Patents Issued in May 14, 2013
  • Patent number: 8442382
    Abstract: A stream generation apparatus generates a stream including coded pictures and a command for managing a buffer which holds a decoded picture, the command being added to one of the coded pictures as a reference picture. A judging unit judges whether or not the coded picture to which the command is added is skipped at the time of trick-play, and an adding unit adds, in the case where the coded picture is judged to be skipped, repetition information indicating the same contents as the command to another coded picture that follows, in decoding order, the coded picture judged to be skipped and that is not skipped at the time of the trick-play. A generating unit generates the stream including the coded pictures, the command and the repetition information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tadamasa Toma, Tomoyuki Okada, Hiroshi Yahata, Shinya Kadono
  • Patent number: 8442383
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus selects one of image capturing conditions to be used for capturing images as a reference condition when a total of image capturing time of one frame in each image capturing condition to be used for capturing images is longer than one frame period at a predetermined frame rate, and captures images at the predetermined frame rate under the reference condition, and captures images at a frame rate lower than the predetermined frame rate under the other image capturing conditions. A playback apparatus detects a motion between frames of a moving image captured under the reference condition when the image capturing condition of the playback moving image is not the reference condition, and generates an interpolation frame for interpolating between frames of the playback moving image based on the detected motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Furumoto
  • Patent number: 8442384
    Abstract: Automated video digest system and method. The system decomposes video and audio portions of video media into low-level descriptors, producing a large number of such descriptors for each video image and scene. These descriptors are optimized to be both compatible with rapid automated descriptor creation, and also to have some positive or negative statistical correlation with the viewing preferences of typical human viewers. By comparing the number of descriptors correlated with positive human viewing preferences, versus the number of descriptors correlated with negative human viewing preferences, the automated system may analyze an unknown video program and make educated guesses as to which portions of the program are likely to be most interesting to the viewer on playback. Less interesting portions may be skipped or fast-forwarded though. The method may also be optimized to individual viewers. Such methods are useful for controlling the playback of digital video recorders and other systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Bronstein, Alexander Bronstein, Shlomo Selim Rakib, Asaf Matatyaou
  • Patent number: 8442385
    Abstract: The MBT information for each frame is extracted from the moving picture compressed data containing the MBT information, an MBT symbol string is created by obtaining the frequency at which a specific MBT is contained from the extracted MBT information for each frame, appending a predetermined MBT symbol to each frame in accordance with its frequency feature, and arranging the MBT symbols according to the frame order, the cut point of the moving picture is discriminated from an array feature of MBT symbols in the MBT symbol string, and further a shot is identified based on an estimation model using the MBT symbol string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: The University of Electro-Communications, Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Morita, Fumihiro Inoue, Yasuo Masaki, Hirono Tsubota
  • Patent number: 8442386
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for an insert deflector to provide a user (i.e. video editor) with greater control as to media enhancements applied to a user-created video. Specifically, the insert deflector provides blocking code for a portion of a media presentation created by the user. The blocking code is associated with an edit decision list that defines the media presentation. Via execution of the edit decision list to render the media presentation, the insert deflector applies the blocking code to prevent insertion of at least one media insert at the portion of the media presentation. A media insert can be an advertisement inserted into a user-created video, or an advertisement shown in conjunction with the playback of the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Geoffrey King Baum, Lalit Balchandani
  • Patent number: 8442387
    Abstract: A method and system for displaying identifiers for one or more series of recordable events is described. A system, such as the system of a digital video recorder, may receive a set of recordable events data, such as a listing of all television shows to be broadcast over a two-week period. The system analyzes the set of recordable events data for determining one or more sets of recordable events, where each set includes recordable events having the same title. The system analyzes each set of recordable events to determine sub-sets of recordable events based on relationships between the recordable events of each sub-set. The system displays an identifier for each sub-set of a given set of recordable events when the given set of recordable events is selected for display. A user may select to record a sub-set of recordable events by selecting the identifier that represents the sub-set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Goodwin, Deborah Elizabeth Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8442388
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a device for use with a stream of video content and a video display. The device includes a receiver, a circular buffer, an output portion, a controller and a second buffer. The receiver receives the stream of video content. The circular buffer stores up to a predetermined first length of the stream of video content as buffered video content. The output portion outputs a first video signal, based on the buffered video content, to the video display. The controller controls the output portion to output the first video signal as one of the buffered video content playing in real time, a paused portion of the buffered video content, and a previously played portion of the buffered video content. The second buffer stores a portion of the buffered video content as stored video content. The output portion outputs a second video signal, based on the stored video content, to the video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: Krishna Prasad Panje
  • Patent number: 8442389
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic apparatus including: a storage to store first and second contents, each of which includes scenes, and meta-information items each indicating a feature of each scene of the first and second contents; a reproducer to reproduce the first and second contents; an operation receiver to receive an input of an operation by a user; and a controller to control the storage to store an operation-history information item indicating an operation history of the user for each scene during reproduction of the first content while it is associated with the meta-information item of each scene, to calculate a similarity between scenes of the first and second contents based on the meta-information items, and to control the reproducer to change a reproduction mode for each scene based on the operation-history information item and the similarity during reproduction of the second content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kashima, Tatsumi Sakaguchi, Hiroshi Oryoji, Masashi Eshima
  • Patent number: 8442390
    Abstract: An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, David Keeler, Christopher Tucker
  • Patent number: 8442391
    Abstract: A device for providing heat radiation of a surface which is intended to be radiated for softening and removing of old paint, putty or furnish or drying of moisture. The heat radiation from the device is obtained by electric resistance wires forming a heat radiation element arranged in an open box. An arrangement for making the device more resistant to shocks is achieved by attaching the heat radiation element resiliently relatively to the casing. A reflector unit for such a paint removal device for reflecting of heat radiation includes a reflecting surface, at least one heat radiating element and resilient suspension attachments, the reflector unit including a plurality of attachment points for mounting of the resilient suspensions attachments thereto, the at least one heat radiating element being attached to at least two resilient suspension attachment s so as to face the reflecting surface of the reflector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Speedheater System AB
    Inventor: Birger Ericson
  • Patent number: 8442392
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board comprising a coil and being coupled to an image sensor. The coil, using the magnetic circuitry, is designed to tilt the printed wiring board and automatic focus optomechanics, the automatic focus optomechanics being attached to the printed wiring board over a gimbal pivot system to operate an optical imaging stabilizing system. A second coil is designed to interact with the magnetic circuitry to move the lens barrel at least one of closer and farther from the image sensor to perform an automatic focus. An apparatus comprises a lens barrel comprising at least four coils. The at least four coils each configured to interact with respective magnet circuitry. The at least four coils and respective magnetic circuitry capable designed to tilt the lens barrel in such a manner as to correct an imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Mikko Antti Ollila, Marko Juhani Eromaki
  • Patent number: 8442393
    Abstract: A shake correction apparatus for correcting shake of a camera includes: a lens support plate including a correction lens and driven in a perpendicular direction with respect to an optical axis; and a position fixing member that decouplably couples with the lens support plate and fixes a position of the lens support plate according to a rotation of the lens support plate. The shake correction apparatus performs a correction operation for offsetting shake when an optical image stabilization (OIS) function is turned on, and performs a centering operation for fixing the correction lens to an original position when the OIS function is turned off. The shake correction apparatus is advantageous for low power operation, being miniaturized, and being light-weighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-young Bang, Kwang-seok Byon
  • Patent number: 8442394
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus for performing wireless communication with an external device. An instruction transmitting unit transmits an operation instruction to the external device. A response signal receiving unit receives a response signal from the external device. A first controlling unit starts a first operation relating to an imaging process in a case that a first time passes from a point of receiving the response signal by the response signal receiving unit. The external device executes a second operation relating to the imaging process in a case that a second time passes from a point of transmitting the response signal from the external device to the imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 8442395
    Abstract: A lens barrel which is capable of increasing the total length of the lens barrel in a shooting state even in a case where the collapsed lens barrel length is short, with a simple construction. A shooting optical system is disposed movably in an optical axis direction. A lens barrel driving member moves the shooting optical system in the optical axis direction while rotating around the optical axis. A lens barrel driving member moving unit moves the lens barrel driving member in the optical axis direction in a transition region during which the lens barrel moves between a shooting state and a non-shooting state while the driving member rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichi Terada
  • Patent number: 8442396
    Abstract: A focus detection apparatus comprising a focus detection sensor formed by arranging a plurality of pairs of line sensors, each pair of line sensors receiving light beams that have passed through different pupil areas of an imaging lens configured to form an object image, a sensitivity setting unit configured to set a sensitivity for each pair of the plurality of pairs of line sensors, a selection unit configured to select line sensors of the pair of line sensors, whose signals are to be used for focus detection calculation, and a calculation unit configured to perform the focus detection calculation using the signals of the line sensors selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Shu
  • Patent number: 8442397
    Abstract: A technology of acquiring and processing light field data for images is provided. A light field data acquisition apparatus includes a modulator with an attenuation pattern to spatially modulate a 4D light field for an image, and a sensor to acquire 2D signals of the spatially modulated 4D light field. By utilizing the attenuation pattern of the modulator, more spatial data may be acquired in a low angular frequency region than that acquired in a high angular frequency region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo-Young Kang, Byung-Kwan Park, Sang-Wook Han, Seong-Deok Lee, Won-Hee Choe, Jae-Guyn Lim
  • Patent number: 8442398
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for performance monitoring in a passive optic network (PON). The system includes an optical line terminal (OLT) and an optical network unit (ONU). The OLT includes an optical transceiver configured to transmit optical signals to and receive optical signals from the ONU, and a performance monitoring mechanism configured to monitor performance of the PON based on received optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Weidong Rick Li, Jaroslaw Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 8442399
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a path computation element (PCE) coupled to a path computation client (PCC) and configured to perform a path computation using port wavelength restriction information for a network element (NE), wherein the port wavelength restriction information is encoded and received in a port wavelength restriction Type-Length-Value (TLV) that comprises a matrix identifier (ID), a restriction type, and the port wavelength restriction information. Also disclosed is a network component comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to receive a port wavelength restriction information TLV that corresponds to a NE, and obtain a restriction type and port wavelength restriction information based on the restriction type from the port wavelength restriction TLV, and use the port wavelength restriction information to calculate a path for the NE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Young Lee, Greg Bernstein, Jianrui Han
  • Patent number: 8442400
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wavelength-division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM-PON) capable of high-bandwidth transmission for optical signals by using modulation format having high spectral efficiency. The WDM-PON according to the present invention provides a larger capacity and higher bandwidth transmission economically (at lower costs) by using a modulation format where spectral efficiency (a transmission bit number per a unit band width) is high, while using a low noise part of a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Chang-Hee Lee, Ki-Man Choi, Sil-Gu Mun, Jung-Hyung Moon
  • Patent number: 8442401
    Abstract: A system, an unbundling optical line terminal (OLT), and a method are described herein that allow at least two service providers (SPs) to use individual fibers of an optical distribution network (ODN). In one embodiment, the unbundling OLT includes one or more wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network (WDM-PON) line cards and one or more SP uplink cards that enable multiple SPs to each utilize one uplink port to access individual wavelengths of one or more passive optical networks (PONs). In another embodiment, the unbundling OLT includes one or more point-to-point line (p2p) line cards (e.g., p2p fiber Ethernet line cards) and one or more SP uplink cards that enable multiple SPs to each utilize one uplink port to access one or more individual fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Stefan Dahlfort
  • Patent number: 8442402
    Abstract: A wide band digital RF receiver includes an RF front end configured to convert a RF signal into an IF signal. A wide band digital receiver also includes a photonic Analog-to-Digital Converter (pADC), and a digital processor. The pADC includes a photonic sampler that phase-encodes a stream of optical pulses with the IF signal to obtain phase-encoded optical pulses, and that amplitude-encodes an identical stream of optical pulses with the IF signal to obtain amplitude-encoded optical pulses. The pADC also includes a photonic processor and an electronic quantizer. The photonic processor processes the phase-encoded optical pulses by way of an I channel and a Q channel, and processes the amplitude-encoded optical pulses by way of an amplitude channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Zanoni, Oliver S. King, Kim S. Jepsen
  • Patent number: 8442403
    Abstract: A lighting and control system is described. One embodiment of the lighting and control system includes a lighting node and a controller. The lighting node may include a light emitting diode configured for illumination and further configured for optical communication with the controller, a node radio device configured for radio communication with the controller, and a node memory configured to store a node identifier and a group identifier. The controller may include an optical sensor configured to sense illumination of the lighting node and further configured for optical communication with the lighting node, a controller radio device configured for radio communication with the lighting node, and a controller memory configured to store a group identifier. The lighting node and the controller may each further include a power supply and a processor. In one embodiment, the lighting node and the controller belong to a wireless mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Lumenetix, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Weaver
  • Patent number: 8442404
    Abstract: An optical dispersion compensator including a first optical device in which light inputted from a first port is outputted from a second port and light inputted from the second port is outputted from a third port, an optical filter type dispersion compensation device that receives light from the second port of the first optical device and compensates wavelength dispersion with respect to the received light, and a second optical device that includes a fourth port to which light is inputted from the optical filter type dispersion compensation device, and in which the light inputted from the fourth port is outputted from a fifth port and light inputted from a sixth port is outputted from the fourth port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ogiwara
  • Patent number: 8442405
    Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion compensator that includes two stages, one for reducing or eliminating first order polarization mode dispersion of an optical signal, and second stage for reducing or eliminating higher order polarization mode dispersion of the optical signal. In each stage, the polarization is adjusted so as to reduce polarization mode dispersion. Based on the power levels of various polarization states generated at the second polarization controller, the optical signal to noise ratio may be estimated. Furthermore, based on the amount of adjustment used to control the polarization controllers and the differential group delay, the polarization mode dispersion may be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Xtera Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Ellison, Stephen Michael Webb, David Winterburn, Stephen Desbruslais
  • Patent number: 8442406
    Abstract: The present invention relates to filter, coherent receiver device and coherent receiving method. The filter is used for converting a partial response signal into a full response signal, wherein the filter uses the following transfer function HPre-Filter(z) with respect to a partial response signal having a transfer function H PR ? ( z ) = A ? ( 1 + z - 1 ) m ? ( 1 - z - 1 ) n : ? ? H Pre - Filter ? ( z ) = 1 A ? ( 1 + ? ? ? z - 1 ) m ? ( 1 - ? ? ? z - 1 ) n , in which A is other item, m and n are integers larger than or equal to 0 but not being 0 at the same time, 0<?<1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Jianqiang Li, Huijian Zhang, Zhenning Tao, Takahito Tanimura
  • Patent number: 8442407
    Abstract: Disclosed are printing methods, apparatus and systems for developing a latent image recorded on a surface, for example, a photoreceptor with developer material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the development method applies a development field voltage between a development station donor member and a development station transport member as a function of a humidity measurement associated with the developer material, the humidity measurement providing a surrogate tribo measurement of the developer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: W. Bradford Willard, Kimberly Anne Stoll, David R. Stookey, Paul L. Jacobs, Robert W. Phelps, Jyothsna Ram
  • Patent number: 8442408
    Abstract: A sensor system includes an LED configured to emit light to a recording medium and a light-receiving sensor configured to receive a transmitted light that has passed through the recording medium after having been emitted from the LED to the recording medium. An emitting optical axis of the LED is away from a perpendicular receiving optical axis of the light-receiving sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shiba, Yoshitaka Kukubo, Masanori Akita, Tomoyuki Okada, Kengo Umeda
  • Patent number: 8442409
    Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including a rotation member used for image forming and a detector for detecting light from the rotation member. First waveform data of an image-formed surface used to form an image on the rotation member is acquired by the detector. Second waveform data of the image-formed surface used to form an image on the rotation member is acquired. The second waveform data includes at least part of a detected section of the first waveform data. Information on the actual circumference of the rotation member is calculated based on matching between the acquired first and second waveform data. The acquired first waveform data and second waveform data are compared to determine whether or not to use the calculated information on the circumference. When it is determined not to use the calculated information on the circumference, information on the circumference of the rotation member is recalculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahide Hirai, Yoshiro Saito, Kazuhiro Funatani, Hiroyuki Seki, Tatsuya Kinukawa, Yasutaka Yagi
  • Patent number: 8442410
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that cleans a photoreceptor in a printing apparatus is disclosed. The method can include setting a voltage bias of an electrostatic cleaning brush in a printing apparatus to a first voltage bias. The method can include generating an image on media using a photoreceptor. The method can include cleaning the photoreceptor using the electrostatic cleaning brush operating at the first voltage bias. The method can include measuring operating conditions of the printing apparatus to determine an expected film accumulation rate on the photoreceptor. The method can include adjusting the voltage bias on the electrostatic cleaning brush to a second voltage bias based on the measured operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Michael Burry, Bruce Earl Thayer, Michael F. Zona
  • Patent number: 8442412
    Abstract: A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus is usable with process cartridges that each include an electrophotographic photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus includes a movable member that is movable between an inside of the main assembly of the apparatus and an outside of the main assembly of the apparatus in a direction crossing with a longitudinal direction of the drum while carrying the cartridges. A main assembly electrical contact is provided inside the main assembly along a movement path of the movable member. An intermediary electrical contact is provided and includes a first electrical contact portion that is disposed inside the movable member, with the intermediary electrical contact being electrically connectable to a cartridge electrical contact of a cartridge, and a second electrical contact portion is disposed outside the movable member, with the second electrical contact portion electrically connectable to a main assembly electrical contact provided in the main assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chikara Imaizumi, Takeo Kawanami, Tomio Noguchi, I, Hiromi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8442413
    Abstract: A bearing seal unit comprises: a bearing member that supports a rotating shaft so as to freely rotate; a seal member provided integrally at one side along an axial direction of the bearing member to seal the rotating shaft; a connecting part extended along the axial direction from one member to the other member of the bearing member and the seal member and having an end side in the extending direction which protrudes more in the direction intersecting the axial direction than a base end side to connect the bearing member integrally with the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Abe
  • Patent number: 8442414
    Abstract: A seal member covers a space between a developing roller and a casing of a developing device. The seal member includes a flexible sheet and a reinforcing member fixed to the sheet. The reinforcing member is fixed to the casing. Notches are provided in the reinforcing member in a direction perpendicular to the length of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kubota, Kenzo Tatsumi, Tomofumi Yoshida, Hirobumi Ooyoshi, Yoshihiro Kawakami, Yoshiyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8442415
    Abstract: A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material. A plurality of cartridges is detachably mounted to a main assembly of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a cartridge supporting member for supporting the cartridges. The cartridge supporting member is movable between an inside position inside the main assembly and an outside position outside the main assembly. The apparatus also includes a shutter member movably provided on the cartridge supporting member. The shutter member is movable between an open position in which a photosensitive member supported by the cartridge supporting member is exposed and a closed position in which the photosensitive member is protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidehiro Ushiozu
  • Patent number: 8442416
    Abstract: A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. A coupling member is provided adjacent to one axial end of the developing roller. The coupling member includes a driven portion, and an intermediary portion configured and positioned to engage with the driven portion. The intermediary portion is also configured to be movable relative to the driven portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the driven portion. The coupling member further includes a driving portion configured and positioned to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller. The driving portion is also configured to engage with the intermediary portion, and to be movable relative to the intermediary portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the intermediary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Chadani, Tomonori Mori, Koji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8442417
    Abstract: A bearing device to hold a rotor in an opening formed in a frame is provided. Circumference of the opening is formed to have a first edge and a second edge, which linearly extend along different directions from each other. The bearing device includes a flange member to be attached to an axial end portion of the rotor, a bearing member to be externally attached to the flange member and inserted in the opening, and a presser member to press the flange member toward a section between the first edge and the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Abe, Junichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8442418
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet, a first door that can make the conveyance unit accessible, a rotation shaft configured to rotatably support the first door, and a second door which is provided to the first door in an openable/closable manner, wherein the second door can make the conveyance unit near the rotation shaft accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroto Koga, Hajime Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 8442419
    Abstract: In full-color printing, one of first and second rotary members is activated with a time lag after the other of the first and second rotary members is activated such that the phase difference between the first and second rotary members is an adjusted phase difference. In addition, every time monochrome printing is performed, the time lag is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Ikeda, Takao Kume, Hitoshi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8442420
    Abstract: An intermediate transfer belt is built in an electro-photographic image forming apparatus. A toner image formed on a photosensitive element is primary transferred on the intermediate transfer belt. The intermediate transfer belt secondary transfers the primary transferred toner image on a recording medium being conveyed at a secondary transfer unit. The intermediate transfer belt has streaks formed by surface roughening on the surface thereof and directed so as to have an angle relative to the driving direction of the intermediate transfer belt within a range from 40 to 140 degree. This angle setting enables stable transfer of an image without causing any character missing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: Casio Electronics Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Shimazu
  • Patent number: 8442421
    Abstract: A conveying path switching structure includes a cover unit and a conveying path switch unit. The cover unit is attached to an image forming apparatus main body so as to be movable between a close state and an open state in which a fixing unit is exposed. The conveying path switch unit is rotatably attached to the cover unit and that switches a conveying path of a record medium between a discharge conveying path and a double-side conveying path. The discharge conveying path is a path where the record medium is conveyed from a discharge part of the fixing unit to a discharge unit that discharges the record medium to outside of the image forming apparatus main body in a close state. The double-side conveying path is a path where the record medium is conveyed again to an image forming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Ichiki, Yasuki Tanaka, Satoshi Isahai
  • Patent number: 8442422
    Abstract: Bookbinding unit that in binding an inner-leave sheet bundle together with a cover enables accurate binding of the cover onto the bundle's spine and meanwhile forms folding scores in the cover flaps. Furnished with: a stacking tray unit; a process path for sequentially transporting bundles from the tray unit into adhesive-application and cover-binding locations; an adhesive application unit, disposed in the adhesive-application location, that applies adhesive to bundles from the tray unit; a cover-supply unit that supplies covers to the cover-binding location; and a cover-binding unit, disposed in the cover-binding location, that binds sheet bundles from the adhesive-application location together with covers. The cover-binding unit has a shoulder-pressing unit that forms spine creases in the spine portion of the covers, and a flap-pressing unit that forms folds in the spine-creased sides of the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumasa Takagi, Hiroyuki Sorita, Takehiro Yamakawa, Jun Kondou, Takeshi Harada
  • Patent number: 8442423
    Abstract: A digital media item, such as an electronic book (eBook), may include testing content. The testing content may include questions about the content of the digital media item. When is user is viewing the digital media item on an electronic device, such as an eBook reader, the user may be allowed to select whether the testing content is displayed. The user may also be allowed to select a particular mode of testing, such as automatic testing, selective testing, etc. If the user chooses to display the testing content, the user may also be allowed to provide answers to the testing questions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ryan, Edward J. Gayles, Laurent An Minh Nguyen, Steven K. Weiss, Martin Görner
  • Patent number: 8442424
    Abstract: An interactive political event allows clients to provide feedback to political candidates speakers and/or event producers relative to the event being observed. Feedback options include shout outs, emotapplause, and voting. Ticket scarcity management system adjusts event marketing, and/or ticketed sales methodologies, which include free and paid to maintain optimal conditions for an interactive political event. Multiple video/audio streams of an interactive event are simultaneously distributed as part of a broadcast to enable switching between streams by the online audience members and/or users without interruption of the presentation of the event and may include additional data relative to a candidates and/or speakers history and/or position with respect to issues being debated and/or discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Deep Rock Drive Partners Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Evan Socolof
  • Patent number: 8442425
    Abstract: Long time interleaver and listenable audio performance enhancements for a satellite receiver are presented. One enhancement includes comparing a correlation and a predetermined threshold value and blocking satellite signal data transmission from entry into long time interleaver (LTI) device circuitry and forward error correction (FEC) circuitry when the correlation value is the same as, or less than the predetermined threshold value. Another enhancement includes using Reed-Solomon codeword error checking to prevent erroneous baseband signal data from being accepted as good baseband signal data. A further enhancement includes storing symbol timing and frequency data during a strong signal condition of the satellite receiver and using this stored data when the satellite receiver encounters a weak signal condition. Another enhancement includes mitigating DC offset noise in a satellite receiver having a zero-IF tuner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Walker, Eric A. Dibiaso, Roger A. McDanell, Michael L. Hiatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8442426
    Abstract: A method and system of performing high-throughput identifications of broadcast content is provided. A device can send a content identification query, which includes a sample of content being broadcast, to a server to request an identity of the content. The server will perform a computational identification of the content, return the result to the device, and store the result. For all subsequently received content identification queries requesting an identity of content being broadcast from the same source and in a time during which the content is still being broadcast from the source, the server will send the stored content identification in response to the subsequent queries. If a subsequent content identification query does not request the identity of content being broadcast from the same source or is not received during the time that the content is still being broadcast, the server will perform a computational identification of a content sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Shazam Entertainment Ltd.
    Inventors: Avery Li-Chun Wang, Chee Wong, Jonathan Symons
  • Patent number: 8442427
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for viewing full content on a display screen. The apparatus includes a portable device adapted to allow viewing of full content on a nearby display screen which is not physically connected to the portable device. The portable device includes a memory that stores the full content; a display screen that displays only a portion of the full content; a button which facilitates communication of the full content between the portable device and a local control device connected to the nearby display screen; and a wireless transmitter that communicating the full content from the portable device to the local control device via a signal sent by the wireless transmitter upon selection of the button. The signal is received by the local control device which provides the full content to the nearby display screen for display thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Benjamin Slotznick
  • Patent number: 8442428
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for capturing information associated with wireless audio sounds among a plurality of users. When a user encounters audio sound files of interest, the user can capture information regarding the audio sounds, such as title, artist, collection, genre, year, encoding rate, size, playlist, a unique identifier, or other desired information. The information can be used to seamlessly purchase the sound files from a remote digital repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Min-Liang Tan, Hoe Chan, Terence Tang
  • Patent number: 8442429
    Abstract: While performing a function, a mobile device identifies that it is idle while it is downloading content or performing another task. During that idle time, it gathers one or more parameters (e.g., location, time, gender of user, age of user, etc.) and sends a request for an audio message (e.g., audio advertisement). One or more servers at a remote facility receive the request with the one or more parameters, and use the parameters to identify a targeted message. In some cases, the targeted message will include one or more dynamic variables (e.g., distance to store, time to event, etc.) that will be replaced based on the parameters received from the mobile device, so that the audio message is dynamically updated and customized for the mobile device. In one embodiment, the targeted message is transmitted to the mobile device as text. After being received at the mobile device, the text is optionally displayed and converted to an audio format and played for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Andre F. Hawit
  • Patent number: 8442430
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing signals in a distributed antenna system. The method includes receiving, by a Base Station (BS), Channel State Information (CSI) from Mobile Stations (MSs) located within a coverage area of the BS or a coverage of Relay Stations (RSs) connected to the BS; multiplying signals for transmission to the MSs by beamforming vectors by using the CSI; and transmitting the multiplied signals to the MSs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University
    Inventors: Seong-Taek Hwang, Won-Jin Sung, Jae-Won Kim, Eui-Seok Song
  • Patent number: 8442431
    Abstract: A broadcast message transmission method of a relay station in a multi-hop relay network, which can be applied to a non-transparent centralized scheduling multi-hop relay network, includes that a base station transmits a message to be broadcasted to the relay station, the relay station returns an acknowledgement header to the base station after it has received the message, the base station transmits a message indicating the bandwidth allocation of the downlink to the relay station periodically after it has received the acknowledgement header for indicating the downlink bandwidth that the base station initiatively allocates to the relay station, and the relay station transmits broadcast messages to a terminal or a lower relay station in the downlink bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Yuqin Chen, Hongyun Qu
  • Patent number: 8442432
    Abstract: Satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. In one embodiment, a satellite communications system is configured to dynamically allocate bandwidth and frequencies among different beams. Bandwidth request data may be received and compiled from the terminals. The satellite may be configured with different beam coverage areas, and may dynamically allocate bandwidth and particular frequency channels to different beam coverage areas based on the requests. In each of a series of one or more epochs, and according to the bandwidth requests, there may be allocations among carrier groups, traffic classes, and particular terminals. The setup of slot structure and selection of modes for particular terminals is also addressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: Anil Agarwal