Patents Issued in October 25, 2016
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Patent number: 9477135Abstract: A steerable laser transmitter uses a two-stage architecture for beam steering. A LCWG is used to provide continuous fine steering and a PG stack is used to provide discrete coarse steering. An optical amplifier is inserted between the LCWG and the PG stack to provide gain and increase transmitter power, hence range. The LCWG is configured to limit its steering range to the acceptance angle of the optical amplifier, at most ±2°×±2°. The result is a high-power laser transmitter that can be rapidly and precisely steered over a large FOR.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Gerald P. Uyeno, Sean D. Keller, Irl W. Smith
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Patent number: 9477136Abstract: A method comprising providing an input signal to at least one input node of a computing reservoir by temporally encoding the input signal by modulating the at least one photonic wave as function of the input signal is described. The method further comprises propagating the at least one photonic wave via passive guided or unguided propagation between discrete nodes of the computing reservoir, in which each discrete node is adapted for passively relaying the at least one photonic wave over the passive interconnections connected thereto. The method also comprises obtaining a plurality of readout signals, in which each readout signal is determined by a non-linear relation to the at least one photonic wave in at least one readout node of the computing reservoir, and combining this plurality of readout signals into an output signal by taking into account a plurality of training parameters.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSITEIT GENT, IMEC VCWInventors: Peter Bienstman, Joni Dambre, Kristof Vandoorne
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Patent number: 9477137Abstract: To provide a blade drive device capable of suppressing operation failures due to the leakage flux. The blade drive device 1 attached to a camera module including a lens and a lens drive device 60 having plural permanent magnets 61 arranged with gaps around an optical axis P of the lens in an annular manner so as to overlap the camera module in an axial direction of the optical axis P, which includes a lower plate 2 having an opening 4 formed around the optical axis P, blades 20 regulating the opening 4 and respective actuators 10A, 10B arranged in the lower plate 2 and driving the blades 20. Each of respective actuators 10A, 10B is arranged in a position corresponding to a gap between a pair of adjacent permanent magnets 61 seen from the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SEIKO PRECISION INC.Inventors: Masami Yamamoto, Koichi Masuzawa
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Patent number: 9477138Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media to provide improved autofocus operations are described. In general, techniques are disclosed that show how to improve contrast-based autofocus operations by applying a novel threshold-and-select action to window-specific focus scores. More particularly, techniques disclosed herein may evaluate a multi-window autofocus area over a burst collected group of images. For each captured image, focus scores for each window within an autofocus area may be collected, aggregated and then consolidated to identify a single focus metric and its associated lens position for each window. The window-specific focus scores may be reviewed and selection of a “best” autofocus lens position made using a selection criteria. The specified criteria may be used to bias the selection to either a front-of-plane (macro) or back-of-plane (infinity) focus position.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ralph Brunner, Michael Chin
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Patent number: 9477139Abstract: A MEMS actuator for a compact auto-focus camera module is configured to measure physical values and to estimated values each indicative of position or motion or both of a MEMS component. A smart logic component determines a set of MEMS driver control values based on analyzing the measured physical values and substituting estimated values to more accurately position the MEMS component. A MEMS driver component receives the set of MEMS driver control values and controls the position or motion, or both, of the MEMS component based on the MEMS driver control values.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATIONInventor: David McKinley
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Patent number: 9477140Abstract: An imaging device includes an optical information acquiring section that acquires optical information of a photographing optical system to form an image in the imaging element, an optical function calculating section that calculates an optical function to determine the correction function based on the optical information, a pixel function calculating section that calculates a pixel function to determine the correction function based on the pixel outputs of pixels positioned around focus detecting pixels, and a correction function selecting section (2172d) that selects the correction function to correct the pixel output to be output from the focus detecting pixels corresponding to current frame, based on the optical function, the pixel function and the optical information.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Atsuro Okazawa, Takuya Matsunaga
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Patent number: 9477141Abstract: A system for aerially moving a payload, the system having at least two payloads, at least one platform for carrying the at least two payloads, at least one line connected to the at least one object, the at least one line connected to the at least one platform in at least four locations, and at least one reel and motor coupled to the at least one line connected to the at least one platform, such that the at least one reel and motor in conjunction with the at least one line is capable of moving the at least one platform carrying the at least two payloads in at lest two of the x-, y-, and z-directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: CABLECAM, LLCInventor: Stephen Wharton
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Patent number: 9477142Abstract: A modular backdrop system and related methods of assembly and use for photography are described herein. The system includes a modular wall formed from a fixed frame and a plurality of removably attachable modules where: at least one module has a first height H1 and a first width W1, at least one module has a second height H2, different from the first height H1, and a second width W2 approximately equal to the first width W1, at least one module has a third height H3 approximately equal to the sum of H1 plus H2 and a third width W3 different from the second width H2, and at least one module has the first height H1 and the third width W3.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Everest Media, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Baumgartner
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Patent number: 9477143Abstract: A camera device includes a holding member that holds a plurality of cameras to be arranged side by side, a supporting member that supports the holding member, a first positioner that positions the holding member to the supporting member in an arranged direction of the cameras, and a second positioner that positions the holding member to the supporting member in optical axis directions of the cameras, the second positioner being movable in the arranged direction of the cameras. The first positioner and the second positioner are arranged in the arranged direction of the cameras.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Terunori Koyama
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Patent number: 9477144Abstract: A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventors: Iftach Ben Yehuda, Yariv Ben-Yehuda
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Patent number: 9477145Abstract: A light source device has a laser light emitting element including a cylinder portion, a flange portion and lead wire terminals, a collimator lens, a collimator lens holder including a collimator lens mounting depressed portion and a hole portion communicating with the depressed portion and accommodating the cylinder portion, and a light source element holder holding the laser light emitting element and including a lead wire outlet hole portion accommodating the lead wire terminals and penetrating from a front surface to a rear surface, and a front surface of the flange portion is fastened by the perimeter of a rear end of the hole portion to press the laser light emitting element against the front surface of the light source element holder to thereby fix the laser light emitting element to the light source element holder, an adhesion fixing member being filled in the lead wire outlet hole portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.Inventor: Tomio Higo
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Patent number: 9477146Abstract: Disclosed is a projection ring, including an annular body; a telescopic portion disposed on the annular body; and a projector disposed on the telescopic portion. The location of the projector on the projection ring is easily adjustable, thus it's convenient to adjust the size of the picture as projected or the projection angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qiushi Xu, Yanshun Chen, Yaohui Li
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Patent number: 9477147Abstract: Push-cables and associated apparatus and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a push-cable assembly for use with a pipe inspection system may include a push-cable element having a proximal end and a distal end, with a spring assembly having varying flexibility coupled to or near the distal end. The spring assembly may include an outer coiled spring having a proximal and a distal end, and an inner coiled spring nested at least partially within the outer coiled spring. A camera head and/or other elements such as a cutting or jetting apparatus may be coupled at or near the distal end.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Eric M. Chapman, Mark S. Olsson, James F. Kleyn
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Patent number: 9477148Abstract: A polymer, a method for preparing the same, and a photosensitive resin composition thereof are provided. The polymer has a structure represented by Formula (I): wherein R1 is —OH, or —COOH; A1 is each A2 is independently each A3 is independently Z is —O—, —S—, —C(CH3)2-, —C(CF3)2-, m is a positive integer that is greater than 1; n is a positive integer that is greater than 1; i is a positive integer between 1 and 3; and, j is a positive integer between 1 and 20; and, the repeat units are arranged in a random fashion.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jyh-Long Jeng, Jeng-Yu Tsai, Wei-Ta Yang
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Patent number: 9477149Abstract: A photoresist composition containing (A) a polymer having a structural unit (I) that includes an acid-labile group, and (I) a compound represented by the following formula (1). In the following formula (1), R1, R2, R3 and R represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. X represents a single bond, an oxygen atom or —NRa—. Ra represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or a monovalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and optionally taken together represents a ring structure by binding with R each other. A? represents —SO3? or —CO2?. M+ represents a monovalent onium cation.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: JSR CORPORATIONInventors: Hayato Namai, Norihiko Ikeda, Takanori Kawakami
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Patent number: 9477150Abstract: Novel photoacid generator compounds are provided. Photoresist compositions that include the novel photoacid generator compounds are also provided. The invention further provides methods of making and using the photoacid generator compounds and photoresist compositions disclosed herein. The compounds and compositions are useful as photoactive components in chemically amplified resist compositions for various microfabrication applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HERAEUS PRECIOUS METALS NORTH AMERICA DAYCHEM LLCInventors: Yongqiang Zhang, Daniel Greene, Ram B. Sharma
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Patent number: 9477151Abstract: The present invention provides, as a chemically amplified resist, a well-balanced resist or compound which results in improved sensitivity, resolution and line edge roughness (LER) without impairing the fundamental physical properties required as a resist (e.g., pattern shape, dry etching resistance, heat resistance). A mixture of cycloaliphatic ester compounds represented by general formulae (1) to (3), and a process for preparation thereof, as well as a (meth)acrylic copolymer comprising the cycloaliphatic ester compounds of general formulae (1) to (3) and a photosensitive resin composition thereof are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Shoichi Hayakawa, Yoshio Nishimura, Kikuo Furukawa, Hiroyasu Tanaka
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Printing form precursor having indicia and a method for preparing a printing form from the precursor
Patent number: 9477152Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive printing form precursor and a method for forming a printing form from the precursor. The precursor includes a support and a layer of a photosensitive composition adjacent the support, in which at least one indicia is disposed between the support and the photosensitive layer. The indicia identifies the precursor, is retained throughout a multi-step process to convert the precursor into a printing form and in the end-use of the printing form.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventors: Robert Blomquist, Violeta Lungu, Adrian Lungu, Rajgopal Subramanian -
Patent number: 9477153Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus is provided with a liquid confinement structure which defines at least in part a space configured to contain liquid between the projection system and the substrate. In order to reduce the crossing of the edge of the substrate which is being imaged (which can lead to inclusion of bubbles in the immersion liquid), the cross-sectional area of the space in a plane parallel to the substrate is made as small as possible. The smallest theoretical size is the size of the target portion which is imaged by the projection system. In an embodiment, the shape of a final element of the projection system is also changed to have a similar size and/or shape in a cross-section parallel to the substrate to that of the target portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Bob Streefkerk, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Roelof Frederik De Graaf, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Hans Jansen, Martinus Hendrikus Antonius Leenders, Paulus Martinus Maria Liebregts, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Jan-Gerard Cornelis Van Der Toorn, Michel Riepen
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Patent number: 9477155Abstract: Within area where of four heads installed on a wafer stage, heads included in the first head group and the second head group to which three heads each belong that include one head different from each other face the corresponding areas on a scale plate, the wafer stage is driven based on positional information which is obtained using the first head group, as well as obtain the displacement (displacement of position, rotation, and scaling) between the first and second reference coordinate systems corresponding to the first and second head groups using the positional information obtained using the first and second head groups. By using the results and correcting measurement results obtained using the second head group, the displacement between the first and second reference coordinate systems is calibrated, which allows the measurement errors that come with the displacement between areas on scale plates where each of the four heads face.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichi Shibazaki
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Patent number: 9477156Abstract: An exit-side fly-eye mirror is provided with a first mirror block having a mirror element as one of a plurality of mirror elements, and a second mirror block having a mirror element as one of the plurality of mirror elements. The first mirror block has a connecting part that protrudes from an area other than the mirror surface of the mirror element, the connecting part providing a connection to the second mirror block. With the connecting part of the first mirror block, a plurality of mirror elements that includes the mirror element of the second mirror block is positioned relative to the mirror element of the first mirror block.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Hideo Takino, Tetsuya Tomofuji, Hideki Komatsuda, Kohtaro Kasashima
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Patent number: 9477157Abstract: An illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a light source to produce projection light beam, and a first and a second diffractive optical element between the light source and a pupil plane of the illumination system. The diffractive effect produced by each diffractive optical element depends on the position of a light field that is irradiated by the projection light on the diffractive optical elements. A displacement mechanism changes the mutual spatial arrangement of the diffractive optical elements. In at least one of the mutual spatial arrangements, which can be obtained with the help of the displacement mechanism, the light field extends both over the first and the second diffractive optical element. This makes it possible to produce in a simple manner continuously variable illumination settings.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventors: Michael Patra, Stig Bieling, Markus Deguenther, Frank Schlesener, Markus Schwab
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Patent number: 9477158Abstract: A plurality of extraction conduits are provided to remove immersion liquid into a chamber. The extraction conduits are arranged at different distances from a target portion of the substrate. From the chamber, a passage is provided to which a suction force is applied. When all the conduits are filled with immersion liquid, the extraction capacity will be greater than when one or more of the conduits comprise gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Nicolaas Rudolf Kemper, Marcel Beckers, Stefan Philip Christiaan Belfroid, Ferdy Migchelbrink, Sergei Shulepov
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Patent number: 9477159Abstract: In an embodiment, a lithographic projection apparatus has an off-axis image field and a concave refractive lens as the final element of the projection system. The concave lens can be cut-away in parts not used optically to prevent bubbles from being trapped under the lens.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Bob Streefkerk
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Patent number: 9477160Abstract: In a lithographic apparatus, a localized area of the substrate surface under a projection system is immersed in liquid. The height of a liquid supply system above the surface of the substrate can be varied using actuators. A control system uses feedforward or feedback control with input of the surface height of the substrate to maintain the liquid supply system at a predetermined height above the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ASML NETHERLAND B.V.Inventors: Bob Streefkerk, Johannes Jacobus Matheus Baselmans, Henrikus Herman Marie Cox, Antonius Theodorus Anna Maria Derksen, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Joeri Lof, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Frits Van Der Meulen, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, Gerardus Petrus Matthijs Van Nunen, Klaus Simon, Bernardus Antonius Slaghekke, Alexander Straaijer, Jan-Gerard Cornelis Van Der Toorn, Martijn Houkes
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Patent number: 9477161Abstract: A method and system is provided to extend operational life of a mirror array of an image generating system, wherein the image generating system further includes a high intensity power light source to cause light to impinge on the mirror array, sufficient to cause deleterious plastic deformation of associated hinges of the mirror array, and an image output generating section configured to receive light from the mirror array. Image date is received by the image generating system image data to control mirrors of the mirror array and to generate an output image. A required level of illumination is provided from the mirror array to the image output generating section over a predetermined time period, in accordance with the received image data.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Timothy D. Stowe, David K. Biegelsen, Sourobh Raychaudhuri
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Patent number: 9477162Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises an indexer block, an anti-reflection film processing block, a resist film processing block, a development processing block, a resist cover film processing block, a resist cover film removal block, a cleaning/drying processing block, and an interface block. An exposure device is arranged adjacent to the interface block in the substrate processing apparatus. The exposure device subjects a substrate to exposure processing by means of an immersion method. In the edge cleaning unit in the cleaning/drying processing block, a brush abuts against an end of the rotating substrate, so that the edge of the substrate before the exposure processing is cleaned. At this time, the position where the substrate is cleaned is corrected.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SCREEN Semiconductor Solutions Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Kaneyama, Masashi Kanaoka, Tadashi Miyagi, Kazuhito Shigemori, Shuichi Yasuda, Tetsuya Hamada
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Patent number: 9477163Abstract: Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including an undercoat layer that contains a polymerized product of a composition containing a compound represented by the formula (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masashi Nishi, Kunihiko Sekido, Kei Tagami
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Patent number: 9477164Abstract: A surface layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a cured product of a composition containing a hole transporting substance having an acryloyloxy group and/or a methacryloyloxy group and a siloxane-modified acrylic compound.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinji Takagi, Koichi Nakata
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Patent number: 9477165Abstract: A toner including a polyester resin having an amorphous polyester segment is provided. The amorphous polyester segment includes a condensation polymerization product between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The carboxylic acid includes both aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The toner deforms with a deformation rate of from 1.0% to 5.0% under a pressure of 100 gf at 40° C. and 80% RH. In a binarized image of an AFM phase image of the toner, first phase-contrast images serving as large-phase-difference portions are dispersed in second phase-contrast images serving as small-phase-difference portions, and the first phase-contrast images have a dispersion diameter of 100 nm or less. An endothermic quantity Q1 obtained in a first heating of DSC is from 10 to 50 J/g, and a ratio of an endothermic quantity obtained in the second heating Q2 to that in first heating Q1 is 0.65 or less.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Azumi Miyaake, Hiroshi Yamashita, Daisuke Asahina, Ryo Miyakoshi, Satoyuki Sekiguchi
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Patent number: 9477166Abstract: An electrostatic charge image developing toner, includes toner particles containing a binder resin including a polyester resin, a release agent including a hydrocarbon wax, and a styrene (meth)acrylic resin, wherein 70% or more of the release agent is present within 800 nm from a surface of the toner particles, the styrene (meth)acrylic resin in the toner particles forms a domain having an average diameter from 0.3 ?m to 0.8 ?m, and a number ratio of the domain being in a range of ±0.1 ?m of the average diameter is 65% or more.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Eisuke Iwazaki, Asafumi Fujita, Tomoaki Tanaka, Narumasa Sato, Kotaro Yoshihara, Noriyuki Mizutani
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Patent number: 9477167Abstract: An electrostatic charge image developing white toner includes toner particles that contain a binder resin, a titanium dioxide as a pigment and at least one selected from a group consisting of niobium and phosphorous, wherein an amount of the niobium is 0.005% by weight to 0.05% by weight or an amount of the phosphorous is 0.003% by weight to 0.05% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Satomi Hara, Masaru Takahashi, Shotaro Takahashi
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Patent number: 9477168Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer-encapsulated carbon black material is described. The process comprises: (a) preparing a mixture of an ionic monomer, a stabilizer and carbon black in water; (b) adding an initiator; (c) adjusting the temperature to a temperature above room temperature; and (d) adding at least one other monomer and a charge control agent to obtain the material. The process is performed under continuous stirring. The polymer-encapsulated carbon black material is surfactant-free and is used in the production of toners.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)Inventors: Ahmed Ali Basfar, Jatindranath Maiti
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Patent number: 9477169Abstract: An elastic member includes a support and an elastic layer on the support. The elastic layer contains a rubber material and a softener having a number average molecular weight Mn of about 600 to about 1,000 and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of weight average molecular weight Mw to number average molecular weight Mn of about 2.5 or less.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Shogo Tomari, Takuro Hoshio
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Patent number: 9477170Abstract: An example is a lens mirror array in which many optical elements, each of which comprises a first lens surface that is formed at the top of convex portion protruding outwards and converges light, a protrusion that includes a first mirror surface which reflects the light emitted from the first lens surface at the top and a light-shielding surface that has side walls at two sides thereof with respect to a light advancing direction and prevents advance of the light through the side walls, a second mirror surface that reflects the light reflected by the first mirror surface of the protrusion and a second lens surface that images the light emitted from the second mirror surface on an image plane, is arranged in a horizontal scanning direction; by comparing both ends in the horizontal scanning direction with the center in the horizontal scanning direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takashi Shiraishi
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Patent number: 9477171Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to apply a charging bias to a charger during image formation on a photoconductive body, an absolute value of the charging bias being a first absolute value. The controller applies a development bias to a development roller during the image formation, places the development roller in a development position during the image formation, after the image formation, reduces the absolute value of the charging bias to a second absolute value less than the first absolute value, after reducing the absolute value of the charging bias, separates the development roller away from the photoconductive body and places the development roller in a non-development position, and after placing the development roller in the non-development position, stops applying the development bias to the development roller.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunsuke Ishii, Toshio Furukawa, Hiroshige Hiramatsu, Yuichi Matsushita
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Patent number: 9477172Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing part that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier by using toner, a supply part that supplies a developing bias between the image carrier and the developing part, the developing bias having an AC component superimposed on a DC component, and a setting part that sets a peak-to-peak value of the AC component of the developing bias to vary between a reference value that is determined in advance and a special value smaller than the reference value when an image region on the image carrier passes through a developing region, the image region being a region on the image carrier in which an image is to be formed, the developing region being a region in which the image carrier is opposed to the developing part.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Daisuke Ota
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Patent number: 9477173Abstract: A developing device includes a developer carrying body, a layer thickness limiting portion, and a rotation control portion. The layer thickness limiting portion includes a base body and a flexible member. The base body protrudes toward a part at a third position between a first position and a second position on the outer circumferential surface of the developer carrying body. The flexible member is a sheet-like member having flexibility, and is attached to the base body such that the flexible member covers, via a gap, a range of the base body from a front end surface facing the developer carrying body to an upper surface, and a bent portion covering a boundary portion between the front end surface and the upper surface of the base body is closer to the outer circumferential surface of the developer carrying body than the other part is.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Akihiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 9477174Abstract: This disclosure provides a method and system to adjust pixel density based on a weight and an accumulated pixel count of a printer cartridge. According to an exemplary method, the weight and the accumulated pixel count of the printer cartridge are calculated to determine a pixel density of the printer cartridge, and then a toner output of an associated printing device is adjusted if the pixel density is outside of a predefined pixel density threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Alun Henry Hill, Timothy David Jonathan Spink
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Patent number: 9477175Abstract: A method for programming memory of a replaceable unit of an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes determining an amount of toner in a reservoir of the replaceable unit. The amount of toner determined is converted to an estimate of an amount of rotation of a shaft that will be sensed before the reservoir of the replaceable unit runs out of usable toner. The estimate of the amount of rotation of the shaft that will be sensed before the reservoir of the replaceable unit runs out of usable toner is stored in the memory of the replaceable unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Charles Alan Bast
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Patent number: 9477176Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a toner reservoir. An outlet port faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A linkage is positioned on the first side of the housing and has an engagement surface that is accessible at the rear of the housing. A projection is positioned on the first side of the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The projection is operatively connected to the linkage such that the projection moves upward from the first position to the second position when the engagement surface receives a forward force that is toward the front of the housing. The projection extends outward sideways from the first side when the projection is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Nuestro Bayubay, Salvador Capurihan Bonanciar, Brian Scott Carpenter, Donato Austria Marmol, Robert Watson McAlpine, Katrina Rosit Lactuan
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Patent number: 9477177Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for storing toner. The body has an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the reservoir. A shutter positioned at the outlet port is slidable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position unblocking the outlet port. A lock is sandwiched between a portion of the shutter that faces the outlet port and a portion of the body that the shutter slides along. The lock is movable between a locked position blocking the shutter from moving from the closed position to the open position and an unlocked position permitting the shutter to move from the closed position to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, James Daniel Anderson, Jr.
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Patent number: 9477178Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge removably installable in the image forming device. The toner cartridge has a reservoir for storing toner and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has a shutter that is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position unblocking the outlet port. A sensor is positioned to detect whether the shutter is in the closed position or the open position when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Nuestro Bayubay, Salvador Capurihan Bonanciar, Brian Scott Carpenter, Donato Austria Marmol, Robert Watson McAlpine
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Patent number: 9477179Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a holding member holding a toner container with a discharge port, and a shutter opening/closing the discharge port and having a communicating port communicable with the discharge port; a connecting member forming a toner conveying path, and connecting to/retracting from the shutter in conjunction with an operation of mounting/removing the toner container; a first locking portion movable between a first position to locate the shutter in a non-communicating position and a second position to lock the shutter in a communicating position when the toner container is mounted; and a second locking portion locatable in a position to connect the connecting member to the shutter, and in a position to lock the connecting member in a position where the connecting member is separated away from the shutter when the toner container is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takao Nakajima
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Patent number: 9477180Abstract: A developing device includes: an agitation member including an agitation film; and a housing including a first frame and a second frame jointed to the first frame. The second frame includes: a first contact part configured to contact the agitation film, and a second contact part configured to contact the agitation film, arranged at a downstream side of the first contact part, the second contact part protruding towards the first frame. A first distance from the rotational axis line to the first contact part, as seen from a direction of the rotational axis line, is gradually increased towards a downstream side with respect to the rotating direction. A second distance from the rotational axis line to the second contact part is equal to or greater than a maximum distance from the rotational axis line to the first contact part.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroya Fukuta, Fan Xu, Keita Shimizu
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Patent number: 9477181Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image carrier, a transfer member, an application circuit and a controller configured to acquire a transfer resistance value, the transfer resistance value being a value of electric resistance between the image carrier and the transfer member, determine whether the acquired transfer resistance value is less than or equal to a reference resistance value, and control the application circuit, in response to determining that the acquired transfer resistance value is less than or equal to the reference resistance value, to perform a current control process to cause a value of a transfer current passing through the transfer member becomes a target current value.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keita Hironaka, Yusuke Ozaki, Hideaki Deguchi
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Patent number: 9477182Abstract: A fixing device includes: a fixing member; an opposing member that provides a fixing nip with the fixing member; a heating unit that heats the fixing member; a heating area changing member that moves to change a heating area of the fixing member heated by the heating unit; and a position detection sensor that detects a position of the heating area changing member. The fixing device controls a stop position of the heating area changing member based on detection by the position detection sensor. The single position detection sensor detects the position of the heating area changing member both when the heating area changing member is moving from a preset reference position to an arbitrary position and when the heating area changing member is moving back from an arbitrary position to the reference position.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Ikebuchi, Hideo Nagafuji, Yuji Arai, Kohichi Utsunomiya, Arinobu Yoshiura, Kiho Sai, Motoyoshi Yamano, Shohei Saito
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Patent number: 9477183Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transport module that is capable of being pulled out from an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus and in which a transport path along which a recording material, to which a toner image has been transferred, is to be transported is formed and a fixing unit that is provided in the transport module and that includes a fixing member, which fixes the toner image onto the recording material, and a pressure member, which forms a pressing part to which the recording material is to be transported between the fixing member and the pressure member. When the recording material whose length in a transport direction is longer than that of the transport module is present in the transport path, the transport module is pulled out from the apparatus body while the recording material is being nipped by the fixing member and the pressure member.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsumi Kurita, Masayoshi Nakao
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Patent number: 9477184Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising sheet cassettes accommodating different kinds of sheets, respectively; an image forming station for forming images on the sheets fed from the accommodating portions in response to image formation instructions; a heater for heating the images on the sheets; an acquiring portion for acquiring information corresponding to kinds of the sheets; a controller configured to control a target temperature when the heater heats the image on the sheet, on the basis of the information; a selector for selecting one of modes including a first mode in which the target temperatures are set for the kinds of the sheets, respectively and a second mode in which the target temperatures are set commonly to the kinds of the sheets, wherein the controller sets the target temperature of the heater in a stand-by state, at a common temperature, when the selector selects the second mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiro Nishino
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Patent number: 9477185Abstract: Provided is a heater controlling unit that includes: a power factor correction circuit configured to convert a first alternating-current voltage supplied from a power supply into a direct-current voltage; an inverter configured to generate a second alternating-current voltage from the direct-current voltage converted by the power factor correction circuit; and a heater to which the second alternating-current voltage generated by the inverter is applied.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventors: Toru Kosaka, Eiji Wagatsuma, Akira Hagiwara