Abstract: An image formation and control method and apparatus enabling a user to print data to be printed reliably up to the limited reproduction number permitted to the user even if troubles at the time of printing occur when the number of reproductions of the data to be printed is limited, is presented. With reference to the printing management information added to the data to be printed, when the number of reproductions of the data to be printed is limited, the mode is changed from the performance priority mode for normally reproducing data to be printed into the safety priority mode capable of carrying out the required reproduction more reliably than in the performance priority mode, the number of printing of the data to be printed is managed as a printing history, and the printing of the data to be printed is controlled based on the number of reproductions of the data to be printed and the managed printing history.

Abstract: A photoreceptor regenerating apparatus for regenerating a photoreceptor for use in an image forming apparatus including a grinding member that grinds a surface of a used photoreceptor, a photoreceptor measuring device that measures a surface condition of the used photoreceptor, and a grinding condition setting device that sets grinding conditions of the grinding member according to a measurement value of the photoreceptor measuring device.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention is provided with a transfer belt unit 11 constructed of a driving roller 13, a follower roller 14 whose outer peripheral portion is formed of an elastic material, and a transfer belt 16 which is made of a resin and stretched between the driving roller 13 and the follower roller 14. According to the image forming apparatus 10, proper tension is applied to a transfer belt 16 by the elasticity of the follower roller 14 without using a tension roller.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has an image bearing body, a flexible charging member constituting a nip portion together with the image bearing body, the nip portion being provided with conductive particles, and a developing member for developing an electrostatic image formed on the image bearing body, with use of a developing agent, wherein the developing agent has substantially spherical toner.

Abstract: The developing device has four developing units arranged along a photosensitive belt stretched across endlessly. These developing units contain toners of different colors, and each has a developing roller at its leading end which faces the photosensitive belt. The developing device has a contact-enabling mechanism for selectively bringing one of the four developing units into contact with the photosensitive belt. The contact-enabling mechanism has four cams provided such an arrangement that they are out of phase with each other by an angle of 72 degrees, thereby brining each of the developing units into contact with the photosensitive belt, one driving source for rotating the four cams and one clutch for transmitting a driving force from the driving source to the four cams so as to rotate them at the same time.

Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic printer employs a continuously circulating photoreceptor web having a non-image region with a potential higher than an image region. A laser scanner forms a latent electrostatic image in the image region, and a development unit develops the latent image using an ink having toner particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The development unit includes a developer roller with a surface potential in between that of the image and non-image region for forming the toner image by attaching the toner particles to the image region; a toner removal roller with a surface potential between that of the image and non-image regions after they pass through the developer roller, for removing toner particles remaining in a liquid carrier film in the non-image region; and a squeeze roller with a surface potential higher than any of the foregoing, for squeezing the liquid carrier out of the toner image by compression.

Abstract: A method of color displacement detection for use in a color image forming apparatus sequentially forming image layers in different colors on a photosensitive member and overlaying the image layers on one after another into a color image on a transferring member. This method includes steps of forming, detecting, and calculating. The forming step forms a predetermined number of mark sets within one circumferential length surface of the transferring member. Each of the predetermined number of mark sets includes a predetermined number of different color marks arranged in a line in a moving direction of the transferring member. The detecting step detects the predetermined number of mark sets formed on the transfer member. The calculating step calculates mean values of displacement amounts of same color marks in different mark sets in the predetermined number of mark sets relative to respectively corresponding reference positions.

Abstract: A pressure member is provided suitable for use in an image forming system. The pressure member includes a core surrounded by a sleeve. The inner perimeter of the sleeve is large than the outer perimeter of the core to enable the sleeve to be removed and replaced easily when worn out.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing apparatus that has a fixing rotating member for holding and conveying a recording material supporting an unfixed image to perform fixation, driving device for driving the fixing rotating member, a cleaning rotating member for cleaning the fixing rotating member, and contact/separation device for bringing the cleaning rotating member into contact with and away from the fixing rotating member, wherein the driving device drives the fixing rotating member at a predetermined fixing speed during fixation and at a cleaning speed lower than the fixing speed at the time of cleaning by the cleaning rotating member.

Abstract: A method of curing a fuser member suitable for use in an image forming system using a radiant energy source. The fuser member comprises a substrate, a silicone rubber coating and a cross-linkable fluoroelastomer outer coating. The radiant energy source emits infrared energy directed towards the fluoroelastomer outer coating of the fuser member. The flouroelastomer coating is cured using infrared energy directed at specific bonds within the fluoroelastomer layer, so as to form directly with the infrared heat a cross-linked fluoroelastomer coating.

Abstract: Digital printers or copier machines (1) and processes to be performed using them, for fixing a toner image (5) transferred onto an image-carrier substrate (9), are proposed. One of the processes is characterized in that to fuse the toner particles, at least two electromagnetic radiation pulses are applied in a time-delayed manner onto the same area of the image-carrier substrate (9).

Abstract: An imaging media handling system is described in the context of an imaging system adapted and constructed to form images on imaging media of differing sizes and materials. The imaging system includes a magazine adapted and constructed to retain stacks of imaging media for infeeding into an image forming mechanism within the imaging system. A resealable imaging media package is provided to hold a stack of imaging media. An imaging media package retaining mechanism is associated with the magazine of the imaging system. The resealable imaging media package is loaded into, and retained within, the magazine, making the imaging media within the package available for infeeding into the image forming mechanism. In an embodiment, the retaining mechanism can include a centering mechanism adapted and constructed to place and retain packages in a centered position within the magazine.

Abstract: A sheet transferring apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus includes a sheet transferring mechanism and a controller. The sheet transferring mechanism transfers a recording sheet at a transfer speed to an image forming mechanism in the image forming apparatus. The controller determines the transfer speed based on a transfer speed used for an immediately previous recording sheet.

Abstract: JP920000407US128 A printer includes a printing head for performing printing while moving over a printing medium, a gap roller capable of rolling along a direction of moving of said printing head, and a platen bar placed so as to face said printing head and said gap roller. The printer further includes a controller for controlling a pressing force of said platen bar applied to said gap roller according to a printing end position of said printing head on the printing medium.

Abstract: An Internet print device font distribution method and web site. Font users are visitors to a web site that allows browsing and obtaining of fonts, either individually or in groups. Preferably, purchases are made through the web site, but the method may allow installation of fonts through the web site as a result of other authorizations, e.g., an electronic coupon for visitors or a tie-in to other products, services, and web sites. Web site functions include operating system compatibility matching. The web site obtains configuration information to insure compatibility of a font to a visitor's configuration. Software on the web site downloads, installs and configures fonts on the visitor's print device.

Abstract: A tray alignment calibration page and method and apparatus using the page are provided. The page has graduated scales along horizontal and vertical edges, such that the scale values are enterable into an interface to align an image to be printed centered on a target page.

Abstract: The franking machine has a clamping device which can be driven via a drive device and which securely clamps an item of mail to be franked against a stop element. The clamping device has a clamping unit, which is provided for interacting with the item of mail, and a gearing device which is connected to the clamping unit and the drive device. The gearing device displaces the clamping unit in the direction of the stop element. The clamping unit and/or the gearing device have at least one compensation section which is configured elastically such that, in the case of a predetermined drive displacement of the drive device, compensation for different thicknesses of the item of mail is provided by elastic deformation of the compensation section.

Abstract: A device for placing the time and date on notepaper comprises a container, a tray within the container for holding a pad of notepaper, and means for biasing the tray upwardly. The device includes a thermal print head attached to the bottom surface of a cover for the container for printing a time and date stamp on a single sheet of paper in response to the user's removal of the sheet from the container.

Abstract: A method for printing an image using a thermal printing system comprising a thermal printer having a thermal head TH incorporating a plurality of energizable heating elements Hn and a thermographic material m, comprises several steps. These steps comprise supplying image data Id corresponding to a plurality of output values Dn to a processing unit, reading a first table LUT1 comprising first entries for desired output values Dk and second entries for sequences Sk of time slices si of activation pulses, transformation of the image data Id into corresponding sequences Sk of time slices of activation pulses, providing the time slices of activation pulses to the heating elements Hn of the thermal head TH, and printing the image by transporting the thermographic material past and adjacent to the thermal head and by activating the heating elements Hn of the thermal head.

Abstract: A serial printer includes a carriage reciprocating in a main scanning direction, a reading sensor mounted in carriage, a timing fence arranged in the main scanning direction, a mechanism preventing movement of carriage in the main scanning direction, and a controlling portion detecting a set condition for image formation in accordance with read data of timing fence from reading sensor for controlling image formation. Controlling portion detects the set condition for image formation only in accordance with the read data of timing fence, so that detection of the set condition for image formation is enabled without increasing the size of an apparatus and cost, or without decreasing a processing efficiency in image formation.

Abstract: A tape printer comprising a tape receiving portion for receiving a supply of tape on which an image is to be printed; printing means for printing an image on said tape; cutting means for cutting at least partially said tape; and a cutter operation arrangement for manually operating said cutting means, said cutter operation arrangement comprising a first operating portion and a second operating portion, at least one of said first and second operating portions being movable toward the other, said operating portions being such that in use a user contacts both of said portions in order to move the at least one moveable portion towards the other.

Abstract: A removable cartridge with sheets that are to be removed from the cartridge and used by an apparatus comprising a housing for containing the sheets which are to be sequentially used by the apparatus when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus, means provided in the housing for permitting sheets to be fed by the apparatus from the cartridge, a display provided on the housing which is viewable by a user when the cartridge is removed from the apparatus to indicate the number of sheets remaining in the cartridge. The display comprises a plurality of selectable digit elements each of which corresponds to a particular number, each selectable digit element containing cholesteric liquid crystals when selectively activated indicate a number that corresponds to the number of sheets remaining in the cartridge, and provide a measurable parameter.

Abstract: A secure housing for an electronic unit, in particular a franking machine, has a first housing part and a second housing part releasably connected to the first housing part via at least one connecting device. In order to prevent the housing from being opened without leaving trace of the opening, there is provided at least one covering device on and/or in the first or second housing part. The covering device blocks the access to the connecting device and can only be removed from the first or second housing part with noticeable damage being caused.

Abstract: The inkjet stylus includes a nozzle for depositing ink onto a writing surface. The ink is drawn from an ink cartridge, which may contain a plurality of ink containers, each holding a different color ink. A switch mechanism is used to select different combinations of ink to produce different colors. A microcontroller controls the switch mechanism so as to select the combination of inks that will produce the desired color, and also controls how the ink is deposited on the writing surface using the nozzle. A battery powers the electronic devices in the inkjet stylus.

Abstract: A cosmetic tool for holding multiple cosmetic products. The cosmetic tool can releasably hold at least one of the cosmetic products so that it can be replaced. The cosmetic tool includes a main body having two ends that hold the cosmetic products substantially parallel to a central axis of the tool, and it can also include caps for placement over the cosmetic products. The caps can have a reflective outer surface for use as a mirror. The ends can be configured to hold cosmetic products having variable dimensions by using a chuck mechanism or a compressible material. With cosmetic products held in place and the caps installed, the cosmetic tool provides for a convenient and easy way to carry and use a wide variety of cosmetic products such as lipstick, lip liner, eye liner, eye shadow, or others products.

Abstract: The apparatus has a first container part within which material for distributing over a surface as a guide coat is held in a substantially loose, finely divided particulate form; a perforated element through which the particulate material can be sprinkled or shaken; and a second container part for receiving an applicator, e.g., in the form of a sponge, on which the particulate material is to be sprinkled or shaken. The apparatus may be provided with the applicator or as a replacement part or “re-fill” for existing apparatus. Particulate material may also be provided for re-charging such apparatus.

Abstract: A personalize event/theme photograph album having a personalized cover. The cover has a main photograph from a plurality of photographs of the event which has been electronically reproduced to have the appearance of an oil-on-canvas painting. The cover binds the plurality of photographs in the album. The event may be a wedding, anniversary, vacation, etc.

Abstract: An assembly for joining pieces of furniture together into a finished furniture unit. Each assembly has a pair of plates, each of which is formed with face and butt elements. Openings are formed through each face for receiving fasteners which join the plates to horizontal rails or other furniture pieces. Other openings are formed through each butt for receiving fasteners which join the butt to vertical pieces such as furniture legs. The openings in the butts are positioned in spaced-apart relationship so that the fasteners are enabled to extend through the leg piece without interference.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile component consisting of at least two frame parts (1, 2) that have several complementary profiles (3, 4) which can be inserted into each other for producing a keyed connection of said frame parts (1, 2). The frame parts (1, 2) are preferably lightweight press-drawn sections. The invention is explained with the help of a transverse link for an automobile.

Abstract: An assembly including a first component and a second component, the first component having a first deformed portion, in which the first deformed portion engages with the second component to allow rotation therebetween and the first deformed portion secures the first component to the second component.

Abstract: Flexible loop assemblies for use variously as key chains, paper ring binders, or as jewelry and a connector for use in such loop assemblies. The loop assemblies comprise a flexible band and a connector. The connector includes respective connector halves each having a bore into which respective mating plugs at opposite ends of the band closely fit. Each of the bores and plugs include an annular groove which radially aligns with the annular groove of the mating plug or bore. Adhesive applied to the plugs and to the bores fills the respective annular grooves and hardens to form respective lock rings which mechanically in addition to adhesively couple the connector halves to the band.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a double ended fastening system includes a first segment for engaging a component and a second threaded segment for engaging a nut. In another aspect of the present invention, the component has a stud receiving portion made of a polymer or soft metal. A further aspect of the present invention provides a self-drilling and self-tapping feature on the stud.

Abstract: An adjustable steering tie-rod assembly having a threaded rod, connected to a tube having an annular cavity and an intermediate tubular member. The intermediate member has internal and external threads with longitudinal grooves in sectioned lines. The threaded steering terminal, intermediate member and tube are connected in a concentric arrangement. The internal and external threads of the intermediate member facilitate adjusting the length of the assembly without axial movement of the intermediate member. The bracketing assembly is designed to ensure that the components are adequately fixed and form a solid assembly. The longitudinal grooves of the intermediate member are thrust on the external thread of the rod of the steering terminal and on the internal thread of the tubular extremity of the steering tie rod, to provide locking of the assembly and hindering the spontaneous rotating movement of the components regardless of the specific geometry of the steering tie-rod.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for a working machine, in which a working implement is detach- and attachably coupled to a bracket mounted on the working machine by a pair of coupling shafts and a pair of hooks having an engaging groove detachably engaged with the coupling shafts, wherein it is so designed that the hooks are prevented from interfering with the structural member of the working implement provided between the pair of coupling shafts and foreign matters such as earth and sand are prevented from coming into direct contact with the coupling shafts. The pair of hooks are brought close to each other to bring the coupling shafts into engagement with the hooks.

Abstract: A fast dismantling device comprises two C-shaped fitting rings, two shaft bolts, two pivots, two dial rods, and a connection rod. The fitting rings are provided with a through hole and are fitted over an outer tube. The shaft bolts comprise a head and a shank which is received in the through hole of the fitting rings. The pivots are disposed at the free ends of the shanks of the shaft bolts. The dial rods comprise a cam portion which is formed of two actuation pieces. The shaft bolts are disposed between the two actuation pieces. The actuation pieces are provided with a through hole for receiving the pivot. The connection rod is connected at both ends thereof with the dial rods. As the connection rod is wrenched to actuate the dial rods, the fast dismantling device is capable of fastening or unfastening simultaneously two pairs of inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: Electrical device that can be snapped onto a support rail by means of a compression spring 20 orthogonal to the length of the rail and arranged in a cylindrical housing 15.

Abstract: Presented is a device for use in detachably coupling two load bearing members which allows the transmission of linear, torsion and bending moment forces, while incorporating a security feature that allows only properly matched sets of members to be connected.

Abstract: To fasten an object (8) to a surface (4) such as in a booklet, the object (8) is fastened to the surface (4) which is subsequently, optionally, bound like a page into a booklet. The time-consuming action of inserting the objects (8) into bags and fastening the bags to the predetermined pages of the booklet is thus avoided. It is consequently simple and economical to carry out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An adapter for detachably concentrically coupling shafts having a range of diameters to a rotating input actuator capable of rotating about a rotational axis is disclosed in which the force to transfer rotational torque between said shaft and a rotating input actuator to which said housing is attached is generated independent of said self-centering adjustment system.

Abstract: A traffic barricade includes a base which supports an upright member. The base includes two removably interlocking sections, each having an enlarged portion. The enlarged portions defines a socket for closely receiving a tab extending from the upright member. A deformably resilient material surrounds the socket, permitting the upright member to deflect slightly and return to a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base. The upright member incorporates integral structural supports which permit the barricade upright member to maintain an upright member orientation without additional external support mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a height adjustable utility access device, such as a manhole, which adjusts in height to allow a top of a cover to sit flush with the surrounding surface, such as a road. The device has a cover which covers access to the utility; a frame coupled over the utility; and an adjusting means, coupled between the cover and the frame, for adjusting the height of the cover relative to the frame. The adjustment means can include an adaptor ring on the frame, and an extension ring on the adaptor ring. The extension ring can have tabs which selectively engage a plurality of steps on the adaptor ring. Alternatively, the steps can be formed directly in the frame. Alternatively, first and second rings can be disposed between the frame and cover. The rings can have meshing steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for adjusting a height and an angle of a cover for a utility access, such as a manhole, to allow a top of the cover to sit flush with the surrounding surface, such as a road. The device has a cover which covers access to the utility; a frame coupled over the utility; and adjusting means, coupled between the cover and the frame, for adjusting the height and angular orientation of the cover relative to the frame. The adjustment means can include an adaptor ring on the frame, and an extension ring on the adaptor ring. The extension ring can have tabs which selectively engage a plurality of steps on the adaptor ring. The adaptor ring and frame can have mating, angled edges with rotatably engage to adjust the angular orientation as the adaptor ring is rotated with respect to the frame. The angular orientation of the cover can be adjusted by rotating the angled edges, or the adaptor ring and frame, with respect to one another.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a pipeline has a lower portion formed so as to be screwed into soil and firmly retained in the latter, an extension having a lower end connected with the lower portion and an upper end connectable to a rotary drive, and tether ropes having lower ends connected with the lower portion and upper ends adapted to be wrapped around a pipeline and firmly connected to the latter, so that the pipeline is held by the tether ropes at a desired depth.

Abstract: A support element for underground underworkings has a sleeve of a flexible fabric permeable to water and air. A central column having a T-shaped vertical cross-section, comprised of a column shaft and a disk-shaped column head, is arranged in the sleeve and made of a hydraulically binding and expandable material introduced under pressure into the sleeve and solidifying in the sleeve to form the central column. A jacket surrounds the column shaft and consists of stacked, empty, fire-retardant automobile tires having openings allowing water, contained in the hydraulically binding and expandable material, and air to exit.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container, and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing granular material to a loading hopper preparatory to processing includes a receptacle receiving material prior to processing thereof by machinery supplied by the hopper with a top including a first valve for selectably connecting the receptacle to vacuum or ambient air, a conduit for drawing vacuum in the receptacle, a conduit for connecting the receptacle to a supply of the granular material, a second valve for selectably permitting material flow from the receptacle into the hopper, and a sensor control for temporarily adjustably closing the first valve and opening the second valve responsively to detected presence of a suitable amount of material in the receptacle.

Abstract: A tool for material-removing machining of workpieces is proposed that has at least one blade plate having an active cutter, which blade plate can be firmly mounted on the tool by means of a clamping lug. The tool is distinguished in that the blade plate (1; 1′) on its side edge (25) opposite the active cutter (13) has a wedge-shaped shoulder (27) which-starting from the front side (15) of the blade plate (1; 1′) on which lies the clamping lug (37)-broadens in the direction of the back side (29).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter insert comprising cutting edges (3, 6) and at least one cutting cavity (4) which is recessed in the cutting surface (1). The surface and the contour shape of the cutting cavity (4) are configured such that they are similar to the surface and to the contour shape of an asymmetrically oval shell. The cross-sectional profile of the cutting cavity surface comprises, in the directions of the principal axis (8) and the minor axis (10) of the oval shape, a less sharp or sharper curvature on the sides thereof facing the cutting tip (2) and the cutting edge (3, 6) than that on the sides thereof facing away from the cutting tip (2) and the cutting edge (3, 6).

Abstract: An end effector having a platform and a motor coupled to the platform for driving a drilling member. A motor housing is coupled to the platform and includes a plurality of photogrammetry targets secured thereto. The photogrammetry targets are oriented so as to be readily detectable by a photogrammetry sensor for determining the orientation of the end effector and corresponding drilling member. A pressure foot member and pneumatic cylinders are operably coupled to the platform such that the pneumatic cylinders maintain a constant pressure upon the pressure foot member to provide material clamp up. A depth control device is also provided for accurately controlling the depth of the drilling member and preventing further drilling.

Abstract: A rotary actuator with improved damping and stiffness is disclosed. The rotary actuator includes one or more bearing plates that form sliding-surface bearings to provide the desired preload to the rotary actuator. One embodiment of the invention includes a multi-piece bearing plate that makes repair or replacement of the bearing material in the sliding-surface bearings easy to perform. Another embodiment for applications where heat dissipation is critical includes thermal barriers on either side of the sliding-element bearings, with resilient members between the thermal barrier and a bearing ring used to supply the appropriate preload to the output shaft. The invention is particularly suited to precision applications, such as the drive unit for the swivel mechanism on the spindle head of certain types of five-axis milling machines.