Patents Issued in June 28, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010005420
    Abstract: A parameter writing element for converting a solution vector found by an optimum solution method that determines an optimum n-dimensional solution vector, based on a plurality of optimum n-dimensional solution vector candidates to an adjustment parameter values of a programmable hearing aid and for writing the adjustment parameter values into a hearing aid parameter memory element of the programmable hearing aid, a sound source memory element for storing a sound source, and a sound source presenting element for presenting the sound source to the programmable hearing aid are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Hideyuki Takagi, Masahiro Watanabe, Shinichi Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20010005421
    Abstract: A loudspeaker comprises an acoustic radiator (10) (e.g., a panel) capable of supporting bending waves, an exciter mounted on the acoustic radiator (10,28) to excite bending waves in the acoustic radiator (10,28) to produce an acoustic output, and a filter (12,30) located adjacent to the acoustic radiator (10,28) for directing the acoustic output from the acoustic radiator (10,28). The filter (12,30) is adapted to have a pattern (11) of varying acoustic absorbency, the pattern (11) being selected to produce a desired directivity of the acoustic output. The filter (12,30) may be in the form of an acoustic mask comprising a pattern (11) of at least one acoustic aperture (14,16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Neil Harris
  • Publication number: 20010005422
    Abstract: A speaker system includes a speaker box and a speaker mounted thereon. A bass reflex duct is provided in the speaker box at a position corresponding to an approximate center portion of the speaker. In addition, another duct is provided around the speaker in the speaker box. The bass reflex duct is arranged inside of a duct so that the bass reflex duct and the duct overlap each other. The speaker system is arranged to efficiently direct the back pressure of a speaker to the bass reflex duct and greatly increases the sound pressure in resonance even when a compact speaker box is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20010005423
    Abstract: Multi-bit auxiliary information is hidden in audio and imagery (e.g., digital photographs, video), using steganographic techniques. Such information can be used for various purposes, including identifying audio/imagery as originating from a particular source, copy control, etc.. In some embodiments, operation of the system changes over time. This change may be triggered by various events, including passage of new information to the system through audio or imagery being processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Publication number: 20010005424
    Abstract: A characteristic curve of the impedance of a skin surface is measured as a function of the frequency of an electric AC voltage by applying the voltage to at least one electric conductor which is galvanically or capacitively coupled to the skin surface. The characteristic curve is compared with a reference characteristic curve, which has been generated previously. If the characteristic curve substantially corresponds to the reference characteristic curve, the skin surface is recognized as belonging to living tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Stephan Marksteiner
  • Publication number: 20010005425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing a shape and a pattern in a three-dimensional scene with good precision, based on a plurality of images, by realizing processing that considers a three-dimensional model from the beginning of the processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Masaki Watanabe, Shuichi Shiitani, Masaaki Oota, Susumu Endo, Hiroaki Harada
  • Publication number: 20010005426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a color space quantization descriptor structure for performing quantization of a color space in order to search a multimedia based on contents when multimedia feature information is color information, particularly when the multimedia feature information is the color information and the search is about a moving image or a still image, the color space quantization descriptor structure according to the present invention has a tree structure divided into a plurality steps of superior color spaces and subordinate color spaces, and the tree structure recurrently comprises a plurality of subordinate color spaces. Accordingly, the present invention can improve performace of a still image and a moving image search apparatus, perform the quantization of a n dimensional color space such as a H, S, V, RGB, HMMD color space etc., and perform the different step quantization corresponding to each feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Min Song, Hyeon Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20010005427
    Abstract: A color and a tone of an image object included in an image are changed to a color and a tone desired by a user. A storage means stores reference image data representing reference images of different colors and tones, and the user selects a target image having a desired color and tone from among the reference images displayed on a monitor. Image data of an image including an image of an object is input to the image processing means and displayed on the monitor. The user views the image displayed on the monitor and specifies an area including an image of an object whose color-tone is to be changed to the color-tone of the target image. The image processing means extracts a color area from the specified area and generates cumulative histograms of the target image and the color area as characteristic quantitative data representing the color and the tone thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Fumito Takemoto
  • Publication number: 20010005428
    Abstract: A method of characterizing a video includes the steps of extracting frame images from an input video, calculating a feature of each of the frame images, assigning index information determined by the calculated feature to each of the frame images, stringing together the index information assigned to the frame images, and characterizing the input video by the strung-together index information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Takafumi Miyatake, Shigeo Sumino, Katsumi Taniguchi, Akio Nagasaka, Mitsuru Ikezawa, Hirotada Ueda
  • Publication number: 20010005429
    Abstract: An interpolation processing apparatus that performs interpolation to obtain color information corresponding to a first color component of a pixel, in which the first color component is missing, of an image-capturing sensor having a plurality of pixels which are arranged in a two-dimensional array and output color information corresponding to different color components, which are first-nth (n>2) color components, each of the plurality of pixels outputting color information corresponding to a single color component, includes: a similarity degree calculation unit that calculates each of similarity degrees along, at least, two directions relative to an interpolation target pixel to undergo interpolation processing by using a “different-color similarity component obtained by using color information corresponding to different color components” calculated with a “similarity degree element constituted of color information from three or fewer pixels”, based upon color information at a plural
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishiga, Ken Utagawa
  • Publication number: 20010005430
    Abstract: A method for performing content-based temporal segmentation of video sequences, the method comprises the steps of transmitting the video sequence to a processor; identifying within the video sequence a plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments using a plurality of type-specific detectors; analyzing and refining the plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments identified in the identifying the plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments step; and outputting a list of locations within the video sequence of the identified type-specific individual temporal segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: James Warnick, Ahmet M. Ferman, Bilge Gunsel, Milind R. Naphade, Rajiv Mehrotra
  • Publication number: 20010005431
    Abstract: In an apparatus which detects a specified pattern, a binarizing unit converts input image data to bi-level image data, and a storage device stores the converted bi-level image data. A pattern detection unit comprises a plurality of detectors which detect a specified pattern (for example, a circular pattern) independently of each other and in parallel to each other. Each of the detectors detects the specified pattern on a block different from those for the other detectors in the bi-level image data stored in the storage device. Then, one most probable block is selected among the blocks including the specified pattern, and careful image recognition is performed on the selected block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Toshihiro Mori
  • Publication number: 20010005432
    Abstract: A decoding LSI adaptable to MPEG4 is provided with a padding means for performing padding on decoded texture data, an arithmetic decoding means for performing arithmetic decoding on coded shape data, and a composition means for compositing a plurality of texture data to generate composite image data. The padding means, the arithmetic decoding means, and the composition means are implemented by hardware circuits, i.e., a padding engine, an arithmetic decoding engine, and a composition engine, respectively. Therefore, the decoding LSI can perform high-speed decoding on a bitstream corresponding to plural objects, such as images, which are compressively coded by the MPEG4 coding method, with reduced cost of the hardware circuits performing the decoding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Toshiya Takahashi, Hiroaki Toida
  • Publication number: 20010005433
    Abstract: To provide an image processing apparatus in which even in case of a laterally-wide or vertically-long image, the user can easily and certainly recognize the image by its thumbnail display, there is disclosed an image processing apparatus constructed in such a manner that when a reduced image (thumbnail image) is generated from a plurality of images by image management list display software, an aspect ratio of a target image is examined, and when it is determined that the aspect ratio is larger than a predetermined value and the target image is sufficiently laterally wide or vertically long, the thumbnail image is not generated merely by reducing the whole target image but, as a thumbnail image, it is fixed so as to become a thumbnail image of a predetermined aspect ratio, and a thumbnail image of only a mid section excluding end sections of the target image is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Hideo Takiguchi
  • Publication number: 20010005434
    Abstract: An image transcription apparatus includes a random access recording medium which has a picture data recording area, a attribute data recording area and a thumbnail image data recording area for storing image data indicating features of the picture data in correspondence to the attribute data. A memory is employed which has a work area used upon recording of the picture data on the recording medium and reproduction therefrom, an attribute data storage area for storing the attribute data recorded on the recording medium and a shared storage area used for storing temporarily the picture data upon recording and reproduction. The shared storage area is so arranged as to be capable of storing the thumbnail image data when the picture data is neither being recorded nor reproduced. The attribute data and the thumbnail image data can speedily be displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Hideto Noguchi, Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20010005435
    Abstract: A bank deposit plastic bag made with two separable compartments, one for checks identifying the depositor, and the other for cash using as an insert a depositor-identifying flap, in the manufacture of which different heat seals, strategically located lines of perforations and an adhesive deposit cooperate to accommodate a range of banking needs of the user, characterized by the use of components and parts of the bag, as exemplified by the noted depositor-identifying flap, and adhesively sealable closure flaps for the two compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Hikmet Harmanoglu
  • Publication number: 20010005436
    Abstract: An air bearing of the type having a first component with a first surface and a second component with a first surface, wherein the surfaces are movable relative to each other with a small space provided between the first surfaces. At least one of the surfaces facing each other being provided with a groove pattern producing during mutual movement of the components a pumping effect in a gas medium provided between the groove provided surface of the one component and the counter-surface of the other component for creating a thin medium film preventing physical contact of the surfaces during mutual motion. The counter-surface is provided with a thin coating for preventing wear at contact between the surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Hans Sjostrom, Borje Andersson
  • Publication number: 20010005437
    Abstract: In an optical transmission apparatus including an external optical modulator for modulating an optical carrier from a light source with an electrical signal, bias voltage applied to the external optical modulator is accurately adapted to fluctuations in optimal bias voltage due to DC drift. A bias voltage control circuit 150 controls bias voltage applied by a bias voltage applier 105 to an external optical modulator 110 so as to minimize an amount of second order distortion included in an optical signal from the external optical modulator 110 and caused by non-linearity thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Kouichi Masuda, Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20010005438
    Abstract: A device for comparing between N nominal wavelength values (&lgr;ei) and the wavelength values of optical signals coupled respectively with input ports (GEi) of a phasar with a grating (R) of guides (Gj), the said phasar comprising a main output port (GS (m) designed to collect the combination of the said signals, the said main output port (GS(m)) being placed at a focal point corresponding to a given interference order m of the grating, characterized in that the phasar comprises two secondary monitoring output ports (A, B) respectively placed in the vicinity of focal points corresponding to the interference orders m−1 and m+1 of the grating (R).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Sylvie Menezo
  • Publication number: 20010005439
    Abstract: An acousto-optic filter has a non-birefringent single mode optical fiber with a longitudinal axis, a core and a cladding in a surrounding relationship to the core. The optical fiber has multiple cladding modes and a single core mode that is guided along the core. An acoustic wave propagation member has a proximal end and a distal end coupled to the optical fiber. The acoustic wave propagation member propagates an acoustic wave from the proximal to the distal end and launches a flexural wave in the optical fiber. At least one acoustic wave generator is coupled to the proximal end of the acoustic wave propagation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Byoung Yoon Kim, Seok Hyun Yun, Bong Wan Lee
  • Publication number: 20010005440
    Abstract: It is known to couple a collimated beam of light into the end of an optical fiber with a graded index lens having an angled facet at the lens/fiber interface to reduce the amplitude of Fresnel retro-reflected power. The expense incurred in providing angled facets is avoided by using a two-part compound lens. One part is a graded index lens part having an axial length shorter than a quarter period. To this is bonded a cylindrical uniform refractive index lens part whose index is matched with the effective refractive index of the fiber. This reduces the amplitude of the retro-reflection power by causing the displacement of the Fresnel reflection from the lens focus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Paul A. Firth, Adrian Janssen
  • Publication number: 20010005441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for formatting facets of an optical waveguide element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-Chae Song, Tae-Hyung Rhee
  • Publication number: 20010005442
    Abstract: A reproducing device includes: a communicating portion for communication with a recording device; a still image display portion for displaying a still image received through the communicating portion; and a video display portion for receiving a video corresponding to the still image displayed by the still image display portion through the communicating portion for display. The video display portion receives the video corresponding to the still image displayed by the still image display portion through the communicating portion, so that a user can reproduce a desired video by a simple operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Toru Ueda, Satoshi Terada, Yoshihiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010005443
    Abstract: A video tape recorder capable of reproducing a video tape on which a character multiplex signal is recorded. In the video tape recorder, when a video tape recorder unit reproduces the video tape, a character signal generator generates a character display signal based on the character multiplex signal. When the video tape recorder unit is transferred from the reproduction operation to a pause operation, the character signal generator continues generating the character display signal which has been generated immediately before the transfer to the pause operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: NOBORU YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20010005444
    Abstract: A format for the recording of trick play signals is proposed in which trick play segments comprising sync blocks of information of a trick play signal are recorded in groups of p successive tracks. At least first and second trick play signals are recorded on the record carrier. The first trick play signal is meant for reproduction in a reproduction apparatus at a reproduction speed n1 times the recording speed with which the trick play signals are recorded on the record carrier. The second trick play signal is meant for reproduction in the said reproduction apparatus at a reproduction speed n2 times the recording speed. Both trick play signals are recorded such that upon reproduction at said speed n1 times the recording speed m1 sync blocks of information of the first trick play signal and m1 sync blocks of the second trick play signal are read from the record carrier during one revolution of the head drum in the reproduction apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Seiji Higurashi, Takeo Ohishi, Mitsuo Harumatsu
  • Publication number: 20010005445
    Abstract: The present invention enables to reproduce an audio signal during a high-speed reproduction of a compressed video signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: HAJIME NITTA, AKIRA HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20010005446
    Abstract: A multimedia information playback apparatus includes a first input unit, second input unit, and playback unit. The first input unit receives multimedia information including video data and audio data distributed from a first distribution source. The second input unit receives control information distributed from a second distribution source. The playback unit plays back the multimedia information received by the first input unit on the basis of the control information received by the second input unit. A multimedia information playback method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uchikoga
  • Publication number: 20010005447
    Abstract: A data multiplexer for multiplexing at least digital moving picture data and pattern data (character data) comprises a packetizing means for forming the digital moving picture data and the pattern data into PES packets of a predetermined format based on the MPEG-2 standard, each packet consisting of a header and an actual data region; an adding means for adding, to the header of each packet, a flag to identify the moving picture data and the pattern data; and a means for multiplexing the packets. An ID flag recorded in the header of each PES packet serves to identify a video packet, an audio packet or a pattern data packet. Each packet of the pattern data and the digital moving picture data includes a time stamp indicative of decode or display timing. In this data multiplexer, the pattern data (character data) on any horizontal scanning line can be multiplexed and recorded with the digital moving picture data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: MAKOTO KAWAMURA, YASUSHI FUJINAMI
  • Publication number: 20010005448
    Abstract: An information recording medium suitable for optical discs such as DVD-RAM is provided for integrated management of data as objects in different kinds of AV formats. Also apparatus is provided for data recording and playing to the medium. The medium stores management information including program chain information (PGC information) defining the playback order of the objects, and object information containing information relevant to the objects. The object information has general information of the object, attribute information and a map associating a playback time point of the object with an address on the optical disc of a component of the object to be played. The PGC information has cell information including information about type of object, identification information. The order of the cell information in the PGC information corresponds to the order in which the objects are played back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Okada, Kaoru Murase, Kazuhiro Tsuga
  • Publication number: 20010005449
    Abstract: A multichannel image compression device comprises recording means for storing digital images on a plurality of channels in frames channel by channel into memories, control means for performing control in such a manner that the digital images stored by the recording means into the memories increase in number on a specific channel, and compression means for subjecting the digital images recorded by the recording means into the memories to compression coding by correlating frames channel by channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Eiki Obara
  • Publication number: 20010005450
    Abstract: In general, the inputted digital images of multiple channels are subjected to compressing and encoding utilizing a correlation between frames for each channel, and the compressed and encoded images are intermittently recorded in a recording medium. Then while a time interval of intermittent recording exceeds a predetermined value, digital images are subject to compressing and encoding in a frame, and are recorded in a recording medium. When compressing and encoding in a frame are performed for digital images, the digital images of multiple channels are recorded in a buffer memory in units of frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Eiki Obara
  • Publication number: 20010005451
    Abstract: Digital images to be inputted in frames are specified at specific time intervals. When the specified digital images are subjected to an MPEG coding process and the resulting images are recorded on a recording medium, control is performed in such a manner that, as the time interval of intermittent recording becomes longer, the number of pictures constituting a GOP, a unit of MPEG coding, becomes smaller, thereby increasing the frequency of appearance of I pictures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Eiki Obara
  • Publication number: 20010005452
    Abstract: A tablet shaped catalyst is disposed on an upper portion inside a waterproof housing. The catalyst, which is comprised of palladium, accelerates a chemical reaction for combining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The catalyst begins accelerating the chemical reaction just after contacting with hydrogen gas. By disposing said catalyst on an upper position inside the waterproof housing, hydrogen gas, lighter than the air, is effectively removed. This chemical reaction causes to generate water, so it is preferable to provide a water absorbent by the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Uchiyama, Kenji Negishi, Yukito Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010005453
    Abstract: A camera includes: a lens barrel holding a zoom lens; a zoom viewfinder optical system having a variable magnification lens to be moved in the optical axis direction; a cam pin integrally provided on the variable magnification lens; and a cam member to move the variable magnification lens being interlocked with the movement of the lens barrel. The cam member has the cam surface provided with a protruded portion which comes into contact with only a portion of a side wall of the cam pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: KONICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kano, Kenichi Iwaida
  • Publication number: 20010005454
    Abstract: The information terminal body may be designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases each having a display unit through a hinge which is equipped with a photographing optical system for the camera function unit of which optical axis of lens is perpendicular to an axial center of the hinge. The display units display information from communication channels and images taken in by the camera. The cases may have the display units such that the display units face outside in a folded state. At least one of the two display units may be a finder for photographers, while the other may be a finder for the subject persons. The terminal is equipped with a shutter button and a terminal operation button. The terminal operation button works also as a shutter button. The information terminal is also equipped with a viewfinder for the camera lens system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Nishino, Masakatsu Takizawa, Norihisa Mitsuyu, Shuji Yamaguchi, Satoshi Machida
  • Publication number: 20010005455
    Abstract: A camera case and film cartridge system that can be used with captioned film (i.e., film that has a pre-exposed caption such as “Happy Birthday” or “It's a Boy” on each film frame such that when the remainder of the film frame is exposed with the camera in the normal course, the each resulting picture will include the caption) in which the film cartridge is designed and constructed to use the standard 35 mm film cannister (or any other standard film cannister) so that the film, once exposed in the normal course, can be developed at any retail or commercial developing facility that is equipped to handle the standard film cannister. The film cartridge includes a diffuser that partially shields the pre-exposed, captioned portion of the film from further exposure. Because the diffuser is incorporated into the film cartridge instead of the camera case, the same camera can be used with different captioned formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Foto Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Derek Gable
  • Publication number: 20010005456
    Abstract: A film support and feed system of a camera includes a pressure plate, a film feed mechanism which moves the film frame in a space in front of the pressure plate, a film suction mechanism which brings the film frame into intimate contact with the pressure plate by vacuum aspiration, a reversible motor, and an associating mechanism which selectively associates the reversible motor with either the film feed mechanism or the film suction mechanism in accordance with a direction of rotation of the reversible motor. The reversible motor is associated with the film feed mechanism by the associating mechanism to operate the film feed mechanism when the reversible motor is driven to rotate in a forward direction, or to operate the film suction mechanism when the reversible motor is driven to rotate in a reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: ASAHI KOGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masakatsu Hori
  • Publication number: 20010005457
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus mountable a detachable unit mounting a memory in a main body of the apparatus, a memory-access-reservation control unit for accepting a request of an access with respect to a nonvolatile memory provided in a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum, a toner and the like are integrated is provided in an engine control unit. When there is a request of an access with respect to the nonvolatile memory from a printer controller, the memory-access-reservation control unit accesses the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the request of the access. Upon completion of the access, the fact is notified to the printer controller. In response to the notification, the printer controller requests transmission of read information or confirms that a writing operation has been normally ended, by communicating with the engine control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Yoji Serizawa
  • Publication number: 20010005458
    Abstract: A cleaning element is arranged on the backside of the toner layer metering blade, i.e., the side opposite to the surface in contact with the developer support, in order to prevent the cleaning element from damaging the blade surface and the abutment surface of the metering blade against the developer support. This cleaning element is frictionally moved across the backside of the toner layer metering blade to remove stuck toner from the toner layer metering blade or prevent occurrence of buildups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamanaka, Atsushi Inoue, Eiichi Kido, Mikie Kobayashi, Shigeyuki Wakada, Jitsuo Masuda, Toshihide Ohgoshi, Hiroshi Tatsumi, Masahiro Sakai
  • Publication number: 20010005459
    Abstract: In a presentation mode, it is aimed to omit an extra setting procedure for setting for OHP and ordinary sheets and a change of the setting, and to provide an excellent presentation mode setting environment capable of starting the setting from any sheet. When a presentation mode is set, it is selected which of the OHP and ordinary sheets the setting input for image formation should be performed to, a setting screen for inputting image formation setting information according to the selected sheet is displayed by a CPU on a display unit, the setting information input from the setting screen is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and then the information being subjected to the setting input is stored in the nonvolatile memory and the setting screen is changed to a setting screen for other sheet by the CPU even if the setting information for any sheet is being input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Satoshi Okawa, Kazuki Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20010005460
    Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to the main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes a developing frame provided with an opening; a developer carrying member in the opening to carry developer; a developer containing portion for storing developer, the developer containing portion supplying developer to the developing frame through the developer supplying opening; a sealing member for removably sealing the developer supplying opening; and a driving source substantially exclusive for providing the force for opening the sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shiratori, Kazuhiko Kanno
  • Publication number: 20010005461
    Abstract: A developing unit of the present invention includes a case which accommodates toner containing pigment, a developing roller, a supply roller having chamfered ends and formed of an elastic member arranged to be pressed against a surface of the developing roller in such a manner as to supply toner to the surface of the developing roller. Moreover, the ratio or open cells in the elastic supply roller is made to be 30% or higher and depth of engagement of the supply roller to the developing roller is made to be 0.4 mm or smaller. Also a first sealing member is disposed on the side ends of the developing roller and supply roller so as to prevent leakage to the outside portion of the case. The side surfaces of the developing roller have a surface roughness of 0.5 &mgr;m or smaller in Rmax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ichikawa, Yoshihiro Nakashima, Hidenori Kin, Tomoe Aruga, Yoichi Yamada, Yukio Takayama, Tahei Ishiwatari
  • Publication number: 20010005462
    Abstract: An electro-photographic apparatus having a photosensitive body, at least one developing unit for forming a toner image on a surface of the photosensitive body by attaching toner on a surface of the photosensitive body, a member for receiving a print medium, a first transporting path including a printing portion for transferring one toner image from the photosensitive body onto one side of the print medium and a fixing portion for fixing the transferred image so as to have a printed print medium and a second transporting path coupled to the first transporting path for returning the printed print medium to the first transporting path for enabling transfer of another toner image on an opposite side on the printed print medium. The printed print medium is transported along the first transporting path for fixing the transferred image on the opposite side of the printed print medium by the fixing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Toru Miyasaka, Masashi Yamamoto, Nobuyoshi Hoshi
  • Publication number: 20010005463
    Abstract: A duplexing module that is attachable to a printer that has a simplex media-handling system. The duplexing module is used in conjunction with the simplex system to carry out the print media handling (flipping) that is required for duplex printing. The module includes a single drive roller and an entry guide. The printer feed roller moves the printed media sheet along the entry guide to the drive roller of the duplexing module. The duplexing module includes an exit guide that extends between the drive roller and the feed roller. The print media (having one side printed) moves with the rotated drive roller until it reaches the exit guide. The printed side of the print media is thus directed against the feed roller of the printer so that the opposite side of the media is presented for printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Blackman
  • Publication number: 20010005464
    Abstract: In whichever direction a paper feed motor rotates, a pick-up roller rotates in one direction by a one-way mechanism. Transmission of rotating power from the paper feed motor to the pick-up roller is connected or disengaged by a timing gear. The timing gear is initialized by a sensor before paper feeding. The transmission of rotating power from the paper feed motor to the one-way mechanism is connected or disengaged by movement of a slide gear. A carriage with a print head is scanned by a carriage motor to move the slide gear. When the paper feed motor is rotated in one direction, the pick-up roller is rotated in one direction to feed the paper, and the paper enters between a feed roller and an urging roller. When the feed roller and the urging roller rotate in a direction opposite to a paper feeding direction, the paper is returned to the direction opposite to the paper feeding direction and skewing is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Funada
  • Publication number: 20010005465
    Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a transporting roller for transporting a recording sheet to a recording section of the apparatus; a pre-biasing roller disposed upstream of the transporting roller relative to the direction of transportation of the recording sheet and arranged to impart to the recording sheet such a tendency that both lateral end portions of the recording sheet are curled away from a recording head; and a platen having a guide surface for guiding and supporting the recording sheet. An aperture is formed in the platen so as to oppose the recording head and so as to extend in the width direction of the recording sheet. The aperture has a predetermined width and a sloping surface so as to extend downward in the direction of transportation of the recording sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Shinya Matsui, Akira Kida
  • Publication number: 20010005466
    Abstract: A cam 37 is rotated in an arrow F direction. This causes sheet conveyance rollers 10a, 10b and guide elements 33, 34 to rotate on a lower conveyance shaft 27 and an upper conveyance shaft 30, respectively, so that they are separated from a drive roller 12. Thus, a spur plate 21 faces the upward stream end with respect to the recording sheet conveyance direction and opens in synchronism with the sheet conveyance rollers 10a and 10b, etc. Accordingly, it is possible to readily remove a recording sheet subjected to the jam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishimura, Iwao Kawamura, Kiyokazu Namekata, Kazuhiro Murakami, Ryoma Suzuki, Naoki Kiyohara, Kensuke Izuma
  • Publication number: 20010005467
    Abstract: A pressing device for a pen and the pen further comprises a spring, and a center stick fitting with the spring and having a nib part. The pressing device further comprises a penholder, a movable tube, a bounce device, a press cap, and a clipping part. While the clamping piece on the clipping part touches a clipped article, the pen clip is urged to move outward and the clamping piece disengages with the engaging piece. The engaging piece moves upward along the guide slot because of the stretching of the spring and the pressing of the center stick till the stop ring has pressed against the upper opening. Accordingly, the nib part of the center stick may be received in the penholder automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Casio Lin
  • Publication number: 20010005468
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Thomas N. Troxell
  • Publication number: 20010005469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for mounting a garnish in an automobile that can prevent the garnish from coming off from a body panel. In the structure for mounting the garnish of the present invention, a bracket having elasticity is mounted to a rear surface of the garnish so that it is possible to maintain the mounting state between the garnish and the body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Jong Kweon Pyun