Abstract: A toner containing a toner particle containing a binder resin, wherein the binder resin contains a styrene-acrylic resin and a crystalline resin, and the crystalline resin is a block polymer or a graft polymer in which the mass ratio between the crystalline segment and an amorphous segment is 30:70 to 90:10, and wherein, in the total heat flow measured for the binder resin by a temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimeter, the peak temperature of an endothermic peak is from 55.0° C. to 90.0° C., and the percentage of the endothermic quantity of the endothermic peak in the reversing heat flow with respect to the endothermic quantity of the endothermic peak in the total heat flow is from 0.0% to 35.0%.

Abstract: A resin composition for a toner including a polyester resin and a colorant, wherein the polyester resin has A(10)-A(180) of 70 or greater, where A(10) (%) is a transmittance of light having a wavelength of 500 nm through a mixture of 20 parts by mass of the polyester resin added to 80 parts by mass of ethyl acetate and stirred at 25° C. for 10 minutes, and A(180) (%) is the transmittance after the mixture is left to stand for 3 hours.

Abstract: A low energy consumption monochrome particle includes a core latex having a core a glass transition temperature and a weight average molecular weight. A shell encapsulates the core and includes a shell latex having a shell glass transition temperature and a weight average molecular weight. The glass transition temperature of the shell latex is higher than the glass transition temperature of the core latex. The weight average molecular weight of the shell latex is lower or higher than the weight average molecular weight of the core latex. The low energy consumption monochrome particles are suitable for high speed printing in SCD systems while decreasing minimum fusing temperature, maintaining excellent hot offset and storage, and exhibiting a matte finish.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image for detection on a photosensitive member by light irradiation and performs color-misregistration correction control on the basis of detection of a change in detection current due to the detecting electrostatic latent image passing through a processing unit disposed close to the periphery of the photosensitive member, the intensity of at least one of the apply voltage of the processing unit and the output of the light irradiation unit is set higher than that during normal image formation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a sensor that detects discontinuation of printing or a decrease in print speed; and an electric circuit configured to set an available time to print according to an amount of advance payment; count a usage time during which the image forming apparatus is used; determine permission or prohibition of printing based on the available time to print and the usage time; determine whether to count the usage time based on a factor for the discontinuation of printing or the decrease in print speed when the sensor detects the discontinuation of printing or the decrease in print speed; and prohibit printing when the counted usage time reaches the available time to print.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a CPU as a judgment unit, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating a toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode. The CPU is configured to judge assembly or non-assembly of the cartridge with respect to the main casing and to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The cartridge electrode is movable by a predetermined moving amount to permit the main electrode to be movable. As a result of a movement of the main electrode in accordance with the movement of the cartridge electrode, the CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for manufacturing a toner supply roller in which the toner conveying performance and the scraping performance of unneeded toner are excellent as well as the above-mentioned problems in molding can be resolved.

Abstract: A developing apparatus, including: a developer carrying member; a regulating member configured to regulate developer carried on the developer carrying member; a first conveying member provided in a first chamber; and a second conveying member provided in a second chamber, the first conveying member being provided at a position overlapping with a vertical line passing through a position of the regulating member, the position of the regulating member being closest to the developer carrying member, a periphery of the first conveying member is moved in the same direction as a peripheral surface of the developer carrying member at a position at which the first conveying member faces the developer carrying member, the vertical line overlapping with a part of a rotation region of the first conveying member in which the periphery of the first conveying member is moved in a downward direction.

Abstract: A developing apparatus, including: a developing sleeve; a regulating member configured to regulate a developer; a first chamber; a second chamber communicating with the first chamber to form a circulation route of the developer; and a magnet fixed in the developing sleeve and including a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole having the same polarity as the first magnetic pole and being arranged adjacently to and downstream of the first magnetic pole, and a third magnetic pole having a different polarity from the second magnetic pole and being arranged adjacently to and downstream of the second magnetic pole, the second magnetic pole being arranged upstream of an intersection at which a vertical line passing through a rotation center of a first conveying member in the first chamber arranged below the rotation center of the developing sleeve intersects with a lower surface of the developing sleeve.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming device including an image holding member that is rotatable at a first speed and a second speed, a developing unit that includes a developing part that is rotatable at a third speed and a fourth speed, and a carrying part that is rotatable at a fifth speed and a sixth speed, and a control unit that executes a change of a high speed mode in which the image holding member is operated at the first speed, the developing part is operated at the third speed and the carrying part is operated at the fifth speed to perform development and a low speed mode in which the image holding member is operated at the second speed, the developing part is operated at the fourth speed and the carrying part is operated at the sixth speed to perform development.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring a deposited toner amount of a toner patch formed on a toner carrier, an intersection between a light outgoing and incoming plane including an optical axis of the light emitting portion and light receiving portion of an optical sensor and a surface of the toner carrier is perpendicular to a direction of propagation thereof. The light outgoing and incoming plane is inclined at a mounting angle toward the direction of propagation of the toner carrier with respect to a plane including the intersection. A control unit calculates the deposited toner amount in accordance with one of a peak value and a bottom value of a sense voltage in a thickness determining region and calculates the deposited toner amount in accordance with the other of the peak value and the bottom value in an area determining region.

Abstract: A cartridge includes: a casing for accommodating developer; a rotatable body rotatably provided at the casing; a pivot member; and a biasing member. The rotatable body is rotatable about a rotational axis, the rotatable body having an outer circumference defining a rotational path during rotation. The pivot member is disposed at the rotatable body at a position offset from the rotational axis and is pivotable about a pivot fulcrum extending in a direction parallel to a tangential direction of the rotational path. The pivot member being pivotably movable between an erect position in which the pivot member erects to form a first angle relative to the rotatable body and a collapsed position in which the pivot member pivots toward the rotatable body to form a second angle smaller than the first angle relative to the rotational body. The biasing member biases the pivot member toward the erect position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to securely close a discharge port of a toner cartridge by a shutter. The shutter to close the discharge port is provided with shutter-side coupling portions. A toner cartridge holding member is provided with holding member-side coupling portions which are coupled with the shutter-side coupling portions and close the discharge port by sliding the shutter according to movement of a toner accommodating portion, holding coupling portions to restrict movement of the toner cartridge in a direction in which coupling of the holding member-side coupling portions is released, and holding member-side inducing portions which induces the toner cartridge in a direction in which coupling with the shutter-side coupling portions is released after the discharge port is closed.

Abstract: A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge, and methods, having an added primary charge roper cleaning roller assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning roller assembly engages the bare ends the primary charge roller shafts; installation of the cleaning roller assembly into the cartridge is accomplished by reinstalling the primary charge roller, with the assembly, into the cartridge's primary charge roller shaft saddles. The cleaning roller may be adapted to rotate through contact with the primary charge roller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a transfer belt which transfers a recording medium, a recording section which performs recording on the recording medium, and a wiper blade which is able to abut with the transfer belt, wherein the wiper blade is supported in a state of being clamped by clamping members. Extension lengths of the clamping members, which are from an clamping region in the direction toward the transfer belt, are different depending on the clamping member. The extension length of the clamping member, which is on the downstream side in the movement direction of the transfer belt to transfer the recording medium during recording, is longer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus (100) is equipped with a plurality of photoreceptor drums (31A to 31D), an intermediate transfer belt (41), a separating and contacting mechanisms (20), a tension roller (44), a meandering correction mechanism, and a controller. The separating and contacting mechanism (20) displaces the intermediate transfer belt (41). The meandering correction mechanism increases and decreases a biasing force applied to each of the opposite end portions of the tension roller (44) according to the amount of movement of the intermediate transfer belt (41) in the axial direction (94) of the tension roller (44). The controller, during a non-image forming period, at a predetermined timing during rotation of the intermediate transfer belt (41), executes a belt displacement process in which the intermediate transfer belt (41) is displaced from a predetermined reference position and then returned to the reference position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, an image forming unit, an intermediate transfer member, a secondary transfer member, an image detector, a computing device, and a conveyor device. The computing device calculates a traveling speed of the intermediate transfer member based on detection information provided by the image detector. The conveyor device continuously transports to a secondary transfer portion a plurality of recording media one by one at a predetermined interval between successive recording media. The image forming unit forms a test image at a space between successive recording-medium contact regions of the intermediate transfer member at which the recording medium contacts the intermediate transfer member. A travel distance of the intermediate transfer member from the detection position on the intermediate transfer member to the secondary transfer portion in a traveling direction thereof is shorter than the space between the successive recording-medium contact regions.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer. The substrate layer substrate layer includes a polyimide having dispersed therein a plurality of poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers. An intermediate layer is disposed on the substrate layer. A release layer is disposed on the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A foamed body molding system includes a side mold to constitute a side surface of a cylindrical cavity, a flange unit including an upper connection member to constitute an upper surface of the cylindrical cavity, a first vent hole to connect the cylindrical cavity with an upper space thereof, and a metal shaft having a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical cavity disposed with its lower end entering the cylindrical cavity and its upper end coaxially held with the cylindrical cavity, an upper cap unit to hold the flange unit including a second vent hole to vent air ejected from the first vent hole, and a lower cap unit including a lower connection member to constitute a lower surface of the cylindrical cavity and a raw molding material introduction cylindrical hole formed at a coaxial position with the cylindrical cavity to introduce raw molding material.

Abstract: A printing device, including a fuser section for printing operations and first and second fuser rollers for the fuser section arranged to: displace a plurality of sheets of print material in a process direction; and substantially simultaneously disengage from a trailing edge of a first sheet from the plurality of sheets; and engage a leading edge of a second sheet from the plurality of sheets. A printing device, including: a fuser section for printing operations and including first and second fuser rollers; a motor arranged to rotate the first and second fuser rollers to displace a plurality of sheets of material in a process direction; and a control system configured to measure a torque produced by the motor and according to a value of the measured torque, control a speed at which the first and second fuser rollers displace the plurality of sheets of print material in the process direction.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit; a fixing unit; a motor; a transmission device configured to transmit a driving power from the motor with a speed transmission ratio selectable from a first speed transmission ratio and a second speed transmission ratio; and a control unit configured to control the transmission device to set the speed transmission ratio to one of the first speed transmission ratio and the second speed transmission ratio by controlling the transmission device to switch a connection state being set by a connection mechanism into one of a connected state and a disconnected state.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes: an endless belt configured to heat a toner image on a recording material at a nip; an electroconductive portion provided along a circumferential direction of the endless belt at a longitudinal end portion of the endless belt; a first contact portion and a second contact portion which contact the electroconductive portion at different positions with respect to the circumferential direction; an electric voltage supplying portion configured to supply an electric voltage to the electroconductive portion through the first contact portion; and a detecting portion configured to detect, whether or not electrical conduction is established, through the second contact portion.

Abstract: An image heating device includes, a moving member configured to move while contacting a recording material at one surface of the moving member, a backup member configured to contact the other surface of the moving member, a holding member configured to hold the backup member, a nip portion forming member contacting the one surface of the moving member, and configured to form a nip portion in corporation with the backup member via the moving member, and a high thermal conductive member held between the holding member and the backup member, wherein the recording material on which an image has been formed is heated by heat received from the moving member while being nipped and conveyed at the nip portion, and wherein the holding member includes a recessed portion configured not to apply pressure to the high thermal conductive member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing portion for fixing an image on a recording material while feeding the recording material carrying the image; a guiding member, provided downstream of the fixing portion with respect to a feeding direction of the recording material, for guiding the recording material; and an openable member for opening and closing a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the guiding member move to narrow a feeding path of the recording material wherein the openable member is opened.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a correction unit configured to correct image data based on a correction condition; an image forming unit configured to form an image based on the image data corrected by the correction unit; a measurement unit configured to measure a measurement image formed by the image forming unit; an update unit configured to control the correction unit to correct measurement image data based on the correction condition, control the image forming unit to form the measurement image based on the corrected measurement image data, and update the correction condition based on a measurement result and reference data corresponding to the measurement image; and a control unit configured to control whether or not to convert a measuring result of a target measurement image by the measurement unit to target reference data corresponding to the target measurement image.

Abstract: A method of printing is provided comprising: assigning a first set of image performance parameters from a plurality of image performance parameters to an associated image job; communicating the initially assigned first set of image performance parameters of the associated image job to an image marking engine; determining a queue of other image jobs assigned to the image marking engine, wherein the other image jobs are queued before the associated image job; and, assigning a second set of image performance parameters to the associated image job. The second set of image performance parameters can alter the first set of image performance parameters. The altering of the first set of image performance parameters to the second set of image performance parameters reduces a print duration to complete printing of the associated image job. The altering can further include reordering the queue of print jobs.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus in which a toner consumption coefficient is determined in accordance with a type of a job, and an amount of consumed toner is calculated based on the number of pages in the job and the determined toner consumption coefficient.

Abstract: A memory section 1013, an image forming section 150, a control section 101, and a density detecting section 220 to detect a density of an image are disposed. when performing density adjustment by forming a density patch on a sheet with the image forming section, receiving the density detection result of the density patch, and adjusting the image forming section based on the density detection result such that a highest density with the toner coincides with a target density, a target density-compliant sheet profile which is a sheet profile including sheet setting for a sheet used at the time of determining the target density and the target density are memorized in the memory section; and the image forming section is adjusted based on the target density-compliant sheet profile and the target density such that the highest density coincides with the target density.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming portion for forming an image on sheets; a stacking portion for stacking sheets on which the images are formed by the image forming portion; and a controller for integrating the number of sheets on which the images are formed. The controller integrates the number of sheets, from an initial value in one print job, on which the images are formed by the image forming portion and which are then stacked on the stacking portion, and stops an operation of the image forming portion when an integrated value reaches a predetermined number.

Abstract: A sheet is discharged from between a discharge roller and a feeding roller as pinched between the rotating discharge roller and feeding roller. In this arrangement, a guide is arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side in a sheet discharge direction. The guide is arranged to contact the discharge roller at a downstream position in the discharge direction from a position where the discharge roller contacts the feeding roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is provided with a casing, a panel unit provided with at least one of an operation unit acquiring an operation to control the image forming apparatus and a display unit, a discharge tray configured to receive a recording medium discharged from the casing. The casing has a first cover arranged above an image forming unit and constituted at least a part of an upper surface of the casing. The first cover includes a tray part which is at least a part of the discharge tray, a surrounding part configured to surround the tray part. The panel unit is arranged to be inserted in the surrounding part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission device for engagement with a photosensitive drum having a drum axis L, where a sleeve is coaxially coupled to the photosensitive drum. The transmission unit includes a shaft that is rotatable about the drum axis L relative to the sleeve and movable along the drum axis L relative to the sleeve and has a base at one end of the shaft; and at least two engagement blocks extending from two opposite sides of the base away from the drum axis L, where each engagement block is rotatable around a pivotal axis provided at the two opposite sides of the base, and the pivotal axis is perpendicular to the drum axis L. Accordingly, the transmission device can be connected with and separated from the drive member smoothly.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to operate in a first power state and in a second power state that consumes less power than the first power state. In a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, when a power-supply-off drive for switching a switch to an off side using a drive unit is executed and if it is detected that a power supply to the apparatus is not cut after executing of the power-supply-off drive, a control unit shifts a power state of the apparatus from the first power state to the second power state.

Abstract: A control unit is provided which controls at least one of a first power supply unit (a secondary transfer power supply connected to a secondary transfer roller) and a second power supply unit (high-voltage power supplies connected to a conductive brush and a conductive roller) so that a current supplied to a primary transfer region from a beginning of primary transfer until a beginning of secondary transfer has a magnitude larger than a magnitude of a current supplied to the primary transfer region from a beginning of image formation until the beginning of the primary transfer.

Abstract: A lubricant application device includes: a lubricant supply unit; a roller-type rotatable lubricant application member that applies a lubricant agent to a lubricant-applied member, the lubricant agent being supplied from the lubricant supply unit; and a flicking member to be brought into contact with the lubricant application member in a position that is on the downstream side of the lubricant supply unit and is on the upstream side of the lubricant-applied member in the rotation direction of the lubricant application member, the flicking member being brought into contact with the lubricant application member so that the amount of the lubricant agent to be applied to either end portion of the lubricant-applied member becomes smaller than the amount of the lubricant agent to be applied to the middle portion of the lubricant-applied member in the axial direction of the lubricant application member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including positioning faces; a detachably attachable unit including receiving parts and contact parts; and a biasing member to press the receiving parts of the detachably attachable unit to the positioning faces disposed on the apparatus body. The biasing member is rotatably disposed to the apparatus body, contacts the contact parts disposed on the detachably attachable unit, presses the receiving parts against the positioning faces, and is elastically deformable in a direction separating from a rotary supporting point of the biasing member; and when the biasing member is rotated to a locked state from a release state, the biasing member is hooked to the contact parts, so that the receiving parts are pressed toward the positioning faces by the biasing member.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a cartridge including an information storing element includes: a step of removing a first information storing element holding unit holding a first information storing element, from a frame including a positioning portion for positioning the first information storing element holding unit while leaving at least a part of the positioning portion, and of positioning a second information storing element holding unit including a second information storing element to a remaining portion of the positioning portion; and a step of connecting the second information storing element holding unit and the frame at the remaining portion.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum cartridge is configured to accommodate therein a developing cartridge having a developing roller and includes: a photosensitive drum; a drum frame; and a shaft. The photosensitive drum has an axis extending in an axial direction. The drum frame accommodates the photosensitive drum therein. The drum frame has a mounting portion configured to accommodate the developing cartridge therein. The shaft extends in the axial direction and includes a first abutment portion configured to be abutted on the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion. The drum frame is formed with an exposure opening exposing the first abutment portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A packing member for packing a cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus is molded with a thin resin material plate and includes: (i) a frame portion including an opening as an entrance for the cartridge, a first recessed portion for accommodating the cartridge, and a first limiting portion for limiting a position of the cartridge with respect to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the cartridge; and (ii) a cap portion for openably covering the opening. The cap portion includes a second limiting portion for limiting movement of the cartridge, positionally-limited by the first limiting portion, in a direction in which the cartridge is spaced from the first limiting portion.

Abstract: Apparatuses include a voltage divider that is connected to a current source, a humidity sensor within an internal humid location of an apparatus, and an amplifier connected to the voltage divider and the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor produces a current signal that increases with increases in the humidity level and the amplifier amplifies the signal produced by the humidity sensor to produce compensating output current. The amplifier provides amplification of the signal produced by the humidity sensor at a level that increases with increases of the primary output current. Thus, the amplifier provides the amplification of the signal produced by the humidity sensor at a level to make the compensating output current equal to the leakage current. This causes the electrical load element to receive the primary output current combined with the compensating output current as a power supply current that is unaffected by the leakage current.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming portion; a first housing; a fixing device; a second housing; a first opening of the first housing facing a space, a second opening of the second housing facing the space; a first air supply fan that supplies air from the outside, a first air discharge fan that discharges air from the inside, a second air supply fan that supplies air from the outside, and a second air discharge fan that discharges air from the inside. The first housing and the second housing communicate with the atmosphere through the first and second openings, respectively. When an air pressure of in the first opening of the first housing is P1 and an air pressure of in the second opening of the second housing is P2, a relation of P2<P1 is satisfied.

Abstract: A timepiece assembly including a balance spring stud fixed to a plate, and a balance spring wound into coils between an inner end fixed to a collet and an outer end fixed to the balance spring stud. The balance spring stud and/or the collet includes a braking mechanism cooperating with a first coil during accelerations by contraction or expansion of the balance spring higher than set values, to modify a resulting rigidity of the balance spring when the first coil is locally coupled to the braking mechanism, arranged on a first inner lip and a second outer lip included in the balance spring stud and/or in the collet, which includes a first inner lip and a second outer lip each including the braking mechanism.

Abstract: Portable timepiece including an hour hand and a minute hand for the current time display, rotating about a central wheel facing a bezel, and also a chronograph module, wherein the timepiece further includes a first analogue trend indicator relating to a measured time interval.

Abstract: Servo control system includes a first repeat control unit for a first servo motor based on a reference angle and a first position error between a swing command and a position of the first servo motor, a multiplication unit which multiplies the swing command by a ratio according to a tilt angle of an inclined surface of a material to be ground to calculate a swing command after multiplication, and a second repeat control unit for a second servo motor based on a reference angle and second position error between the swing command after multiplication and a position of the second servo motor. The first and the second position error are respectively corrected, and driving of the first and the second servo motors are controlled based on the corrected first and second position error, thereby grinding the inclined surface of the material.

Abstract: A renewable energy power generation prediction system includes a measuring module and a control module. The measuring module is configured for measuring power generated by at least one renewable energy power generator and outputting a plurality of historical power values. The control module includes a computing unit and a machine-learning unit. The computing unit is configured for computing a plurality of historical power variations according to the historical power values. The machine-learning unit is configured for estimating a predicted power value according to the historical power variations. A renewable energy power generation prediction method and a power allocation system are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to controlling the functions of various devices based on spatial relationships. In one example, a system may include a depth and visual camera and a computer (networked or local) for processing data from the camera. The computer may be connected (wired or wirelessly) to any number of devices that can be controlled by the system. A user may use a mobile device to define a location in space relative to the camera. The location in space may then be associated with a controlled device as well as one or more control commands. When the location in space is subsequently occupied, the one or more control commands may be used to control the controlled device. In this regard, a user may switch a device on or off, increase volume or speed, etc. simply by occupying the location in space.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an integrated decision support “cockpit” or control center for displaying, analyzing, and/or responding to, various events and contingencies that can occur within an electrical grid.

Abstract: A device, such as a HART multiplexer, may allow devices that communicate using the EtherNet/IP protocol or other protocols that support treating collections of data as objects to access one or more instruments. The devices may communicate with one or more object instances that each correspond to an instrument. These object instances may include data that corresponds to data that may be obtained from the underlying instrument. These object instances may be updated automatically, allowing requests for information in the object instances to be quickly fulfilled.

Abstract: A transmission device includes a transmission processing circuitry configured to transmit and receive signals to and from another transmission device through a transmission path, a first memory, a first processor coupled to the first memory, configured to perform monitoring control of the transmission processing circuitry, a second memory, and a second processor coupled to the second memory, configured to perform monitoring control of the transmission processing circuitry on behalf of the first processor when a failure occurs in the first processor, wherein when a failure occurs in a monitoring control system that performs monitoring control of the other transmission device, the second processor performs monitoring control of the other transmission device by transmitting and receiving control signals to and from the other transmission device.

Abstract: A numerical control device that controls, in a machine tool, driving of a motor based on a machining program is provided. The numerical control device includes a position-command generating unit configured to generate a position command to the motor and a mark-command generating unit configured to generate a mark command for machining of a mark indicating that an abnormality occurs in the machining. The mark-command generating unit sequentially stores information concerning a moving route of the tool by the machining and generates, when an alarm is raised because the abnormality is detected, as the mark command, a moving command for moving the tool in a direction opposite to a direction during the machining while correcting a position of the tool in a tool axis direction with respect to a position during the machining, and the position-command generating unit generates the position command based on the mark command.