Patents Examined by David M. Gray
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Patent number: 9952554Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a casing configured to store developer; a developing roller configured to rotate about a first axis extending in a first direction; a shaft provided at one end of the casing in the first direction; and an electrode configured to rotate about the shaft and supply power to the developing roller. The shaft extends in the first direction and has a peripheral surface. The electrode has a first protrusion configured to rotate together with the electrode, the first protrusion extending along a portion of the peripheral surface of the shaft. The electrode has a second protrusion extending along the peripheral surface of the shaft, the second protrusion being spaced apart from the first protrusion in the rotating direction. The first protrusion has a first length in the rotating direction, and the second protrusion has a second length different from the first length in the rotating direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nao Itabashi, Hiroki Mori
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Patent number: 9952294Abstract: There are disclosed magnet arrays and methods for generating magnetic fields. In embodiments magnet arrays comprise a plurality of polyhedral magnets arranged in a lattice configuration and at least partly enclosing a testing volume, the magnet array having an associated magnetic field with a designated field direction {circumflex over (v)}, wherein the magnetization direction {circumflex over (m)} of an individual polyhedral magnet located at a displacement vector {right arrow over (r)} from an origin point in the testing volume is determined by the formula: {circumflex over (m)}=(2({circumflex over (v)}·{right arrow over (r)}){right arrow over (r)}?({right arrow over (r)}·{right arrow over (r)}){circumflex over (v)})/{right arrow over (r)}·{right arrow over (r)}. In embodiments the arrays are comprised in magnetic resonance machines. In embodiments the polyhedral magnets are truncated cubes or are rhombic dodecahedra.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: NANALYSIS CORP.Inventor: Garett M. Leskowitz
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Patent number: 9952536Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion having a first feeding member to feed developer in a first chamber, a second feeding member to feed the developer in a second chamber; and a control portion to execute a plurality of modes by suspending image forming. A first mode circulates the developer in a condition in which a ratio of a rotational speed of the developer bearing member to a rotational speed of the first and second feeding members is decreased as compared to that in forming the images; and a second mode increases the ratio of the rotational speed of the developer bearing member to the rotational speed of the first feeding member as compared to that in forming the images. The second mode is executed after the first mode and before resuming the image forming operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kyosuke Takahashi, Atsushi Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9946199Abstract: A system for filling a toner container with toner. The system includes a base, a receiving portion, and a vacuum source. The receiving portion is supported by the base and defines a chamber. The receiving portion includes an opened end that is configured to receive a toner container. The vacuum source is in fluid communication with the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: CLOVER TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, LLCInventors: Jun Li, Eric Tuvesson
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Patent number: 9944489Abstract: A recording medium processing apparatus includes a housing that accommodates a processing unit, which is capable of processing a recording medium, and that has an internal space a part of which is open; an internal stacker that is disposed in the internal space and that allows the recording medium to be stacked thereon; a light source that is disposed in a part of the internal stacker and that emits a light beam toward a predetermined position on the internal stacker, the light beam notifying a user of a state in which the recording medium is or is not stacked on the internal stacker; and a reflection member that is disposed in a part of the internal stacker and that reflects the light beam from the light source laterally outward from the internal stacker.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Kiichiro Arikawa, Shiro Suzuki, Toshihiko Matsuo, Tsutomu Shiihara, Hiromitsu Tomioka, Mitsuyuki Ishida, Takahiro Ikeda, Seiji Honda
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Patent number: 9946214Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a DC heater is provided in an image forming unit and AC heaters are provided in a sheet feed unit and an image reading unit. An environmental switch is provided at a power supply line connected to the AC heaters. A switch state detection circuit detects whether the environmental switch has been turned on. In accordance with a detection signal output by the switch state detection circuit, the supply of power to the DC heater is started.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takeshi Kinoshita
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Patent number: 9933452Abstract: There is provided a method for identifying a sit-to-stand transfer in measurements of the movement of a user, the method comprising obtaining measurements of the vertical acceleration experienced by the user during movement; obtaining measurements indicating changes in height of a part of the user during movement; processing the measurements of the vertical acceleration to identify candidate movements corresponding to a sit-to-stand transfer by the user; and determining an identified candidate movement as a sit-to-stand transfer where the identified candidate movement coincides with an increase in height. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Wei Zhang, Heribert Baldus, Stephan Schlumbohm
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Patent number: 9933752Abstract: An electrical machine includes an exhaust fan and an exhaust port on which an optional device is mounted. The optional device includes a duct, an electric fan, and an air flow sensor. Through the duct, an exhaust gas from the exhaust port is guided. The electric fan draws in the exhaust gas flowing through the duct and discharges the exhaust gas into an atmosphere. The air flow sensor detects presence or absence of the exhaust gas flowing from the electrical machine. The air flow sensor includes an air path partitioned from an inside of the duct by a partition wall. The air path includes an exhaust gas and an exit port. The exhaust gas intake port includes an opening facing the exhaust gas. The exit port communicates with the atmosphere at a position outside the duct.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Shogo Asaoka, Katsumi Kuroyanagi, Shigeru Sawano, Hideki Narahashi, Sho Karakama
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Patent number: 9928516Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for analyzing a set of data records is provided. Each data record comprises a value for each of a plurality of variables and the method comprises receiving a selection of a variable of interest from the plurality of variables; analyzing values in the data records of at least one variable of the plurality of variables other than the variable of interest; and using the analysis to create a statistical description of said at least one variable. The statistical description is then used to populate at least one template natural language description of a relationship between the variable of interest, or a value or range of values of the variable of interest, and the variable to which the statistical description applies.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: NICE LTD.Inventor: Suzanne Catherine Weller
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Patent number: 9922003Abstract: A method for locating a pulse in detector output data, comprising fitting one or more functions to the detector output data; and determining a location and an amplitude of a peak of said pulse from said one or more functions. The one or more functions may be are a function of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Southern Innovation International Pty LtdInventors: Jonathan Huntley Manton, Christopher Charles McLean, Paul Andrew Basil Scoullar
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Patent number: 9921538Abstract: A bias power-supply device of an image forming apparatus includes a transformer that includes a first winding and a second winding, and outputs an alternating-current output signal from the second winding when the first winding is supplied with current; a switch circuit that includes a switching element, and supplies the first winding of the transformer with the current by switching the switching element in accordance with a received modulation output signal; and a modulation circuit that receives a frequency setting signal of setting a frequency of the alternating-current output signal and a modulation signal, and generates the modulation output signal having a modulated pulse width. A frequency of the modulation signal and a frequency of the alternating-current output signal are set to cause an interference frequency between the modulation signal and a harmonic of the alternating-current output signal is higher than a predetermined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Koya Tanaka
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Patent number: 9922230Abstract: A fingerprint information detection circuit comprises an amplification unit, a source follower unit, a reset unit, and a feedback unit. The amplification unit is coupled to the source follower unit. The reset unit is coupled to both the feedback unit and the amplification unit. The feedback unit and the amplification unit are coupled. The reset unit includes a first transistor and a reset transistor, wherein source and drain electrodes of the first transistor are coupled, wherein one of source and drain electrodes of the reset transistor is coupled to the source and drain electrodes of the first transistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SILEAD, INC.Inventors: Taiyi Cheng, Xianggui Zhao
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Patent number: 9915909Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a control portion configured to perform a cleaning operation including: a first step of causing a developer, which has a reversed polarity and is attracted to a surface of a charging roller, to have a normal polarity under a state in which the developer bearing member is separated from the image bearing member with the contact/separation unit; and a second step of collecting the developer, which has the normal polarity and is attracted to the surface of the image bearing member, to the developer bearing member, by rotating the image bearing member and the developer bearing member under a state in which the developer bearing member is brought into contact with the image bearing member with the contact/separation unit after performing the first step.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Hiramatsu, Motonari Ito, Hideo Kihara
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Patent number: 9915913Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a cover, a driving unit, and a film. The main body is configured to accommodate an image forming portion which forms an image on a recording material. The cover is provided on the main body and covers the image forming portion. The driving unit is provided on the main body and drives the image forming portion. The film is attached to the cover with a gap formed against an inner wall of the cover. The film faces the inner wall of the cover while a tension is given thereto and without coming into contact with the driving unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuaki Takahata, Katsunori Yokoyama, Shinji Yamamoto, Rie Endo, Kazumasa Shibata, Hiroki Kasama
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Patent number: 9915889Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediary transfer member, a first image forming portion including a first photosensitive member, a first charging member, a first developing device, a first transfer portion, and a first pre-exposure device, a second image forming portion including a second photosensitive member, a second charging member, a second developing device, a second transfer portion, and a second pre-exposure device, a current detecting portion, and an adjusting portion for adjusting an exposure amount of the first photosensitive member by the first pre-exposure device on the basis of a detection result of the detecting portion in a region on the first photosensitive member having contacted a toner band formed in a maximum amount per unit area on the intermediary transfer member by the second image forming portion in a state in which a transfer current is supplied.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shota Soda
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Patent number: 9910401Abstract: A development container includes a positioning portion and a rotation stop portion engaged with and guided by a guide of an image forming apparatus, and a longitudinal positioning portion, at one end in an axial direction of a developer carrying member. In a state where a cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, when a cross-sectional positioning range is defined by using a width, having one end at a point at which the rotation stop portion contacts the guide and another end at a point at which the positioning portion contacts the guide in an attachment direction of the cartridge, and a height being a width of the guide at the point at which the rotation stop portion contacts the guide or the point at which the positioning portion contacts the guide, the longitudinal positioning portion overlaps the cross-sectional positioning range in a longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Nagae, Masaaki Sato
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Patent number: 9910073Abstract: A measurement circuit for a sensor, the measurement circuit includes at least one detection branch including at least a first series of at least one dipole and a second series of at least one dipole, the series being connected in parallel and connected at their inputs to a common input terminal, each series of dipole being connected to a distinct output terminal, and an electronic circuit including a bias circuit configured to apply a bias current to the detection branch from the input terminal, and a read circuit configured to impose on each output terminal the same potential referred to as the “reference potential” (VREF); the electronic circuit including a determination circuit for determining variations in impedances of each series of dipole of the detection branch on the basis of the current applied to each output terminal by the read circuit so as to keep the potentials equal.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Loic Joet, Franck Badets, Guillaume Jourdan, Patrice Rey
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Patent number: 9903903Abstract: A method for deriving at least one operating parameter of a fluid-insulated electrical apparatus, in particular of gas-insulated switchgear. The operating parameter is dependent on a dielectric breakdown strength of an insulation fluid of the electrical apparatus. The insulation fluid includes at least three components that are assigned to at least a first and a second component group such that at least one component group comprises at least two components. The component groups differ in their weighted average values of the molecular masses of the components in the respective component groups. At least one quantity which is indicative of the concentration of the first component group and of the concentration of the second component group is determined from the insulation fluid, e.g. by measuring one or more measurement variables with one or more sensors. The operating parameter is then derived using the at least one quantity.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Axel Kramer, Thomas Alfred Paul, Navid Mahdizadeh, Nitesh Ranjan
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Patent number: 9903902Abstract: An electrical connection member capable of detecting discontinuities in an electrical network is provided. The connection member includes a casing having at least three branches, each of the branches including, at the end of same, at least one terminal for electrical connection to a respective piece of equipment, and least one main conductor linking two terminals at the ends of two branches in the casing, at least one secondary conductor linking at least one terminal of the end of the third branch in the casing, and including an electrical coupler designed to inject an electrical test signal from the secondary conductor into the main conductor, and to transmit, to the secondary conductor, an electrical response signal generated by the reflection of the electrical test signal against a discontinuity encountered in the electrical network.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: LABINAL POWER SYSTEMSInventors: Jerome Genoulaz, Serge Thierry Roques
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Patent number: 9903703Abstract: A device and method for detecting an absolute multi-turn rotation angle. The device includes a housing, a cover plate and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixed with a main gear, which is meshed with driven gears including a large driven gear and a small driven gear. The main gear is externally meshed with the large driven gear. The driven gears are connected with a two-stage speed reduction device which enables the rotating shaft to rotate multiple circles to slow down to a circle-number gear and enables the circle-number gear to rotate one circle only. Both driven gears and the circle-number gear are provided with bearings. The bearings have magnets therein, and the two magnets are relatively fixed with the driven gears and the circle-number gear, respectively. The top edges of the bearings fit with a printed circuit board, angle sensing chips which are fixed on the printed circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2012Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignees: WANXIANG QIANCHAO(SHANGHAI) AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS CO., LTD., WANXIANG GROUPInventors: Liangjie Zhou, Xiao Tao, Zhiyuan Ren, Suoping Wu, Jing Mao, Jian Chen, Xudong Cai, Jiangping Tang