Abstract: A fuser assembly configured to fix a toner image to a sheet of print media includes a fuser belt having a first side edge and a second side edge. A plurality of end cap assemblies is positioned to locate the fuser belt. The plurality of end cap assemblies include a first end cap assembly having a first compliant stopping flange positioned to engage the first side edge of the fuser belt, and a second end cap assembly having a second compliant flange positioned to engage the second side edge of the fuser belt.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a pressing roller, a fixing belt to receive a rotation force transferred from the pressing roller and to rotate thereby, a nip forming member which is mounted inside the fixing belt, the nip forming member including a heat transmission unit formed thereon, and a heat source, which is mounted inside the nip forming member, to simultaneously apply heat to the nip forming member and to the fixing belt through the heat transmission unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording medium, a heat fixing device provided adjacent to the image forming device to fix the toner image onto the recording medium by heat, and a heat shielding device that shields the image forming device from the heat radiated from the heat fixing device. The heat shielding device includes a heat shielding member interposed between the image forming device and the heat fixing device to receive the heat radiated from the heat fixing device, a heat transferring member attached to the heat shielding member to transfer the heat received by the heat shielding member to one end portion thereof, a heat radiating fin device provided at the one end portion of the heat transferring member to radiate the transferred heat, and a fan that supplies air to the heat radiating fin device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device to fix a toner image on a recording medium by applying heat. Such a fixing device includes at least a magnetic flux generator, a heat generating roller, a magnetic shunt layer, and a protective layer. The magnetic flux generator is configured to generate magnetic flux. The heat generating roller including a heat generating layer is configured to generate heat by the magnetic flux. The magnetic shunt layer may be formed independently of the heat generating layer. The protective layer is provided on an inner surface of the magnetic shunt layer and configured to cover a crack formed in the magnetic shunt layer during fabrication of the magnetic shunt layer. An image is fixed onto the recording medium by the heat from the heat generating roller. Alternatively, the magnetic shunt layer may be integrally provided with the heat generating layer.

Abstract: This is a cleaning blade useful in an electrophotographic marking system. Under certain conditions, cleaning blades will tuck when the blade continuously contacts a photoconductive surface of this marking system. This tucking causes abrading and damage to the moving photoconductive surface. To prevent or minimize tucking, a blade stiffener is used in this invention in either an add-on or as a part of the originally-manufactured elastomeric blade.

Abstract: A brush member includes plural raisings and contacts a surface of an image bearer downstream of a transfer station and temporary captures toner remaining on the surface of the image bearer into the brush member in a toner capturing process. The brush member returns the toner to the surface of the image bearer at a prescribed time in a toner returning process. A bending direction of the plural raisings is opposite in the returning process to that in the toner capturing process.

Abstract: In a duplex automatic sheet feeder, a passageway group, connected to a supply tray and a discharge tray, includes a plurality of passageways and an image processing region. A sheet detector disposed in the passageway group is for detecting each sheet and thus outputting a sheet detecting signal. A transporting mechanism is for transporting the sheet from the supply tray to the discharge tray through the passageway group. Each sheet is transported across the image processing region at least twice and processed in the image processing region. A control module connected to the transporting mechanism and the sheet detector is for driving the transporting mechanism to transport each sheet, and for making the transporting mechanism switch from a forward-rotating state to a backward-rotating state according to the sheet detecting signal and a predetermined physical quantity so that each sheet is transported by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including an image forming section which forms an image on a sheet and a conveyance section which conveys the sheet to the image forming section, the conveyance section includes: a registration roller, a plurality of loop forming rollers which cause the sheet to form a loop, provided upstream of the registration roller in a sheet conveyance direction and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, a skew detection sensor which detects a skew of the sheet, and a conveyance roller provided upstream of the loop forming roller; and a control section which controls independently each of the plurality of loop forming rollers based on the detected result of the skew detection sensor. The conveyance roller is swung in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section which forms an image on a sheet; a conveyance section which conveys the sheet to the image forming section, having a registration roller, a plurality of loop forming rollers which cause the sheet to form a loop, provided upstream of the registration roller in a sheet conveyance direction and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, a skew detection sensor which detects a skew of the sheet, and a conveyance roller provided upstream of the loop forming roller; and a control section which controls a driving of the conveyance section. The control section controls independently each of the plurality of loop forming rollers based on the detected result of the skew detection sensor.

Abstract: A first longitudinal registration correcting unit corrects a misalignment of a recording medium in its conveying direction. A lateral registration correcting unit corrects a misalignment of the recording medium in its width direction after the misalignment in the conveying direction is corrected by the first longitudinal registration correcting unit. A second longitudinal registration correcting unit corrects the misalignment of the recording medium in the conveying direction again after the misalignment in the width direction is corrected by the lateral registration correcting unit.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a pair of upstream rollers and a pair of downstream rollers each including a drive roller and a driven roller, a calculating unit, and a control unit. The upstream rollers include a measuring unit that obtains speed information of the upstream rollers. The calculating unit calculates a target value based on the speed information. The control unit controls the speed of the drive roller of the downstream rollers based on the target value.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a recording medium is temporarily stopped at an upstream of a fixing unit when the recording medium needs to be stopped for a longer time between the fixing unit and a curved path.

Abstract: A printed medium management apparatus includes: a controller that outputs print data generated from file data, and outputs tag data comprising search data including a search word; a print unit that prints an image based on the print data on a recording medium equipped with a non-contact tag; a data recording unit that records the tag data on the non-contact tag; and a search unit that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of non-contact tags, on which search words are recorded by the data recording unit, to search for a non-contact tag on which an inputted search word is recorded.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer having a print head and a high frequency magnetic coupler to magnetically couple with high frequency RFID transponders in a web at or near the print head. The coupler couples magnetically to only one transponder at a time that is generally aligned with one or more inductors, and magnetic radiation from the inductor(s) may be at least partly shielded from upstream transponders, and a grounded conductor in the upstream side of the coupler diminishes radiation to upstream transponders. One embodiment includes spaced inductors disposed along a generally transverse line across the web, and in another embodiment an elongate inductor extends along a line generally transverse of the web.

Abstract: A method for printing an electronic image comprising a plurality of pixels onto a substrate using a computer-assisted image processing system, said method comprising the step of using alpha channel information in combination with substrate color information to calculate the transparency level that needs to be applied to each pixel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for creating customized activities. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method comprising storing a plurality of activity records, storing a plurality of text elements, storing a plurality of template letters with fillable fields, receiving a plurality of customized text elements from a user and a selection of an activity record, associating template letters with the activity, and associating text elements and customized text with the activity to generate customized correspondence. For example, in one embodiment a print control document is generated for printing customized mailers. In one embodiment, the system receives a message and encodes the message. The message may be the location of a hidden gift, for example. The print control document may include the encoded message and the encoded message is included in at least one of the mailers.

Abstract: A tag label producing apparatus has a cartridge holder for setting a first roll configured by winding a base tape equipped with identification marks, which include marks formed by two black strips and arranged with a pitch 2Pp and marks formed by one black strip and arranged with the pitch 2Pp, at a plurality of portions, a feeding roller driving shaft that feeds the base tape supplied from the first roll attached to the cartridge holder a print head that makes a predetermined print on the base tape or a cover film to be bonded thereto, and a mark sensor that detects the identification mark on the base tape, and controls the feeding roller driving shaft and the print head in coordination with each other in accordance with the detection result of the identification mark by the mark sensor.

Abstract: An output system having an output device that performs output based on output data so that the output device performs the output after having acquired authentication. In the system, an operating state controlling unit outputs a power-save-cancel command for causing a power-saving state to be changed into an active state to a power-save switching unit after a device having an output data storing unit acquires the output data, and a transition-to-power-save command for causing the state to be changed from the active state to the power-saving state is outputted to the power-save switching unit when the output process of the output data is completed by an output process completion detecting unit.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge is used in a label printer, including: a frame having two opposite side boards, a top board, and a bottom board, of which the top and bottom boards are mounted to top and bottom ends of the side boards; two first pivots respectively mounted to opposing surfaces of the opposite side boards and horizontally opposite to each other; two second pivots respectively mounted to the opposing surfaces of the opposite side boards and horizontally opposite to each other, the second pivots being arranged lower than the first pivots; and two channel structures including two first guides and two second guides, which are formed on the opposing surfaces of the opposite side boards and opposite to each other so as to delimit the two channel structures for guiding a printing module of the label printer along the channel structures for coupling to the ink ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette which is used in printing apparatus and is able to prevent the ink ribbon from getting across the lengthways embankment to cause dual movement even if in the case that the ink ribbon is extended for prolong the life of the ink ribbon cassette. In the ink ribbon cassette, a lengthways embankment is furnished near to an ejecting opening of ink ribbon cassette in ink ribbon lodging section, that makes an interval the ink ribbon 3 passes becomes narrow and uniformly extends to an embankment of upper cover from an embankment of lower cover; or dual embankments are furnished on ink ribbon movement path at the downstream side of ink ribbon lodging section, that respectively protrudes from upper cover and lower cover; or protruding portions are respectively furnished near to entering opening and ejecting opening of ink ribbon lodging section.

Abstract: A movable print head is provided for a label printer, including: a control panel module having two pivots arranged on opposite sides of the control panel module and coupled to opposite sides of a body of the label printer to serve as rotational center for rotation of the control panel module; and a printing module fixed to an internal vertical surface of the control panel module and including two guide-in devices on opposite sides of the printing module to guide in an ink ribbon cartridge and a print head arranged between the two guide-in devices. The two guide-in devices of the printing module are movable in unison with the rotation of the control panel module to effect movable adjustment for guiding in the ink ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: An input device including a keypad, the keypad comprising wrist support means and curved key area. The wrist support means of each keypad comprises a generally flat portion having a plurality of soft cushioned pads protruding from the upper surface of the flat portion. The key area is contiguous to the wrist support means such that the key area has a negative convex curve. Thus in use a portion of the key area remote the wrist support means is positioned at a lower spatial position than the portion of the key area contiguous with the wrist support means. The key area has a plurality of keys positioned on the upper surface. The keys are arranged in a series of curved rows so that a central key in each row is further from the users wrist relative to at least one of the end keys in each row.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided wherein a printer used with a host device is operated to generate print batch separator pages using the same blank sheets as are used to print respective pages of successive print jobs. The printer is directed to print a visually distinctive graphic indicator, such as a separator border, trim, header, visible banner or other visual indicator or markings. This eliminates the need for an additional printer separator page tray. Usefully, a host device is operated to generate a separator command in a specified PDL language. A printer control device receives the page separator PDL command, and software contained in the printer control converts the PDL command into a printer readable format (PRF). A printer component responsive to the PRF command then operates the printer to print the specified separator page.

Abstract: Label printers for labels without a carrier strip are problematic in that the self-adhesive coated surface (4) of the label strip to be printed is bared as it passes through the printer and is guided over a roller (10) used to transport said label strip through the printer, from which it must be released in order to be discharged at the outlet (15) of the printer. According to the invention, the label strip is transported back for a short time in the opposite direction, before the transport thereof in the printing direction, thus being reliably detached from the transport roller (10).

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer having a print head and a high frequency magnetic coupler to magnetically couple with high frequency RFID transponders in a web at or near the print head. The coupler couples magnetically to only one transponder at a time that is generally aligned with one or more inductors, and magnetic radiation from the inductor(s) may be at least partly shielded from upstream transponders, and a ground conductor in the upstream side of the coupler diminishes radiation to upstream transponders.

Abstract: A strengthened structure for a body of a label printer is disclosed, including: a plurality of metal tubes extending through the body of the label printer and each having first and second ends respectively fixed to first and second side portions of the body of the label printer to structurally strengthen the body of the label printer; and two covering layers attached to and covering the first and second side portions of the body of the label printer, wherein the covering layers include shock-absorption materials to buffer external impact acting on the body of the label printer.

Abstract: A container suitable for dispensing dispensable moisture sensitive curable products such as a CA with a container body which forms an internal reservoir for holding the product a dispensing aperture provided in the container body. Opposing side wall have a curved profile along its path between the front and rear walls which is arranged to regulate a compressibility ratio between the compressive force regulated to move at least one of the front and rear walls toward the other and the distance compressed so that a yield point is not reached, within a compressive dispensing range of movement of said at least one wall, beyond which the container becomes substantially easier to compress. The dispensing force required is predictable and regular while a desired flexibility is achieved.

Abstract: In order to arrest a first profile, which has a groove provided with an undercut, a second profile, which has a location opening, whereby preventing these profiles from rotating, there is provided the invention provides a tilting connector in the form of a body extending along a longitudinal extension for fastening in a groove, which is provided with an undercut, of the first profile. This body comprises: a base; a web, which projects from the base, extends along the longitudinal extension and which serves to laterally fasten the tilting connector in the groove, a base area projecting above the web forming a stop surface for interlocking with the undercut; a first hole for an anchor bolt for inserting into a second profile, and; a second hole for a lever bolt.

Abstract: A lock pin with pushbutton-operated axial locking has two locking elements which point in opposite directions and are mounted in radially outwards directed recesses in the body. To ensure a good, wear-resistant pivotal mounting of the two locking elements, combined with good locking action and resistance to shearing, the invention provides that the locking elements create a virtual, freely guided pivoting axis in their connection zone. The result is a pinless mounting of the locking elements.

Abstract: A construction element in the form of an openable clamping element (1) being applicable to a primary object and including at least one clamping element (1) surrounding the primary object and a locking element, characterized in that the clamping element (1) contains at least one partition slot being a parting line of the clamping element, and a locking bar (8) being introducible into the slot, whereby the slot is oriented in parallel to the through going axis of the clamping element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water collecting structure 1 capable of positively capturing flowing water which may form a shooting flow. The water collecting structure 1 of the invention includes: a guide member 23 including a water channeling surface 23a inclined at a greater angle than that of a water-flow slope of a water-flow surface; and a plurality of flow straightening plates 24 extended along a flow direction of the guide member 23 and juxtaposed in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction. The flow straightening plate 24 includes a planar or curved lateral side 24a which cooperates with the water channeling surface 23a to define a substantially rectangular small channel S and which stands vertically to the water channeling surface 23a or inclined relative to the water channeling surface to widen the small channel toward top.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The barrier can include a reactive component. The barrier can include plurality of telescoping barrier subcomponents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The barrier can include a reactive component. The barrier can include plurality of telescoping barrier subcomponents.

Abstract: A kit containing thermoplastic pavement markers for convenience in transportation and application at a jobsite. The pavement markers have light colored projections on the upper surface to deflect water and reflect light for ease in viewing during rain, darkness and other adverse conditions. The method describes the application of the pavement markers on a road or other substrate for strong adhesion to asphalt and concrete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: For regulating the lateral buckling of a section of pipe, at least one device permanently applies a force to a point on the section of pipe. The force is preferably applied substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the axis of the pipe. Preferably, two of the devices that apply equal and opposing forces are positioned at a distance from each other along the section of a pipe. Each device comprises a clamp, a cable, a return device and a buoy or a weight.

Abstract: A circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a bulk material (24) to a location where said bulk material (24) is to be processed, the apparatus comprising means (2) for feeding said bulk material (24) substantially tangentially into a cylindrical vessel (1) via at least two circumferentially spaced apart tangential inlets (14), the vessel (1) being provided at one end with an outlet (10) whereby the bulk material (24) may pass from the vessel (1) to said location while maintaining its configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic cartridge CA that is constituted by a cylinder CY provided with two endpieces and having at least one opening. The cartridge has at least one automatically-closing transfer device CH1, CH2, TR provided to disengage the opening completely. Furthermore, the automatically-closing transfer device is arranged at one of the ends of the cartridge.

Abstract: A cutting insert rotated about its axis may be utilized during a metalworking operation and applied against the rotating workpiece to enhance tool performance. The cutting insert is secured within a toolholder having features to secure the insert but at the same time make for efficient removal of the insert from the toolholder.

Abstract: A system for attaching a cutting member to a cutter body includes a pin, a clamping bolt and an adjustment bolt. The pin has a longitudinal axis and at least a first attachment bore and a second attachment bore. The clamping bolt has a clamping section which is formed to releasably secure the cutting member to the cutter body and has a first attachment section which is formed to be releasably secured in the first attachment bore of the pin. The system may have an adjustment bolt that has an adjustment section which is formed to adjust the position of the cutting member relative to the cutter body and has a second attachment section which is formed to be releasably secured in the second attachment bore of the pin.

Abstract: A cutting insert rotated about its axis may be utilized during a metalworking operation and applied against the rotating workpiece to enhance tool performance. A method, including an assembly with a rotatable insert mounted to a toolholder may be utilized to achieve this result.

Abstract: A fully indexable square cutting insert has four side surfaces connecting to two end surfaces. At the intersection of each side surface with an end surface is a primary cutting edge which extends from an insert corner and along a first side surface, in a downward direction towards a median plane. A wiper extends from the same insert corner and along an adjacent side surface, in an upward direction away from the median plane, to rise above an abutment surface of an associated end surface. The geometry of the cutting insert and of the insert pocket in which the insert is seated are such that the primary cutting edge has a positive axial angle (helix), while the insert has an overall negative axial angle for providing axial clearance and an overall negative radial angle for providing radial clearance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for concentric clamping for manufacturing assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drilling assembly includes a spindle assembly configured to perform a drilling operation at a drilling location on a workpiece, and a clamping assembly having an actuator concentrically disposed about the spindle assembly. A nosepiece is coupled to the actuator and is configured to apply a clamping force concentrically about the drilling location on the workpiece. The actuator may include an inner housing having an outwardly extending flange, and an outer housing disposed about the flange of the inner housing. Pressurization of a first chamber moves the inner housing forwardly and applies the clamping force of the nosepiece against the workpiece, and pressurization of a second chamber moves the inner housing aftwardly and retracts the nosepiece away from the workpiece.

Abstract: Spindle assemblies with inline direct drive feed are disclosed. In one embodiment, a manufacturing system includes a support structure configured to be positioned proximate a workpiece, a carriage moveably coupled to the support structure, and a head assembly coupled to the carriage. The head assembly includes a spindle assembly, comprising a feed unit and a spindle unit. The feed unit includes a feed motor coupled to a drive mechanism, the feed motor and the drive mechanism being disposed along a longitudinal axis of the spindle assembly. The spindle unit has an aft end operatively coupled to the drive mechanism of the feed unit, the spindle unit including a fluid-driven motor coupled to a tool collet chuck, the spindle unit being configured to translate along the longitudinal axis by actuation of the feed motor.

Abstract: A twist drill for drilling with a countersink cutting arrangement, and a cutting tool with a countersink cutting arrangement, and a cutting-chamfering tool. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a process for producing threads, especially for boring rods or the like, wherein the workpiece and the lathe tool have a relative rotary motion at a high velocity about an axis of the workpiece and a relative longitudinal motion at a low velocity compared to the above velocity, and wherein an oscillating radial relative rotary motion is brought about, furthermore, between the lathe tool and the workpiece, wherein the radial oscillating motion is generated mechanically, the radial oscillating motion being synchronized, in particular, with the relative rotary motion. The present invention pertains, furthermore, to a device for producing threads by a means for generating the radial mechanical oscillating motion, where the radial oscillating motion is synchronized, in particular, with the relative rotary motion.

Abstract: A rail loading train for transporting long welded rails includes a device at the end of the rail loading train for anchoring the rails. The device includes a plurality of insertion devices each being provided for anchoring a single rail and having an inserting opening and a rail stop. Each insertion device has two clamping jaws which are spaced from one another in a direction extending perpendicularly to a rail web of the rail to be clamped, for forming the inserting opening. At least one clamping jaw is equipped with a clamping device for contacting the rail web and for automatic force-locking connection to said rail web, effective against a direction of insertion. Both clamping jaws are constructed for being spaced from one another for releasing the force-locking connection to the rail web.

Abstract: The device (1) for stowing a vehicle when it is transported on a bearing plane (9) by one of its wheels or from an anchorage on the chassis is characterized in that it is constituted by the following means: a link (2) that has a coupling end (5) provided to engage with a tensioning and retaining mechanism (3), a tensioning end (6), and a sliding sheath (7) for support on a tyre, a mechanism for tensioning and retaining the link (2) that has a roll axis (10) of sufficient length to offer numerous transverse coiling positions of the strap, and a coupling and return assembly (4) passed through by the link (2). Said device therefore enables vehicles to be stowed in two ways: a) by coupling to the vehicle chassis and b) by stowing the vehicle by link (2) on its tyres. This invention relates to the transportation of vehicles on Lorries or railway trucks.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.