Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6674951
    Abstract: A fiber bending apparatus for bending an optical fiber in a networking device and an optical fiber management system and method are provided. The fiber bender has an arcuate main body which is attached to the end of an optical fiber above the male connector and partially including the connector boot, bending the fiber substantially orthogonal to a direction from which the fiber is connected to a line module of the networking device, i.e., substantially parallel to the faceplate of the line module. In this way, the optical fibers are made to bend away from the chassis of the networking device, thereby preventing them from being crushed when the door of the chassis is closed. The optical fibers are also shielded from inadvertent impacts when a technician is working on the networking device. By enabling the optical fibers to be easily directed and managed, the overall fiber density of the networking device may be increased, thereby increasing its bandwidth and information processing capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Matthew Erwin, Gary Curtis Gehrke, Narasinha Chandrakant Parasnis
  • Patent number: 6674952
    Abstract: A bend radius protection system for multiple applications with fiber optic cables, and which includes a first inwardly facing curved passageway wall and a passageway base surface at a first end of the base framework; a first bend radius guide groove in the base framework; and a first bend radius guide corresponding to and inserted in the first bend radius guide groove in the base framework, the first bend radius guide having an outwardly facing curved surface; wherein the first inwardly facing curved passageway wall, the passageway base surface and the outwardly facing curved surface, define a fiber optic cable passageway with an opening. The invention may further include a first grooming arm rotatably mounted to the base framework and disposed across the opening of the passageway such that when the first grooming arm is rotated, the forward edge urges fiber optic cables protruding through the opening back into the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Telect, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret L. Howell, Paul N. Poshusta
  • Patent number: 6674953
    Abstract: A controllable attenuator includes a pair of collimators respectively connected to input and output fibers. A pair of reflection devices are respectively positioned behind the pair of collimators opposite to the corresponding input and output fibers. A U-like light path is defined among the pair of collimators and the pair of reflection devices. A neutral density filter is moveably positioned between the pair of reflection devices wherein a moving direction of the filter is preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pair of collimators. An ND filter position indicator such as a potentiometer, is used to dynamically monitor attenuation setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhupei Shi, Tongxin Lu, Minh Tran, Jerry Lee
  • Patent number: 6674954
    Abstract: In an optical element, a propagation direction of incident light beam is largely changed and the direction-changed light beam is derived in a desirable direction without increasing a dimension and manufacturing cost thereof. The optical element includes photonic crystal having a refractive index which changes periodically depending on a location of the photonic crystal, wherein an angle defined between a first end face and a second end face thereof is determined in such a manner that a light beam incident upon the first end face at a predetermined incidence angle and having a predetermined wavelength is emitted from the second end face in a desirable direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Baba, Takeharu Tani
  • Patent number: 6674955
    Abstract: An editing apparatus comprises an editing processing unit for processing a video signal and an audio signal supplied as source materials, and a computer for controlling the editing processing unit, wherein the computer comprises a controlling means for displaying a viewer window, a log window, and a program window on a display of the computer, the viewer window allowing the editing operator to decide an edit point while viewing a video image of a source material so as to produce an event, the log window displaying a clip image corresponding to an event that is set on the viewer window, the program window allowing the editing operator to arrange a plurality of events on a time line in a desired order so as to produce a program list, and wherein the controlling means displays an icon that represents by what source device each event arranged on the time line is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masafumi Matsui, Naomi Egashira, Tetsuro Nakata, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Motomu Ueta, Yoshiyuki Nakamura, Kosei Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6674956
    Abstract: A VISS signal detection method for performing detection of a VISS signal of a video tape includes a step of executing a taking-up process of an interval between edges per level edge of the VISS signal, a step of performing a detection process of a VISS pulse, and a step of performing a detection process of the VISS signal on the basis of result of detection at the VISS pulse detection step. The process of the edge interval taking-in step is set as an interrupt process having highest preference. In the VISS pulse detection step, by making reference to a count value of an edge counter for distributing count values of a timer measuring the edge interval of a phase position detection signal added to the VISS signal used in the edge interval taking-in step, presence and absence of delay in the process of the VISS pulse is detected based on number of occurrence of the edge interval taking-in step occurring up to the VISS pulse detection step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Hirao
  • Patent number: 6674957
    Abstract: A recording medium for storing information for still pictures, and a recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus therefor. A writeable and rewriteable recording medium stores data for a plurality of still pictures and audio data added thereto in one file or a space having a logically one-dimensional order, rather than in each file, and still picture group information for separating the still picture data into within a predetermined maximum number of groups in order to manage the still pictures at a group level is then stored on the recording medium. Thus, large-capacity still picture data and audio data added thereto can be recorded and/or reproduced using a minimum amount of information. The still picture group information includes general information for still picture groups, and information for still pictures in each still picture group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-jin Moon, Young-nam Oh, Tae-yun Chung, Jung-suk Kang, Pan-gie Park
  • Patent number: 6674958
    Abstract: A system for controlling apparatus processing a signal representing a television program comprises a source of schedule data comprising at least data representing the time remaining in a television program. Television signal processing apparatus selectively processes the television program representative signal in response to a control signal. A control circuit generates the control signal to condition the processing apparatus to begin processing the television program signal in response to a user control signal, and to stop processing the television program signal when the time remaining in the television program has elapsed, in response to the program schedule data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Keith Reynolds Wehmeyer, Robert Howard Miller, Jeffrey Philip Reavis
  • Patent number: 6674959
    Abstract: An information recording medium includes a first area (DA2) for storing picture data for forming a plurality of pictures, a second area (DA21) which is included in the first area and stores control data of the picture data, and a third area (INFO1) which is included in the second area and stores specifying data for specifying the storage position of representative picture data for forming a representative picture in the plurality of pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koji Maruyama, Yoshiyuki Ishizawa, Hideo Ando, Shinichi Kikuchi, Kazuhiko Taira
  • Patent number: 6674960
    Abstract: A computer based television signal recording device is provided. This recording device allows for the recording of input streams onto a mass storage device such as a computer hard drive. The playback of individual programs can be done independently of the recording. A user interface is provided which has a list of the recorded television signals and the user can select for playback any of the listed recorded television signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Forgent Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe W. Duran, Michael Vayden Jenkins, William Todd Clayton
  • Patent number: 6674961
    Abstract: In a magnetic recording device and method, a magnetic reproduction method and its method and a tape recording medium, the performance can be improved. In the case of successively and obliquely forming tracks along the longitudinal direction of a second magnetic tape having a width wider than a first magnetic tape and continuously recording recording data for at least two tracks in a digital recording format on each track, each track is to be formed at a predetermined track pitch set based on the recording time and the reproduction signal characteristic. Thereby, recording data based on the digital recording format which is applied to the first magnetic tape can keep a practically sufficient C/N ratio and can be recorded on the second magnetic tape for a long time. And thus, a magnetic recording device and method, a magnetic reproduction device and method, and a tape recording medium capable of improving the performance can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroya Mori, Yasutaka Kotani, Kazuyuki Iesaka, Hisao Osabe, Masanori Kimura
  • Patent number: 6674962
    Abstract: A motor control system 10 includes an engine cooling module 14 including a DC motor 12. The system includes a switch 18 constructed and arranged to be controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal 26. The switch 18 is operatively associated with the DC motor to control current to the DC motor and thus control the speed of the DC motor. A controller 20 is operatively associated with the switch. The controller is constructed and arranged to select periods, of a limited-pool of frequencies each being less than 500 Hz, from a pseudo-random sequence of periods and to send the selected periods to the switch, thereby controlling noise and vibration of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Nadeau
  • Patent number: 6674963
    Abstract: Electrical heating apparatus includes an electrical heater in which the inlet conduit for inletting cold water to the electrical heater and/or the outlet conduit for outletting hot water thereto from the electrical heater is integrally formed with a pressure-responsive device which senses the flow rate to or through the electrical heater to control the energization of the electrical heater. The apparatus also includes a regulating valve constituted of a membrane and a stem having a head of convex configuration facing the membrane but normally spaced therefrom to define a flow-control passageway which creates differential pressures acting on the membrane tending to deform the membrane such as to maintain a relatively constant flow rate through the flow control passageway despite variations in water inlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Atmor Industries (1973) Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoram Hadar
  • Patent number: 6674964
    Abstract: Disclosed is a visual axis detecting apparatus having: a visual axis detection circuit for detecting a visual axis of an observer; an arithmetic circuit for performing an arithmetic operation of calculating a distributed state of variations of visual axis positions obtained in a plurality of visual axis detections executed by the visual axis detection circuit in a state in which the observer is observing a predetermined point, with respect to the predetermined point; a determination circuit for determining a condition of the visual axis according to the result of detection by the visual axis detection circuit; and a change circuit for changing a determination process of determining the condition of the visual axis by the determination circuit, according to the distributed state of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Irie
  • Patent number: 6674965
    Abstract: An electric power control device for a camera is provided. The electric power control device includes an electric power source, a monitoring processor, a detecting processor and a control processor in a camera body. The electric power source provides power to an accessory, such as a photographing lens that can be attached to the camera body. The monitoring processor monitors the electric power and the detecting processor detects whether the electric power is abnormal based on a signal from the monitoring processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6674966
    Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a base station controller and a base station interface connected to the base station controller by a central optical fiber. The base station interface may include a flexible wavelength router. At least one base station is connected to the base station interface, and the central optical fiber carries at least one communication channel associated with an optical signal having one of a plurality of wavelengths. The base station interface selectively provides a communication path between the base station controller and at least one base station using at least one communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Antonius Marcellus Jozef Koonen
  • Patent number: 6674967
    Abstract: A fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) system transmits forward and reverse optical signals, such as video, voice, and data signals, via optical fiber, and includes a plurality of home network units. The home network units include an FTTH optical receiver for receiving at least one of the video, voice, and data signals. A triplexer distinguishes and separates the video, voice, and data signals, wherein the video signals have a first wavelength and the voice and data signals have a second wavelength. The voice and data signals are provided to the home network unit for further processing. The triplexer provides an electrical signal to the amplifier stages. The amplifier stages include a preamplifier stage and a postamplifier stage. A gain control circuit automatically adjusts the gain of the video signal based upon the input power level to the FTTH optical receiver. Additionally, a tilt network performs level compensation for externally located coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: John Skrobko, Robert R. Riggsby
  • Patent number: 6674968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing/de-multiplexing optical signals is disclosed. The method and apparatus are applicable to a range of optical multiplexing techniques including, but not limited to: wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and frequency division multiple accessing (FDMA). The disclosed devices do not require active components. The disclosed devices may be implemented with fiber or fiberless optical communication systems including telecommunications systems. The devices may be used on their own or as part of a larger system such as a multi-stage mux/demux, an optical switch, or router. Additionally, the devices are passively thermally stabilized with the result that their tuning is substantially invariant across a wide temperature range. The optical device includes a linear polarizer, at least one wave plate and a beam displacer/combiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 6674969
    Abstract: A two-optical signal generator is provided for generating two optical signals, where a difference between optical frequencies or optical wavelength of the two optical signals can be adjusted. A first optical modulator modulates a single-mode optical signal generated by a first light source according to an inputted signal, and outputs a modulated optical signal including predetermined specific two optical signals having a predetermined optical frequency difference, while a second light source generates a multi-mode optical signal including predetermined two further optical signals having substantially the same wavelengths as those of the predetermined specific two optical signals of the modulated optical signal, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Ogusu
  • Patent number: 6674970
    Abstract: A plasma antenna is provided having an ionizer, which when energized, generates a bounded or unbounded plasma column extending along a vertical axis. When ionization is initiated, the difference in the diffusion characteristics of ions and electrons and the resulting gas plasma produce a current pulse in a first direction. As the plasma extinguishes, the difference in relaxation times for the ions and electrons in the plasma produces a second current pulse of opposite direction. The alternating current pulses generate an electric field that radiates from the plasma column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Theodore R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6674971
    Abstract: An optical transmission device wherein each device has a single dedicated channel for receiving data and destination addressing is not required. The device is formed by constructing an array of transmitter/receiver pairs (transceivers) with a processing means and a gate controller. The network is configured such that transmission on any particular receiver reserved channel results in data being sent to a predetermined node having that particular receiver reserved channel. Data passes through other nodes without pausing to check the address information in the header when the data arrives at a node as is not in the dedicated receiver reserved channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Teraconnect, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Boggess, John A. Trezza
  • Patent number: 6674972
    Abstract: Methods and systems for higher-order PMD compensation are implemented by developing an effective mathematical model and applying economical design techniques to the model. By assuming a constant precession rate for a narrow band of frequencies in an optical signal, a simplified model of a higher-order PMD compensator can be derived. The model can be used produce an economical compensator by making multiple uses of selected optical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Antonio Mecozzi, Jonathan A. Nagel, Mark Shtaif, Moshe Tur
  • Patent number: 6674973
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fiber optic soliton signal transmission system comprising a signal amplifier means and signal regenerator means, in-line first filter means and second filter means associated with the regenerator means, the second filter means being different from the first filter means. Independent optimization of the in-line filter means and the filter means associated with the regenerator improves the performance of the transmission system. In the case of wavelength division multiplexed systems, the invention reduces the effects of jitter induced by collisions between solitons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Olivier Leclerc, Emmanuel Desurvire
  • Patent number: 6674974
    Abstract: A tracking system and method in an optical communications system utilizing an optical communications beam. In one embodiment, the disclosed tracking system includes a tracking detector having a plurality of regions coupled to a corresponding plurality of tracking channel circuits. Each of the tracking channel circuits includes an optical detector coupled to receive the optical communications beam. The peak-to-peak amplitude modulation in the optical communications beam is measured by substantially reducing or removing a direct current (DC) offset present in the optical communications beam. In one embodiment, after the DC offset is substantially reduced or removed, the signal is then amplified and converted into an all positive signal, which is then filtered. The filtered signal is one of a plurality of tracking signal outputs, which are input to an alignment circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Terabeam Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Stieger, George Steven Mecherle, Mark A. Mollo
  • Patent number: 6674975
    Abstract: During the changeover of image resolution to 600 dpi and 1200 dpi, potential setting is controlled in conformity with the individual information of a process cartridge and the used amount of a photosensitive drum. The individual information is information regarding the manufacturing lots or the kinds of the process cartridge, a developer, the photosensitive drum, a charging roller for acting on the photosensitive drum, a developing apparatus, a cleaning apparatus, and a functional member of the charging roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6674976
    Abstract: Provided are a post-processing device, an image forming apparatus having the post-processing device and an error handling method therefor. A conveyed sheet is temporarily stacked on a pair of slide guides (310, 311), and after post-processing such as stapling is conducted on the sheets, the slide guides (310, 311) are opened to drop down the sheets on a face-down discharge portion (125) on an upper surface of a printer (100). If the number of sheets temporarily stacked on the slide guides (310, 311) exceeds the post-processing possible number of sheets, the slide guides (310, 311) are opened to drop down the sheets on the face-down discharge portion (125). If the size of sheets to be post-processed is unsuitable for the post-processing, a flapper (301) is changed over so that the sheets transported from the printer main body (100) are discharged directly to the face-down discharge portion (125) and stacked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Sato, Yasuyoshi Hayakawa, Takashi Kuwata, Mitsuhide Takamura
  • Patent number: 6674977
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting an error in an image scanning device that obtains image data upon scanning a document by using a light of beam radiated from a lamp, including a setting operation of obtaining initial reference values of a light quantity of the lamp and storing the obtained initial reference values in a memory, a storing operation of measuring the light quantity of the lamp during use of an image scanning system, obtaining measured values for comparing with the initial reference values, and storing the measured values in the memory, and a comparing/determining operation of determining whether to check the error to represent the lamp or a contaminant in an optical path by comparing the initial reference values with the measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-ho Yoo
  • Patent number: 6674978
    Abstract: An image heating apparatus has a heating member and excitation coil for generating a magnetic field to induce eddy currents. A temperature detecting element detects a temperature of the heating member and electric power supply to the excitation coil is controlled to maintain a temperature detected by said temperature detecting element at a target temperature while a heating condition setting unit sets a feeding speed of the recording material and the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Suzuki, Atsuyoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 6674979
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a fixing unit and a control for controlling a peripheral speed of a fixing rotatable member, the following formula being satisfied: Pmin>Lmin 0<X≦&dgr;L/Pmax V0: the peripheral speed; Vf: a feeding speed; Lmin: a minimum path length between a transfer nip and a fixing nip; Lmax: a maximum guide path length between the transfer nip and the fixing nip; &dgr;L=Lmax−Lmin: an amount of loop: Pmax: a maximum length of the transfer material on which toner image may be formed; Pmin: a minimum length of the transfer material on which the toner image may be formed; X: a fluctuation rate of the feeding speed Vf during control of the peripheral speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Nagano
  • Patent number: 6674980
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing section, an energy saving power supply section supplied with power when a power switch is turned on, an energy saving control device activated by the power supplied from the energy saving power supply section, a main power supply source controlled by an on and off operation of an output by the energy saving control device, a main body control device activated by the power supplied by the main power supply source, an energy saving control release device to generate an energy saving control release signal, a fixing control section to control a temperature of the fixing section, a switching device to start and stop supplying the power to the fixing section, and an on and off device to start and stop supplying the power to the fixing control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Nakaya
  • Patent number: 6674981
    Abstract: When a menu of “SHEET SIZE SETTING” is chosen, a main CPU scans a non-fixed-sized sheet once, and takes in a scanned image. Based on the taken-in image, the main CPU detects the size of the sheet and sets the sheet size of a selected sheet cassette. The main CPU controls image formation using the non-fixed-sized sheet set in the sheet cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6674982
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of components that form image forming means and should be mounted or dismounted in a preselected order. Following one of the components with respect to the preselected order cannot be dismounted from the apparatus until preceding one of the same has been dismounted. The components are mounted to the apparatus in the reverse order. The components unremovable from the apparatus and positioned above the removable components in a preselected dismounting direction are retractable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Saitoh, Nekka Matsuura, Nobuyuki Yanagawa
  • Patent number: 6674983
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus and sheet feeder in which a recording-material transporting system is provided for transporting to an image forming section recording material supplied from a recording-material supplying section and for subsequently guiding the recording material to a recording-material discharging section. A portion of the transporting path is arranged on a rear side of the apparatus body located on an opposite side to the user operation side. At least either one of the recording-material supplying section and the recording-material transporting system is provided with a jam clearing section for allowing recording material jammed in the recording-material transporting system to be both accessed from and cleared on the user operation side without need to open any access panels on the side portions or rear portion of the apparatus body. As a result the apparatus may be located without reserving space for opening a side or rear access portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Enomoto, Kazuhiro Iihara, Toshiaki Misu, Masakuni Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6674984
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for printing an image on a print medium with a liquid developer which includes a liquid carrier and a toner dispersed in the liquid carrier. The image is printed by forming a toner image having the toner from the liquid developer, and transferring the toner image to the print medium under pressure. By adjusting a complex viscosity coefficient of the toner forming the toner image to be transferred to a value satisfying the formula: 1×104<&eegr;<1×106, wherein &eegr; represents the complex viscosity coefficient (Pa·s) of the toner, the toner image to be transferred to the print medium is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Haruhi Oooka
  • Patent number: 6674985
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, in an image forming apparatus of the type developing a latent image formed on an image carrier, which moves at a linear velocity of 400 mm/sec or above, with a developer containing toner grains having a volume mean grain size of 5 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m and 60 number percent to 80 number percent of which has a grain size of 5 &mgr;m or below, the developer contains carrier grains having a weight mean grain size of 65 &mgr;m or below. When use is made of toner with a small grain size, the apparatus successfully obviates background contamination, toner scattering and sleeve contamination without regard to operation speed or environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Azami
  • Patent number: 6674986
    Abstract: A donor structure for developing toner images to an image receiving surface, said structure including a core structure; end caps including journal portions attached to said core structure;a bearing for operatively supporting said donor structure in an imaging device; and electrically isolating coatings carried by said journal portions, said electrically isolating coatings being interposed between said journal portions and said bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Jaskowiak, Joy L. Longhenry, Eugene J. Manno, Scott Martin, William R. Klimley
  • Patent number: 6674987
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer member to which a toner image is transferred, a transfer roll for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto a recording sheet, a brush roll for removing the residual toner from the intermediate transfer member, and a toner collecting device for collecting the toner attached to the surface of the transfer roll. In the apparatus, an axial length of the intermediate transfer member is longer than that of the brush roll, and the axial length of each of the transfer roll and the toner collecting device is longer than that of the intermediate transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Nishimura, Yasuyuki Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 6674988
    Abstract: Infrared light emitted from an infrared light-emitting diode and reflected by a toner that is an object to be detected. Then, the reflection light is received by a photodiode. A signal detection circuit is composed of an amplifier for converting an output current into a voltage, an amplifier in which a circuit constant is optimized for detection of color toner density, an amplifier in which a circuit constant is optimized for detection of black toner density and an amplifier in a circuit constant is optimized for detection of toner misregistration. These amplifiers are connected to each other in two steps. The first step amplifier's output is further amplified by the second step amplifiers to output as a color toner detection output voltage Vo1, a black toner detection output voltage Vo2, and a toner misregistration detection output voltage Vo3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 6674989
    Abstract: A transfer belt having a long service life and an image forming apparatus provided with the belt are provided. A serpentine motion preventing member (6b,) provided on at least one side portion of an inner circumferential surface of an endless belt body (6a, 61a) on which a toner image formed on an image bearing member is transferred on an outer circumference and retained by a retainer groove (R1) formed on a roller serpentine motion preventing member (6b, 61b) away from the belt body (6a, 61a). Accordingly, damage to the belt body (6a, 61a) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kusaba, Akihiko Nakazawa, Akira Shimada, Tsunenori Ashibe, Hidekazu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6674990
    Abstract: A digital printer or copier machine (1) and a device (23) for protection against excessive heating of an object (5, 49), for example, a paper to be printed, that is guided past a radiation device (7) within a digital printer or copier machine (1). The protection device (23) has two protection elements (41, 43) permeable to radiation and arranged at a distance from each other, which are arranged in the radiation path (21) between a radiation device (7) and the object to be heated (5, 49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Domingo Rohde, Frank-Michael Morgenweck, Gerhard Bartscher
  • Patent number: 6674991
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus has a conveyor for conveying a sheet to a prescribed position, a pair of reverse-discharge rotating members capable of rotating forward and reverse for feeding the sheet to the conveyor by switchback and an electricity removal unit for removing electricity from the conveyed sheet. The switchback serves to feed a sheet having a maximum conveyable length from the pair of reverse-discharge rotating members to the conveyor and the electricity removal unit is arranged downstream in a sheet discharging direction from a cross over position for a front edge of the sheet and a back edge of the sheet during discharge of the sheet, and at a downstream side to the sheet discharging direction of the pair of reverse-discharge rotating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Makino, Yuichi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6674992
    Abstract: An on-line educational system including document sharing and electronic journal features. An instructor builds a course on-line containing identification of assignments and educational materials, which are compiled into an on-line electronic syllabus. Users enrolled in the course may access the electronic syllabus and perform various functions with the on-line educational system in order to participate in the on-line educational course. Users can electronically share documents with other users and the instructor, and they can include a message along with the shared documents. Users can also enter information into an electronic journal and specify which portions of the journal the instructor may view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: eCollege.com
    Inventors: Robert N. Helmick, Jon M. Dobrin
  • Patent number: 6674993
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying data locations or uniform resource locators associated with physical observations in the real world. The method and system includes selecting certain physical parameters based upon an observation of real world objects and events and associating such physical parameters with data locations on the Internet or other computer network. When the real world object is observed or a real world event occurs, physical parameters relating to the object or event are sensed and recorded. These stored physical parameters are then communicated to a database, which returns a data location corresponding to the observed physical parameters. Thus, the present invention allows a user to “click” on objects or events in the real world in order to find data locations related to the objects or events in the on-line world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Tarbouriech
  • Patent number: 6674994
    Abstract: A data file is regarded as a digital package. A conventional interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communications links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a “dispatcher” for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivery and billing based on bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Panamsat Corporation
    Inventors: Gail Hegarty Fell, Jie Yang, Walter Randall Tabor, David Lynn Bullock, John Joseph McClure
  • Patent number: 6674995
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting multi-player games in a wireless telecommunications system including a wireless telecommunications network which communicates using radio signals with a plurality of mobile terminals. The objects of the multi-player games are accomplished in the invention by passing a virtual ball between the mobile terminals. The virtual ball can be passed between the mobile terminals by infrared (IR) transmission from IR apparatus included as part of each mobile terminal, by a call being placed through the wireless telecommunications system between mobile terminals, by a Short Message Service (SMS) message which is transmitted by a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) of the wireless telecommunications system, or by short range radio apparatus which operates according to the Bluetooth Standard. The virtual ball could include data or information regarding the game and/or advertising or promotional information regarding products or services being offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan Meyers, Jouka Mattila
  • Patent number: 6674996
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a particular accessory and an arrangement for a mobile phone (5) and its hands-free function, for instance in a car. Thanks to the accessory, such as a cradle (16), the characteristics of the mobile phone (5) are changed, preferably for the hands-free function, due a strip (17) which covers at least one of the at least two sound openings (7A, 7B) of the pressure gradient microphone (7) of the mobile phone. The sound opening can be covered also by a special flange of an accessory connector, or by a separate bridge mounted in the cradle. The covering can also be sealed with a rubber seal, for instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Anders Weckström
  • Patent number: 6674997
    Abstract: A communication system for communicating utility data from a utility distribution network comprises a transmitter for transmitting the utility data. The transmitter comprises a processor that modulates the utility data into a plurality of carrier frequencies. A modulator is connected to the processor and receives the modulated utility data. The modulator modulates the modulated utility data in the AM frequency band forming multi-tone modulated data wherein the transmitter transmits the multi-tone modulated data/transmitted information in the AM frequency band. The communication system also comprises a receiver that receives the transmitted information. The receiver comprises a demodulator that receives the transmitted information and demodulates the transmitted information into a received signal. A processor is connected to the demodulator and receives the demodulated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ralph Thomas Hoctor
  • Patent number: 6674998
    Abstract: A phase error detector that detects phase error between differential signals. A quadrature oscillator provides in-phase (I) and quadrature phase (Q) differential carrier signals and receives a phase error signal from the phase error detector. The oscillator maintains a quarter cycle phase delay between the I and Q carrier signals based on the phase error signal. The phase error detector includes a summing network and first and second bipolar transistor mixer circuits. The summing network develops four sum signals by summing respective pairs of the differential components of the I and Q carrier signals. A bias circuit biases the transistors to turn on at positive base voltages. The mixer circuits may include filter capacitors so that the transistors are responsive to positive base voltages. The mixer circuits develop polarity signals based on the sum signals, and the resulting phase error signal is the differential of the polarity signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Prentice
  • Patent number: 6674999
    Abstract: A dynamically varying linearity system “DVLS” capable of varying the linearity of a radio frequency (RF) front-end of a communication device responsive to receiving a condition signal indicating a desired mode of operation of a transmitter. The DVLS may include a condition signal indicative of the desired mode of operation and a controller that adjusts the linearity of the transmitter responsive to the condition signal. The condition signal may be responsive to a user interface. The controller, responsive to the condition signal, may dynamically adjust the operating current of the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc
    Inventor: Balasubramanian Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 6675000
    Abstract: A radio communication apparatus is provided with a first variable power amplifier 13 and a second variable power amplifier 14 in a radio transmission unit 22, and also a variable amplifier 16 is provided at a prestage of a modulation unit 15. A transmission power control bit is extracted from a reception signal sent from a communication counter station by a variable power amplifying-controlling unit 18. The variable power amplifying-controlling unit 18 updates a value of transmission power stored in an own station based upon the value of this extracted transmission power control bit, and also compares the updated transmission value with a predetermined threshold value. Based upon this comparison result, the first and second variable power amplifier 13 and 14, and the variable amplifier 16 are controlled in either a serial control manner or a parallel control manner so as to perform a variable power amplification, so that the own transmission power is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasufumi Ichikawa