Abstract: An image forming apparatus including at least one image carrier for carrying a visual image formed thereon, an intermediate transfer element for carrying the visual image from the at least one image carrier to a recording material, a primary transfer device for transferring the visual image from the at least one image carrier onto the intermediate transfer element, a secondary transfer device for transferring the visual image on the intermediate transfer element onto the recording material, a cleaning device for mechanically removing developer remaining on the intermediate transfer element, and a discharging device for discharging the intermediate transfer element. The discharging device is positioned in downstream of the secondary transfer device and upstream of the cleaning device in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer element.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that is capable of forming a color image by bringing plural one-component developing devices in contact with a photosensitive belt, a two-component developing device for black image forming is arranged to face the photosensitive belt in an area wherein the belt is not displaced. By controlling this two-component developing devices to the ready to developing state or the non-developing state, when forming a color image, the one-component developing devices are brought in contact with or separated from the photosensitive belt and when forming a monochrome image, using the two-component developing device, a developing nip is formed for the developing gap between the developing device and the photosensitive belt by the developer layer, and a black toner image is formed on the photosensitive belt.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that has a photosensitive belt and developing rollers for developing images by bringing the photosensitive belt in contact with the developing rollers when developing images, supporting members are provided for supporting the photosensitive belt in the state it is oscillated according to the contacting force of the photosensitive belt with the developing rollers. Thus, a large pressure applied to the nip portion between the photosensitive belt and the developing rollers is prevented and further, the tensile force applied to the photosensitive belt is prevented from largely fluctuating when the developing rollers contact the photosensitive belt by intruding into it.

Abstract: The color image forming apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of recording medium arranged along a conveying path for forming electrostatic latent images, a plurality of developing units installed respectively in the neighborhood of the plurality of recording medium for feeding developers having different lightness to the respective electrostatic latent images formed on the plurality of recording medium and forming developed images, a plurality of transfer units for multiple-transferring the developed images formed respectively on the plurality of recording medium sequentially on a material to be transferred which is conveyed along the conveying path, and a plurality of collectors for collecting the respective residual developers on the plurality of recording medium after passing the transfer units in the plurality of developing units respectively, and among the plurality of developing units, the developing unit having the developer with lowest lightness compared with the developing unit having t

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing means for bearing a toner image; an intermediary transfer member, wherein the toner image is electrostatically transferred from the image bearing means onto the intermediary transfer member, and then transferred from the intermediary transfer member onto a transfer material; wherein the intermediary transfer member includes a first layer and a second layer, provided on the first layer, for receiving the toner image from the image bearing means, and wherein the second layer has a volume resistivity smaller than that of the first layer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention has an image carrier carrying an image formed with toner particles, a feeding mechanism feeding a recording medium, and an intermediate transfer medium having a first area to which the image on the surface of the image carrier is transferred and a second area having adhesion lower than that of the first area. The intermediate transfer medium transfers the image transferred to the first area to the recording medium fed by the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an intermediate image transfer belt elongate in the up-and-down direction and a plurality of sheet feeders arranged one above the other at one side of the belt. The image forming apparatus is well balanced in height and width and therefore easy to operate and stable when installed at the user's station.

Abstract: A liquid application apparatus includes a target to which a liquid is to be applied and an application unit arranged to come in contact or get separated from the target and which applies the liquid to the target when in contact. The target performs cycle motion. A minimum time for which the application unit comes in contact with the target is equal to or greater than a period of the cycle motion of the target.

Abstract: A system for controlling the gloss or matt finish on printed media where a clear toner disposable cartridge system is used to apply a clear toner to the surface of a printed media.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a recycle toner conveying device for returning toner collected in a cleaning step to a developing device as recycled toner. A waste toner conveying device conveys the collected toner to a waste toner container as waste toner. A switching device selects either one of the recycle toner conveying device and waste toner conveying device. Toner can therefore be efficiently recycled in accordance with the degree of color mixture of the collected toner. In addition, It is possible to estimate the amount of toner to enter due to reverse transfer and therefore to increase the proportion of toner recycling while reducing the influence of color mixture on the toner to be recycled.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided with an supply device for supplying an original on a supply tray; a transport device for transporting the original to a platen; a discharge device for discharging the original; an optical reading device for scanning the original placed on the platen; a drive device for moving the optical reading device at the first moving speed or the second moving speed; and a detection device for determining a type of image data as either the first type of data or the second type of data. A scan control device obtains and stores image data while scanning a document at the first moving speed. A switching control device switches the drive device to the second moving speed when the detecting device determines the image data read at the first moving speed to be the second type of data.

Abstract: A fixing device, which is constructed in a way that can easily straighten the curl without increasing cost and can prevent a re-curl generated after the sheet has been straightened, comprises a heat unit and a press unit and an ejecting unit. The heat unit and the press unit dispose a sheet opposite to a midway position of the sheet ejecting/transporting path, wherein the sheet supports a toner image. The toner image is fixed on the sheet by heat and pressure of the heat unit and the press unit, then the sheet is transported to the ejecting unit. The sheet is ejected by the ejecting unit in a way that makes the sheet keep in a condition turned back reverse to a bending direction generated when the sheet is sent out from the heat unit and the press unit.

Abstract: When one print job is distributed and printed by a plurality of printing apparatuses, it is intended that a desired print result of the user can be certainly obtained. A virtual distribution printer 12 detects an attribute of the print job which is inputted from an application 11, sets the minimum division unit, in accordance with the detected attribute, in which even if the inputted print job is divided, the print result is not changed, divides the print job on the basis of the minimum division unit, and distributes and outputs the divided print jobs to a plurality of printers 13 to 16, thereby enabling the print result expected by the user to be certainly obtained.

Abstract: The object is to print continuously in the specified order by one operation a series of print jobs printed in any timing by a plurality of host computers for the same printer even if a usual print job is spooled together in a print server. In a method for solving the problem, a print server identifies ordered print jobs for which print order is to be specified and non-ordered print jobs out of a plurality of print jobs transmitted in any timing from a client, the print order for each print job identified as such is rearranged and aligned in specified order, and the output order for each print job aligned for a printer based on the state of alignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a franking machine, comprising at least one print head of an ink-jet printing mechanism for printing flat postal items such as letters or postcards, which can be introduced into said mechanism or which pass through the same. Said franking machine consists of a guiding part (39) which is located around the print head and projects in relation to the nozzle opening plane of said print head and with which a conveying device is associated, said conveying device transporting the postal items between itself and conveying rollers lying opposite and rotating about axes that are located crosswise to the conveying direction. Said conveying device has two drive-connected driving rollers (32, 33) which together with the guiding part (39), form a path of travel. The driving rollers are located in front of and behind the print head in relation to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A combination printer is described. The combination printer includes a thermal head and an ink printing head, such as a thermal transfer printing head. The thermal head thermally prints on thermal paper by heating. The thermal transfer printing head prints ink on the thermal paper by thermally transferring ink from an ink film to the thermal paper. The thermal transfer head is preferably positioned downstream relative to the first head along a paper flow path of the thermal paper. The printer further includes a first platen that serves as a back support for the thermal head, and a second platen that serves as a back support for the thermal transfer printing head.

Abstract: A movable clamping device for foldable keyboard comprises a clamping stage, and a retaining stage. The foldable keyboard has an accommodation region on rear side thereof, a strip-shaped rail in front of the accommodation region and a guiding groove on one side thereof adjacent to the accommodation region. The clamping stage is laterally movable in the accommodation region. The clamping stage has a pair of bumps on rear side thereof and each bump has a pivotal hole on inner side thereof such that the clamping stage can be pivotally connected to the retaining stage. The retaining stage has a socket electrically connected to the internal circuit of the keyboard and a portable electronic device can be inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a paper roll containing part containing a paper roll; a printer unit provided side by side with the paper roll containing part, the printer unit printing information on paper pulled from the paper roll and cutting a piece off the pulled paper on which piece the information is printed; and a presenter unit. The presenter unit includes a reception opening formed on an upper side thereof and receiving the cut piece of paper delivered from the printer unit, first and second ejection openings formed on opposite ends of the presenter unit and ejecting the cut piece of paper, and a conveying mechanism conveying the cut piece of paper between the first and second ejection openings. The presenter unit is provided below the paper roll containing part and the printer unit so that the cut piece of paper is delivered into the reception opening.

Abstract: A keyboard having a protective lid comprises a keyboard body, a linkage board and a lid. The keyboard body has an accommodation space on rear side thereof and the accommodation space has two pivotal holes on two lateral sides thereof. The linkage board has a front end pivotally connected to the keyboard body. The linkage board has a rear end pivotally connected to a front end of the lid such that the lid can be swung to a backside of the keyboard body and functioned as a mount of the keyboard body and the keyboard body is inclined to a specific angle.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying product to at least one section of hair includes an elastically deformable component, a reservoir for the product, and a slot at least partially defined by the elastically deformable component. The slot is bounded by edges and is configured to receive a section of hair between the edges. The slot comprises a first slot portion lying in a first plane and at least one second slot portion lying in a second plane different from the first plane.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing tinea pedis, commonly known as Athlete's Foot, includes applying a polymerizable monomer adhesive composition to an area of skin afflicted with or susceptible to tinea pedis, optionally with at least one of an additional anti-fungal agent or a foot care additive, and allowing the polymerizable monomer composition to polymerize to form a polymer film over the area of skin.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement (20) comprises a first article defining an elongate recess (26), and a second article having an elongate projection (27). The recess (26) and the projection (27) have opposite tapering faces (28, 30, 36, 38). When the projection (27) is received in the recess (26), the corresponding faces of the projection (27) and the recess (26) engage each other in co-operative coupling engagement. The arrangement further includes securing means (44, 46) to secure the first and second articles to each other in said co-operative coupling engagement. In the preferred embodiment, the projection (27) and the recess (26) are generally circular, and the faces (28, 30, 36, 38) are frustoconical.

Abstract: A fastening device for pivotably fixing one end of a linear drive to a support part includes a first fastening half disposed at an end of the linear drive and a second fastening half arranged on the support part. The linear drive has an installation position and a functional position, the installed position being inclined at an angle with respect to the functional position. One of the fastening halves includes a U-shaped or L-shaped section. The U-shaped or L-shaped section includes a bolt extending transversely with respect to an axis of the linear drive. The bolt has two mutually parallel, flat outer surfaces, the outer surfaces being disposed on two opposite sides of the bolt and extending parallel to a bolt axis. The other fastening half includes a cylindrical bolt socket having a radial bolt-insertion opening in an insertion direction.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least a coupling lever and at least two substantially flat frames of equilateral polygonal shape, each of which defines a frame space therein and each of which includes equilateral side portions that confine the frame space, and pivotal parts that are disposed within the frame space and that are connected to the side portions. The coupling lever has two opposite pivotal ends respectively pivoted to a selected one of the pivotal parts of one of the frames and a selected one of the pivotal parts of the other one of the frames so as to permit the frames to be turnable relative to the coupling lever.

Abstract: A spring loaded detent having a particularly designed, angled head normally utilized in holding and releasably locking two elements such as tubular members together. The angled head assists in the of entrance of the detent into the held member and facilitates the ease of moving the detent against spring force, from its locking position for separation of the members. By increasing the ease of detent entrance into the member to be joined, a positive, yet easily releasable lock is provided between the members. Similarly, the shaping of the head of the detent reduces the pressure required to overcome the locking spring force and allows separation of the members with particular ease.

Abstract: A locking assembly has two members which are moveable into coupling engagement with one another. The two members have lock engaging walls, and one of the members has an opening between the lock engaging walls for receiving a lock. The lock comprises a lock body and a retainer. The lock body has a channel for receiving a portion of the retainer. An end of the retainer extends underneath a retainer engaging wall, thus resisting movement of the lock out of the opening.

Abstract: A security tower for preventing people and equipment from entering a restricted area, the security tower including a vertical post connected to a base, the post being constructed from a rigid material, the post having at least one hollow channel therethrough for receiving a flexible elongated barrier material, the post having at least one pair of shoulders extending horizontally from the sides of the post, each of the pair of shoulder having a pin extending vertically upward therefrom. In a second embodiment of the invention, a barricade beam is provide which is adapted to be cut into two pieces and fit on a pin of the security tower of the invention.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided to divert liquids that would otherwise infiltrate utility manholes or other hatchways, while allowing gases to vent to the atmosphere. Preferred embodiments of the assemblies comprise a cover support frame, a sheet of water-repellent gas-permeable material occluding the central opening of the support frame and a cover mated to the frame. Preferably, a stiffening ring or other means of providing structural rigidity to the venting structure is provided. The assemblies are lightweight and are simple to install, and can be fabricated from materials that are readily available. Moreover, the assemblies can be easily modified to accommodate field conditions.

Abstract: An interlocking paving stone of rectangular or square shape, the stone having a width W, a length L, and a thickness H. Each side of the stone is provided with at least one pair of alternating tongues and grooves on a bottom part thereof, having a size and shape adapted to receive a corresponding tongue or groove of an adjacent block. The groove has an overall volume greater than the volume of the tongue to facilitate the pouring of joint filling materials. The length of a pair of tongue and groove is equal to a length l, where both W and L are whole multiples of l. Furthermore, the tongues and grooves have a generally truncated pyramidal shape, where the peak of the truncated pyramid lies below the top surface of the block by 40 to 50% of the total height of the stones. The stone according to the present invention provides greater lateral and vertical stability to an assembled pavement.

Abstract: A pavement coring machine having rotating cutting heads of various diameter, the optimum speed of rotation of the heads varying with the diameter of the cutting head and the nature of the pavement being cored has a direct reading tachometer positioned to be observed by an operator of the machine, the tachometer being operatively connected to display the speed of rotation of the cutting head. A method of operating the machine includes determining the optimum speed of rotation of a cutting head, and regulating the speed of the cutting head as displayed by the direct reading tachometer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a covering material for covering a substrate such as ground, a floor, walls or the like, is described wherein the covering material includes a complex visual design.

Abstract: A launchable rigid jacket of an offshore platform has a structure including an exterior framing and a plurality of cross-sectional frame sections. The exterior framing has four outside legs, which are spaced apart to define four corners of a trapezoidal cross section. The jacket also includes two launch runners mounted on adjacent parallel outside legs. The cross-sectional frame sections are horizontally positioned at periodic intervals along the height of the jacket and each has a plurality of members, which interconnect the four outside legs and are part of the exterior framing. The exterior framing in total defines an integral launch box for the jacket. A plurality of perpendicularly oriented conductors pass through each cross-sectional frame from the base to the top of the jacket and conductor guides connected to the respective frame sections slidably engage the conductors to laterally support them.

Abstract: A new MODU jacking system can reliably handle loads several times greater than can be currently handled, can be inexpensively designed and readily scaled for different jack-up loads, and can save millions of dollars in the manufacture of a single jack-up MODU. In the new MODU jacking system, a plurality of hydraulic continuous linear motion motors are engaged with a plurality of MODU supporting legs to provide relative motion between the MODU platform and its supporting legs, and to also maintain the MODU platform and MODU supporting legs locked in a stationary relationship. In the new jack-up system, the number of hydraulic piston/cylinder units and the number and design of the teeth that are engaged in providing relative motion may be selected to substantially reduce material stresses on the system.

Abstract: A strake receptor (24) for a pipe deployed from an off-shore lay vessel comprises a formation (27) for engagement with the strake (29) and for deployment on the pipe when the pipe is received in pipe handling equipment located on the vessel. A removable dust cover protects the channel (25) until the strake (29) is received in the channel (25).

Abstract: An automatic machine tool includes a stationary tool holder assembly in combination with a rotating work piece. The tool insertion opening within the tool holder is off-centered a predetermined distance from the center line to allow rotational positioning of the tool within the tool opening without requiring removing the tool holder from the assembly.

Abstract: A cutting insert has an insert body with at least one pair of cutting regions. Each cutting region is comprised of a cutting edge and the cutting edges in a pair are diametrically opposed to one another about a pair axis. Each cutting edge of a pair faces a single rotary direction along a pair circle, and for each pair of cutting regions the cutting edges have cutting profiles that are not identical to one another. In a toolholder assembly utilizing this arrangement, the cutting edges of a pair protrude beyond the perimeter of the toolholder.

Abstract: A tool for rotating a cutting head relative to a shaft includes a pair of identical L-shaped shanks. Each shank includes first and second parts oriented transversely to one another, with a shoulder projecting from the first part into a corner formed by the first and second parts. A free end of each first part includes a through-hole receiving the second part of the other shank, wherein the shoulders face one another in order to be able to grip a cutting head. Each second part is slidable in its respective through-hole to enable the distance between the shoulders to be adjusted to accommodate different-size cutting heads.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: A threaded nut which resists loosening under vibration and shock forces which comprises a nut body which transmits load to the mating threads of the nut and bolt through two distinct load paths from two separate load seating faces on the nut for transmitting forces to the workpiece with one seating face being disposed radially outwardly of the other with the load path transmitting load to different regions of the threads.

Abstract: Screw made of plastic for screwing into a material of low strength, e.g. rigid foam plastic, having a deep thread compared with the screw shank, the screw shank running out conically into a screw point.

Abstract: Fastening means comprising a threaded bolt preferably welded to a support member and a fastening element adapted to be fastened on the threaded bolt, the fastening means including the following features:

Abstract: A binding machine with a tape enlarges a loop formed at an end of a tape to a predetermined size by the travel of the tape. The loop enlarged to the predetermined size is contracted, to bind a material to be bound in the loop. The binding machine comprises nick formation means for forming a nick for inducing fracture at a side edge of the tape having the loop enlarged to the predetermined size.

Abstract: A binding machine with a tape comprises a table for putting a material to be bound, a tape passage groove formed on the table, and a guiding member in an arch shape provided above the tape passage groove. A loop formed by a tape of a predetermined size is formed along the guiding member. There is provided a tape receiving member which can be displaced to first and second positions. At least a part of the tape receiving member at the first position advances into the loop, to prevent the top of the loop from hanging.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system and process for moving a substrate carrier between storage and processing destinations are provided. The system includes a vehicle that runs on a support structure, such as a pathway or a track assembly supported on the floor, which may be in a pressurized tunnel. A carrier nest on the vehicle receives and supports the carrier. A lifting mechanism on the vehicle vertically raises and lowers the carrier nest. A load port support surface is disposed vertically above the support structure. The carrier is raised through an opening in the load port support surface. A load port nest on the load port support surface receives and supports the carrier adjacent a selected destination. A carrier manipulation mechanism manipulates the carrier over the load port nest. The lifting mechanism then lowers the carrier onto the load port nest. The system is particularly suited for handling and transporting semiconductor wafer carriers.

Abstract: A wheel-activated vehicle restraint for use at a loading dock includes a wheel-blocking barrier that is selectively locked to a frame by a latching mechanism that engages an inverted gear rack. Components of the latching mechanism are arranged to prevent spreading apart upper and lower members of the frame members. The latching mechanism includes an alignment device that helps ensure that the teeth of a latching member positively engages the teeth of the gear rack, thus preventing the teeth from coming together peak-to-peak. An upper rail of the wheel restraint's frame includes a contoured leading edge that smoothly guides the lift of the wheel-blocking barrier from its stored position to its wheel-chocking position. A wheel support is used to prevent a vehicle's mud flap from getting pinched between the vehicle's wheel and a trigger assembly of the wheel restraint.

Abstract: A ramp deployment control system includes a controller, a kneeling motor operatively coupled to the controller and a ramp motor operatively coupled to the controller. The controller energizes the kneeling motor to kneel or stand a vehicle and energizes the ramp motor to deploy or stow a ramp. The controller is operatively coupled to a communication pathway, and a door control system is operatively coupled to the controller. The door control system is operable to monitor and control operation of a door. A standard control module is operatively coupled to the communication pathway and is operable to send door operation commands on the communication pathway. The controller selectively delays execution of the door operation commands by the door control system while operating the ramp motor to deploy or stow the ramp.

Abstract: A piano-transporting apparatus includes a three-sided frame with a rear side and a pair of parallel, transversely-extending sides with an open front, thereby forming a rectangularly-shaped pocket for receiving a piano. A longitudinal bar on the rear section carries a pair of forwardly-projecting hooks which are capable of engaging the piano either at the base thereof or along the upper back portion. Strap means are provided for securing the upper end of the piano with respect to the frame. A drive mechanism, such as a hydraulic arrangement can be used for raising the hooks and thereby lifting the piano from the floor or other supporting surface. The frame is mounted on rollers so that it can be easily transported. The apparatus is highly effective in that it enables a single person to secure, lift, and transport a piano. A method of utilizing this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: An animal transporting system for easily loading, unloading, sorting, separating and transporting animals within an enclosed structure. The inventive device includes a frame attached to a truck, a ramp attached to the frame that is extendable from the frame, a pair of first doors pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the ramp, a pair of second doors pivotally attached to the first doors, a rear door, and a rear ramp structure telescoping rearwardly and downwardly for the loading of animals at ground level.

Abstract: A hoist for vehicles such as pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles is described. The hoist engages a standard trailer hitch and when erect allows loading of the trailer. Additionally, when used with a vehicle having a tailgate the hoist does not interfere with the normal operation of the tailgate. The hoist also features structural supports that are deployed to contact the ground thereby reducing the stress on trailer hitch and some structural members of the hoist.