Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fixing member having a substrate, an elastic layer on the substrate, and a release layer on the elastic layer, having a thickness of 15 ?m or more and 25 ?m or less, and containing a fluororesin includes (1) providing a coating solution, containing: the fluororesin having a melt flow rate (MFR) of 1 g/10 min or more and 3 g/10 min or less, and an acrylic resin; (2) forming a coating film of the coating solution on the elastic layer; and (3) baking the coating film to melt the fluororesin therein, covering a surface of the elastic layer with the melted fluororesin, and forming the release layer.

Abstract: A fixing device is provided which includes a fixing belt rotatably arranged, a fixing roller disposed to face the fixing belt and forming a fixing nip together with an outer surface of the fixing belt a guide unit configured to guide rotation of the fixing belt in the fixing belt; and a pair of support units configured to limit movement of the fixing belt in a width direction at both ends of the guide unit. The fixing device may have a structure of guiding rotation of the fixing belt and a structure of limiting movement thereof in width direction, which are separated from each other.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus performs an image forming process to form an image on a sheet, and performs an image erasing process to erase an image formed on a sheet. A conveying device conveys the sheet. A heater heats the sheet conveyed by the conveying device. A cooling device cools the heater. A processor controls the cooling device so that the cooling device cools the heater between an interval of heating the sheet by the heater.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a cylindrical heat roller, a heating element, a pressure roller, and an auxiliary roller. The heating element is provided inside the heat roller and configured to apply heat to the heat roller. The pressure roller is configured to be pressed against the heat roller to form, with the heat roller, a nip area where a recording paper sheet is to be nipped. The auxiliary roller is provided inside the heat roller and configured to be pressed toward the pressure roller with a peripheral wall of the heat roller in between. An outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary roller pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the heat roller is formed into an inverted crown shape so that an outside diameter of the auxiliary roller gradually decreases from both axial ends of the auxiliary roller toward an axial center thereof.

Abstract: The fixing apparatus includes a heating rotary member that heats the toner image on a recording medium, a pressure member that comes in contact with the heating rotary member, wherein the recording medium provided with the toner image is conveyed at a nip portion, a cover that covers part of an outer surface of the heating rotary member to form a space with the heating rotary member and extends in a longitudinal direction of the heating rotary member, the cover including a partition including a surface perpendicular to a longitudinal direction on a cover end portion in the longitudinal direction and partitioning the space and outside of the space, and a flange provided on an end portion on a same side as the partition in the longitudinal direction and including an extending portion extending in a direction approaching the cover.

Abstract: The fixing apparatus includes a first unit configured to be brought into contact with a surface of a fixing roller so as to heat the fixing roller, a second unit configured to form a fixing nip portion together with the fixing roller, a first regulation part configured to regulate decrease in distance between a shaft of the fixing roller and the first unit, and a second regulation part configured to regulate decrease in distance between the shaft of the fixing roller and the second unit. Thus, a heating nip width and a fixing nip width are maintained stably for a long period of time.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a housing, a belt member, a pressure roller, a nip forming member, and a pressing member. The belt member is constituted of a flexible tubular shape. The nip forming member is located at an inner peripheral portion of the belt member. The nip forming member has an opposed surface along an outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller. The nip forming member presses the belt member to the pressure roller. An end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller is located inside with respect to an end portion of the belt member. The fixing device includes a pressing member located opposed to the pressure roller in the axial direction. The pressing member presses an outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the belt member in the axial direction to radially inward of the belt member.

Abstract: A fixing belt includes a base layer made of a heat-resistant resin, an elastic layer made of an elastic material, and a releasing layer, which are laminated in this order, and the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of viscoelastic modulus within a range of 100 to 200° C. is 0.8% or less. Further, the viscoelastic modulus of the fixing belt within the range of 100 to 200° C. is within a range of 50 to 62%.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member, a member disposed opposite the fixing member, a rubbing member, a detector, and a rubbing operation controller. The fixing member fixes a toner image on a recording medium. The rubbing member rubs the fixing member to maintain a surface of the fixing member in optimum condition of the fixing member. The detector detects vibration of the rubbing member. The rubbing operation controller controls rubbing the fixing member with the rubbing member. The rubbing operation controller controls a rubbing rotation speed and a rubbing force in response to at least the vibration of the rubbing member as a trigger.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a duplex printing function may include a closeable and openable portion. In one example, the portion may correspond to a cover of the image forming apparatus. The cover may include guiding portions configured to define a return path for duplex printing. In another example, the portion may correspond to a document reading unit including an outer casing. A portion of the outer casing may be configured to guide a recording sheet that is conveyed out of a housing of the image forming apparatus by a switchback roller. In one example, the switchback roller may convey a recording sheet to a position above an upper surface of the outer casing.

Abstract: A sheet folding device includes two rollers, a blade, two parallel pins, and two gears. The first and second parallel pins are passed through first and second pin through-holes penetrating through first and second shaft portions in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft portions. The first and second gears have first and second shaft through-holes through which the first and second shaft portions are passed, and first and second grooves in which the first and second parallel pins are inserted, respectively. Projection portions formed on inner side wall of the second groove and projecting from both sides of the second shaft portion cause the second parallel pin to closely contact a side wall that is, in the second groove, opposite to the projection portions, and cause the second parallel pin to closely contact a portion of the second pin through-hole.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section configured to form an image on a sheet; a tray to which the sheet subjected to the image forming processing by the image forming section is discharged; a sensor configured to output a detection signal based on a stacking height of sheets in the tray; and a control section configured to control operations of the image forming section, compare a stacking number of sheets according to a detection signal of the sensor with the actual number of sheets discharged to the tray and carry out a given processing for suppressing a curl of sheet to be subjected to an image forming processing by the image forming section in a case in which a difference between a stacking number of sheets and an actual discharged number of sheets is greater than a preset value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a first image forming section configured to form an image on a recording medium with a non-erasable material, and a second image forming section configured to form an image on the recording medium with an erasable material. The image forming apparatus further comprises a control section configured to separate image data according to attributes of the image data into first image data to be printed on the recording medium in the first image forming section and second image data to be printed on the recording medium in the second image forming section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit includes a rotatable image bearing member, a first support side plate, and a second support side plate; a development device; a transfer device; a rotatable stay configured to be disposed at a position on a downstream side from the development device and on an upstream side from the transfer device in a rotation direction of the image bearing member to face the image bearing member and to connect the first support side plate and the second support side plate; an operation portion configured to be provided at an end portion of the stay to rotate the stay; and a toner containing portion configured to contain the toner accumulated on the stay.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes, a main body of the image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, and provided with a stacking portion on which a sheet with an image formed thereon is stacked, a sheet conveyance device detachably attached to the stacking portion. of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and provided with a conveyance path for conveying a sheet, a guide portion disposed in the sheet conveyance device, and configured to guide the conveyed sheet, a vertically extending wall portion disposed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, facing the stacking portion, and a restriction portion protruded from the wall portion, and configured to restrict a movement of the guide portion in a direction for opening the conveyance path.

Abstract: A cover opening/closing mechanism includes an opening/closing cover, a moving member, a first biasing member, a gear, and a damper. The opening/closing cover is pivotable about a rotary shaft. The moving member, as the opening/closing cover is opened and closed, reciprocates, while in contact with the opening/closing cover, in a first positive direction and a first negative direction. The first biasing member biases in the first positive direction the moving member that moves in the first negative direction as the opening/closing cover is rotated in the closing direction. The gear is coupled with the opening/closing cover. The damper generates a load according to the rotation speed of the gear.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing and a pair of cassette guides. The housing is provided with a cassette storage space and a unit storage space. The unit storage space is disposed above the cassette storage space and configured to slidably support an image forming unit. The housing has a pair of side plates arranged to be opposite to each other in a direction intersecting a sliding direction of the image forming unit. The pair of cassette guides is provided in the cassette storage space and arranged inside the pair of side plate. A guide rail part is formed by a gap between the side plate and the guide cassette arranged inside the side plate, and a top face of the cassette guide. A unit-side rail provided to the image forming unit is slidably engaged with the guide rail part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet, a sheet ejection section to which a relay unit and a sheet processing apparatus are removably coupled, a driving-side ejection roller disposed in the sheet ejection section, to eject the sheet outside the apparatus, a plurality of driven-side ejection rollers that are replaceable, one of which is disposed facing the driving-side ejection roller, and a roller holder removably secured to the sheet ejection section to hold the one of the plurality of driven-side ejection rollers. Each driven-side ejection roller has a shaft and a plurality of roller bodies attached to the shaft and lined in an axial direction of the shaft. The driven-side ejection roller is replaced with another driven-side ejection roller in accordance with whether or not the relay unit and the sheet processing apparatus are coupled to the sheet ejection section.

Abstract: A reverser for a timepiece comprises a first input wheel which carries a first satellite pinion. An output mobile assembly comprises a first ratchet with which the first satellite pinion forms a click locking in rotation the output mobile assembly with respect to the first input wheel only in a first direction of rotation. A second input wheel has the same axis of rotation as the first input wheel and the output mobile assembly. A second satellite pinion and a second ratchet form together a click locking in rotation the output mobile assembly with respect to the second input wheel only in the first direction of rotation.

Abstract: A display device and an electronic watch including the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a substrate having a through-hole. The display device also includes a display unit formed on the substrate and surrounding the through-hole, the display unit configured to display an image.

Abstract: A clock comprises an alarm clock housing having a front face, a clock display occupying at least a portion of the front face, a control on the housing for activating a shade positioning function, and a processor within the housing. The processor is responsive to the control for generating at least one shade positioning command to be transmitted to at least one motorized window shade, so as to cause the motorized window shade to move to one or more position at one or more corresponding predetermined interval relative to an alarm time.

Abstract: A system and method to view schedule entry information. An event schedule display includes a start time input that is configured to receive a first start time. The first start time has an associated first time zone. The event schedule display has a time zone selection input is configured to receive an indication of a user selectable number of respective user selected time zones. The event schedule display further has a remote time zone start time display that is configured to display a plurality of remote start times that correspond to the first start time in each of the user selectable number of user selected time zones.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for dimming an alarm clock with three displays. An alarm clock can include three displays each positioned on a different side of the alarm clock to allow the alarm clock to be read from different vantage points. In some implementations, the alarm clock can include a front display, a right side display, and a left side display. Each display can have multiple brightness settings. Each display also can have a respective dimming button to allow a user to select a desired brightness level. In some implementations, the dimming button for the front display can serve as a master dimming button by controlling the brightness of all three of the displays, while the right side dimming button and the left side dimming button control only the brightness setting for the right side display and the left side display, respectively.

Abstract: A device and method for optimizing an operating point to operate an automated process technology system, wherein historical process data, which is stored as temporal data sequences were recorded during operation of the system in a data memory, is evaluated To determine the operating point, where for each different operating point, which preferably correspond to stationary states of the system operation, a measure for the quality of the operation of the system is determined, the operating point from the past with the best quality is then advantageously used for the future operation of the system or is used for a subsequent further optimization.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided comprising a sensor configured to acquire at least one biological signal of a user; a communicator configured to communicate with the external electronic device; and a controller configured to determine a behavior evaluation level of the user based on the at least one biological signal, pairing with the external electronic device, determine control information corresponding to the behavior evaluation level determined and the paired external electronic device, and control the communicator to transmit the determined control information to the paired external electronic device. Accordingly, the electronic device naturally measures the user's behavior patterns and provides a notification to the user, and improves the user's behavior by interworking with an external electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a security and/or automation system using one or more powered faceplates are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods may include identifying an active communication connection with a first powered faceplate, receiving a first set of automation data, receiving a second set of automation data, analyzing the first set of automation data and the second set of automation data, and initiating an operation relating to at least one of a first powered faceplate, one or more other powered faceplates, an automation sensor, an automation system component, a user device, or a combination thereof based at least in part on the analyzing.

Abstract: A computer detects a request by a process for access to a shadow control page, wherein the shadow control page allows the process access to one or more devices. The computer assigns the shadow control page and a key to the process associated with the request. The computer detects a request by the process via the assigned shadow control page for creation of a subset of devices from the one or more devices. The computer inputs information detailing an association between the subset of devices and the assigned key into a subset definition table, wherein the subset definition table includes one or more keys and one or more corresponding subsets.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a vapor device communication device, configured for communicating with a vapor device, a processor, coupled to the vapor device communication component, configured for generating a user interface for controlling one or more functions of the vapor device via the vapor device communication device, a display device, configured for displaying the user interface, and an input device, configured for receiving an input based on the user interface.

Abstract: A method for network regulation upon threshold value overshoots in a low voltage or medium voltage network, wherein control commands are transmitted from a central regulation unit of the low or medium voltage network to controllable components of the low voltage or medium voltage network, where upon occurrence of the threshold value overshoot, the central regulation unit calculates the necessary correction and transmits a suitable action instruction to at least one controllable component, with each action instruction, a probability factor is also transmitted which is incrementally raised if, given an insufficient reaction of the controllable components, the threshold value overshoot is not prevented and thus an action instruction must be transmitted anew, and the central regulation unit informs the network operator if the emergency reserves of the controllable components are insufficient to prevent the threshold value overshoot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide a custom application space in a device controller. Example disclosed methods involve communicatively coupling a device controller to a host. The example host provisions the device controller and an automation device within the process control system. The example disclosed methods also involve installing a process control application into an application space in firmware of the device controller. The example process control application is to be provided by the host with permission data. The example disclosed methods also involve executing the process control application in the application space. The example process control application extends functionality of the device controller. The example disclosed methods also involve moderating access by the process control application to physical resources of the device controller. The example permission data defines which of the physical resources that the process control application has access.

Abstract: An intelligent lighting ceiling fan control method comprises following steps: receiving a first lighting ceiling fan control signal; transferring first lighting ceiling fan control signal to a lighting ceiling fan control module for adjusting the brightness of a lighting device or the rotation rate of a fan device; configuring a timing control profile data according to a user operation; generating and transferring a second lighting ceiling fan control signal to the lighting ceiling fan control module according to the timing control profile data for adjusting the brightness of the lighting device or the rotation rate of the fan device when a trigger time is past. This application can effectively make the lighting ceiling fan automatically operate according to the trigger time, and provide better user experiences to the user.

Abstract: In many aspects, a system for a beverage dispenser can include smartcups and smartcup application management systems configured to validate and identify smartcups for dispensing a beverage. Identifying and validating the authenticity of smartcups as well as identifying registered consumers associated with smartcups may provide more secure beverage dispensers that may be placed in public with minimal oversight. Additionally, by identifying registered users associated with a registered smartcup and providing an individualized and streamlined consumer experience, consumer interactions can be improved with a beverage dispenser/provider and may lead to increased usage by consumers.

Abstract: Systems and methods NC plasma cut a metal fabric based upon a two-dimensional cutting path. An NC cutting machine is controlled to make a first pass along the cutting path with the laser height measuring device to collect height data from the metal fabric positioned on a bed of the NC cutting machine. Positions for starting and stopping a plasma arc of a cutting torch of the NC cutting machine are determined based upon the height data. An enhanced NC program is generated based upon the cutting path, the height data, and the positions for starting and stopping the plasma arc, to control the NC cutting machine to cut metal of the metal fabric along the cutting path.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an electronic device control method and system, and a related device. In the method, a mobile terminal reads an application content identifier included in an application that is stored in an electronic device, outputs the application content identifier included in the application, and outputs, after a first selection operation on an output target application content identifier included in the application is detected, a control option list matching the target application content identifier; and on such a basis, the mobile terminal may detect a second selection operation on any one of content control options included in the control option list, and transmit, by using a wireless link, a content control instruction matching a chosen content control option to the electronic device, so as to trigger the electronic device to perform, by using the application, a control operation on application content to which the target application content identifier belongs.

Abstract: The servo motor stop controller of the present invention outputs a stopping operation command to stop the servo motor, to the servo amplifier when the operation command output part detects an emergency stop signal. In the stop control process based on the stopping operation command, when the regenerative state detection part detects that the servo amplifier is in a regenerative state, the power supply circuit control part controls the servo power supply circuit and cuts off the power supply to the servo amplifier.

Abstract: A numerical controller determines a consumption factor representing the degree to which a tool included in a machine tool consumes the life in association with machining conditions, and calculates a tool life (accumulated consumption life) consumed before each block based on the determined consumption factor and a tool usage for each block. If a command of a block read from a machining program is a tool change command, a tool having a tool life not ending before the next tool change command is selected among tools based on the accumulated consumption life.

Abstract: A controller for controlling an electric or a fluidic valve drive. The controller includes a communications interface which is configured to output a current signal and convert drive-related measurement information into a current signal level within a current interval according to a communications protocol. The communications interface is further configured to convert at least two different items of device status information into different current signals levels outside of the current interval.

Abstract: A numerical controller of the invention includes: an acceleration setting data storage unit for storing acceleration setting data where an acceleration/deceleration setting of an axis of a target machine to be controlled is associated with an application condition including at least a tool number; an execution acceleration/deceleration setting storage unit for storing the acceleration/deceleration setting used when a control of the axis is executed; an acceleration/deceleration control unit for performing an acceleration/deceleration control process on the axis on the basis of the acceleration/deceleration setting set in the execution acceleration/deceleration setting storage unit; and an acceleration/deceleration setting unit for setting the acceleration/deceleration setting of the acceleration setting data where a tool number commanded in a tool selection command of a block read from a machining program satisfies the application condition in the execution acceleration/deceleration setting storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for measuring a health index of a plant in which a condition of a lower level component is reflected. The actual measurement values of lower level components are reflected to the health index such that, when an actual measurement value of a certain component deviates from a normal range, if the deviation is less likely to trip the plant, the actual measurement value of the component has a minimal influence on the health index. The condition of the plant can be more easily and conveniently monitored based on only the health index of the uppermost level layer.

Abstract: A data communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles includes communication links comprising a low-throughput capacity communication link and a high-throughput capacity communication link. The data communication system can also include a base station, to which the unmanned aerial vehicles send aerial data, and from which the unmanned aerial vehicles receive command signals. As the unmanned aerial vehicles perform missions in an open, distant airspace, the unmanned aerial vehicles can gather large volume data such as aerial images or videos. The data communication system allows opportunistic transfer of the gathered aerial data from the unmanned aerial vehicles to the base station when a high-throughput communication link is established. The data communication system allows constant communication between the base station and the unmanned aerial vehicles to send and receive low volume, operation-critical data, such as commands or on-going flight path changes, using a low-throughput communication link.

Abstract: A robot that moves to a position indicated by a remote device, and a method for controlling the moving robot. The moving robot according to an embodiment includes a traveling unit that moves a main body, a light reception unit that receives light, and a control unit that determines a traveling direction of the moving robot by filtering the light received from the light reception unit in accordance with a probability-based filtering method, and controls the traveling unit so that the main body travels in the traveling direction.

Abstract: A remote controlling and lifesaving apparatus using a wearable device system within a car is provided. The remote controlling and lifesaving apparatus using a wearable device system within a car performs lifesaving according to biometric information of a passenger when a car accident occurs, and provides technology for measuring biometric information of the passenger through the wearable device system when the car accident occurs and performing rapid post management for the passenger based on the measured biometric information.

Abstract: A worksite monitoring system is provided. The worksite monitoring system includes a machine operating at a worksite. The worksite monitoring system also includes an information network associated with the machine. The worksite monitoring system further includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communicably coupled to the information network. The UAV including a control module and an image capturing device. The UAV is adapted to receive a feed of machine information related to one or more activities associated with the machine via the information network. The UAV is also adapted to identify if surveillance of the machine is required based on the received feed. The UAV is adapted to fly to the location of the machine based on the received location of the machine. The UAV is also adapted to surveil an area proximate to the machine by capturing visual data of at least one of the area and the machine.

Abstract: A method of mapping an area to be mowed with an autonomous mowing robot comprises receiving mapping data from a robot lawnmower, the mapping data specifying an area to be mowed and a plurality of locations of beacons positioned within the area to be mowed, and receiving at least first and second geographic coordinates for first and second reference points that are within the area and are specified in the mapping data. The mapping data is aligned to a coordinate system of a map image of the area using the first and second geographic coordinates. The map image is displayed based on aligning the mapping data to the coordinate system.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes a frame, drive elements configured to drive movements of the frame and a computer configured to receive mission planning and manual commands and to control operations of the drive elements to operate in a safe mode in which mission commands are accepted but manual commands are refused, a manual mode in which mission commands are refused but manual commands are accepted and an enroute mode. The computer is further configured to only allow mode transitions between the safe and manual modes and between the safe and enroute modes.

Abstract: Vehicles, including autonomous vehicles, which receive external data from sources other than the sensors on the vehicles, analyze such external data and alter the driving behaviors of the vehicles based on the external data are disclosed. External data may be gathered from other vehicles, news feeds, social networking posts or may comprise data about previously observed behaviors of other vehicles or drivers. Such external data may include locations of and/or information regarding other vehicles, traffic signs and or signal lights, on or off ramps, road hazards, road conditions, traffic conditions, vehicular or pedestrian congestion, etc. In other aspects, systems for adjusting vehicle settings based on driver preferred settings are disclosed.

Abstract: Efficient towed implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a towing vehicle toward a path on the opposite side of a desired path, then guiding the vehicle back to the desired path. Efficient forward implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a pushing vehicle along a tractrix. A vehicle leaves a straight line along a tractrix to keep a rear implement on the line as long as possible.

Abstract: A dual stage vehicle attitude control system includes a first attitude control module having at least two momentum wheels arranged to provide zero momentum vehicle attitude control, each momentum wheel comprises a limited travel two axis gimbal that pivots the momentum wheel along two of the three axes of the vehicle, a second attitude control module having reaction wheels arranged in a pyramid configuration to provide vehicle attitude control along at least one control axis that is common with a control axis of the at least two momentum wheels, and a controller connected to the first attitude control module and the second attitude control module, the controller being configured to coordinate actuation of the first attitude control module and the second attitude control module to rotate the vehicle in at least one of three axes of a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an alternative distributed airborne transportation system. In some embodiments, a method for distributed airborne transportation includes: providing an airborne vehicle with a wing and a wing span, having capacity to carry one or more of passengers or cargo; landing of the airborne vehicle near one or more of passengers or cargo and loading at least one of passengers or cargo; taking-off and determining a flight direction for the airborne vehicle; locating at least one other airborne vehicle, which has substantially the same flight direction; and joining at least one other airborne vehicle in flight formation and forming a fleet, in which airborne vehicles fly with the same speed and direction and in which adjacent airborne vehicles are separated by distance of less than 100 wing spans.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to further improve the accuracy of position control of a machine apparatus. A control device for a machine apparatus is equipped with: a speed control unit for calculating a torque command for the machine apparatus; a friction estimation unit for calculating an estimated value of the friction force produced by the machine apparatus; an amplitude phase adjustment unit for calculating a corrected friction value by multiplying the proportional gain by the friction force estimated by the friction estimation unit; and a correction unit for correcting the torque command by using the corrected friction value calculated by the amplitude phase adjustment unit. Furthermore, the proportional gain is determined on the basis of the gain properties of the transfer function of the machine apparatus from the position command to the position deviation.