Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for removal of image forming deposits between two contacting surfaces in an image forming device or image forming device cartridge. The method includes positioning an insert between the contacting surfaces which insert is capable of removing the deposits when the insert is inserted or removed from the device. The deposits may include those that may ultimately adhere or weld to the surfaces of the device during shipping and/or storage and upon exposure to differential environmental conditions.

Abstract: A cleaning device is disclosed which includes a cleaning member to clean the surface of a charging roll that charges an image carrier. The cleaning member is fixed at one end thereof and contacts at a free end side surface with the surface of the charging roll. The free end of the cleaning member is inserted in between the image carrier and the charging roll. Also disclosed is an image forming apparatus including the cleaning device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is constituted by an image bearing member; a corona charging member including a wire; a heat generating member for generating heat by energization; a shielding member, including the heat generating member, capable of shielding a portion of the corona charging member opposing to the image bearing member from the image bearing member by being moved between the corona charging member and the image bearing member; an energization control member for controlling energization of the heat generating member; and moving member for moving the shielding member to a first position at which the shielding member shields the portion and a second position retracted from the first position. When the shielding member is located at the first position, at least a part of the heat generating member is disposed between the corona charging member and the image bearing member.

Abstract: The present application is directed to cleaner units and methods for removing waste toner from a transfer member within an image forming device. The device may include a blade that is positioned against the transfer member to remove the waste toner. The blade directs the waste toner into a cleaner house where the waste toner is removed. The cleaner unit is positioned within the image forming device to prevent contact with the media sheets moving along the media path. The cleaner unit may also be positioned to utilize existing elements to facilitate the removal of the waste toner from the transfer member.

Abstract: A belt unit is provided with pressure-receiving parts, and a photosensitive unit is provided with pressing parts that applies pressing force to the pressure-receiving parts when the photosensitive unit is inserted to a main body of an image forming device along a guide groove formed in the main body. The pressing force applied to the pressure-receiving parts presses the belt unit toward a regular mounting position in the main body, so that the mounting of the belt unit is completed at the same time the mounting of the photosensitive unit is completed.

Abstract: A developer cartridge includes: a developer chamber that contains developer supplied to a developing unit; a waste developer chamber that contains collected waste developer; and a developer supply part that supplies the developer contained in the developer chamber to the developing unit while stirring the developer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shifting the image-forming region of a printing device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a photoconductor, an encoder, several rollers, and a controlled device. The present invention is used to shift the image-forming region in the photoconductor by the controlled device. The damage of the image-forming region in the photoconductor can be reduced. The lifetime of the photoconductor can be extended. In addition, the controlled device uses firmware to shift the image-forming region. The shifting method can be a sequential mode or random mode.

Abstract: A conductive member to be disposed so as to abut on an image carrier is provided. The conductive member includes an elongate conductive supporter, an electrical resistance adjusting layer formed on a circumferential surface of the supporter, and a pair of gap maintaining members provided respectively to the two ends of the adjusting layer. A gap with a certain clearance between an outer circumferential surface of the adjusting layer and an outer circumferential surface of the image carrier provided in parallel to the adjusting layer is formed. A stepped portion is formed in a joint section between the adjusting layer and each of the gap maintaining members with the joint section. An inclination is formed so as to be continuously inclined from the outer circumferential surface of each of the gap maintaining members to the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting layer in the stepped portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, performing a corresponding method of image forming, includes an image carrier, a charging unit including a first charging member for discharging a given amount of bias to a portion contacting the image carrier and uniformly charging the surface of the image carrier while contacting the surface of the image carrier, a charge bias applying unit for applying a charge bias including at least an alternating current voltage to the first charging member, a writing unit, and a developing unit. In the image forming apparatus, a ratio of a frequency of the alternating current voltage to a surface linear velocity of the image carrier is within a range of from approximately 1.5:1 to approximately 4:1 and a ratio of a surface linear velocity of the first charging member to the surface linear velocity of the image carrier is at least 2:1.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus includes a side plate integrally provided with a bearing supporting a shaft of a platen roller and a U-shaped torsion spring for urging the shaft of the platen roller toward an axial first side, mounted on the side plate, in which the side plate integrally has a groove portion storing the U-shaped torsion spring and linked to a hole of the bearing, and a coupling portion covering an opening of the groove portion such that a through hole receiving the U-shaped torsion spring is formed by the coupling portion and the groove portion.

Abstract: A developing device of the present invention develops a latent image formed on an image carrier with a two-ingredient type developer made up of toner and carrier. The developing device includes a storing member for storing a fresh developer to be replenished. A conveying device conveys the fresh developer from the storing member to a case, which stores the two-ingredient type developer to be deposited on the image carrier, while fluidizing the fresh developer. An excess developer discharging portion is configured to discharge excess part of the two-ingredient type developer to the outside. The developer storing member is implemented as an at least partly flexible bag.

Abstract: A substrate transport device includes a chamber, a rotary wheel, a first magnet, a carrier, and a second magnet. The rotary wheel is disposed outside the chamber. The first magnet is disposed on the rotary wheel. The carrier is disposed in the chamber. The second magnet is disposed on the carrier.

Abstract: A developing unit includes a developer carrying member, a supplying compartment, a recovery compartment, and an agitation compartment. The developer carrying member develops a latent image formed on an image carrier with a two-component developer. The supplying compartment has a developer supplying transporter to supply the two-component developer to the developer carrying member while transporting the two-component developer. The recovery compartment has a developer recovery transporter to transport the two-component developer recovered from the developer carrying member. The agitation compartment has a developer agitation transporter to agitatingly transports developer. The developer agitation transporter includes a first screw having a screw pitch to transport developer to an upstream end of the supplying compartment from a downstream end of the agitation compartment.

Abstract: A toner container includes: a container body with a toner discharge aperture; and a toner container supporting structure which has a toner feed aperture and supports the container body in a rotatable manner, and discharges toner while rotating the container body. A toner feed recess 303 that is intended into the interior of the toner container is formed on the outer periphery of the container body so as to temporarily reserve the discharged toner. The toner feed recess is formed on the upstream side of the toner discharge aperture. The toner feed recess is formed so that its sectional opening area perpendicular to the rotational direction of the container body decreases from the downstream side to the upstream side of the rotational direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a developing device, and a toner container. The toner container is attachable to and detachable from the main body, and a rotating shaft is installed in the interior thereof. A first joint is on one end of the toner container and is coupled to the rotating shaft. A second joint is provided to the main body opposite the first joint. A coupling guide mechanism couples the first and second joints to each other, and a driving source transmits a driving force to the first joint via the second joint. The coupling guide mechanism couples the first joint and the second joint to each other whether the toner container is loaded into the main body in an axial direction or in a radial direction of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Sensors detect a displacement correction pattern image-formed on a transporting belt. A timing when the sensors execute a detecting operation is preliminary set depending on a tolerance in a layout or a dimension of a portion where the displacement correction pattern is image-formed, detected. Based on the detected timing detected by the sensors, the preliminary set timing is modified.

Abstract: The present invention is an intermediate transfer member that has an endless belt of a seamed insulating material. Disposed on the endless belt is a smoothing layer that forms a continuous seamless top surface.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heating rotatable member for heating an image on a recording material in a nip; a nip forming member for cooperating with said heating rotatable member to form the nip; a rubbing rotatable member for rubbing, by its rotation, said heating rotatable member; wherein said rubbing rotatable member has an elastic layer to provide a microhardness the GPa] of not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heating rotatable member for heating an image on a recording material in a nip; a nip forming member for cooperating with said heating rotatable member to form the nip; a rubbing rotatable member having a rubbing material for rubbing said heating rotatable member; the following is satisfied: 7×10?3?(P/?H tan ?) (|V?v|/V)?68×10?3 where P: load [N] by said rubbing member to said heating rotatable member, V: peripheral speed of said heating rotatable member [mm/sec], v: peripheral speed [mm/sec] the of said rubbing member, h: microhardness [GPa] of said heating rotatable member, and ?: a half-apex-angle [°] of said rubbing material.

Abstract: A switch unit applies a voltage to each of a plurality of unit electrodes arranged in a matrix in a base material of a high resistance of an electrode array. A control unit controls the switch unit, changes a pattern of the voltage to be applied to the plurality of unit electrodes arranged in the matrix, and thereby generates an electrostatic force in a sheet conveying direction and a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, between a sheet and the electrode array.

Abstract: A duplex scanning apparatus includes a sheet feeding tray, a sheet pick-up roller and a sheet separation roller. The sheet feeding tray includes a first opening and a second opening. The sheet pick-up roller and the sheet separation roller are partially received in the first opening and the second opening of the sheet feeding tray, respectively, so that the sheet pick-up roller and the sheet separation roller are sustained against documents on the sheet feeding tray. For performing duplex scanning operations on the stack of paper sheets, the documents are successively scanned from the bottommost paper sheet to the uppermost paper sheet. As a consequence, the scanned documents are stacked in the discharging tray in the same order as that of the original stack.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus has a conveying apparatus main body; and a feeding device including a placement portion that a conveyed material is placed on and a feeding portion that feeds the conveyed material into the conveying apparatus main body, the feeding device being movable between a feedable position and a stored position; and the placement portion and the feeding portion moving relatively to each other between the feedable position and the stored position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to correct a sheet curl with a curl correction unit disposed on a downstream of a fixing unit which fixes a toner image transferred onto the sheet by applying the sheet with heat and pressure, while the sheet is conveyed. A roller pair of the curl correction unit includes a first roller having a roller portion made of an elastomer having low thermal conductivity and a second roller having a hollow-like shape whose hardness is higher than the roller portion of the first roller and having a low heat capacity. Thus, the image forming apparatus can heat the roller pair with the heat generated by the fixing unit and maintain the warmed state.

Abstract: A printing apparatus provided with: a display section to display a screen for setting print condition; and a display control section which controls to display in such a way that a plurality of print condition items are displayed in a first display area on the screen, and in a case where a user has selected a plurality of items out of the items displayed in the first display area, setting condition contents related to the selected items are laid out in a second display area different from the first display area, wherein the display control section determines whether each of the print condition items having been selected can coexist with an other print condition item different from the each of the items, and if not, controls the other item not to be selectable from the first display area.

Abstract: A method and system for managing printer paper conditions is provided. The method includes monitoring states of a paper source in a point-of-sale (POS) printer by a light source and sensor mounted in the paper source, the light source emitting light. A low paper state is determined when a low reflection is detected by the sensor, the low reflection resulting from light reflecting off of a colored portion of a paper roll when the light source and the sensor are positioned on the same side of the paper roll. The colored portion is provided along a margin at the low end of the paper roll. The method further includes tracking a motor step count of the paper source in response to the low paper state to determine a current amount of paper remaining on the paper roll, and transmitting a notification to a system that manages the POS printer informing the system of the current amount of paper remaining.

Abstract: The CPU 81 of the tape printer 1, when the tape printer 1 is turned on, reads the “model name” and the power supply type of “drive power supply” corresponding to each “model name” of the parameter table 131 from the wireless tag circuit element 25 provided in the tape cassette 21 via the R/W module 93, and next, displays on the LCD 7 a request for selecting the model name and the drive power supply of the tape printer and wait for a selection of the model name and the drive power supply. Then, the CPU 81 reads the print control parameters corresponding to the selected model name and the drive power supply from the wireless tag circuit element 25 via the R/W module 93. If the print control parameter read from the wireless tag circuit element 25 is not stored in the ROM 83 or the EEPROM 84, the CPU 81 stores the print control parameter and executes print control based on the print control parameter (S1 to S9).

Abstract: An interface is disclosed for driving a printer to print highly secure vouchers and less secure coupons. The printer can reside, for example, in a wagering terminal (e.g., slot machine), ticket machine, point-of-sale terminal or the like. A first driver receives, e.g., from a local controller, data indicative of voucher information to be printed. A second driver receives, e.g., from a central system controller, data indicative of coupon information to be printed. A processor responsive to the first and second drivers generates printer commands in a standard printer format so that the same printer can be used to print vouchers and coupons. Coupons do not have to be processed by the secure (and usually proprietary) hardware and/or software provided by the terminal manufacturer for printing vouchers.

Abstract: Card printer having a horizontal platform and an angle-fixing platform allows for adjusting the angle-fixing platform's horizontal location on the horizontal platform. An inclined plane on the angle-fixing platform can fix a printhead of the printer for providing heaters on the printhead a best contact angle with a ribbon and a card. The printhead assembly of the card printer requires only the adjustment of the horizontal location of the printhead and it realizes quality control for printing with single parameter on a card printer.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printhead carrier for mounting a printhead cartridge. The printhead carrier includes a carrier back wall having an upper portion. A back portion of a printhead cartridge cradle is connected to the carrier back wall. A first proximal end of a latch lever is pivotably attached to a front portion of the printhead cartridge cradle. The latch lever has at least one cam follower, with each cam follower being located near the first distal end of the latch lever. A second proximal end of a carrier lid is pivotably attached to the upper portion of the carrier back wall. Each cam of the carrier lid is formed near a second distal end of the carrier lid, and each cam is positioned for progressive engagement by a corresponding cam follower as the latch lever is moved from an open position toward a latched position.

Abstract: A paper-money receipt/payment machine comprises a conveyance path, on which paper sheet can be conveyed in dual directions, and a paper-money discrimination unit provided midway the conveyance path to discriminate the paper sheet. The machine further comprises a temporary holding unit for storage of rejected paper sheet to be rejected, and an exclusive storage box, separately provided from the temporary holding unit, for storage of jammed paper sheet. The exclusive storage box is arranged at one end or both ends of the conveyance path.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveying unit to convey a sheet in a first direction, a second conveying unit disposed on a downstream side of the first conveying unit to convey the sheet in a second direction, and a first path formed between the first and second conveying units. At least the second conveying unit has a holding section to hold and convey the sheet. The sheet conveying device further includes a belt conveying unit disposed along an outer side of the first path and includes a belt to convey the sheet toward the holding section. The belt is stretched around a first belt holding and rotating member and a second belt holding and rotating member disposed on an upstream side of the second conveying unit in the second direction.

Abstract: A terminal unit comprising a base unit, in turn including a main body and a scanning device located in front of the main body, and a printing unit, distinct from the base unit, in which the scanning device has a width greater than that of the main body so that it has a lateral portion protruding from the latter, and also in which the base unit has a seat, defined by one edge of the main body and by the protruding portion of the scanning device, so as to removably accommodate the printing unit beside the base unit and behind the scanning device. The terminal unit, in the configuration with base unit and printer side by side, presents a clearance in the transverse direction that is significantly lower than the sum of the transverse clearances of the scanning device and of the printer, and in particular is within preestablished limits, so that the terminal unit can be used to advantage to replace existing terminals quickly and easily.

Abstract: A container used for holding one or more product sticks. The container comprises a body and a sleeve. The container further comprises lifting means to independently propel and retract the product sticks. The container may further comprise a cover which engages the body.

Abstract: A watch having a display which displays an output from a mechanism, the display and mechanism encased in a watchcase which includes a recess for releasably receiving an applicator is disclosed. A first end of the applicator features an application member with an amount of cosmetic pre-absorbed to the application member. Insertion of the applicator closes an electric circuit having a voltage potential for displaying the output. Removal of the applicator opens the electric circuit, removing the output from the display and revealing a mirror which is useful for application of the cosmetic.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a liquid, the device comprising a stem terminated by a liquid applicator head that is flexible and smooth, in the form of a loop.

Abstract: Generally, this invention is an applicator that provides for easy and efficient application of liquid substances to skin and/or hair; preferably, to a person's body, hair or skin, or to a pet's body, hair or skin. The applicator includes a handle portion having an engagement portion, a liquid medicine dispenser that removably engages with the handle portion's engagement portion, the dispenser comprises a hollow interior space with a liquid substance, preferably medicinal and at least one opening for dispensing the liquid substance through hollow “teeth” connected to the handle portion. The teeth selectively distribute the liquid substance to the person or pet's hair by brushing. In another embodiment, the applicator is made of a material that is easily disposable or breakable so that it is safe for use with children or in potentially violent atmospheres such as prisons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid transfer fitment for controllably retaining a fluid in a reservoir in a leak-tight manner. This fluid transfer fitment can be used with a variety of fluid delivery mechanisms. The fluid transfer fitment has a cap portion, an engaging segment, a fluid transfer check valve and a vent check valve. The fluid transfer check valve of the fitment is located within the engaging segment of the fitment. The present invention also provides fluid delivery mechanisms, which can be used with a cleaning implement. The fluid delivery mechanisms can be used with a fitment having a cap portion, an engaging segment and a fluid transfer check valve.

Abstract: A single-use portion of dental cleaning substance provided in a tidy, convenient, and hygienic manner. The single-use portion of dental cleaning substance may be provided in a solid form and may be utilized via a traditional toothbrush (electronic or standard) or by use of a specific device.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling a liquid or dye to be conveyed from a source to a nib of a market pen (10) comprises a docking member (12) having an opening which is shaped and dimensioned to receive and engage with an end portion of a market pen including the pen nib (18) and to place the tip of the pen nib in contact with the source thereby enabling liquid or dye to flow from the source to the nib. The liquid may comprise a translucent liquid such as water and the dye may comprise an indicator such as a water-based ink containing coloured dyes, dispersed pigments or other colouring media.

Abstract: A clamp for use in building fences using framed fence sections, wherein the clamp includes two clasp portions, one having an integral bolt retained therein and the other having an integral receiver into which the bolt is threaded for securing the clasp portions together for clamping two fence section portions together.

Abstract: Sleeve for pre-assembly of a flat gasket on a sealing surface of a machine component having a hole for insertion of the sleeve therein, the flat gasket having a hole for passage of the sleeve therethrough, and the one, first end area of the sleeve being elastically compressible in order to reduce its outer diameter; in order to make pre-assembly of a flat gasket on a machine component as simple as possible, the sleeve has stops on the outer circumference of its first end area, which act in both directions of the sleeve axis to hold the sleeve on the gasket plate in an axial position predetermined by the stops, and the sleeve is also of such configuration at its outer circumference that insertion of the sleeve in the hole of the machine component results in a frictionally engaged and/or positively locked connection between the machine component and the sleeve.

Abstract: Rotary mechanisms are provided. A rotary mechanism comprises a first member, a second member rotatable with respect to the first member along a first axis, and a first washer fixed to the first member. The first washer comprises a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the second member. The second washer is fixed to the second member and comprises a plurality of sliding surfaces, a plurality of depressions respectively disposed between the sliding surfaces, and a plurality of openings formed on the sliding surfaces. The protrusions are joined in the openings when the second member rotates to an angle with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint has a sealing bellows (4) that is in contact with the surface (17) of the ball pivot (3) by means of a circumferential closing collar (11) in the shaft area (7) of the ball pivot (3). The ball and socket joint has an element (14), which is elastic in the axial direction of the pivot and may be designed as a compression spring element, arranged in the neck area (8) of the ball pivot (3). The compression spring element is supported with one end in the area of the transition between the neck area (8) and the ball (9) of the ball pivot (3) and with the other end indirectly or directly at the pivot-side closing collar (11) of the sealing bellows (4). The sealing bellows is permanently and reliably prevented from slipping off from the neck of the ball pivot even under extreme climatic conditions or in case of extraordinary mechanical stresses, for example, in case of exposure to the water jet of a high-pressure cleaner.

Abstract: An adaptor (8) for an axle where the axle defines the centre of rotation for transmission of the rotational movement to at least one access or attachment point (6), which is eccentric with the axis of rotation, where the adaptor (8) is disc-shape with an outer perimeter (7) and an inner perimeter (9), where the inner perimeter (9) has a shape which fits the axle, and furthermore where the adaptor (8) includes securing means for securing the adaptor (8) to the axle. This adaptor (8) is distinctive by a cut-out (10) connects the inner perimeter (9) with the outer perimeter (7), and the securing means consist of a shank portion (15) and a tread portion (14) where the shank portion (15) is larger than the tread portion (14). Hereby reducing the permanent deformation of the adaptor (8) as well as the axle as the shank portion (15) will provide most of the elasticity for the clamping force rendering it possible to transmit torque as well as reduce angle deformation.

Abstract: The fastening mechanism includes a first component, a second component, and a first connecting component. The first component has a first annular structure, wherein a first through hole is formed within the first annular structure. The second component has a seat. The first connecting component has a second annular structure, wherein a second through hole is formed within the second annular structure, the first connecting component is disposed within the first through hole, and the second annular structure is engaged with an outer surface of the seat, so the seat is partly disposed within the second through hole. Moreover, the seat is partly disposed within the second through hole at a preset depth for fastening the first component to the second component.

Abstract: A community intermodal transit system includes a city or town center and low speed mixed-mode corridors extending substantially radially outwardly from said city center. Further included are a corresponding number of circumferentially disposed parking structures located proximally to outer ends of the mixed-mode corridors and an outer transportation network including various modes of transportation, each mode including a transfer point to at least one of said parking structures. Service roads are provided to the city center, as are direct public links from the parking structures to airports or a seaport. Low speed, low profile vehicles may operate on small gauge tracks upon said mixed-mode corridors.

Abstract: A moveable barrier operator system includes a telescoping barrier arm. A motor is coupled to the telescoping barrier arm for extending the telescoping barrier arm from a retracted position to an extended position and retracting the arm from the extended position to the retracted position. A controller is coupled to the motor for selectively activating the motor to extend and retract the arm.

Abstract: A bollard system includes leveling legs for each section of the system, support plates rotated to distribute force to supporting beams, and connecting angles to join together adjacent sub-assemblies within a single installation.

Abstract: A telescoping bollard assembly is provided. The bollard assembly includes a threaded shaft and a shaft housing structure containing a lubricant source in fluid communication with the shaft threads. A lubricant is positioned in the lubricant source in contact with the threaded portion of the shaft. A funnel portion is in fluid communication with the lubricant source, and a shaft guide portion is in fluid communication with the funnel portion. A portion of the shaft projects to an exterior of the housing through a shaft exit portion. The shaft exit portion is in fluid communication with the shaft guide portion and defines a flow path for the lubricant to the lubricant source. Rotation of the shaft urges lubricant from the lubricant source sequentially into the funnel portion, the shaft guide portion, and the shaft exit portion, whereby the lubricant is returned to the lubricant source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protector for a retro-reflective road marker mounted in a road that includes a top portion that has a generally flat region where the retro-reflective road marker can be mounted and a bottom portion oppositely disposed from the top portion. The protector is made from a moldable polymer and the top portion is operable to protect the road reflector from motor vehicle tires passing thereover and the bottom portion of the protector has a bottom arcuate surface that defines an arc extending from the top portion.