Generator of Very High Resolution Phase and Intensity Profiles - The invention concerns a pulse generator of very high resolution phase and/or intensity profiles. An active mode-locking laser source ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080253776 | Optical Signal Receiver - An optical signal receiver is provided for converting an optical signal being intensity-modulated with high frequency signals, to desired frequency electric signals for output. The optical signal receiver ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080253777 | Compensating For Data Degradation - The present invention relates to a communication system having a central station and a plurality of outstations. The central station is configured to execute a compensation procedure for compensating for degradation of data from the outstations, the compensation procedure having a plurality of adjustable characteristics, which characteristics are governed by a parameter set. The central station stores a respective parameter set in respect of each outstation; and, for each outstation, applies the compensation algorithm to data from that outstation using the parameter set associated with that outstation. In an initialization phase, the central station tests a plurality of starting parameter sets on data from a given outstation and selects the set providing the best compensation. The selected set is stored for subsequent compensation of data from that outstation. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253778 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INTO WHICH REPLACEABLE UNITS ARE DETACHABLY ATTACHED - A replaceable unit is detachably attached into an image forming apparatus. The replaceable unit includes: a first cover member provided with a through hole that indicates a direction of the attachment and the detachment of the replaceable unit with respect to the image forming apparatus; and a second cover member having a color different from a color of the first cover member, and being formed to block the through hole from inner side of the replaceable unit when the first cover member is attached to the second cover member. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253779 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - In performing multi-pass printing by using a printhead having a plurality of nozzles, a scan duty setting unit sets a printing amount for each nozzle for each main scan of the printhead based on the scan duty setting LUT. A scan duty setting LUT changing unit updates an initial scan duty setting LUT based on the faulty nozzle information detected by a faulty nozzle detection unit. At this time, the scan duty setting LUT is updated such that the scan duty which should be distributed to a faulty nozzle is distributed to a plurality of other nozzles and neighboring nozzles which print the same main scanning line as that printed by the faulty nozzle. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253780 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including: an image forming section for forming an image, the image forming section including a photoconductor, a charging unit, a developing unit, a toner supply unit which supplies a toner to said developing unit, and a developing bias power supply section which supplies a developing bias voltage to said developing unit; and a controller that activates said image forming section, determines a target value of a charging potential of said photoconductor and/or a developing bias voltage, for forming the image, and controls the charging unit and/or the developing bias power supply section in accordance with a determined result, wherein when an absolute value of the determined target value of the charging potential or an absolute value of the determined developing bias voltage is larger than a prescribed value, said controller controls replacement of a prescribed amount of a toner in the developing unit. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253781 | COLOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A color image forming apparatus which is capable of performing color misregistration correction, and registration of images and a recording sheet while reducing the toner consumption amount. An image forming section is caused to form a first reference image having a first density for adjusting a density of an adjusting image, and a second reference image having a second density different from the first density. A sensor detects the first reference image and the second reference image. The first density is determined as a density of the adjusting image, if an output signal level of the sensor at a time of detection of the first reference image is not lower than a predetermined value, and the output signal level of the sensor at a time of detection of the second reference image is lower than the predetermined value. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253782 | PAPER TYPE DETERMINATION DEVICE - A paper type determination device of the invention drives plural light emitting points different from one another and having sequentially increasing distances from a reference point to emit light in such a manner that each is identified for irradiating one surface of a sheet of paper subjected to determination. A photodetection device set at a specific detection field of view having the center at the reference point is disposed on the other surface side of the sheet of paper, and it receives light having passed through the sheet of paper from the respective light emitting points at positions on inside and outside of the detection field of view to detect intensity of light for each light emitting point. A diffusing characteristic of the sheet of paper is obtained on the basis of the intensity of light from each light emitting point detected by the photodetection device, and a paper type is determined on the basis of the diffusing characteristic. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253783 | SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE UNIVERSAL SUBSTRATE PRINTER ICC PROFILE SELECTION - Forming a multicolor image on a receiver member wherein a database of custom color profiles based on substrate physical properties and printing process characteristics is established. A set of universal color profiles is determined based on physical properties of substrates from clustered custom profiles. One universal color profile is assigned to a target substrate from the set of universal color profiles based on objective or subjective feedback. Thereafter, a multicolor toner image is formed on the receiver member with toners of at least three different colors of toner pigments which form various combinations of colors at different pixel locations on the receiver member to form the multicolor toner image thereon using the assigned one color profile. Based on objective or subjective feedback, the selected one universal color profile is modified, or a different universal color profile is selected. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253784 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR FORMING IMAGE ON RECORD MEDIUM - A record medium determining device | 2008-10-16 |
20080253785 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - An image forming apparatus capable of reducing damage in a fixing section and printing a high-quality image on a sheet at low cost without reducing productivity. A sheet shifting mechanism is arranged upstream of a transfer roller and moves the sheet in a sheet lateral direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction. In order to change a position at which a sheet passes through a fixing roller, the sheet shifting mechanism is controlled for every conveyance of a predetermined number of sheets, whereby sheet movement in the sheet lateral direction is controlled. A correction amount for an error due to sheet shifting by the sheet shifting mechanism is stored for each of sheet shift positions. An image forming position in the sheet lateral direction of a photosensitive drum is shifted on the basis of the sheet shift position and the stored correction amount. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253786 | Image forming apparatus - In an image forming apparatus having a process correction mode wherein when a temperature of a fixing device in an image formation system in a power-on state is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the image forming apparatus makes the fixing temperature to increase to the predetermined value. The apparatus sets the process correction mode based on power-on information output from a first detector which detects presence of the power-on state for the fixing device and fixing temperature information output from a second detector which detects a fixing temperature in the fixing device, and sets a priority level for performing the correction processing of the color misregistration to be lower than the correction processing of the process other than the correction processing of color the misregistration. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253787 | Image forming apparatus - A controller is operative to heat a first fixing heater by an electric power from a commercial power source, and to heat a second fixing heater by an electric power from an electric storage device in a state that driving of a voltage boosting device is suspended by a PWM controller and an MOS transistor in an initial stage of driving a fixing heater unit. The controller is also operative to drive the second fixing heater by an electric power from the electric storage device which is boosted by the voltage boosting device by driving the voltage boosting device by the PWM controller and the MOS transistor after an inrush current to the second fixing heater has dropped to a certain level. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253788 | Fixing device and image forming apparatus using the same - A fixing device including a fixing member to melt a toner so as to fix a toner image onto a recording medium, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the fixing member, and a heater to heat the fixing member based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A driving speed of the fixing member is reduced after printing is completed, and subsequently the fixing member stops driving. The fixing member is controlled to have a desired temperature (Ts) after the fixing member stops driving that is lower than a desired temperature (Tp) during printing. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253789 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part, a fixer including a heating member and a pressure member, a reverse transport part to forward a recording medium transported from the fixer to the image forming part, a toner image sensor to detect presence of a toner image on the recording medium, and a controller. When a glossy image formation mode is selected and no toner image is detected on the recording medium, the image forming part does not form a toner image on the recording medium, the fixer performs a first heating and pressing process and transports the recording medium to the reverse transport part, the reverse transport part transports the recording medium to the image forming part, the image forming part forms a toner image on the recording medium transported from the reverse transport part, and the fixer performs a second heating and pressing process and fixes the toner image thereon. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253790 | ROLLER DRIVE CONTROL METHOD OF FIXING APPARATUS AND FIXING APPARATUS - In one embodiment, a predetermined period different from a fixing process period in which fixing of toner to recording paper is carried out is set as a toner removal period, and during the toner removal period a hot roller and a pressure roller are intermittently rotated, and separation claws in contact with the rollers are caused to vibrate by the intermittent rotation of the rollers such that toner adhered to the separation claws is caused to drop due to this and is removed. Also, faces of the separation claws that oppose the surfaces of the hot roller and the pressure roller are set in a convex shape. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253791 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND HEATING CONTROL METHOD - A heating unit is heated by supply of an alternate-current power. A heating control unit executes a phase control to supply the alternate-current power to the heating unit for an ON-width in at least a half-wave period of the alternate-current power. A storing unit stores therein parameters for calculating the ON width. The heating control unit calculates the ON width based on the parameters stored in the storing unit and executes the phase control using a calculated ON width. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253792 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING SURFACE POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING INSULATION RESISTANCE, ELECTROSTATIC LATENT IMAGE MEASUREMENT DEVICE, AND CHARGING DEVICE - A surface potential distribution measurement method and device including setting a sample having a surface with a surface potential distribution in a sample installation unit wherein both an electric field intensity formed on the sample surface and a potential bias component of the sample are variable, and scanning the sample surface in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional manner by irradiating a charged particle beam to the sample. The method also includes obtaining a detection signal from charged particles generated by the scanning, to measure the surface potential distribution of the sample by varying the electric field intensity and the potential bias component in order to control a quantity of the detection signal obtained from the charged particles. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253793 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CAPABLE OF EFFICIENT TONER CONCENTRATION CONTROL - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a plurality of toner images on an image carrier, an optical detector configured to detect reflection light from the toner image, and dedicated to detect infrared rays and near-infrared rays, and a controller configured to perform a predetermined control using a detection results of the optical detector. Gradation pattern that is comprised of a plurality of toner patches formed in the image forming unit with an image forming condition to have different adhesive amounts, and is formed of at least two colors, and detection values detected by the optical detector are used for the predetermined control. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253794 | Method and control unit for controlling the power supplied to a plurality of heat sources in a printer - A control unit for a printing apparatus has a plurality of heat sources, each heat source being operable at an individual power level. The control unit is configured to control the power supplied to the heat sources such that, at each instant, the sum of the delivered individual power levels is less than or equal to a maximum allowable power. The control unit is also configured to control the power delivered to the heat sources on the basis of sequential cycles and for each cycle, to receive for each heat source a requested power pulse duration, to schedule within the cycle instants at which power is to be delivered to the heat sources, based on the individual power levels and requested pulse durations and to deliver the power according to the scheduled instants within the cycle. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253795 | FUSER AND IMAGE FORMATION APARATUS - A fuser includes a fusing press section, a cooling section, a peeling section and a limitation section. The fusing press section has a nip part is between a fixing belt and a pressurization member. The fusing press section fuses a toner image on a record sheet and fixes the toner image on the record sheet. The cooling section cools the record sheet which has the toner image. The record sheet is attached onto the fixing belt. The peeling section peels off the record sheet cooled by the cooling section from the fixing belt. And the limitation section is disposed between the fusing press section and the cooling section. The limitation section limits a move of heat from the fusing press section to the cooling section. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253796 | Image forming apparatus - An image writing unit causes, upon being set in a write position, an optical system unit to be movable and positions the optical system unit, with a hitting portion of the optical system unit hitting a blocking portion in a chassis. A holding unit includes, in a state in which the image writing unit is set in the write position, a portion defining an opening that faces either one of an air intake unit and an air exhaust unit. The air intake unit blows an intake air to the optical system unit through the opening, or the air exhaust unit draws an exhaust air around the optical system unit through the opening. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253797 | PRINTING APPARATUS - A printing apparatus includes a first transport belt group including endless belts arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction intersecting a transport direction of a printing medium, a second transport belt group including endless belts arranged so as to oppose the first transport belt group and configured to transport the printing medium while the printing medium is clamped between the first transport belt group and the second transport belt group, and a group of liquid ejecting heads provided between the endless belts of the first transport belt group or between the endless belts of the second transport belt group and configured to eject liquid onto the printing medium being transported. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253798 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including: a first body including a developing unit to perform an image forming operation on a print medium, and a second body provided above the first body to pivot between a closed position and an open position in relation to the first body, the second body including a light emitting unit, wherein the light emitting unit is directly above the developing unit when the second body is in the closed position, and the developing unit is exposed to an outside of the image forming apparatus when the second body is in the closed position. A user can place the image forming apparatus on a desktop, which increases convenience in using the apparatus. Additionally, a specialized image forming apparatus can be provided to a user who mainly wants to print and copy in small quantities. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253799 | Method for converting a non-chipped imaging cartridge to a multi-use chipped imaging cartridge - Techniques are provided for modifying a non-chipped starter cartridge intended for an initial one time use within a new printer to a chipped non-starter cartridge that may be used in the printer after its initial use after the starter cartridge is modified. Modifying the non-chipped starter cartridge maybe one step in the refurbishment process performed by imaging process cartridge remanufacturers. The modification process may include affixing an electronic chip for communicating between the imaging process cartridge and the printer, the electronic chip having printer and color toner information saved in a memory on the electronic chip. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253800 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND SPACE MAINTAINING MEMBER - A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive member unit having a photosensitive drum; a developer carrying member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with a developer; a toner accommodating unit having a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image, the toner accommodating unit being fixed to the photosensitive member unit; a movable frame which is movable relative to the toner accommodating unit and which supports the developer carrying member; an urging member for urging the movable frame in a direction in which the developer carrying member approaches the photosensitive drum; and a space maintaining member, demountably provided between the photosensitive member unit and the movable frame in contact to the photosensitive member unit and the movable frame, for maintaining a state in which a distance between the photosensitive drum and the developer carrying member is larger than that in an image formation. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253801 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING SAME - A process cartridge includes a protective agent, a photoconductor, a charging unit, a development unit, a cleaning unit, and an application unit. The protective agent includes paraffin as main component. The photoconductor has a surface including polycarbonate applied with the protective agent. The development unit develops a latent image on the photoconductor. The cleaning unit removes materials remaining on the photoconductor. The application unit applies the protective agent to the surface of photoconductor. One peak in a given binding energy range is used to determine a coating condition of the photoconductor coated by the agent. The coating condition is determined by comparing an area ratio A | 2008-10-16 |
20080253802 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a sheet conveyor and a main body that houses the image forming unit and the sheet conveyor. An operating unit is mounted to a front cover that can move between a closed position to cover an anterior side of the main body and an open position to expose a part of the main body. A retention mechanism retains the front cover at the closed position. The retention mechanism has a lock and a release. The lock is supported by one of the apparatus main body and the front cover and is selectively engageable with and detachable from the other. The release releases engagement of the lock, and is installed posterior to the operating unit in a region facing a back surface as viewed from an opening and closing direction of the front cover. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253803 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a drum unit having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a developing unit rotatably connected with the drum unit at a center of rotation, the developing unit including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with a developer, a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer, a supply opening, extending in an axial direction of the developing roller, for supplying the developer to the developing roller from the developer accommodating portion; wherein the rotation axis is within a width of the sealing member as seen in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sealing member. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253804 | Image forming apparatus and intermediate transfer unit - An intermediate transfer unit of an image forming apparatus is provided between a plurality of developer containers for containing developer and a plurality of developing devices. The intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer unit for secondarily transferring primarily transferred developed images from the plurality of image carriers onto a paper, an intermediate transfer unit driving mechanism for driving the intermediate transfer unit, and a housing for supporting the intermediate transfer unit driving mechanism. One end of the housing includes a plurality of developer inlet ports positionally corresponding to the developer supply ports of the developer containers respectively, a plurality of developer outlet ports positionally corresponding to the developer receiving ports of the developing devices respectively, and a plurality of developer supply paths connecting between the developer inlet ports and the developer outlet ports respectively. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253805 | Grid electrode, image forming apparatus including same, and process cartridge including same - A grid electrode, which can be included in a scorotron charger for an image forming apparatus or a process cartridge, includes a thin plate member containing multiple apertures and linear patterns, and fitting members. The multiple apertures are disposed facing a charge wire, and the linear patterns are formed in the longitudinal direction of the grid electrode and disposed at equally-shaped intervals in a lateral direction thereof to cause the fitting member to apply tension in the longitudinal axis of the thin plate member at end portions in the lateral direction of the fitting member. The fitting members engage hooks mounted on the scorotron charger at both ends of the grid electrode in a longitudinal direction of the thin plate member containing the multiple apertures and linear patterns. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253806 | GRID ELECTRODE, SCOROTRON CHARGER, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A grid electrode disposed across from a charge wire includes a planar member and a plurality of linear pattern wires. The planar member includes a plurality of adjacent, aligned openings, each having a long side and a short side. The pattern wires extend in the long direction of the openings, and are evenly spaced in the short direction of the openings. A process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus includes an image carrier to bear a toner image and a scorotron charger for charging the image carrier. The scorotron charger includes a shield case, a charge wire tensioned in a long direction of the shield case, and the grid electrode. An image forming apparatus includes the grid electrode and the process cartridge. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253807 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING A CHARGE MEMBER DISPOSED NEAR AN IMAGE BEARING MEMBER - Provided is an image forming apparatus having a charge brush for charging a transfer residual toner remaining on an intermediate transfer member. A toner is adhered to the charge brush. While a charge voltage is applied to the charge brush, the toner adhered to the charge brush is attracted by an electric field onto the charge brush. However, when the charge voltage is not applied to the charge brush, the toner adhered to the charge brush is moved to the intermediate transfer member. When a subsequent toner image is formed on the toner adhered to the intermediate transfer member, the quality of the subsequent image is deteriorated. Accordingly, the charge voltage is applied to the charge brush when an intermediate transfer area to which the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer member immediately afterward faces the charge brush. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253808 | Image Forming Method and Apparatus - An image forming method using an image forming apparatus including: a latent image carrier whose surface is driven in a sub scanning direction; a deflector which scans a beam spot reciprocally in a main scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the sub scanning direction on the surface of the latent image carrier in the use of an oscillating deflect mirror so as to form spot latent images each of which formed on a pixel; developer which develops each of the spot latent images as a pixel-dot, the method includes of: halftoning for a tone reproduction in which a halftone-dot constituted by the pixel-dot(s) is formed on a cell consisting plural pixels according to a fattening type threshold matrix, wherein a plurality of cells are contiguously arranged in the main scanning direction so as to form a plurality of contiguous locations at each of which the cells adjoin mutually in the main scanning direction, each cell includes a larger-than-four even number of pixels in the sub scanning direction, and the cells, which mutually adjoin at a particular contiguous location out of the plurality of contiguous locations, are mutually shifted by an odd number of pixel(s) in the sub scanning direction. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253809 | Developing unit and image forming apparatus - A developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image born on an image bearing member with a developer that has been charged by mixing and agitating toner and magnetic carrier, includes: a developing hopper for holding the developer; a developer bearing member arranged opposing the image bearing member for bearing the developer having been mixed and agitated in the developing hopper and supplying the developer to the area for development; and at least a pair of agitating and conveying members rotationally driven in the developing hopper for conveying the developer while agitating, and is constructed such that the agitating and conveying members are arranged substantially parallel to the developer bearing member and each rotational shaft of the agitating and conveying members is embedded with a magnetic source element whose magnetic poles are laid out so as to produce a magnetic field radially oriented in a particular fixed direction with respect to the agitating and conveying member; and a toner supply port for supplying the toner into the developing hopper is arranged over the opposite position of the paired agitating and conveying members. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253810 | DEVELOPING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - To provide a relatively small developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus that prevent developer, accommodated in a second developer conveying portion for recovering the developer after a developing step, from being pumped up to a developer carrier, and that do not apply a large stress to the developer. A plurality of developer carriers are arranged side-by-side in a direction of gravitational force so as to face an image carrier. The developing device comprises a first developer conveying portion that supplies the developer to a first developer carrier, a second developer conveying portion that recovers the developer separated from the second developer carrier, and a third developer conveying portion that conveys the developer obliquely upward and conveys, to an upstream side in a conveyance direction of the first developer conveying portion, the developer reaching the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the first developer conveying portion and the developer reaching a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the second developer conveying portion. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253811 | DEVELOPING DEVICE, PROCESS UNIT, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing apparatus, comprises an endless belt shaped donor member; a developer supporting member to carry developer including toner and magnetic carrier and to form a toner layer on the donor member; a first supporting member arranged in the inside of the donor member with a predetermined gap against the developer supporting member and to strain the donor member; a second supporting member arranged in the inside of the donor member with a predetermined gap against the developer supporting member and to strain the donor member; a toner supply bias applying section to apply onto the first supporting member a toner supply bias for supplying toner from the developer supporting member to the donor member; and a toner recovery bias applying section to apply onto the second supporting member a toner recovery bias for recovering toner from the donor member to the developer supporting member. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253812 | Mechanism for transfix member with idle movement - A printer includes an idler movement mechanism that rotates a transfix member at a speed corresponding to a rotational speed for a rotating image member before moving the transfix member into engagement with the rotating image member to form a nip. The printer includes a rotating image member for receiving colorant from a print head to form an image on the rotating image member, a motor having rotational output that is coupled to the rotating image member for rotating the rotating image member at a first surface speed, a transfix member for forming a nip with the intermediate print member to transfer the image from the intermediate print member to media in the nip, the transfix member being moveable from a first position, in which the transfix member does not form a nip with the intermediate print member, to a second position, in which the transfix member forms the nip with the intermediate print member, and a rotational transfer link for coupling the transfix member in the first position to the rotation of the rotating image member so the transfix member rotates at a second surface speed that corresponds with the first surface speed as the transfix member is moved to the second position to form the nip with the rotating image member rotating at the first surface speed. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253813 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH TRANSFER MEMBER FOR TRANSFERRING TONER ON IMAGE BEARING MEMBER - Deflection recessed in a bow shape at the axial central portion in the longitudinal direction of the transfer member is avoided to prevent failure in image caused by the transfer nip being improperly forming at the central portion. The pressing force of the transfer member against an image bearing member resulting in failure in transfer is made uniform in the longitudinal direction. The transfer member forming the transfer nip are pressed toward the photosensitive drum at the central portion in the longitudinal direction or in the positions which are spaced apart toward the center from the ends to avoid the deflection of the transfer member. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253814 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - The image forming apparatus includes a fixing apparatus capable of restraining offset of a toner in multifarious types of sheets and in a variety of environments at low costs. The fixing apparatus has a rotary fixing member and a nip forming member which forms a fixing nip portion by coming into contact with the rotary member. A recording material bearing an unfixed toner image is conveyed while being pinched by the nip portion. The fixing apparatus fixes a toner image onto the recording material. The fixing apparatus further has a bias applying means which applies a bias to the nip forming member. The bias applying means, before the recording material reaches the nip portion, applies a first bias to the nip forming member so that a surface of a rotary member is charged with electricity, and applies a second bias to the nip forming member while the recording material is conveyed by the nip portion. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253815 | CLEANING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cleaning brush configured to remove toner from a surface of a member of an image forming apparatus; wherein the cleaning brush includes a plurality of fibers having an inside part formed from a conductive material and a surface part formed by an insulating material. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253816 | CONDUCTIVE ROLL, CLEANING ROLL, CLEANING UNIT, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE-FORMING APPARATUS - Provided is a cleaning roll (conductive roll) including a core, a coating layer formed thereon, and a shaft along the axis of the core, wherein the coating layer contains a bismaleimide resin and a conductive agent. Also provided are a cleaning unit, a process cartridge, and an image-forming apparatus employing the conductive roll. The invention provides a conductive roll, comprising a core and a coating layer containing a bismaleimide resin and a conductive agent formed on the external peripheral surface of the core. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253817 | CLEANING MEMBER - The present invention provides a cleaning member which can be produced at low cost and which maintains excellent cleaning performance for a long period of time. The cleaning member has a lower layer formed through winding a double-faced tape formed of a sponge member having an adhesive layer on each side thereof around the surface of a core member, and an upper layer provided on the outer surface of the lower layer. The upper layer is formed of at least one fiber layer made of woven fabric or knitted fabric. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253818 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An image forming apparatus that can satisfy productivity at the time of double-sided image formation without jamming due to a collision of a succeeding sheet with a preceding sheet, and without upsizing of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus performs a sheet circulation transport for circulating and transporting a sheet to an image forming unit to perform image formation on both a first side and a second side of the sheet. The sheet is fed to the image forming unit at a predetermined image formation start timing for the first side image formation. The first side image-formed sheet is reversed, and re-fed to the image forming unit for the second side image formation while causing the first side image-formed sheet to wait at least one of sheet waiting positions. A full state where all the sheet waiting positions are full of the first side image-formed sheets is detected. The sheet feeding unit is controlled so that the number of sheets on which the sheet circulation transport is performed is greater than the number of the sheet waiting positions. When the full state detecting unit detects the full state, the sheet re-feeding unit is controlled so that a head sheet among the first side image-formed sheets waiting at the sheet waiting positions is fed in advance of the predetermined image formation start timing. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253819 | IMAGE FORMATION DEVICE - An image formation device includes an image formation unit, a paper feed unit, a paper discharge unit and a guide unit. The image formation unit prints an image on a recording paper conveyed along an image formation path. The paper feed unit feeds the recording paper to the image formation unit along a paper feed path. The paper discharge unit discharges the recording paper along a paper discharge path. The guide unit is disposed adjacent to a branching point where the paper feed path and the paper discharge path diverge. The guide unit includes a first guide portion and second guide portion. The first guide portion is disposed above the paper feed path and below the paper discharge path and guides the recording paper along the paper feed path and the paper discharge path. The second guide portion is disposed above the paper discharge path and guides the recording paper along the paper discharge path. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are formed integrally. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253820 | Sheet Postprocessing Apparatus - A sheet hold flap | 2008-10-16 |
20080253821 | Keyboard stiffening system - A keyboard stiffening system comprising a keyboard assembly having a plurality of key assemblies coupled to a support plate, the support plate having at least one extension extending from a bottom surface thereof to engage a support pan of the electronic device to secure the keyboard assembly to the support pan of the electronic device. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253822 | FOLDING KEYBOARD WITH NUMERIC KEYPAD - A folding keyboard is set forth with a numeric keypad, and one fold line located between the edge of a standard continuous space bar and the edge of the numeric keypad. Preferably, the keyboard further includes left and right top cases, supporting inexpensive rubber dome switches, left and right bottom cases, membrane sheets with circuit traces connecting keyboard electronics to contact points under each key, two hinge screws or rivets (or the like) that hold the left and right sides of the keyboard together at the hinges, and a locking mechanism to keep the case closed when folded shut. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253823 | PRINTER AND FEEDING APPARATUS FOR THE SAME - A printer includes a supporting member, a print head and a guide member. The supporting member is configured to support a sheet print medium on an upper surface of the supporting member. The print head is provided to print on the sheet print medium fed onto the upper surface of the supporting member. The guide member is configured to guide the sheet print medium to feed the sheet print medium onto the upper surface of the supporting member. The guide member includes at least one guide collar around which the sheet print medium is wound and a guide bar provided in the at least one guide collar so that the at least one guide collar is rotatable around the guide bar. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253824 | Tire dressing applicator - An applicator for applying a liquid to the surface of a vehicle tire side wall. The applicator includes an elongate container for holding a selected quantity of liquid and a housing connected thereto. The housing has a concave front face with an elongate open faced channel extending along a selected length portion thereof for distributing the liquid to a porous pad overlying the concave face. There is at least one vent hole through pad with an inlet thereto communicating with such open faced channel and an outlet in a free outer surface of the pad. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253825 | STYLIZED WRITING INSTRUMENT - A stylized writing instrument which is shaped like a proprietary and/or familiar object. In general, embodiments of the invention include a housing shaped like the proprietary and/or familiar object, a writing element, and internal mechanisms provided within the housing for extending the writing element from, and retracting the writing tip into, the housing. The internal mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of actuation systems for extending and retracting the writing element, including a cam actuation assembly, an edge slide actuation assembly, a gravity actuation assembly, a pressure actuation assembly and a push button actuation assembly. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253826 | Mop Head Including Contoured Tubular Fluid Retaining Strand Elements - An edgeless mop utilizing a relatively narrow diameter, knit tubular material to form the strands of a mop head wherein the tubular material incorporates an arrangement of elongate depressed channels and raised profile segments extending along its surface in the length direction. This construction increases the overall fluid retaining or sorbency capacity of the mop even while lowering the overall mass of the mop head. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253827 | LEVER-ARCH TYPE FILE MECHANISM - A lever-arch type file mechanism is disclosed as including a base; two rings extending upwardly from the base, each ring including a post fixed to the base and an arch portion movable relative to the base and the post; a lever assembly movable relative to the base between two stable positions to pivot the arch portions relative to the post to selectively move the rings between a ring-closed configuration and a ring-open configuration; in which the lever assembly includes an outer arm and an inner arm, and when the lever assembly is in a first of the two stable positions, the outer arm is movable relative to the inner arm member between an upper position and a lower position. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253828 | LEVER-ARCH TYPE FILE MECHANISM - A lever-arch type file mechanism ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080253829 | Fastening Element for a Friction-Welded Joint - The invention relates to a rotationally symmetrical fastening element with an axially centralized rounded tip for a friction-welded joint with a flat component. The tip is adjoined by a conical lateral surface, said conical lateral surface transitioning into a flute for receiving material melted during friction-welding, and by a shoulder, wherein said shoulder surrounds the flute, is axially recessed in relation to the tip and transitions into the friction-welded joint. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253830 | Method of Installing Anchor Bolt, Method of Drilling Anchor Bolt Hole, and Drilling Device - An object of the present invention is to install an anchor bolt with sufficient strength without lowering strength even when a reinforcing member exists. According to the present invention, in a method of installing an anchor bolt in a fixing surface, first, a first fixing hole for fixing the anchor bolt is drilled in the fixing surface. Then, a second fixing hole is drilled from a distal end portion of the first fixing hole in an inclined state. Afterward, an anchor bolt bent at a middle portion thereof is fixed to the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253831 | HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE - A height adjustable accessory structure includes a C-shaped ring disposed in an engaging sleeve including a main sleeve body and an assistant sleeve body engaged with each other for allowing insertion and positioning of an engaging rod with a plurality of engaging portions. The bottom of the engaging rod includes a tightening section and an engaging member whose size is between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the engaging sleeve. The tightening section allows free deformation of elastic hooks at the bottom of the engaging sleeve, thus allowing the elastic hooks to successfully pass through the sleeve, and enabling the elastic hooks to be positioned below the engaging sleeve after inserting through the sleeve. The engaging member will be stopped against the engaging sleeve, and the engaging rod cannot be pulled away from the engaging sleeve. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253832 | Non-interfering spring operated button assembly - A spring operated button assembly for use with telescoping thick-walled tubes or adjacent planar surfaces wherein the entire spring assembly may be contained within a pocket to allow movement of surfaces past the spring button assembly without interference. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253833 | Agglomerated retroreflective beads for highway marking and methods for fabrication and use thereof - A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253834 | 3D CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINES - A construction system utilizing 3D control includes a fixed base station of known location; a self-propelled construction machine located in the general vicinity of the fixed base station; and a rotating mobile unit assembly mounted on the self-propelled construction machine and having a location-determination device arranged to rotate around an axis. The location-determination device is adapted to operate in conjunction with the fixed base station to determine geodetic information about the self-propelled construction machine. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253835 | AUTOMATED STRINGLINE INSTALLATION SYSTEM - An automated stringline installation system includes a vehicle, a 3D control system, at least partly carried by the vehicle, for determining location information, and an adjustable arm assembly, mounted on the vehicle, that identifies the location of a relative point in a stringline installation using the location information determined by the 3D control system. The adjustable arm assembly includes an operational arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a string, dispensed from the operational arm, for use in a stringline installation, and a sensor used to determine information pertaining to the location of the distal end of the operational arm assembly relative to the proximal end of the operational arm. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253836 | CONCRETE SCREED - A hand screed for screeding fluid material includes an elongated beam having a bottom surface for disposal adjacent a surface to be screeded and an elongated handle removably connected to the beam. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253837 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY STORING AND DIVERTING WATER AMONG MULTIPLE RESERVOIRS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING UTILITY OF RENEWABLE WATER AND ENERGY RESOURCES THROUGHOUT MULTIPLE RIVER BASINS - A high altitude pumped-storage system for selectively integrating, storing, and distributing water and energy to increase the regional productivity of existing and future water and energy resources throughout multiple river basins is disclosed. This system addresses in part the increased requirement of supplying energy demands from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or water generated power. The system includes at least one primary reservoir connected to multiple secondary reservoirs by conduits. The system allows for selectively distributing water and energy between secondary reservoirs and at least one primary reservoir. The system may comprise one or more hydroelectric power generation facilities. A method for increasing the regional efficiency of existing and future systems for producing, storing, and delivering energy from sources such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power from the water collected by the system described herein is also disclosed. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253838 | Flood Wall - A portable, inflatable flood wall is characterized by a sheet of synthetic plastic material which is folded back on itself to define a chamber between bottom, rear and front portions of the sheet and within which at least one inflatable bladder is secured. When the bladder is inflated, the rear portion of the sheet is erected to a vertical position which prevents water from passing beyond the sheet. The front portion preferably contains a plurality of openings to allow water to enter the chamber. The weight of the water on the bottom portion of the sheet serves to hold the wall in place. A plurality of such walls may be connected in end-to-end relation to construct a wall of a desired length. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253839 | Machine for assembling silt fence - A machine which provides high quality, strong, relatively low-cost silt fencing in the proximity of the location of use of the produced silt fencing. It is within the scope of this invention to assemble material different from the material used for creation of “silt fencing”, which “fence” may be useful in different manner and be incorporated for different purpose than the purpose of silt fence. The machine basically is a simple machine having substantially four (4) sections: a front/input section which provides for the attachment of fabric and for the feeding or advancing of the fabric from a fabric roll onto and over a substantially flat and stake location surface; a stake attaching section where a first stake (to become the first drive stake) is attached, then following the advance or feed of 10 feet of fabric, a stake is attached to the fabric and a sequence of 10 stakes are attached creating an output roll of fencing substantially 100 feet in length; a fabric linear distance movement measuring section with automated start and stop of fabric feed at the set distance—for silt fencing this set distance is typically 10 feet—and following a 10 time sequence of automatic stake attachment, the feed does not start until a new first stake is attached and put onto the stake drive system; and a back/output section which provides for the automated power driven creation of a 100 foot roll of fencing. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253840 | In-situ surfactant and chemical oxidant flushing for complete remediation of contaminants and methods of using same - The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253841 | HYDRAULICALLY POWERED DOOR AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING SAME IN LOW-TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS - A hydraulic system has a hydraulic actuator for moving a door leaf of a door installation between open and closed positions thereof. A reservoir has a volume for containing a hydraulic fluid. A fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir. The system also has a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit to operate the actuator. A fluid circuit flushing system of the hydraulic system operates to flush a volume of hydraulic fluid from the fluid circuit back to the reservoir without moving any door leaves of the door installation. The hydraulic system may be part of a mine door installation installed in a mine passageway and having at least one door leaf. The hydraulic actuator is connected to the door leaf for driving movement of the door leaf between its open and closed positions. | 2008-10-16 |
20080253842 | Pipeline Assembly Comprising an Anchoring Device - The invention relates to a pipeline assembly ( | 2008-10-16 |