Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing element that bears a toner image to be transferred to a sheet; an image forming portion that forms the toner image on the image bearing element; a cleaning element that cleans the surface of the image bearing element; a storage portion that stores a history of print coverage; a control portion that makes the image forming portion form a cleaning toner image to be supplied to the image bearing element at time of cleaning by the cleaning element; and a print coverage calculating portion that calculates the print coverage of the sheet. The control portion obtains an average value of the print coverage in a period from after a previous cleaning by the cleaning element until before a current cleaning, and determines an amount of toner for the cleaning toner image supplied to the image bearing element based on the average value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material by exposing a photosensitive member with a light emitting member in a state where a cartridge including the photosensitive member is mounted in an apparatus main body includes a light emitting member, a support member, and a duct formed in the support member. The light emitting member includes a plurality of light emitting portions arranged in an array. The support member supports the light emitting member. The duct forms an air supply path extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge to cool the cartridge mounted in the apparatus main body.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes at least one first cleaning member that removes residual substances that remain on a surface of an endless belt by being in contact with the surface of the endless belt while rotating in a direction that is opposite to a movement direction in which the endless belt moves; a second cleaning member that is brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the endless belt at a predetermined timing and removes the residual substances that remain on the surface of the endless belt; and a switching unit that switches a rotation direction of the first cleaning member to a direction the same as the movement direction of the endless belt when the second cleaning member is brought into contact with the surface of the endless belt and cleans the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes first to third cleaning members that clean a surface of an endless belt that is looped over rollers including a driving roller. The first cleaning member is brought into contact with and separated from the surface at a predetermined timing. The second cleaning member is disposed upstream of the first cleaning member and downstream of the driving roller in a movement direction of the endless belt. The second cleaning member is in contact with the endless belt so as to prevent a tension variation of the endless belt caused by the first cleaning member from affecting the driving roller. The third cleaning member is disposed downstream of the first cleaning member. A contact state in which the third cleaning member is in contact with the endless belt is switched from a first contact state to a second contact state so as to reduce the tension variation.

Abstract: A developing device for an image forming apparatus, comprising a frame provided with a developer accommodating chamber accommodating a developer, and a development opening for supplying the developer from an inside of the developer accommodating chamber to an outside; a first sealing member sealing the development opening, the first sealing member being dismountable from the development opening by being pulled out through a pulling opening provided in the frame; and a second sealing member for sliding on the first sealing member to prevent the developer from leaking to an outside of the frame through the pulling opening when the first sealing member is pulled through the pulling opening, wherein the second sealing member is integrally molded on the frame by injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into a space between the first sealing member and an edge of the pulling opening.

Abstract: A developer container includes a casing having a developer accommodating chamber and a waste-developer accommodating chamber, conveying member, a conveying-member accommodating unit, and a supporting member. The conveying member conveys waste developer in a longitudinal direction of the waste-developer accommodating chamber. The conveying-member accommodating unit accommodates the conveying member therein and has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is provided in an upstream end portion and allows the waste developer to move from outside of the conveying-member accommodating unit to the inside of the conveying-member accommodating unit. The second opening allows the waste-developer to move from the inside of the conveying-member accommodating unit to the waste-developer accommodating chamber. The supporting member is provided on the casing.

Abstract: At least one of driving motors that drive a developing device independently of each other is provided on a door capable of opening and closing to allow the developing device to be attached to or detached from a main body of an apparatus. An electrical contact portion that can be electrically connected to or disconnected from an electrical circuit provided in the main body is provided for the driving motor provided on the door.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus that includes a charge receptor endless belt; a transfer nip including a BTR roll in contact with the charge receptor at a transfer zone, a continuous media supplied to the transfer zone, and the transfer nip adapted for systematic engagement and disengagement with the continuous media for synchronization of image transfer from the charge receptor to the media. More specifically, in response to recognition of imaging inconsistencies such as belt seams, test patches, or label format pitches, the endless belt disengages from the continuous media at the BTR roll. The BTR roll is appropriately turned on and off and the continuous media reversed in direction commonly known as a ‘Pilgrim step’, then returned to normal direction to synchronize the transfer of images to the continuous media, wherein there is substantially zero wrap of the continuous media on the BTR roll during the engagement of the continuous media with the charge receptor belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a motor having a winding in which a plurality of coils are connected to one another, the motor configured to rotate an image bearing member by a switchover of a direction of a current flowing through each of the plurality of coils; and a control device configured to switch over the direction of the current flowing through each coil to put a brake on the motor separately from the switchover of the direction of the current flowing through each coil to drive the motor, wherein the control device switches over the direction of the current, according to a brake signal having a period larger than a period of a drive signal for driving the motor, to put a brake on the motor to control a rotation speed of the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes image carrying members aligned in a first direction in a main casing, one of the image carrying members being for black color, and remaining ones of the image carrying members being for other colors; a developing members provided in one-to-one correspondence with the image carrying members, each of the developing members configured to contact a corresponding image carrying member, one of the developing members being for black color, and remaining ones of the developing members being for other colors r; and a first contact/separation member linearly movable in the first direction, the first contact/separation member being disposed on one side of the plurality of developing members. The first contact/separation member comprises an elongated shape in the first direction. The first contact/separation member comprises a separating surfaces configured to contact respective developing members to separate the developing member from the image carrying member.

Abstract: A developing device that is provided in an image forming device that forms an image includes an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developer carrier that is configured to form a developer image on a surface of the image carrier by attaching developer on the electrostatic latent image; and a contact member that is configured to contact the developer carrier. The contact member contacts the developer carrier and exerts a contact pressure per unit area thereon, the contact pressure per unit area being based on charging characteristics of the developer being used.

Abstract: A development roll for electrophotographic equipment includes a shaft body and a rubber elastic layer disposed on the outer circumference of the shaft body. The rubber elastic layer is composed of a crosslinked body of a composition containing a liquid or millable silicone rubber, a crosslinking agent, an electronically conductive agent, and an ionic liquid. The composition contains the ionic liquid in the amount in the range of 0.1 to 5.1 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the liquid or millable silicone rubber and the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming devices that includes a developing device and a transferring device, an exposure unit irradiating the image bearing member with a laser beam, a detector detecting a toner image for detection, and a CPU for detecting and correcting the positional deviation of each color, wherein the CPU forms the toner image for detection on a color-by-color basis between pages in a print job including plural pages of images, and corrects times Trv and Tv from timing on which a subscanning image-writing timing synchronizing signal is output to timing on which a laser unit emits a laser beam based on times Ty to Tk between timing on which the subscanning image-writing timing synchronizing signal is output and timing on which the color misregistration detection sensor detects the misregistration detection pattern.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided, which includes a transfer roller that is provided with a conductive rotational shaft, opposed to an external image-carrying body, and configured to transfer onto an image-transferred member a developer image carried by the image-carrying body, and a bearing rotatably supporting the rotational shaft of the transfer roller, the bearing including a conductive section that is disposed in a position around the rotational shaft of the transfer roller and configured to bear the rotational shaft from an opposite side of the image-carrying body with respect to the rotational shaft and to be supplied with electricity from an external power supply, and an insulated section that is disposed in a position around the rotational shaft and configured to cover the image-carrying body from a side of the image-carrying body.

Abstract: A fixing device fixes a toner image on a recording medium by heating the recording medium, with a heating area and a non-heating area selected in accordance with a magnetic flux and a repulsive magnetic flux. The fixing device includes a heat generating layer, an exciting coil, and a demagnetizing member. The heat generating layer generates heat. The exciting coil generates the magnetic flux, and thereby inductively heats the heat generating layer. The demagnetizing member faces the heat generating layer in the non-heating area. The demagnetizing member generates the repulsive magnetic flux against the magnetic flux generated by the exciting coil, and thereby demagnetizes the magnetic flux and suppresses the heating. Further, the demagnetizing member has a demagnetization effect different between at least a portion of the non-heating area adjacent to the heating area and the remaining portion of the non-heating area.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes; an endless belt; a plate-like heater slidable on an inner surface of the belt; a driving roller, opposed to the heater through the belt, for rotating the belt and for forming a nip for heating an image on a sheet; an energy supply member including an electrical contact for supplying electrical energy to the heater; a flange provided with a guide for guiding rotation of the belt and a stopper for limiting movement of the belt in an axial direction; and a pressure applying member for applying pressure between the flange and the driving roller. The flange includes a fixing portion for fixing the energy supply member with a predetermined play in a pressing direction of the pressure applying member so that the flange is disengageable in the axial direction relative to the belt integrally with the energy supply member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device that includes a heating unit which comprises a first heat source to heat an unfixed image on a print medium, and a pressing unit which forms a fixing nip by contacting the heating unit, where the pressing unit comprises a carbon nanotube heating layer as a second heat source to heat the unfixed image.

Abstract: An image forming method that can obtain a high fixing strength and reduce the occurrence of a document offset phenomenon is provided. In the image forming method the polyester resin forming the binder resin of the toner is obtained by condensing and polymerizing a carboxylic component containing at least one compound selected from chemical formula (1), (2) and (3) shown below that is an addition reactant of abietic acid and a carboxylic compound having an unsaturated double bond and an alcohol component, and the content of at least the one compound selected from the chemical formula (1), (2) and (3) in the carboxylic component is 5% by mass or more, and the fixing agent contains an alkylene carbonate which may have a substituent group or an aliphatic alkyl carboxylic acid ester which may have a substituent group.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus starts to change a curl correcting amount until when an upstream end in a sheet conveying direction of a preceding sheet passes through a curl correcting unit and finishes changing the curl correcting amount until when a succeeding sheet that follows the preceding sheet reaches the curl correcting unit in a case when the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet are both guided in the curl correcting unit through a conveying path and when the curl correcting amount is changed between curl correcting amounts of the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet.

Abstract: A drive transmission system includes a drive source and a gear. The drive source includes a rotating shaft, a magnet supported by the rotating shaft, and plural electromagnets. The plural electromagnets are arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, and surround the magnet. The drive source drives the rotating shaft to rotate by a predetermined rotation angle by exciting at least one of the plural electromagnets in accordance with an input of an input signal and by periodically changing a magnetic pole to which each of the plural electromagnets is excited in response to an input of the input signal. The gear is supported by the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a housing, a frame surrounding the housing, and a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. The keyboard is movable between a closed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the keys are accessible in both the closed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: In order to enables a user to easily specify a sheet storage unit to which sheets are supplied next without confirming an operation unit, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus for feeding a sheet from any one of a plurality of sheet storage units to print an image on the fed sheet. The method includes receiving an instruction to open a sheet storage unit, specifying, according to the received instruction, based on an attribute set to the sheet storage unit to which the instruction is issued, another sheet storage unit which has an attribute same as the attribute, and controlling the other specified sheet storage unit to be opened.

Abstract: A tape cassette that includes a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a pair of side surfaces, a tape that is a print medium housed in the housing, a tape exit that discharges, from the housing, the tape guided in the housing along a predetermined feed path, at least a part of the feed path extending parallel to the front surface, and a type indicator portion provided adjacent to the tape exit and in a specified area of the front surface on an upstream side of the tape exit in a feed direction of the tape, the type indicator portion indicating a type of the tape and including vertical information sections and an aperture formed in at least one of the vertical information sections, the vertical information sections being strip-shaped sections extending along a direction orthogonal to the feed direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a pick-up unit configured to pick up a printing medium stored in a printing medium storage unit and transport the picked printing medium to a printing medium transportation path provided inside a body, the pick-up unit having a pick-up roller to pick up the printing medium in the printing medium storage unit and a forward roller to guide the picked-up printing medium, to the printing medium transportation path, and the body including a guide portion slantingly extending from a lower side of the forward roller toward one side of the forward roller to guide the picked-up printing medium, and a plurality of locking protrusions protruding from the guide portion to prevent a plurality of printing media from being simultaneously entered to a gap between the forward roller and the guide portion.

Abstract: A writing instrument (1) having a writing instrument housing (3), with a writing nib (8) protruding beyond one end of said writing instrument housing, wherein the writing instrument (1) has a machine-readable data memory. The invention provides a functional element (5) at that end of the writing instrument housing (3) which is remote from the writing nib (8) and attaching at least one subregion of the functional element (5) to the writing instrument (1) in a detachable manner, and allowing the functional element (5) or its detachably attached subregion to contain the machine-readable data memory.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a portable working machine wherein: a control rod that can be split into two or more sprit rods; the sprit rods are fixedly connected to one another by tightening a fasten member using a lever; the fasten member is combined with the lever; and the lever is located at a position along with the control rod when the fasten member is tightened with the lever.

Abstract: A scaffold system and method having a hollow horizontal member with an internal wedge head at each end thereof, and internal wedge assembly with an external handle, and a vertical member having affixed in coaxial alignment therewith at least one grid patterned rosette. Each internal wedge head at the end of the horizontal member is configured to couple to the grid patterned rosette coupled to the vertical member substantially simultaneously using the wedge assembly mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for assembling two structural elements made from a composite material is provided. The device includes two cylindrical flanged receptacles, each pierced by an aperture perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, and a shaft that can be introduced into said apertures. The device also includes bearing means, which bear on the interior surfaces of the cylindrical receptacles and can maintain tension in the shaft when the shaft extends through the apertures in the two receptacles. The device includes means of placing the shaft under tension.

Abstract: Probe-based methods are provided for wire bonding and joining of structures. The wire bonds are formed via a meniscus-confined electrodeposition technique. The electrodeposition technique of the invention can also be used for fabricating one or more nano-sized or micro-sized elongated structures. The structures extend at least partially upwards from the surface of a substrate, and may extend fully upward from the substrate surface. Apparatus suitable for use with the electrodeposition technique are also provided.

Abstract: A doped 4N copper wire for bonding in microelectronics contains one or more corrosion resistance dopant materials selected from Ag, Ni, Pd, Au, Pt, and Cr. A total concentration of the corrosion resistance dopant materials is between about 10 wt. ppm and about 80 wt. ppm.

Abstract: A 3N copper wire with trace additions for bonding in microelectronics contains 3N copper and one or more corrosion resistance addition materials selected from Ag, Ni, Pd, Au, Pt, and Cr. A total concentration of the corrosion resistance addition materials is between about 90 wt. ppm and about 980 wt. ppm.

Abstract: An anti-rotation cam adapted to prevent rotation of a cable restraint is described. The anti-rotation cam includes a body having a through-hole adapted to be coupled to a fitting of the cable restraint, a first leg extending out from the body and adapted to prevent the cam from rotating in a clockwise direction, and a second leg extending out from the body and adapted to prevent the cam from rotating in a counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A nonlethal barrier system includes a first base having a frame, a shaft and a brake. The brake includes a stationary magnet physically coupled to the frame such that the shaft passes through the stationary magnet. Further, the brake includes an adjustable magnet that creates a magnetic field with the stationary magnet, where the strength of the magnetic field is alterable by rotating the adjustable magnet. A slab physically coupled to the shaft is disposed in the magnetic field. A net is furled around the shaft of the first base such that when an external force is applied to the net, the shaft of the first base rotates and unfurls at least a portion of the net. The slab applies a resistance, based on the strength of the magnetic field, to the shaft of the first base to control the rate at which the net unfurls from the shaft.

Abstract: Asphalt paving machine includes screed assembly, plurality of lower and upper plate fasteners, and upper and lower screed plates, each having openings, and an electric heater at least partially disposed between the plates. Upper and lower plate fasteners extend into openings of the respective upper and lower screed plates and bores of a frame portion of the screed assembly to couple the plates to the frame portion. The upper plate fasteners couple the upper screed plate to the frame portion independently of the lower screed plate, so the lower plate is displaceable from the upper plate and the frame portion.

Abstract: In a road finishing machine with a screed having a hydraulically movable extendable screed part, an electronic control device and a control panel linked to the control device and including an actuation instrument manually movable by the operator for adjusting the value of a control current for a proportional magnet of at least one proportional control valve and which can adjust the speed of a hydraulic movement actuator of the extendable screed part, a maximum value of kinetic resistance noticeable by the operator can be generated within the movement path of the movement actuator for adjusting either a predetermined movement speed or a transition between two different movement speeds of the movement actuator of the extendable screed part.

Abstract: A drainage channel includes a body configured to receive runoff from an adjacent surface; and a resilient edge secured to the drainage channel body. The resilient edge includes an opening extending longitudinally therethrough such that a wall of the resilient edge is capable of deforming inwardly towards the opening.

Abstract: At a location where unevenness 1000 is present, the condition of a seabed 200 is investigated in advance to examine the respective numbers of large filter units 51 and small filter units 52 to be used, and the position where the large filter units 51 and the small filter units 52 are to be installed. Based on the investigation result, the small filter units 52 are installed on the bottom of the unevenness 1000. The large filter units 51 are installed on the upper surface formed by the installed small filter units 52, and are leveled so that the upper surface formed by the installed large filter units 51 becomes flush with the seabed 200.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline from a laying vessel into a body of water includes guiding the pipeline along a supporting structure of a laying ramp using a number of guide devices, and acquiring an image of the pipeline, in an acquisition plane crosswise to the axis of the pipeline, at the free end of the laying ramp. The method also includes determining whether the acquired image is within an acceptance range predetermined as a function of the configuration of the supporting structure and the size of the pipeline, and emitting an error signal when the acquired image is not within the acceptance range.

Abstract: A method for gradually introducing thin-walled pipes into the ground includes inserting a pipe clamp, which has been arranged horizontally on a mast, into a horizontal pipe, bracing the pipe clamp (pipe gripping jaw) with the rear part of the pipe, moving the pipe clamp back with the pipe braced thereon, erecting the mast, with the tools, the pipe clamp and the pipe, into a vertical position, introducing the pipe to the desired depth with the tools, unclamping the pipe clamp and pulling it out of the pipe, and repositioning the mast back into a horizontal position. A device has a carrier unit, a mast, which can be pivoted between vertical and horizontal, tools with a pipe clamp, arranged on the mast, and a magazine a pipe arranged substantially horizontally. The pipe clamp is inserted into the pipe coaxially in relation to the pipe and substantially horizontally.

Abstract: A crimped connection system and methods for use in connection with the construction of earth walls is disclosed. A grid-type soil mat may be provided with a number of crimped ends. The crimped ends may be adapted for engagement through the use of a locking member with another soil mat or with a plurality of anchors partially embedded within a precast concrete panel. The plurality of anchors may be formed as part of a gang or unitary structure to facilitate alignment of the anchors when being cast into the precast concrete panels.

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a first end surface, a second end surface located opposite the first end surface and an axis extending so as to penetrate the first end surface and the second end surface. The insert includes two first cutting edges with a curve shape on a first end surface side and two second cutting edges with a curve shape on a second end surface side. Each of the first cutting edges is formed on an intersecting ridge portion between the first end surface and a corresponding side surface portion so as to curve on a plane orthogonal to the axis. Each of the second cutting edges is formed on an intersecting ridge portion between the second end surface and the corresponding side surface portion so as to curve on a plane orthogonal to the axis.

Abstract: A clamping device having a high clamping force and operability when a cutting insert is attached/detached is provided. The clamping device has a guide hole, a screw hole, a clamp member having a clamp portion and arranged movably in the guide hole, and a screw member screwed with the screw hole and movable in first and second directions, wherein the screw member can be engaged with the clamp member in movement both in the directions and the guide hole has a first cam surface engaged with the clamp member and converting a force in the first direction received from the screw member into a force for moving the clamp member in a direction toward the cutting insert and a second cam surface converting a force in the second direction into a force for moving the clamp portion in a direction away from the cutting insert.

Abstract: A cutting edge exchange type cutting tool includes a cutting insert and a body having a chip seat to which the cutting insert is attached. The cutting insert has a first inclined surface part and a second inclined surface part. In the first wall surface, a first abutting part which abuts on the first inclined surface part is formed. In the second wall surface, a second abutting part which abuts on the second inclined surface part is formed. The first and second inclined surface parts are formed with flat surfaces. The first inclined surface part is inclined at an obtuse angle to the bottom surface. The second inclined surface part is inclined at an acute angle to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A replaceable insert for tipped cutting tools is described. The replaceable insert has a peripheral wall bounding a first surface and an opposite second surface in which at least one of the first and second surfaces is convex.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a cutting head and a shank. The cutting head has a body, a head threaded portion, a first helical head surface and a second helical head surface. The shank has a cylindrical portion, a shank threaded portion, a first helical contact surface and a second helical contact surface. The head threaded portion screw-engages the shank threaded portion. The first helical head surface is parallel to the thread of the head threaded portion and the first helical contact surface is parallel to the thread of the shank threaded portion. The second helical head surface and the second helical contact surface are inclined reversely to the first helical head surface and the first helical contact surface, respectively. The first helical head surface comes into surface contact with the first helical contact surface. The second helical head surface comes into surface contact with the second helical contact surface.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a drill which enables a great reduction in cutting resistance and easy performance of a drilling operation by human power using a hand drill, a drilling machine, or the like. [Solution] A drill has two cutting edges formed symmetrically with respect to a rotation axis, and is subjected to thinning at the tip thereof. The cutting edge is configured from a thinned cutting edge (1) which extends in a shape including a curved line from a chisel edge to the outer peripheral side of the drill, and a main cutting edge (2) which extends from the end of the thinned cutting edge to the outer peripheral end of the drill when viewed from the tip side of the drill, and a thinned surface formed by the thinned cutting edge is formed into an approximately parabolic shape inclined in a drill axis direction when viewed from the front side of the drill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an acoustic absorbent panel, comprising the following steps: provision of a sheet of plastic material, formation of a plurality of through-slots in the sheet by milling using at least one milling tool. The invention makes it possible to manufacture an acoustic absorbent panel quickly and inexpensively.

Abstract: A support saddle (20, 24) for supporting a load (14) having a taper profile along an axial length of the load (14). The support saddle (20, 24) comprises a lower surface (20A, 24A) for resting on a surface (10A) of a transportation vehicle load bed (10) and an upper surface (20B, 24B) defining a taper to substantially match the taper profile of the load (10) in a region of the load contacting the upper surface (20B, 24B), the upper surface (20B, 24B) for receiving the load (10). In other embodiments the support saddles (20, 24) are used with inserts (64, 65) and/or cushions (45). One or more of the support saddles (20, 24), the inserts (64, 65) and the cushions (45) may comprise a tapered upper surface to match the taper profile of the load (14).

Abstract: The invention discloses a plug-type mounting for separably connecting an equipment element to a substructure that includes a retainer and a plug element, wherein an interlocking device for engaging the plug element with the retainer is assigned to the retainer and the plug element includes a retaining bolt with a rear bolt ring surface for cooperating with the interlocking device, and wherein the interlocking device includes at least one sliding segment with an arc-shaped interlocking surface.