Abstract: Photoreceptor drums for forming color images each have a gear as the drive transmission element at their central shafts. Each gear has an idle gear which in turn is coupled with a first motor via a timing belt. The photoreceptor drum for forming black monochrome images has a gear as the drive transmission element at its central shaft. This gear has an idle gear which is coupled with a second motor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a roller-shaped charging brush includes a first member for raising the brush pile and cleaning it while rotating in contact with the roller-shaped charging brush and a second member located at a position following the first member in the rotation direction of the roller-shaped charging brush, for shaping the brush pile raised by the first member while contacting with the roller-shaped charging brush. A combination of the first and second members can provide a satisfactory charging function at all times.

Abstract: A charged roller type electrophotographic copying apparatus capable of operating over a long term, in which durability of the apparatus is increased by bringing the charged roll into surface-contact with the photosensitive drum at low contact pressure will be supplied. In a charged roller type electrophotographic copying apparatus, the charged roller is endless tubular film of polyamide elastomer having a surface resistance value of 103 to 1013 &OHgr;/□, and is provided so as to come into surface-contact with a photoreceptor at its contact width therewith of 1.5 to 7 mm during copying.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charging unit for charging the image bearing member, an image forming unit for forming an electrostatic image on the image bearing member charged by the charging unit, a developing device for developing the electrostatic image on the image bearing member and for supplying to the image bearing member charging performance enhancing particles which have a polarity opposite from that of the toner, wherein the developing device has a developer carrying member, opposed to the image bearing member, for carrying the toner and charging performance enhancing particles and also which forms an alternating electric field between the developer carrying member and the image bearing member to supply the toner and the charging performance enhancing particles to the image bearing member.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developer bearing body, a drive transmission gear, a support member, and a developing frame body, and the support member has an engaging portion for engaging with the developing frame body in a position opposite to a position where the drive force is transmitted to the drive transmission gear with respect to a rotating center of the developer bearing body.

Abstract: A developer cylinder and drive gear arrangement includes a drive gear having a coupling hole at one end of its gear shaft, and a developer cylinder having a coupling block at its one end coupled to the coupling hole at the gear shaft of the drive gear, wherein the coupling block of the developer cylinder has a plurality of teeth spirally disposed around the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A wet type electrophotography apparatus according using a non-volatile, high-viscosity, high-concentration liquid toner as a developing solution, and including a photoconductive medium on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a prewetting device for coating the surface of the photoconductive medium with a film of prewetting solution, a developing device, an intermediate transfer medium for transferring the toner particles deposited on the photoconductive medium, a pressure roller rotating in contact with the intermediate transfer medium for transferring a printing medium while forcing the printing medium onto the intermediate transfer medium, and a heating device for heating locally the surface of the intermediate transfer medium at a location immediately before the intermediate transfer medium comes in contact with the pressure roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with an image carrier that carries a visible image thereon, a transfer support element that conveys a sheet to which the visible image is transferred from the image carrier at a transfer nip portion, and a transfer member that applies a transfer bias to the transfer support element. The transfer member is in contact with an inner layer of the transfer support element at an edge of the transfer nip portion. The transfer member has a medium inherent volume resistance which is less than an inherent volume resistance of the inner layer of the transfer support element. Further, a plurality of transfer members may be provided, in which case the transfer member closest to the transfer nip portion has the medium inherent volume resistance.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in an image forming apparatus using electrophotography having a photoconductive drum rotating in a clockwise direction and at a predetermined velocity, a charging roller for uniformly charging the photoconductive drum's outer surface, and a scanner unit for scanning the photoconductive drum's charged area to form a latent image thereon, a transfer roller for preventing the photoconductive drum from being stained with toner that is manufactured to have different properties at its center than at its edges so as to prevent a large quantity of positive charges from being applied to the edges of the photoconductive drum and the edges of the charging roller which are not in contact with the paper.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer for bearing a toner image, transfer device for transferring the toner image on the image bearer to a recording medium, a separating charger for facilitating separation of the recording medium from the image bearer, a detector for detecting an image amount in a predetermined area on the image bearer, the predetermined area corresponding to a predetermined downstream side area from a leading edge of the recording material, and a controller for controlling an application voltage to the separating charger from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the recording material on the basis of the image amount in the predetermined area detected by the detector.

Abstract: An image-fixing device for use in an electrophotographic process which includes an electrode (discharge member) on the exit side of a fuser mechanism is disclosed. This mechanism eliminates toner offset without requiring reformulation of the fuser or pressure rollers or restructuring of the fuser, and without compromising the release properties of those rollers. The preferred electrode has a saw-tooth configuration and is placed close to, but not contacting, the pressure roller and the back side of the printed page. A voltage, typically from about 200 to about 1,000 volts is applied to that electrode; the voltage has a polarity which is opposite the charge of the toner on the printed page.

Abstract: Multiple layer fuser belts having a rigid or semi-rigid substrate layer and a high conformability, low surface energy elastic layer. The substrate layer is formed from long-life material such as polyimide. Apertures, beneficially elongated diamonds, are cut into the substrate layer such that the substrate layer can stretch slightly along the circumference of the fuser belt. The elastic layer is bonded to the substrate layer and is made from a highly conformable, low durometer material having a low surface energy. When the fuser belt is partially wrapped around a driven roller so as to form a nip with a pressure roller the fuser belt stretches in the direction of belt motion. As the fuser belt passes through the nip the fuser belt contracts, releasing surface strain, and thus reduces sticking between the fuser belt and fused toner.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking school attendance includes a central office computer 101 interfaced with a plurality of attendance telephones 102. Typically, the interface is based on telephone lines or similar hard-wired network. Each AT device may therefore communicate with the central office computer or another AT device by data transmitted through the central office computer. A telephone interface 104 allows the central office computer to outside computers 105, including particularly the school district's central computer and database. The structure and organization of the software associated with the apparatus includes functionality related to the taking, recording and transmitting of school attendance and other purposes.

Abstract: An imaging system includes two sets of cameras: a first set for capturing optical mark or optical character recognition data and a second set for capturing visual images. Full visual images of pages containing answers to open-ended questions are retained and are retrievable by a reader such that an area of interest wherein the answer is expected is displayed, but the remaining area is also available for viewing. The system permits the alignment of a page based upon edge detection if the page contains only an open-ended answer, obviating the need for timing tracks. Hardware and software elements cooperate to store the image temporarily in a server having a response time commensurate with the scanner. The image is then processed with the use of high-performance index imaging for optical storage and retrieval, and then routed to a long-term storage device.

Abstract: The number of high power amplifiers required for multi-channel satellite communications is reduced by a high power amplification of selected sets of signals in respective common amplifiers, with each set of combined signals consisting of channels whose frequency bands are mutually discrete and sufficiently separated in frequency that their third order intermodulation products do not substantially overlap in frequency with any of the channels in the same set. The signals can be separated out again after amplification and transmitted as downlink signals, either individually from a dedicated downlink antenna or in combination with other channels in a common downlink antenna.

Abstract: A message processing center (140) is used in a global message delivery system. Message processing center (140) uses at least one GEO satellite (130) and at least one Non-GEO satellite (120) to delivers messages (pages) to a number of ground stations (110) located at various locations on the surface of the earth. Message processing center (140) determines loading for at least one GEO satellite (130) and at least one Non-GEO satellite (120). Message processing center (140) determines available capacity for at least one GEO satellite (130) and at least one Non-GEO satellite (120). Message processing center (140) uses a number of criteria to optimize the delivery of the message data.

Abstract: A method for registering and controlling registration data for new and roaming pagers in a paging system. Messages for the pagers pass through an input messaging switch to the pager's home messaging switch, from which the messages are sent to an output messaging switch to be transmitted to the pagers. When a pager roams into and area, it sends out a registration message that is received by an output messaging switch. The output messaging switch then contacts the home messaging switch for the pager. The pagers are programmed with a home identifier, which they transmit as part of their registration message. The home identifier can be converted to the address of the pager's home node in home messaging switch. In this way, an output messaging switch knows which home messaging switch to contact when it receives a registration message from the pager. The home identifier in a pager can be reprogrammed through an over-the-air procedure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a communication link between support equipment in an optical network and an operation support system. In a first embodiment, dark bandwidth of the communication trunks is appropriated for use as a service channel. A master service node receives messages from the operation support system and places the messages in the dark bandwidth. Local service nodes, provided in an optical ring, monitor the dark bandwidth and route message either to support equipment at the node or to other local service nodes as appropriate. Multiplexors are provided at the master service node and local service nodes to interface between optical network elements and support equipment. A second embodiment provides a radio link between the operational support system and the service nodes of the optical network.

Abstract: A system and method updates flight management files in accordance with the present invention and provides a retrievable record of the flight performance of an aircraft. A flight management computer is positioned on board the aircraft and interfaces and provides flight critical data received from flight navigation database files to a plurality of aircraft navigation and operational components located throughout the aircraft. A ground data link unit includes a data store that accumulates and stores flight performance data. A spread spectrum transceiver coupled to the data store transmits the stored flight performance data and uploads navigation database files over a spread spectrum communication signal. A controller is operatively connected to the data store, spread spectrum transceiver and flight management computer and receives the uploaded flight navigation database files and transfers the database files to a flight management computer.

Abstract: In accordance with a method of this invention, and circuitry for performing the method, there is disclosed a process for operating a radio frequency (RF) signal power detector. The method includes the steps of (a) sampling the output of an RF detector circuit to obtain a measurement of a value of the output when no RF signal is input to the RF detector circuit; (b) storing the measurement; and (c) subtracting, when an RF signal is input to the RF detector circuit, the stored measurement from the output of the RF detector circuit to provide a subtracted output signal. In pulsed (e.g., TDMA) embodiments of this invention the step of sampling occurs between RF bursts, while in continuous wave (cw) embodiments the step of sampling occurs during a time that an RF connection is opened or otherwise blocked at an input of the RF detector circuit and a source of the RF signal.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a communications system transmits a predetermined signal, from a first, sending, end of a communications system to a second, receiving, end of a communications system. The predetermined signal is distorted by the communication system and is received as a distorted signal that is compared to a known version of the originally transmitted signal. A comparison signal related to the difference between the originally transmitted signal (as represented by the known version of the originally transmitted signal) and the distorted predetermined signal as received at the receiving end is employed to adjust the transfer characteristic of a programmable converter to compensate for the distortion introduced by the communication system.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the power levels of transmitted signals in telecommunication systems are described. A user may be assigned a plurality of radio bearers associated with a plurality of physical channels for communicating with a radiocommunication system. A fast power control loop monitors a reference channel and adjusts transmit power in accordance with an SIR target value. A plurality of slow power control loops adjust the SIR target value and also provide offset transmit power values associated with each physical channel to adapt the transmit powers in accordance with varying quality requirements between radio bearers.

Abstract: A radio communications device includes a transmitter, a switch, and a measurement circuit wherein the transmitter transmits radio communications at a transmitted power. The switch couples a portion of the transmitted power during spaced apart intervals of time and blocks coupling of the portion of the transmitted power between the spaced apart intervals of time. The measuring circuit measures the coupled portion of the transmitted power during the spaced apart intervals of time. The radio communications device can also include a feedback circuit that maintains the transmitted power at a desired level responsive to the coupled portion of the transmitted power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wide range automatic frequency control. A control signal indicating a frequency within one of a plurality of frequency bands is received by an oscillator. In response, the oscillator generates a tuning signal having the indicated frequency. Based on the tuning signal, receive logic receives an input signal to obtain a sequence of values. Compare logic compares the sequence of values to a predetermined pattern. If the sequence of values does not match the predetermined pattern, frequency control logic outputs a different control signal to the oscillator to adjust the frequency of the tuning signal to another one of the plurality of frequency bands. Another input signal is received to obtain a new set of values and the new set of values is compared the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broadcast receiver, comprising a control circuit (7) for applying encoded messages, derived from a broadcast signal, to at least one storage device (12, 28), for receiving control data, derived from the encoded messages, from at least one storage device (12, 28), and for forming the messages from the control data in a form suitable for a display device (13) and/or a speech synthesizer circuit (14). In order to reduce the data file, given control data is stored under a respective escape code in at least one storage device (12, 28). The control data contains, for example phonetic notations of different languages. After reception of control data containing at least one escape code, the control circuit (7) applies said escape codes to a storage device (12, 28) for further processing of the control data stored under the escape code.

Abstract: An FM radio receiver predicts the onset of a multipath event based on a derivative of a noise detection signal and then further monitors the multipath event as it progresses. During multipath, an audio output pans between a normal signal path and a multipath smoothed signal path which includes a multipath smoothing filter. If multipath distortion is present long enough, the mixer pans completely over to the smoothing filter path. If the event is weak, only partial panning takes place and mixing is restored to the normal signal path.

Abstract: Processors which process baseband received signal sample amplitudes and ones which process baseband received sample phases are combined in a single general processor which cancels a greater variety of interference than any of the individual processors incorporated into it. This processor combines a wide-range of processors, for example, processors which filter baseband in-phase/quadrature sample amplitudes and phases. This general processor performs against any interferer as well as, or better than, the best of the processors it includes. The general processor assesses individual processor outputs and weights these so that those processors with the best interference suppressed outputs are utilized to form an interference suppressed output.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for more effectively restoring cells in a radio communications network taking into account current traffic conditions. The disclosed method can be implemented in a number of ways. For example, if a network operator desires to prioritize recovery on a cell-by-cell basis, the order of prioritization can be overlaid on the present method (e.g., for all “priority 1” cells, the present method will be used to select a cell recovery order). Alternatively, the present method can be overlaid on an operator's order of prioritization (e.g., for all cells that are classified most urgent according to the present method, the operator's priorities will be used to select the cell recovery order). As another example, if a hierarchical cell structure is used, the underlaid cells can be selected for recovery during the initial recovery operation (e.g., for a speedier recovery).

Abstract: A cordless telephone for making an emergency call upon sensing separation of a handset from a charger of a base unit. The handset is normally set in the charger in an idle state. A handset sensor detects separation of the base unit from the charger, and a user interface is used to input an emergency mode setting command and a phone number for an emergency call. A memory stores the input phone number for the emergency call, and a telephone answering device generates a voice message annunciating an emergency situation. When the handset is separated from the charger, a controller mutes a speaker, forcedly hooks off the base unit, reads the phone number for the emergency call from the memory, dials the read phone number, and sends the voice message. A microphone can also be enabled in order to transmit the sounds of the emergency situation to a called party.

Abstract: An automobile radio telephone apparatus capable of detecting a drop of power source voltage to prevent a telephone channel from being occupied wastefully and to thereby enhance efficient use of channels with regard to the operation of an automobile radio telephone system. When the power source voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage, the apparatus informs the user of such an occurrence. On the lapse of a predetermined period of time and if a conversation is under way, the apparatus warns the user that it will execute a forcible conversation ending procedure and then executes it.

Abstract: A billing center for a mobile communication system is provided which allows groups of subscribers sharing a single account to be identified both during the call rating procedure, during which call detail records are related to add a charge to the call detail record, and/or to add a usage of a pre-paid usage allocation to be added to the call detail records, and during the production of billing details at the end of the billing period. A relational database holds usage allocation records which pertain either to a single subscriber, or to a group of subscribers. The group of subscribers may consist of any of 2 to 50, or more, subscribers, depending on the subscription type held by the group.

Abstract: The invention provides for the disabling of a communication device even when information has been obtained unlawfully which is required for communication, such as unique identification information of a communication device (SID) and a unique identification information of a subscriber (PID).

Abstract: An invalid mobile telephone call made within the service area of a vendor monitored by a vendor computer is detected by RF fingerprinting or the like results in transmission of a kill-call command over a TCP/IP network to a kill-call server that is interfaced with a mobile service center through a data link interface. The kill-call server determines whether the kill-call command is valid and, if so, then it transmits a message tear down request over the data link interface to an executive cellular processor which, if the kill-call capability is active, conveys a call termination message to the associated administrative call processing database node to effect the call termination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing an Authentication Center (AC) to configure whether or not to perform automated A-key updating for a handset if an authentication failure occurs during an operation attempted by the handset. The AC has access to a Subscriber database describing, among other things, an “alternate A-key” for at least some of the subscribers. The AC also has access to database that contains configuration information about various MSCs in the system.

Abstract: The provisioning process of the present invention first determines the average number of units of the system resource that are held per call. This parameter is a function of the call model and call-related event holding times. The average number of units is used, along with the Busy Hour Call Attempts to determine the holding rate, Rresource, of that particular call-related event to be allocated memory. The holding rate is then used by ┌Rresource +7{square root over (Rresource)}┐ to determine the number of resources required to be allocated to the call-related event.

Abstract: A communication system (10) has multiple satellites (20) communicating with ground stations (30) and with base stations (40). The satellites (20) are in non-geosynchronous orbit around the earth (52). A first ground station (30) transmits a data packet to a satellite (20). The data packet includes a sector number which represents an area on the earth (52) where the destination ground station (31) is located. The satellite (20) transmits the data packet to another satellite (20) if the satellite (20) is not serving an area identified by the sector number. This step is repeated until the data packet reaches a most likely satellite (20) that is most likely to be serving the area identified by the sector number. The most likely satellite (20) transmits the data packet to the destination ground station (31) if it is still serving the area identified by the sector number.

Abstract: A base station communicates with a plurality of mobile stations over a cellular network. In one embodiment, the base station includes a transceiver configured to receive inbound information from the mobile station and transmit outbound information to the mobile station. The transceiver equalizes and decodes the inbound information and encodes the outbound information. The transceiver is coupled to a data bus for communicating the inbound and outbound information with the other elements in the base station. The transceiver is also coupled to a control bus. An trunk module is coupled to the data bus and to a mobile services center. The trunk module communicates inbound and outbound information with the mobile services center. The trunk module is also coupled to the control bus. Finally, a central processor is coupled to the control bus to control the transceiver and the trunk module. A preferred protocol is Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM).

Abstract: A method of generating a beam pattern (202) covering a region of interest (100) is disclosed. The method includes generating a first set of beams having a first size (204). Each beam occupies a portion of the frequency spectrum which need not be unique among the first set of beams. A second set of beams is also generated. Each of the second set of beams has a second size (206) and each of said second set of beams also occupies a portion of the frequency spectrum which need not be unique among the first or second set of beams. The first set of beams and said second set of beams are projected onto a region of interest to create a beam pattern (202). The projected beams need not fall on a regular grid or adhere to any other regular pattern. Each of the projected beams in the beam pattern is substantially non-interfering with any adjacent projected beam.

Abstract: The invention discloses a base station and various mobiles. At least one of the mobiles may also be connected to another system including a base station. This mobile has a list of all the systems to which it may be connected. In an advantageous manner, this list may be updated automatically.

Abstract: A system and method of providing preferential access to a cellular telecommunications network to a localized service area (LSA) subscriber who subscribes to a LSA and is operating a mobile station (MS) within the LSA. The cells which are included in the LSA are defined in a base station controller (BSC). The LSA subscriber's subscription information in the home location register (HLR) identifies any LSAs to which the subscriber subscribes. A Preferential Priority Indicator (PPI) property may also be set for the MS in the HLR. The PPI property indicates that the MS is to be granted preferential access whenever the PPI property is set. A Preferential Priority Network Indicator (PPN) property is also set in the BSC that indicates that the BSC supports use of the PPI property whenever the PPN property is set. When the MS originates a call, the BSC derives a second LSA-ID from the Cell-ID for the cell where the call originated.

Abstract: In a cellular communication system, a plurality of neighbor scan lists are generated and associated with a selected cell in the cellular communication system, wherein each neighbor scan list includes selected neighbor identifiers. Thereafter, a present operating mode, of a plurality of operating modes, of a subscriber unit communicating with the selected cell is determined. In response to the present operating mode of the subscriber unit, the subscriber unit is configured to scan a neighbor scan list selected from the plurality of neighbor scan lists for the selected cell. The operating modes of the subscriber unit may include an idle mode and an active mode.

Abstract: Location registration processing of a mobile station using the connection-oriented method of the TSB-80 standard of application interface between a base station controller (BSC) and a mobile switching center (MSC) in a personal communication services (PCS) system.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates an inter-mobile switching center (MSC) soft hand-off by creating a communication link between the MSCs through the base station controllers (BSCs). The routers in the BSCs are linked to form a virtual router. This faster link between the BSCs enables the same protocol to be used for intra-MSC soft hand-off used for inter-MSC soft hand-off.

Abstract: A network system for mobile radio communication includes a network constituted by a server unit and a client unit, a radio connection unit connected to a communication network, a public radio base station installed in a cell, and a mobile radio terminal which establishes a radio channel with the public radio base station while moving. The network system performs data communication between the server unit and the mobile radio terminal. Each of the server unit and the mobile radio terminal includes a buffer memory and an auxiliary storage unit which hold data.

Abstract: A robust method for determining the boundaries of cells and the associated reliability of the RF coverage within these boundaries is presented. The invention accurately determines the average range from the base station to the cell edge from RF signal strength measurements with a linear regression approach. The accuracy of this estimate is quantified both as a range uncertainty (e.g. ±100 meters) and as a cell coverage reliability (i.e. area/edge) through 1) simulation, 2) analysis of real data, and 3) theoretical analysis. It is shown that if the estimate of the cell radius meets the desired accuracy, then the corresponding estimates of coverage reliability (both area and edge) are more than sufficiently accurate. It is recommended that radio survey analyses incorporate this test as part of the coverage validation process.

Abstract: Current radio telecommunications cell radius estimation methods can result in spurious and inaccurate results outside regions with well sampled signal measurements. The present invention provides an improved cell radius estimation method using path loss and signal source distance data as well as a method for determining models for use in cell estimation without test data. The methods apply a fixed gradient line fit to the data to obtain cell radius estimates and to determine models for one or more geomorphology classifications. Cell radius estimates determined from the test data and the models can be used for cell distribution planning in network coverage planning applications. The invention provides improved accuracy as well as reduced costs in the network planning stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of setting a load goal in a radio system. In the method a total signal strength (41) and a load result (44) are first formed, the load result being formed as an interrelationship between signal-to-interference ratio, bandwidth and data transmission rate. Then the total signal strength (41) change is compared with the load result (44) change, and such a load result (22) is searched for, the higher load results (44) of which provide a load result change lower than a predetermined threshold value in relation to the total signal (41) change, and said load result (22) is selected as a load goal.

Abstract: A method for performing forward power control in a code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular communication system includes initializing and starting the forward power control. Additionally, a forward link transmission gain of a power transmitted from a base station to a mobile station is adjusted based on a value of an erasure indicator bit contained in a reverse traffic frame transmitted in a reverse traffic channel from the mobile station.

Abstract: A base station (222) capable of receiving reverse channel data using two over the air protocols preferably comprises a transmitter (224) and modulator (226) for forward channel transmissions in at least a first protocol, a multi-mode base receiver (228) capable of receiving data on a reverse channel using multiple protocols including the first protocol and at least a second protocol. The dual mode base station further comprises a processor (242) that receives a timing source for the second over the air protocol derived from the remote controller (216) for the second over the air protocol. The processor is preferably programmed to decode timing information from the timing source allowing the multi-mode base receiver 228 to provide a busy indicator to the transmitter 224 and modulator 226 to inhibit the reverse channel of the first over the air protocol during a period set by the busy indicator.

Abstract: A signal transmitting/receiving method and apparatus freed of the drawback of the conventional information multiplexing method (FDMA, TDMA or CDMA) that information multiplexing needs a bandwidth broader than the bandwidth of the original information, such that, if the bandwidth is scanty, the number of channels that can be accommodated is decreased. A signal transmission device 10 sends three different items of the transmission information, namely the transmission information items TA, TB and TC, from three transmitters 11A, 11B and 11C, by multiplexing communication via three different paths PA, PB and PC, using a transmission antenna unit 12. A signal receiving device 20 receives the three different information items TA, TB and TC, transmitted via three different paths PA, PB and PC, by receivers 22A, 22B, 22C, using a receiving antenna unit 21, for obtaining three different items of the reception information, namely the reception information items RA, RB and RC.