Abstract: A charging device includes a corona charger, provided with an opening opposing a photosensitive member, for electrically charging the photosensitive member; a sheet-like member provided so that the sheet-like member can cover the opening; a movable device for moving the sheet-like member; and a regulating device for regulating a shape of the sheet-like member so that a central portion of the sheet-like member protrudes toward the corona charger with respect to a circumferential direction of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A digital printer has at least one print group with a station to generate charge images of images to be printed on a charge image carrier, the station having a developer station to ink the charge images using liquid carrier having toner and carrier fluid. The developer station comprises a rotating application unit that transports the liquid developer to the charge image carrier. The feed system feeds the liquid developer to the application unit. The dosing unit adjacent to the application unit and after the feed system comprises a dosing roller and an elastic unit acting on the dosing roller, the elastic unit exerting an adjustable contact pressure force on the dosing roller in a direction of the application unit.

Abstract: Provided is a powder transport device including a guide tube that guides a falling powder, a guide member that guides transport of the fallen powder, a transport member that is disposed in the guide member, has a helical member extending in a transport direction of the powder, and transports the fallen powder through rotation, and a swing member that is disposed at a lower end portion of the guide tube, and has a portion which is folded or bent in a direction of enclosing inner wall surfaces of the guide tube and a convex portion which intermittently contacts with the helical member so as to swing the portion.

Abstract: Provided is a toner transport device including a transport member that transports a developer in one direction, a toner feeding member disposed adjacent to, in a direction crossing the one direction, an end portion of the transport member, and a housing that is provided with a toner receiving port which receives supply of toner in an upper section of the toner feeding member, and accommodates the transport member and the toner feeding member, wherein the toner feeding member includes a rotating shaft, and a flat plate portion that protrudes in a direction away from a shaft member with one side thereof being connected to the shaft member and a front end portion away from the shaft member having a tapered shape, the flat plate portion rotating along with rotation of the shaft member to scrape the toner that moves from the toner receiving port toward the toner feeding member.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developing-device body that includes a supply opening to which toner is supplied and a transporting member that is provided in the developing-device body and that transports the toner and a carrier while stirring the toner and the carrier. The transporting member includes a rotating shaft, a first transporting section, and a second transporting section. The first transporting section and the second transporting section are spirally formed around the rotating shaft. The number of spirals of the first transporting section is less than the number of spirals of the second transporting section. At least a portion of the first transporting section opposes the supply opening of the developing-device body. The second transporting section is formed at a portion other than the first transporting section that opposes the supply opening.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer bearer to carry developer, a first developer compartment from which developer is supplied to the developer bearer, a second developer compartment from which developer is sent to the first developer compartment, and first and second communicating portions through which developer is circulated between the first and second developer compartments. The second communicating portion to send developer from the second developer compartment to the first developer compartment is constructed of multiple openings.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; a flexible developer bag, provided with an opening and provided inside the frame, for containing a developer; and an elastic member for discharging the developer through the opening by acting on the developer bag. The elastic member is extended from a free state by contact with the developer bag, and elastic energy accumulated by extension of the elastic member acts on the developer bag to discharge the developer through the opening.

Abstract: A developer storage body includes a storage portion in which a developer is stored, a supplying opening through which the developer is ejected, and a conveying member provided in the storage portion. The conveying member is rotatable about a rotation axis so as to convey the developer to the supplying opening. The supplying opening is provided with a plurality of slits extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the conveying member.

Abstract: A developing device is provided. The developing device includes a housing, a developer carrier which is rotatably supported by the housing, and a layer thickness regulating member which includes a blade configured to contact the developer carrier along a rotational axial direction of the developer carrier, a support member supporting the blade, and a reinforcement member provided at an opposite side to the support member with respect to the blade and reinforcing the blade. The support member includes a first part which contacts the blade, and to which the blade is fixed, a second part which is connected to the reinforcement member, and a third part which is attached to the housing. As viewed from the rotational axial direction, the first part and the third part are provided on a same first plane, and the second part is provided on a second plane intersecting with the first plane.

Abstract: A developing roller to bear toner thereon is provided. The developing roller includes a cylindrical electroconductive substrate; an electroconductive elastic layer located on a peripheral surface of the cylindrical electroconductive substrate; and a toner bearing layer located on a peripheral surface of the electroconductive elastic layer. The toner bearing layer includes a polyurethane resin, which is a reaction product of at least an isocyanate compound having an isocyanurate structure and a polyol at a NCO/OH molar ratio of from 90 to 110. The toner bearing layer has a water contact angle of from 135° to 155°, and a static friction coefficient of from 0.10 to 0.15.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus forms decision registration mark for deciding whether or not a color registration correction for correcting color shifts in the color image carries out on an intermediate transfer belt. The decision registration mark is formed by registering four color registration marks. Color registration sensors detect a detection width of the decision registration mark along a sub scanning direction. A control portion receives the detection width of the decision registration mark and decides whether or not the color registration correction carries out based on whether or not the detection width of the decision mark detected by the detection portion exceeds the period of reference time. When the detection width of the decision mark detected by the detection portion exceeds the period of reference time, the control portion carries out the color registration correction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method which reduces time taken for color registration and reflects misregistration of colors in real time to correct color misregistration of prints are provided.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises a heating unit configured to heat a sheet when the sheet is conveyed between a pair of rollers, a first guide unit that supports and guides movement of the heating unit in a first direction towards a predetermined position exterior to the sheet processing apparatus, and a second guide unit that supports and guides further movement of the heating unit in the first direction in cooperation with the first guide unit, the second guide unit including an abutment section configured to stop movement of the heating unit in the first direction when the heating unit reaches the predetermined position.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member, a heating device for heating the fixing member, a pressure member, and a separation unit. The pressure member is pressed against the fixing member to form a fixing nip for receiving a recording medium carrying an unfixed toner image and fixing the unfixed toner image on the recording medium. The separation unit has a surface facing the fixing member and having an opening therein. The separation unit includes a separation member and a removable rubbing member. The separation member disposed in the opening in the separation unit to be located near an exit of the fixing nip separates the recording medium from the fixing member. The rubbing member is housed in the separation unit and contactable with the fixing member through the opening in the separation unit, and rubs against a surface of the fixing member.

Abstract: There is provided a fixing device that may include: an endless belt having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space and configured to circularly move about a first axis extending in an axial direction; a heater and a nip plate extending through the internal space; a rotary body; a restricting member and a biasing member. The rotary body and the nip member may nip the endless belt therebetween. The restricting member may restrict displacement of the endless belt in the axial direction, the restricting member having a restricting surface configured to oppose an axial end face of the endless belt in the axial direction. The biasing member may bias the restricting member toward the axial end face of the endless belt.

Abstract: A fixing device may include: an endless belt circularly movable about a first axis extending in an axial direction; a nip member and a heater extending in an internal space defined by an inner peripheral surface of the endless belt; and a rotary body disposed to be opposite to the heater with respect to the nip member. The nip member may slidingly contact the inner peripheral surface. The rotary body and the nip member may nip the endless belt therebetween. The nip member may include a main portion extending in the axial direction and having a first axial end portion; and a protruding portion protruding from the first axial end portion toward the heater, the protruding portion having a first surface configured to receive radiant heat from the heater.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotatable fixing member, a pressing member to contact the fixing member with pressure to form a nip between the pressing member and the fixing member, an induction heating unit serving as a heating source to heat the fixing member, and a conductive wire drawn out of the induction heating unit to be disposed outside the cover member through a hole provided substantially at a center of the cover member in a longitudinal direction of the induction heating unit. The induction heating unit includes an excitation coil, a coil holder to hold the excitation coil, and a cover member provided facing the coil holder with the coil holder interposed between the cover member and the fixing member.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an image forming apparatus and an image erasing apparatus are disclosed. The image forming apparatus receives a degree of freedom regarding whether to erase an image and forms the image using an erasable color material corresponding to the degree of freedom. The image erasing apparatus receives a degree of freedom regarding whether to erase an image and erases the image under the erasing process condition corresponding to the degree of freedom.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a housing, a photosensitive drum, a cleaning blade, a contact portion, and a contacted portion. The housing and drum are disposed in an internal space of the main body. The blade is a plate-shaped elastic member extending in an axial direction of a rotational axis of the drum, is supported by the housing, and contacts a circumferential surface of the drum for cleaning. The contact portion is disposed opposite the housing in the main body. The contacted portion is disposed at a center portion, in the axial direction, of the housing and is contacted by the contact portion. A position of the center portion, in the axial direction, of the housing is adjusted in a cross section intersecting the axial direction by the housing being inserted into the internal space and the contact portion coming into contact with the contacted portion.

Abstract: A sheet feeding cassette according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a sheet feeding cassette that displaces a bottom plate loaded thereon with a sheet to a sheet feeding position by rotating a lift plate that abuts on a rear face of the bottom plate. The bottom plate is made of resin, and a wire is wired on the rear face of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A bypass feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes an opening/closing unit opening and closing with respect to an apparatus body between a unit closed state and a unit open state, a bypass tray opening and closing with respect to the opening/closing unit between a tray closed state and a tray open state, a linkage including a flexible-member fixing member and connecting the opening/closing unit to the apparatus body, and a flexible member having one end fixed to the fixing member and the other end fixed to the bypass tray. When the opening/closing unit is changed to the unit open state while the bypass tray is rotated away from the opening/closing unit to the tray open state, the fixing member of the linkage shifts by pulling the flexible member to hold the bypass tray at a substantially horizontal line with respect to a sheet loading surface.

Abstract: A ribbon tension control system for a printing system includes a ribbon tension control apparatus. The ribbon tension control apparatus is configured to engage a print ribbon that extends through the printing system for applying one or more inks in the print ribbon to one or more target objects as the print ribbon is pulled from an unwind spindle to a windup spindle in the printing system. The ribbon tension control apparatus also is configured to control tension in the ribbon in response to change in a torque applied to the windup spindle that is used to pull the ribbon through the printing system.

Abstract: A mobile printing system includes a mobile printing apparatus including: a chassis; a first wheel rotatably mounted on the chassis; a second wheel rotatably mounted on the chassis; a first motor for rotating the first wheel; a second motor for rotating the second wheel; a first encoder for monitoring an amount of rotation of the first wheel; a second encoder for monitoring an amount of rotation of the second wheel; a photosensor array; and an array of marking elements disposed proximate the photosensor array; a printing region for the mobile printing apparatus; a home base including a cap configured to surround the array of marking elements; and a controller for controlling the operation of the mobile printing apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a printer comprising a roll storage part, a feeder, a printing head, a first guide member, a second guide member, and a driving gear. The first and second guide members guide a print-receiving medium in a width direction and provided in an advanceable and retreatable manner. The driving gear makes the first and second guide members advance and retreat. The roll storage part comprises a first through-hole for guiding the first guide member in the width direction, and a second through-hole for guiding the second guide member in the width direction. The first guide member comprises a first driven part configured to mesh with the driving gear, and a first sandwiching part holding the first guide member. The second guide member comprises a second driven part configured to mesh with the driving gear, and a second sandwiching part holding the second guide member.

Abstract: An applique vessel for storing applique is described. The vessel includes: an interior surface; and an applique removal feature positioned along a portion of the interior surface. An applique vessel for storing applique includes: a body adapted to store applique; and a top comprising an application element, where the body and the top adapted to form a vessel if coupled, and the top is adapted to couple to the body via a compression fit. An applique system adapted to store and apply applique includes: a flexible body adapted to store applique; a top including an application element; and an applique removal feature positioned along a portion of the flexible body. An application element adapted to apply applique to a user includes: a frame having a particular shape; and a set of protuberances extending from the frame.

Abstract: A sleeved leveling device with an anti-skid design is provided with a sleeve portion and a trimming portion formed at one end of the sleeve portion. Anti-skid ribs formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve portion will produce friction with respect to the nozzle of the sealant gun to ensure that the sleeved leveling device can be firmly sleeved on the sealant gun without falling off. An injection hole of the leveling device has an obtuse angle which enables the sealant to flow out successfully even when the user doesn't hold the leveling device in a perpendicular position to the surface where a seam to be filled is located. Moreover, the inner trimming surface of the trimming portion is arc-shaped, so that remnant sealant will be collected in the center of the inner trimming surface without overflowing, and the cleanliness of seam-filling operation is assured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage system for storing documents. The storage system comprises securing means for securing the documents, a carriage for carrying the securing means, the carriage having location means for locating the securing means, and a support structure from which the carriage can be extended so that a face of the secured documents can be viewed.

Abstract: A device for aligning mounting parts on a vehicle body having a mounting structure extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, having a holding unit fastened to the mounting structure, to which holding unit at least one mounting part can be attached via fastening means and can be aligned via aligning means relative to a further mounting part in an adjustment direction, wherein as alignment means a linear control element is provided which is connected to the mounting structure in an axially-secure manner and is adjustable in the adjustment direction relative to a holding body of the holding unit engaged with the linear control element, and that the fastening means is arranged at a location remote from the alignment means.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a jointed member. The jointed member may include a first elongate section having a surface defining a first oblong opening, a second elongate section having a surface defining a second oblong opening, and a fastener passing through the first oblong opening and the second opening to connect the first elongate section and the second elongate section, where the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening move relative each other and the fastener as the jointed member transitions from a first predetermined state towards a second predetermined state.

Abstract: An improved ball joint for use in a motor vehicle steering or suspension system includes a housing, a bearing disposed in the housing, and a ball stud supported within the housing by the bearing. The bearing includes at least a first bearing member formed from a first material and a second bearing member formed from a second dampening material attached to at least a portion of an outer surface of the first bearing member. The first bearing member has a bidirectional slot formed therein which is configured to allow the ball stud to articulate in a first direction and restrict and dampen articulation in a second direction which is generally transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A joint housing of a ball joint comprises a sheet-metal part for accommodating a ball head, which is substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to a joint axis and includes a circumferential wall portion, wherein the circumferential wall portion includes a housing opening at an axial end, through which a joint pin can extend, wherein the sheet-metal part is formed with two layers at this axial end of the circumferential wall portion.

Abstract: A shackle assembly with a unitary body has a closed geometry with a primary opening therethrough. A first side member has a first side aperture extending transversely therethrough with a first inside surface. A second side member is spaced apart from the first side member and has a second side aperture extending transversely at least partially through the second side member. End portions extend between and connect the first side member and the second side member. The second side aperture is opposite the first side aperture and axially aligned with the first side aperture. A pin has a head portion positioned at least partially within the first side aperture and a tip portion positioned at least partially within the second side aperture. A pin body extending between the head portion and the tip portion along a central longitudinal axis and is sized to pass through the first side aperture.

Abstract: An engaging member moved upward by an urging force of a spring member built in a bottom part of a rotatable-side member has a fitting groove for allowing a top end of the spring member to be fit thereto; and engaging parts of the engaging member and engageable parts of a fixed-side member, which are engaged with each other to provisionally fix the rotatable-side member, are formed at one neutral position and at an opposite position opposite thereto.

Abstract: A brazing process and plate assembly are disclosed. The brazing process includes positioning a braze foil on a first workpiece, then securing the braze foil to the first workpiece to form a brazable component, then positioning a second workpiece proximal to the brazable component, and then brazing the second workpiece to the brazable component. Additionally or alternatively, the brazing process includes positioning the braze foil on a tube, then securing the braze foil to the tube to form a brazable tube, then positioning a plate of a plate assembly proximal to the brazable tube, and then brazing the plate to the brazable tube. The plate assembly includes a plate and a tube brazed to the plate by a braze foil secured to the tube.

Abstract: A lockdown device for a display case includes a platform configured to couple the lockdown device to a surface, and a lockdown bracket coupled to the platform and configured to attach to the display case. The lockdown bracket includes a first connecting portion having a substantially horizontal plate coupled to the platform, and a second receiving portion. The second receiving portion includes a substantially vertical plate, a first side plate having a first set of slots, the first side plate coupled to the vertical plate and forming a non-right angle with the vertical plate. The second receiving portion also includes a second side plate having a second set of slots, the second side plate coupled to the vertical plate and forming a non-right angle with the vertical plate. Both sets of slots are configured to attach to the display case, and the side plates are configured to reduce the movement of the lockdown bracket relative to the display case.

Abstract: A tool coupler for connecting a machine to a tool is disclosed. The tool coupler may have a first frame module having a first pair of side plates and a pair of aligned bores passing through the first pair of side plates. The aligned bores may be configured to receive pins that are connectable to a linkage of the machine. The tool coupler may also have a second frame module releasably attached to the first frame module. The second frame module may have a second pair of side plates and a pair of hooks fixedly connected to the second pair of side plates. The pair of hooks may be configured to receive corresponding pins that are connectable to the tool.

Abstract: A lug reversibly connectable to a wear plate having a hole extending therethrough. The lug includes a coupling means and a plug. The plug comprises an upper surface. In a first position the lug is connectable to an underside of the wear plate such that the coupling means extends through said hole and outward from an upper surface of the wear plate an in this position can be engaged by a hoist. In a second position the lug is connectable to the underside of said wear plate such that the plug fills said hole whereby the upper surface of the plug is aligned with the upper surface of the wear plate to thereby present an even wear surface.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a drum, such as a mulcher drum comprises an intermediate shaft coupled to drive the drum by way of a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling may be located on an inside of a hub of the drum. A hydraulic or other motor is coupled to drive the intermediate shaft by a splined coupling. Lubrication of the splined coupling is enhanced by a supply of grease contained in a central passage within the intermediate shaft. The drive mechanism may be direct drive from a hydraulic or other suitable motor. The drive mechanism can be compact and robust against collateral damage resulting from failure of drum support bearings.

Abstract: A compression sleeve for connecting and swaging cable has an outer housing having one or more passages therethrough for holding a cable having a sheath thereon. The passages have a series of teeth separated by blunt roots which extrudes and removes the sheath from the cable thereby swaging the sleeve to a metal portion of the cable. The sleeve can be pressed at a first central position such that the teeth engage the sheath of the cable. The sleeve can also be pressed at subsequent positions extending outwardly from the central position of the sleeve such that the teeth engage the sheath of the cable.

Abstract: A vehicle barrier fence for arresting an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the fence. The fence having, in part: a retaining structure, at least one cable having a first end comprising a cable terminator, a post having an orifice defined there through sized to receive the cable terminator into the post, and a cable retainer for retaining the cable terminator within the post.

Abstract: The invention is a walking exercise park with a man-made hill. The hill can contain one or more slopes and steps that can be selected and walked or jogged. The goal of the man-made hill is to conveniently provide improved and expeditious health and fitness benefits as compared with ordinary park or level track walking. A person will be able to easily manage walking path elevation changes and have complete control over their workout on a concentrated footprint in a safe environment. The park can also be used for sports or athletic training or physical therapy and injury rehabilitation. The park can be lighted or covered or enclosed.

Abstract: Pick hole guards are provided for use in guarding pick holes on manhole covers. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pick hole guards can have a base, biasing member, and guard member. The biasing member can be attached to the base and guard member, and can bias the guard member toward a pick hole on the manhole cover to guard the pick hole. In other embodiments, the pick hole guards do not have movable guard members, but instead have retaining surfaces to serve as a receptacle for catching waste disposed through a pick hole.

Abstract: There are described a height adjusting device for an extendable screed plate for a road finisher and a road finisher comprising such a device. A ground element of the extendable screed plate is disposed with two pairs of worm gears on a top part of the extendable screed plate for vertical displacement thereon, wherein the worm gears of each pair are interconnected by a power transmission for concomitant actuation. Each pair is provided with a releasable clutch, preferably a conical clutch, by means of which the connection between an adjusting member of a pair and the associated transmission gear can be broken.

Abstract: A two-piece construction compaction cleat and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The compactor includes a base member affixable to a compactor wheel and having a bottom portion and a center flange, with the center flange extending upwardly from the bottom portion to form an upper ridge and being generally aligned along a center line of the base member. The compactor cleat also includes a cap member secured to the base member and positioned thereover so as to cover at least a portion of the base member, with the cap member having an arrangement of openings configured to receive the center flange therein. The center flange of the base member and the arrangement of openings formed in the cap member are configured to provide for a size-on-size fit between the base member and the cap member, so as to secure the cap member to the base member.

Abstract: In an apparatus for disposing of wastewater in subsurface soil, corrosion-resistant wire-mesh is formed by profile-rolling into a conduit-arch skeletal framework with open floor and is covered with non-woven geofabric. This conduit, set in excavated trenches to form a leach field and is buried with permeable soil cover, allows dispersal of wastewater throughout the trenches without distribution pipe or crushed stone, and allows substantial evaporation from the trenches and substantial air infiltration into the trenches to encourage aerobic degradation of organics and ammonium. The wire-mesh is derived from easily available coils sold for wire-mesh fencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flood barrier and method of flood protection. According to the invention there is provided a flood barrier comprising a plurality of pillars adapted to be secured adjacent to a doorway of a building. Each pillar has a first sealing member for its bottom surface, and a second sealing member for its longitudinal surface. The pillars can be separable, or they can be interconnected to form a unitary structure by a flexible and resilient securing beam.

Abstract: The method according to the invention comprises providing a flexible line (18) and a bend limiter axially immobilized around the flexible line (18) by a releasable immobilizing mechanism (46). It includes partially inserting the flexible line (18) through a hollow rigid member (40), immobilizing the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member (40), and deactivating the releasable immobilizing mechanism (46). The releasable immobilizing mechanism (46) is deactivated independently of the movement of the flexible line (18) relative to the bend limiter.

Abstract: A trench plow blade for removing cable below ground which includes a plow member having upper and a lower end and a plow wedge disposed at the lower end, the trench plow blade receiving air or water for loosening the ground above the cable or reciprocally moving the plow member relative to the plow wedge. Apparatus for the removal of cable buried in the ground and a method relating to removal of buried cable with a trenching plow blade is disclosed.

Abstract: A foundation repair system comprising a starter pile, a cable, a stop, and at least one piling segment. The starter pile includes an elongate housing and a base with an opening therethrough. The cable extends from the elongate housing, through the base and through the piling segments. The piling segments include a first portion with a first cross-sectional area and a second portion with a second-smaller cross-sectional area, the second portion of one piling segment resting atop the first portion of the lower piling segment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dispensers of bedding materials for laboratory animal cages. According to one embodiment of a dispensing unit, materials are drawn into a storage chute by a vacuum and dispensing is accomplished in a dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes having dispensing openings through which material is dispensed into cages. While in a first position, a material directing gate allows the materials to be dispensed through one of the dispensing chutes into a first number of cages, and through another one of the dispensing chutes into a second number of cages while in a second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum from the vacuum blower is utilized to remove dust from the dispensing area where material is dispensed into cages. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for aligning, indexing and drying laboratory animal cages which have already been cleaned in a cleaning station.