Abstract: An update management table store control section stores an update management table saved in cache memory in a system volume. An update management table return control section saves the update management table stored in system volume in cache memory, upon accepting a device boot-up instruction. An update management table control section updates replication data stored in replication volume for only an update difference indicated by the update management table saved in cache memory.

Abstract: A focusing device comprises a first imaging optical system, a second imaging optical system which splits the optical image in the direction of an AF sensor and further splits the optical image so that a front focus image in which the point that is in focus is in front of the optical image on the inspecting sensor and a back focus image in which the point that is in focus is behind the optical image on the inspecting sensor are formed on the AF sensor, a focus detecting circuit which detects an optimum focus position on the basis of a high-frequency component of a front sensor image in a front focus position and a high-frequency component of a back sensor image in a back focus position, and a focus control circuit which controls the focusing of the first imaging optical system on the basis of the focus position.

Abstract: A developing unit is disclosed which is configured to supply toner to a photosensitive drum in the body of an image forming device, and can be detachably mounted to the body of the image forming device. The developing includes a first developing roller and a roller contacting/retracting mechanism. The first developing roller can be arranged in a position proximate to and parallel with the photosensitive drum, or a position retracted from the photosensitive drum. The roller contacting/retracting mechanism is configured to move the first developing roller to the position proximate to the photosensitive drum when the developing unit is attached to the body of the image forming device, and move the first developing roller to the position retracted from the photosensitive drum when detaching the developing unit from the body of the image forming device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a cooling fan for cooling toner boxes within the apparatus. The outlet of the cooling fan and the toner boxes are connected by flexible tubes, respectively. This makes it possible to connect the cooling fan with the toner boxes even if there is not sufficient space, thereby enabling cooling of the toner boxes.

Abstract: A Raman amplifying device includes a plurality of Raman amplifiers having a gain wavelength characteristic with a gain peak at which an amplification gain becomes the largest, including a first Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a plurality of gain peaks including a first gain peak and a second gain peak adjacent to the first gain peak; a second Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with at least one gain peak including a third gain peak between the first gain peak and the second gain peak; and a third Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a fourth gain peak between the first gain peak and the third gain peak, the fourth gain peak forming an arithmetic sequence between the first gain peak and the third gain peak.

Abstract: A toner cartridge (20) has a shutter (40) adapted to be changed between a closed posture (S1) and an open posture (S1) for opening a toner supply port (322), a lever (50) to be operated manually to change the posture of the shutter (40), and a postural-change restriction mechanism (60) for controlling a postural change of the shutter (40). The postural-change restriction mechanism (60) includes a lock groove (53) in the lever (50), and a restriction pawl (62) integrally formed with a cartridge body (30). The restriction pawl (62) engages the lock groove (53) when the lever (50) is operated to set the shutter (40) in the closed posture (S1), to block a postural change of the shutter (40), and to be elastically deformed when the cartridge body (30) is attached to a development device, in a manner to allow the postural change.

Abstract: A Raman amplifying device includes a plurality of Raman amplifiers having a gain wavelength characteristic with a gain peak at which an amplification gain becomes the largest, including a first Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a plurality of gain peaks including a first gain peak and a second gain peak adjacent to the first gain peak; a second Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with at least one gain peak including a third gain peak between the first gain peak and the second gain peak; and a third Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a fourth gain peak between the first gain peak and the third gain peak, the fourth gain peak forming an arithmetic sequence between the first gain peak and the third gain peak.

Abstract: A module for cooling a heat generating element comprising a heat receiving plate thermally connected to at least one heat generating element; a heat transfer device one end portion of which is thermally connected to the heat receiving plate and other end portion of which is thermally connected to a heat dissipating plate; a thermoelectric cooler one face of which is thermally connected to one face of the heat dissipating plate; a first heat sink thermally connected to other face of the heat dissipating plate; and a second heat sink thermally connected to other face of said thermoelectric cooler.

Abstract: A pump light source for Raman amplification. The pump light source includes a fixed module with at least one laser diode module, an electronic device for driving and controlling the laser diode module and a photodiode for monitoring optical output in the at least one laser diode. The pump light source also includes an additional module which contains a prescribed number of module cards. Each of the module cards are removably connected to the fixed module.

Abstract: To provide an image or the like which can easily record a large amount of information without the lamination of a large number of colorant layers, and which hardly allows forgery, alteration, or the like. Provided is an image formed by overlapping multiple ink layers, in which a first ink layer is formed on a recording material by means of a first ink having fluorescent emission property, a second ink layer is formed on the first ink layer by means of a second ink, and the first ink layer is exposed in a dotted manner on the second ink layer.

Abstract: A liquid discharging method for a liquid head discharge head. The head has discharge ports, liquid flow paths, bubble generating areas, bubble generating means, liquid supply ports connecting the flow paths with a common liquid supply chamber, and a movable member in the flow paths supported with a minute gap to the supply ports. The area of the movable member surrounded at least by its free end and both sides continued therefrom is larger than the opening area of the supply ports. The method includes the step of setting a period for the movable member to substantially close the opening area during the period from the application of a driving voltage to the bubble generating means to the substantial termination of isotropical growth of the entire bubble by the bubble generating means. Growth of the bubble component in the direction opposite the discharge port can be suppressed, improving liquid refill.

Abstract: A Raman amplifying device includes a plurality of Raman amplifiers having a gain wavelength characteristic with a gain peak at which an amplification gain becomes the largest, including a first Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a plurality of gain peaks including a first gain peak and a second gain peak adjacent to the first gain peak; a second Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with at least one gain peak including a third gain peak between the first gain peak and the second gain peak; and a third Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a fourth gain peak between the first gain peak and the third gain peak, the fourth gain peak forming an arithmetic sequence between the first gain peak and the third gain peak.

Abstract: In a light source comprising a plurality of laser diode modules, high optical power is outputted, while these laser diode modules are arranged in high density. The light source is arranged by employing a plurality of laser diode modules, the optical power of which is higher than, or equal to 300 mW.

Abstract: A liquid discharging method for a liquid head discharge head, which is provided with a plurality of discharge ports for discharging liquid, a plurality of liquid flow paths communicated always with each of the discharge ports at one end, each having bubble generating area for creating bubble in liquid, bubble generating means for generating energy to create and grow the bubble, a plurality of liquid supply ports each arranged for each of the liquid flow paths to be communicated with common liquid supply chamber, and movable member supported with minute gap to the liquid supply port on the liquid flow path side, and provided with free end, the area of the movable member surrounded at least by the free end portion and both sides continued therefrom being made larger than the opening area of the liquid supply port facing the liquid flow path, comprises the step of setting a period for the movable member to close and essentially cut off the opening area during the period from the application of driving voltage to

Abstract: A liquid discharging method for a liquid head discharge head, which is provided with a plurality of discharge ports for discharging liquid, a plurality of liquid flow paths communicated always with each of the discharge ports at one end, each having bubble generating area for creating bubble in liquid, bubble generating means for generating energy to create and grow the bubble, a plurality of liquid supply ports each arranged for each of the liquid flow paths to be communicated with common liquid supply chamber, and movable member supported with minute gap to the liquid supply port on the liquid flow path side, and provided with free end, the area of the movable member surrounded at least by the free end portion and both sides continued therefrom being made larger than the opening area of the liquid supply port facing the liquid flow path, comprises the step of setting a period for the movable member to close and essentially cut off the opening area during the period from the application of driving voltage to

Abstract: A liquid discharge head is provided with discharge ports for discharging liquid, liquid flow paths communicated with the discharge ports for supplying liquid to the discharge ports, a substrate having heat generating members for creating bubbles in the liquid, and movable members facing the heat generating members and being arranged in the liquid flow paths. The movable members have a free end on the discharge port side with a specific gap with respect to the heat generating members. The movable member is fixed to the substrate above the heat generating member on the substrate.

Abstract: An ink jet cartridge includes a first chamber for accommodating a negative pressure producing material and provided with air communication part for communication with ambient air, wherein a part of the negative pressure producing material does not contain ink adjacent the air communication part; a second chamber which is substantially closed except for a fine communication part for communication with the first chamber at a position away from the air communication part, wherein the second chamber directly accommodates the ink to be supplied to the first chamber.

Abstract: A heat sink comprising (a) a plate-shaped heat pipe including an upper plate member and a lower plate member to form a hermetically sealed cavity, and a working fluid enclosed therein, and (b) at least one heat radiating fin integrally formed with the upper plate member on an outer surface of the upper plate member.

Abstract: In a light source comprising a plurality of laser diode modules, high optical power is outputted, while these laser diode modules are arranged in high density. The light source is arranged by employing a plurality of laser diode modules, the optical power of which is higher than, or equal to 300 mW.