Patents Issued in February 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9563140
    Abstract: A toner is prepared by wet granulation methods, including a monoester wax having carbon atoms of from 36 to 46 on average as a release agent. The toner has a DSC endothermic energy amount (?H1) originating from the wax of from 10 to 12 mJ/mg and a DSC endothermic energy amount (?H2) originating from the wax of from 0.6 to 0.9 times as much as ?H1 after a part of the wax is separated by hexane extraction from the toner. The hexane extraction includes mixing 1 g of the toner in 7 ml of n-hexane to prepare a mixture; stirring the mixture at 120 rpm for 1 min by a pot mill to prepare a dispersion; and subjecting the dispersion to suction filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nozaki, Takuya Kadota, Yoshihiro Mikuriya, Yoshimichi Ishikawa, Kazuoki Fuwa, Tomohiro Fukao, Tomoharu Miki
  • Patent number: 9563141
    Abstract: A toner, including: a copolymerization resin, wherein the copolymerization resin includes: a unit derived from a polyester resin including a polycarboxylic acid having a valence of 2 or more and a polyol having a valence of 2 or more; and a unit derived from a resin having a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton, where the unit derived from the resin having a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton is bonded to the unit derived from the polyester resin via at least one of a urethane group and a urea group, and wherein the toner has a relative degree of crystallization of 10% or more and less than 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sugimoto, Hiroshi Yamashita, Daisuke Asahina, Susumu Chiba, Satoyuki Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 9563142
    Abstract: A toner having good development durability, storage stability, environmental stability, and low-temperature fixability is provided. The toner contains toner particles each including a surface layer that contains an organic silicon polymer. The organic silicon polymer contains a specific unit. In a chart obtained by 29Si-NMR measurement of THF insoluble components of the toner particles, the ratio of a peak area attributable to a specific structure to the total peak area of the organic silicon polymer is 0.40 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Abe, Naoya Isono, Taiji Katsura, Yuhei Terui, Katsuyuki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9563143
    Abstract: An image formation method includes: a first image formation misregistration correction processing that causes each image formation unit to form a misregistration amount detection pattern, obtains an image formation misregistration amount by detecting the patterns, and corrects an image formation misregistration based on the obtained image formation misregistration amount; comparison processing that compares a previous image formation misregistration amount with a latest image formation misregistration amount; and a second image formation misregistration correction processing that causes each image formation unit to form new misregistration amount detection patterns, obtains a new image formation misregistration amount by detecting the new patterns and corrects the image formation misregistration based on the obtained new image formation misregistration amount when receiving a new print job and if a difference between the previous image formation misregistration amount and the latest image formation misregistr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kosasa
  • Patent number: 9563144
    Abstract: A charging member includes a force receiving portion that receives a force in a direction in which the charging member is moved in a longitudinal direction of the charging member while rotating. The charging member is in contact with a brush member at a place different from the place of the force receiving portion. A component of the force received by the charging member at the force receiving portion in the longitudinal direction and a component of a force received by the charging member resulting from tilting of bristles in the brush member are in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motonari Ito, Hiroyoshi Iwayama, Takashi Hiramatsu, Yu Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 9563145
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries a developer image formed by a developer including external additives, a charging member for charging the image carrier, a developer carrier that carries the developer, a developer supply member to which a supply voltage is applied for supplying the developer to the developer carrier, a main controller that controls an image formation mode for developing the developer image and controls a cleaning sequence mode for cleaning the charging member, and a voltage controller that changes outputs of the charging voltage, the development voltage and the supply voltage, and executes the cleaning sequence mode based on instructions of the main controller. When executing the cleaning sequence mode, the voltage controller makes an absolute value of the charging voltage larger than that in the image forming mode, and afterwards sets the output of the charging voltage to an OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Kato
  • Patent number: 9563146
    Abstract: A polyether rubber comprising units expressed by the following general formula (1) in 0.1 mol % or more but less than 30 mol % is provided. (wherein in the above general formula (1), A+ is a group which contains a cationic nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic ring. Said group which contains a cationic nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic ring is bonded with the carbon atom at the “2” position which is shown in the above general formula (1) through a nitrogen atom which forms said cationic nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic ring. X? is arbitrary counter anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Zeon Corporation
    Inventors: Shigetaka Hayano, Kentaro Tsubata
  • Patent number: 9563147
    Abstract: A developing device and an image forming apparatus including the developing device are provided. The developing device includes a housing, a developer carrier which is rotatably supported by the housing, and which carries developer on a circumferential surface thereof, a layer thickness regulating member which includes, a blade contacting the circumferential surface of the developer carrier along a rotational axial direction of the developer carrier, and a support member supporting the blade, the layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer on the circumferential surface of the developer carrier. The support member includes: a contact part which contacts the blade; and a pair of attachment parts which are attached to the housing. The attachment parts are provide at both sides of the contact part in the rotational axial direction and are further protruded than the contact part in a direction away from the developer carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Mori
  • Patent number: 9563148
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage chamber configured to store developer, a plurality of sheet members disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode and disposed in the storage chamber, and a detecting portion configured to detect an output value relating to the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The amount of the developer is detected on the basis of the degree of deterioration of any one of the plurality of sheet members and the output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Kanazawa, Takayuki Namiki
  • Patent number: 9563149
    Abstract: A developer collection container includes a connecting part removably connected to a discharge structure by moving relative to the discharge structure, the connecting part having a receiving opening to receive developer discharged from a discharge opening of the discharge structure, a storage part for storing the discharged developer, an opening and closing member provided in an area of the connecting part where the receiving opening is provided, the opening and closing member moving parallel to the area in conjunction with relative movement of the connecting part for displacement between close and open positions to close and open the receiving opening and having a covering part, and a sealing member provided around the receiving opening in the area, the sealing member sealing a gap formed between the covering part and the area and sealing at least a gap formed between the surrounding part of the discharge opening and the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Akaike, Shota Matsumae
  • Patent number: 9563150
    Abstract: A developing device includes a developer carrying member, a first chamber for feeding developer to the developer carrying member, a second chamber for collecting developer from the developer carrying member, and a feeding member provided rotatably in the first chamber for feeding the developer. The feeding member includes a rotation shaft and a spiral blade wound helically in a developer feeding direction. The feeding member includes a first region corresponding to a developer coating region of the developer carrying member, a second region provided downstream of the first region with respect to a feeding direction of the feeding member, and a third region provided upstream of the first region. An average feeding power per unit driving time of the feeding member is set at a smaller value in the first region than in the second region and in the third region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kyosuke Takahashi, Atsushi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9563151
    Abstract: A packaging unit includes an image forming apparatus and a packaging member. A cartridge is detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus. The cartridge accommodates developer therein. The image forming apparatus is configured to form an image using the developer. The cartridge is formed with a first opening for allowing the developer to discharge outside from the cartridge when the cartridge is in a first posture. The cartridge is in the first posture when the image is formed. The packaging member packages the image forming apparatus therein in such a posture that the cartridge is in a second posture where leakage of the developer from the first opening is unlikely to occur as compared with a posture of the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge is in the first posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 9563152
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes first and second rotating members, a setting unit, and first and second image forming units. The first rotating member rotates at a first period T1. The second rotating member rotates at a second period T2. The setting unit sets the first period T1 and the second period T2 so that T1 and T2 meet a relation T2=(n+0.5)×T1 (n is a positive integer). The first image forming unit forms a first image on the second rotating member in an x-th rotation (x is a positive integer) using first data obtained from print data and using the first rotating member. The second image forming unit forms a second image on the second rotating member in an (x+y)-th rotation (y is an odd positive integer) using second data obtained from the print data and using the first rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuma Motegi
  • Patent number: 9563153
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer member configured to abut against an image carrier for carrying a toner image to form a transfer nip; and a power supply configured to output a bias voltage for transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto a recording medium nipped in the transfer nip. The bias voltage includes a first voltage for transferring the toner image from the image carrier onto the recording medium in a transfer direction and a second voltage having an opposite polarity of the first voltage, the first and the second voltages being alternately output. A time-averaged value of the bias voltage is set to a polarity in the transfer direction and is set in the transfer direction side with respect to a median between a maximum and a minimum of the bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Tanaka, Naomi Sugimoto, Haruo Iimura, Shinji Aoki, Yasuhiko Ogino, Kazuchika Saeki, Keigo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9563154
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toner transfer roller which exhibits decreased toner charge (Q/M) and an enhanced toner transfer rate (M/A). Specifically, the present invention provides: a toner transfer roller for a negatively chargeable toner, comprising a rotating shaft and a polyurethane foam body layer provided to surround the rotating shaft, wherein the polyurethane foam body layer contains a charge control agent which is negatively chargeable with respect to polyurethane in triboelectric series; and a toner transfer roller for a positively chargeable toner, comprising said rotating shaft and said polyurethane foam body layer, wherein said polyurethane foam body layer contains a charge control agent which is positively chargeable with respect to polyurethane in triboelectric series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Kusano, Junichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 9563155
    Abstract: A cooling device, which is includable to an image forming apparatus, includes a conveyor, a cooler, and at least one roller. The conveyor conveys a recording medium with a first roller and a second roller each of which is in a loop. The cooler is disposed within the loop of the second belt and cools the recording medium discharged from a fixing device. The at least one roller is a roller within the loop of the first belt and between a first end roller disposed at an end of the first belt facing a plane of a conveyance path. Alternatively, the at least one roller is multiple rollers within the loop of the first belt and contacts an inner circumferential surface of the first belt against the cooler and an upstream roller of the multiple rollers has a smallest pressing force of the multiple rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Ishii, Hiroaki Miyagawa, Tohru Matsumoto, Masahiro Yamazaki, Keisuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 9563156
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating body, a pressuring body, a heat source and a detecting mechanism. The detecting mechanism is not in contact with the heating body and including an infrared detecting element which detects infrared rays radiated from an outer circumferential face of the heating body. A longitudinal direction of the heating body is a second direction which crosses a first direction as a conveying direction of a recording medium. A detected area is arranged on the outer circumferential face of the heating body so that the infrared rays radiated from the detected area is detected by the infrared detecting element. The detecting mechanism is arranged in a posture inclined to another posture facing the outer circumferential face of the heating body so that a width in the second direction of the detected area is wider than a width in the first direction of the detected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yuzuru Nanjo
  • Patent number: 9563157
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a heating roller and a fixing roller over which the fixing belt is looped, a pressure roller forming a fixing nip with the fixing belt, a pair of side plates, one of the side plates being disposed on each end of a shaft of the fixing roller and each end of a shaft of the heating roller, and heating roller holding members to hold corresponding insulating bushing, and corresponding heating roller bearings, the heating roller holding members being attached to opening parts of the side plates. The heating roller holding members are formed of two separate components such that the heating roller is capable of moving along the opening parts formed in the side plates toward the fixing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kato, Tsukasa Satoh, Yoshikuni Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9563158
    Abstract: Devices and methods to enable a fuser heater within a printing device. The heater includes conductive traces and a resistive trace having a first end and a second end. The resistive trace is connected to the conductive traces at each of the first end and the second end and forms an electrical connection between the conductive traces and the resistive trace. The resistive trace further includes a tap between the first end and the second end, connecting the resistive trace to one of the conductive traces and forming an electrical connection between the one of the conductive traces and the resistive trace. The tap comprises multiple branches extending out of the resistive trace. A gap is formed between each of the branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Tab Alan Tress
  • Patent number: 9563159
    Abstract: An image heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material includes: a cylindrical rotatable member including a base layer and an electroconductive layer; a core inserted into the rotatable member; and a coil wound helically around the core inside the rotatable member, wherein an AC magnetic field is formed by passing an AC current through the coil to generate heat in the electroconductive layer through electromagnetic induction heating. The base layer has a volume resistivity higher than a volume resistivity of the base layer. The electroconductive layer generates heat through a full circumference thereof by a current flowing in a circumferential direction of the rotatable member independently of rotation of the rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Jota, Shinji Hashiguchi, Yuki Nishizawa, Tatsuya Kobayashi, Koichi Hiroshima
  • Patent number: 9563160
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing unit configured to heat a sheet to fix an image on the sheet, a heating unit configured to heat the fixing unit, and a heat conduction unit disposed adjacent to a heated surface of the fixing unit. The fixing unit includes a first region not in contact with the sheet during heating of the sheet and a second region that is in contact with the heated sheet during heating of the sheet and has a temperature lower than the first region as a result of the contact with the sheet during the heating. The heat conduction unit is configured to transfer heat from the first region to the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sone
  • Patent number: 9563161
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming parts, developer containers, developer amount detecting parts, a use setting part and a limit setting part. The image forming parts execute an image forming operation for respective colors of developers. The developer container contains the developer to be supplied to the image forming part. The developer amount detecting part detects a developer amount contained in the developer container. The use setting part sets a use condition indicating whether each developer is usable or unusable. The limit setting part sets a limit condition indicating a limit value of the developer amount to be maintained in each developer container. The image forming part executes the image forming operation in accordance to the use condition set by the use setting part, to the developer amount detected by the developer amount detecting part, and to the limit condition set by the limit setting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Ronna Faye Q. Jamola
  • Patent number: 9563162
    Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device according to one embodiment includes a controller configured to provide a page countdown for a replaceable toner cartridge of the image forming device on a display screen. The controller, upon detecting an installation of an imaging unit previously mated with a first toner cartridge that was out of usable toner and detecting a presence of a second toner cartridge, is configured to determine whether the second toner cartridge is out of usable toner. The controller is configured to determine a number of pages remaining for a page countdown associated with the life of the second toner cartridge and whether the toner sump of the imaging unit contains sufficient toner to print the number of pages remaining for the page countdown associated with the life of the second toner cartridge if the second toner cartridge is out of usable toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thad Carlton Switzer, Jason Carl True
  • Patent number: 9563163
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a display portion; an image forming device; a fixing device; a controller configured to control display of the display portion so that one is selected from a plurality of sheet widths to impose a limitation on a use of the image forming apparatus; a storing portion, provided detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus together with the fixing device, configured to store information corresponding to the sheet width selected at the display portion; a reading portion configured to read information stored in the storing portion; and a limiting portion configured to impose, on the basis of the information read by the reading portion, a limitation on widths of sheets capable of being designated as a printing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Tanaka, Taiya Hirayama, Shutaro Saito
  • Patent number: 9563164
    Abstract: An information processing device includes a storage unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The storage unit stores a selection value indicating whether a predetermined setting is enabled or disabled, and a setting value that applies when the setting is enabled. The display unit displays a setting screen concerning the predetermined setting. When a user gives an instruction to switch to display of the setting screen, even if the selection value stored in the storage unit indicates that the predetermined setting is disabled, the control unit causes the display unit to display the setting screen and causes the selection value displayed on the setting screen to indicate that the predetermined setting is enabled, so that the user does not have to perform a separate operation to enable it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9563165
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus feeds a recording sheet from a sheet feed roller, clamps the recording sheet between an image carrier and a transfer roller, transfers a toner image to the recording sheet from the image carrier while conveying the recording sheet, and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording sheet. Recording sheets are stacked on an elevating plate. An elevating plate swinging mechanism vertically swings the elevating plate. A rotation drive mechanism rotates the sheet feed roller in synchronism with the elevating plate swinging mechanism. A recording sheet detector detects a leading edge of each recording sheet fed from the sheet feed roller. A conveyance controller measures sheet feed time from starting a sheet feed operation to detecting the leading edge of the recording sheet. Based on the measured sheet feed time, the conveyance controller sets a sheet feed start timing of a next recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yasuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9563166
    Abstract: A drum supporting structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a bearing. The bearing is configured to support a flange of a photosensitive drum connected to a shaft joint member that is connected to a drive shaft through which drive power is transmitted, such that the flange of the photosensitive drum is rotatable. The bearing includes an inner circumferential surface that is fitted on an outer surface of the flange, and two planes that are formed on the inner circumferential surface and that contact with the flange. The bearing supports the flange by the flange contacting with the two planes at two points due to a load applied from a peripheral device to the photosensitive drum, such that the flange is rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroki Morishita
  • Patent number: 9563167
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer; a charger to charge a surface of the image bear; a developing device to develop a toner image on the surface of the image bearer; an image bearer cleaner to remove residual toner remaining on the surface of the image bearer after a transfer process; and a controller to cause the image forming apparatus to perform, before a start of printing operation, a corona products removal mode. In the image forming apparatus further including a temperature and humidity sensor to measure temperature and humidity of an ambient environment of the image bearer, the controller to cause the image forming apparatus to perform, before a start of an image forming operation, a corona products removal mode based on an absolute humidity obtained by the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Tomita, Toshiya Satoh, Norio Kudoh, Hiroyuki Uenishi, Tomohiko Saito
  • Patent number: 9563168
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cover configured to pivot about a shaft to open and close, and a mechanism that includes a movable member and a supporting mechanism. The movable member longitudinally extends in a direction at an angle with the shaft, and includes a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, the first longitudinal end portion being closer to the shaft than the second longitudinal end portion. The supporting mechanism is mounted on the cover and supports the movable member so that the movable member is movable relative to the cover toward and away from the shaft. When an external force pushes the second longitudinal end portion toward the shaft, the movable member moves to a first position, and when the external force is removed, the movable member returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9563169
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example includes a housing having a toner reservoir. An electrical connector mounted on the housing is movable between a retracted position and an operative position. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry on the housing. In the retracted position, the electrical connector is tucked into a portion of the housing. In the operative position, the electrical connector is exposed to permit the electrical contact to contact the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. A linkage is operatively connected to the electrical connector and includes an engagement surface accessible on an exterior of the housing to receive an actuation force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Kyle Bradley Martin, Randal Scott Williamson
  • Patent number: 9563170
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image bearing members, a latent image forming portion, developing units each including a developing member, a movable member, a common driving source, a contact-and-separation unit, and a control unit. The image forming apparatus is capable of forming the images in an operation in an image forming mode. After end of the latent image formation on one of the image bearing members on which latent image formation is finally started and before end of transfer of an associated image from the one image bearing member, the control unit outputs a spacing signal for spacing associated developing members from the other image bearing members, during the image formation in the operation in the mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takuya Kitamura
  • Patent number: 9563171
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include a photosensitive member, a developing device including a developing roller, pressing members configured to engage with the developing device and springs configured to urge the pressing members. In some examples, each of the pressing members may be configured to contact and move the developing device between various positions based on the urging of the springs. Additionally or alternatively, various ends of a contact surface of the developing roller configured to contact developer may be disposed relative to an axis line of the developing roller and pressing surfaces of the pressing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoh Nishimura, Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 9563173
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mobile terminal comprising: a main body of the terminal; a holography module attached to the main body of the terminal and positioned so as to output a holographic image into a preset space; and a first camera module arranged in the direction of the preset space so as to film the holographic image. Also, the present invention provides a system for controlling holography comprising the mobile terminal and a target apparatus. The target apparatus is configured so as to film the holographic image by communicating with the mobile terminal or to analyze the holographic image and generate an operational command corresponding thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jonghwan Kim, Jongsuk Won, Iwon Choi, Daeeop Yun
  • Patent number: 9563174
    Abstract: An electronic device has a first hand that displays a first time; a second hand that displays a second time; an indicator hand; a detection device that outputs a first time selection signal when it detects a first time selection operation of an input device, and outputs a second time selection signal when it detects a second time selection operation of the input device; a mode setter that sets a first time correction mode to correct the first time when the first time selection signal is received, and sets a second time correction mode to correct the second time when the second time selection signal is received; and a display controller that points the indicator hand to a position other than that of the second hand when the first time correction mode is set, and points the indicator hand to the second hand when the second time correction mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshikazu Akiyama
  • Patent number: 9563175
    Abstract: An assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring including a base provided with an upper surface and a lower surface on which a balance spring stud and a stud-holder are arranged. The stud-holder secures the stud to an escapement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Sueisse
    Inventors: Julien Christan, Laurent Kaelin, Ivan Villar, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 9563176
    Abstract: A time measurement device includes: a higher-digit indication hand that is configured to indicate a higher digit of a measured time; a lower-digit indication hand that is configured to reciprocate and indicate a lower digit of the measured time on a forward route and on a return route; a first drive unit that is configured to drive the higher-digit indication hand; a second drive unit that is configured to drive the lower-digit indication hand; a time counter that is configured to measure a time; a first drive controller that is configured to control the first drive unit to drive the higher-digit indication hand based on the measured time measured by the time counter; and a second drive controller that is configured to control the second drive unit to drive the lower-digit indication hand based on the measured time measured by the time counter, the second drive controller reciprocating the lower-digit indication hand at a predetermined period, and the first drive controller moving the higher-digit indication
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kawaguchi, Katsuaki Karasawa, Hideyuki Arai
  • Patent number: 9563177
    Abstract: Time information for various locations can be automatically generated for display on a portable electronic device. The time information can include time information for remote locations away from the current location of a user. The time information can be generated without requiring user input specifying the locations. The locations can be determined or identified based on context information of the user or context information of contacts of the user. The locations can be prioritized and the time information can be displayed according to the prioritization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 9563178
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system, method and computer product program for computation of alarm time. The system includes an alarm device for generating an alarm. The system also includes an alarm application hosted on the alarm device for providing at least one user defined alarm condition. The system further includes an alarm engine for receiving the user defined alarm condition, initiating a probe to receive data from data sources, processing the received alarm conditions and the received data to compute the alarm time and next probe time repeating iteratively until the next probe time is greater than the computed alarm time. The system generates alarm at the computed alarm time when the next probe time becomes greater than the alarm time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Infosys Limited
    Inventors: Ashutosh Saxena, Nitin Singh Chauhan
  • Patent number: 9563179
    Abstract: A radio-controlled timepiece, including: a radio wave reception unit that receives satellite waves and extracts an incoming code sequence formatted in a prescribed format from the received satellite waves; and a processor that generates in advance an expected code sequence that is expected to be part of the incoming code sequence and detects the expected code sequence within the incoming code sequence by sequentially comparing the expected code sequence with the incoming code sequence, the processor determining a present date/time, as indicated by the satellite waves, in accordance with a timing at which the detected code sequence occurs within the incoming code sequence as measured by time kept by the timepiece, wherein the expected code sequence includes codes that change with a transmission period during which time-related information that includes satellite date/time contained in the satellite waves, which is formatted in the prescribed format, is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Matsue, Hideo Abe, Kazuaki Abe
  • Patent number: 9563180
    Abstract: A safety-rated industrial device, such as a motor drive, is provided with a safety subsystem that is initially bypassed as a factory default mode. While the safety subsystem is disabled, the device operates as a standard non-safety device, allowing users to perform operations with the device (e.g., turning a motor in the case of motor drives) without requiring safety input devices or a safety controller to be connected to the device. The device continues to operate as a standard non-safety device until a proper safety configuration is applied to the device, whereby the device's safety subsystem is retentatively enabled and the device begins operating as a safety-rated device. While the safety subsystem is enabled, certain device operations that were permitted during standard mode independently of an attached safety controller or safety input devices are made contingent on the monitored status of an associated safety system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin E. Colloton, Jeremy S. Vechinski
  • Patent number: 9563181
    Abstract: In a method for operating an automation system having a first central unit and a second central unit connected with one another for communication and several automation devices connected for communication to the second central unit, information relating to a plurality of communication channels arranged between the second central unit and a respective automation device is compiled in a communication data record, and information relating to communication relationships with the plurality of communication channels and the respective automation device that can be accessed via the plurality of communication channels is automatically transmitted to the first central unit, based on a communication data record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Hermann Jartyn
  • Patent number: 9563182
    Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for monitoring and improving the efficiency by which systems maintain building environments. A building management system may analyze values observed by sensors and other devices and determine whether the observed values fall within a range. If the observed values do not fall within the range and the building's control system has not taken appropriate action to ensure that the observed values do fall within the range, the building may generate a floor plan specifying where the failure occurred. A building ranking system may rank a plurality of buildings based upon their relative efficiency. The building ranking system may determine each building's efficiency based on a set of parameters related to the building's energy usage that are normalized for weather, occupancy, and other external parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ecorithm, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Mezic, Christopher Tagge
  • Patent number: 9563183
    Abstract: A method and information model for carrying out the method are used to control the energy circuits of an object using a generic information model that includes at least one generic unit or generic device that is connected to the energy circuits, the at least one device being assigned to a control unit for each energy circuit, and a device matrix being assigned to the at least one device, in which matrix an energy flow of at least one of the energy circuits is described as a function that includes as a parameter at least one energy flow of at least one of the other energy circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Helmut Stahlschmidt, Bjoern Kuebler, Markus Brandstetter, Lukas Jager
  • Patent number: 9563184
    Abstract: Method, system and computer executable instructions for controlling a process that include collecting data sets for a process having an initial base layer DCV value and a corresponding initial ICV value, a rate-time value and a move series value, receiving a target ICV value and determining whether a change in DCV value is needed. The method checks for any DCV limits and implements a move series to the DCV setting. The rate-of-change of the ICV is calculated along with the estimated time needed to reach the target ICV value based on the rate-of-change. The time needed to reach the target ICV value is compared with the rate-time and the DCV move series is discontinued when the time needed to reach the target ICV value is less than a predetermined percentage of the rate-time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Allan G Kern
  • Patent number: 9563185
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for reducing an error in a controlled variable via model predictive control. A predicted error in the controlled variable is determined for a forward-looking control horizon based upon measured or computed variables. The integral of the predicted error is computed. If the error or the integral exceed a tolerance for a determined time period, the model predictive control algorithm is modified to drive the error or the integral to within a tolerance. The modifications to the control algorithm may include changes to coefficients for terms based upon the error and/or the integral of the error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
  • Patent number: 9563186
    Abstract: A method for controlling a medical apparatus includes identifying at least one object and at least one part of a user's body; capturing the position, movement and/or alignment of the identified part of the body and the identified object; and controlling at least one apparatus using a corresponding predetermined command, if predetermined criteria for the identity of the object and/or part of the body and its position, movement and/or alignment are fulfilled. A device for controlling a medical apparatus includes an identifying device which identifies parts of a user's body and objects; a capture device which captures the position, movement and/or alignment of the identified parts of the body and objects; and a control device which controls at least one apparatus using a corresponding predetermined command, if predetermined criteria for the identity of the object and/or part of the body and its position, movement and/or alignment are fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Steinle, Nils Frielinghaus, Christoffer Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9563187
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to display information via a process control device are disclosed herein. An example method includes acquiring first information via a first sensor of a first output device. The first information is related to an industrial process. The example method also includes communicating the first information from the first output device to a controller and receiving second information in the first output device from the controller. The second information is based on the first information. The example method also includes displaying the second information via a display of the first output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BRISTOL, INC.
    Inventors: Scott G. Szurek, Richard J. Vanderah
  • Patent number: 9563188
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system, non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium including executable code, and a method. In one embodiment, a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium including executable code is provided. The executable code includes instructions for providing a batch commissioning system configured to operatively couple at least two field devices to a control system, and for providing a batch decommissioning system configured to operatively uncouple the at least two field devices from the control system. The executable code further includes instructions for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to use the batch commissioning system, the batch decommissioning system, or a combination thereof, to select, on a display, the at least two field devices, and to communicatively interface with the control system to operatively couple, uncouple, or a combination thereof, the at least two field device from the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abhik Banerjee, John Alexander Petzen, III
  • Patent number: 9563189
    Abstract: A card issuing apparatus that includes a plurality of processing units that perform predetermined processing on a card, which enables reduction of the installation space thereof, is described. A card issuing apparatus that performs processing on a card to be processed and issues the processed card includes: a plurality of processing units including at least a first processing unit that executes a process of forming at least one of a character string and a symbol on a surface of the card to be processed, and a second processing unit that executes a process of recording information on a recording medium included in the card to be processed. The plurality of processing units are installed in the card issuing apparatus body to be arranged in the up-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: DODWELL B • M • S LTD.
    Inventor: Hideyoshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9563190
    Abstract: A power management system includes an electronic apparatus including a notification unit, a recording unit, a switching unit, and a transmitting unit, a management apparatus including an apparatus control unit, and a relay apparatus relaying communication between the apparatuses. In the first mode, the notification unit notifies the management apparatus of the state of the electronic apparatus at predetermined timings or according to a change in the state. In the second mode, the recording unit records the state instead of transmitting the notification. The switching unit switches the control mode in response to an instruction from the management apparatus. Upon switching from the first mode to the second mode, the transmitting unit transmits switching information to the management apparatus. Upon reception of the switching information, the apparatus control unit switches the control mode of the relay apparatus so as to reduce the power consumption of the relay apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Kuroishi