Abstract: A decoloring device according to an embodiment includes a decoloring unit configured to decolor an image on a sheet. A scanner optically reads the sheet and generates image data corresponding to the read sheet. A storage unit stores a first jam detection time and a second jam detection time, the second jam detection time being longer than the first jam detection time. A first sensor detects a sheet being transported in a first transport area. A second sensor detects a sheet being transported in a second transport area. A jam determination unit determines occurrence of a jam in the first transport area based on a detection by the first sensor compared to the first jam detection time, and determines occurrence of a jam in the second transport area based on a duration of a detection by the second sensor compared to the second jam detection time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a power source portion; a fixing portion; and a controller. The controller sets a waveform of a current to be passed through each of first and second heat-generating-elements of the fixing portion in one control period so that, in a synchronous half wave in one control period, the current passes through one heat-generating-element from a halfway point of the half wave and the current passes through or does not pass through the other heat-generating-element throughout a half wave period. The controller sets a current supply starting timing of the current passing through the one heat-generating-element, at timing when a current passing toward the power source portion stops.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an apparatus body having an image forming portion capable of forming an image based on an image information, an operation unit disposed as a separate body from the apparatus body and operating the apparatus body, and a cable connecting the apparatus body and the operation unit and capable of conducting power. The cable has a length set so that the operation unit does not contact an installation surface on which the apparatus body is supported, according to which a freedom of placement of the operation unit is improved compared to a case where the operation unit is connected via an arm.

Abstract: Methods for lubricating an imaging member include applying lubricant-containing capsules to the surface of the imaging member via a non-contact applicator. The capsules are applied upstream of a cleaning blade after image transfer to another substrate, such that the cleaning blade ruptures the capsules, thereby releasing the lubricant contained therein.

Abstract: Provided is a toner recycling device for an image forming apparatus, including a waste toner conveying screw which conveys waste toner collected out of a surface of a photosensitive drum to one side; a toner recycling means which is connected with the waste toner conveying screw to be rotated by rotation of waste toner conveying screw, filters a foreign substance out of the waste toner conveyed by the waste toner conveying screw, supplies the recycled toner from which the foreign substance is removed toward a developing unit, and discharges the foreign substance filtered out of the waste toner to an outside of a drum unit; and a collecting case which is integrally formed with the drum unit at one side of the drum unit to collect the foreign substance filtered by the toner recycling means, wherein the foreign substance like paper dust contained in the waste toner is filtered, and then the recycled toner is supplied again toward the developing unit, thus it is possible to prevent the quality of a printed image

Abstract: In a developing cartridge, a developing roller including a developing roller shaft is configured to rotate around a first rotational axis extending in predetermined extending direction and to carry developer thereon. The cartridge also includes a developing electrode formed of a conductive material and to be electrically connected to the developing roller shaft. The developing electrode includes a main part and a protrusion protruding from the main part in the extending direction. The protrusion has a first portion, which corresponds to a circumferential surface of the protrusion. The cartridge further includes a gear having gear teeth on circumferential portion of the gear. The gear rotates about the protrusion and includes a covering portion covering the first portion and being rotatable with the gear.

Abstract: Provided is a process cartridge by which the stability of an image having a high print percentage can be obtained even when high-density loading is performed. The process cartridge is a process cartridge in which a toner having a uniaxial collapse stress at the time of a maximum consolidation stress of 10.0 kPa of 2.0 kPa or more and 4.5 kPa or less, and a total energy measured after its compression of 70 mJ or more and 95 mJ or less is stored in a toner container in a state in which the container has a loading density of 0.70 g/cm3 or more.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing including a cover; a process cartridge including a second toner conveying part; a transfer belt; a toner cartridge including a first toner conveying part; a secondary transfer member; and a fixing unit. The cover opens and closes an opening of the main casing by pivotally moving about a pivot axis. The transfer belt and toner cartridge are positioned upward of the process cartridge. The secondary transfer member contacts the one end of the transfer belt. The pivot axis and fixing unit are closer to the one end than to the other end of the transfer belt in the orthogonal direction. The second toner conveying part has a second opening in communication with a first opening of the first toner conveying part. The second opening is opposite the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a hologram that may generate a three-dimensional (3D) hologram pattern at a high speed may include a pattern setting unit to set points for which hologram patterns are to be generated with respect to a one-eighth area of an entire area for which a hologram pattern is to be generated, a calculation unit to calculate pattern values for a plurality of reference points selected with respect to the one-eighth area of the entire area, and to generate a pattern for the one-eighth area using recurrent interpolation, and a pattern duplicating unit to complete a pattern for the entire area by duplicating the generated pattern for the one-eighth area.

Abstract: An apparatus including a laser generating a plane wave beam, a first beam splitter splitting the plane wave beam into a first reference laser beam and at least one ideal input beam, at least one second beam splitter, and an angle-magnifying optical element. The at least one second beam splitter reflects the at least one ideal input beam through the angle-magnifying optical element to generate at least one distorted input beam. The apparatus further includes a focal plane array receiving the first reference laser beam and the at least one distorted input beam and recording at least one interference pattern generated by the first reference laser beam and the at least one distorted input beam. The apparatus further includes a spatial light modulator generating the at least one recorded interference pattern, receiving the reference laser beam, and transmitting at least one time-reversed output beam through the angle-magnifying optical element.

Abstract: Pallet lever (2) for the escapement mechanism of a watch movement including a fork portion (4), a pallet-stone holder portion (7), pallet-stones (6) mounted on the pallet-stone holder portion, and a lever (8) interconnecting the pallet-stone holder portion to the fork portion. The fork portion includes a fork (12), guard pin (14) and a stud (16), the lever and the pallet-stone holder portion are integral and form a one-piece main body (3) of the pallet lever, and the fork is an added part secured to the main body by means of the stud driven into a securing hole (18) in the main body and a securing hole (20) in the fork. The stud is manufactured from a hard material, particularly a sapphire.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an ornamental jewelry piece, such as a watch, a ring or a bracelet, includes a sensor package. In some aspects, a timepiece includes a timepiece body having an interior surface that defines a cavity. The timepiece includes a sensor package and a movement in the cavity. The sensor package includes a sensor that monitors the user and a battery that powers the sensor. The movement operates independent of the battery in the sensor package. In some instances, the sensor package tracks fitness data based on motion detected by the sensor and generates an output to the user based on the fitness data.

Abstract: The mechanical movement includes a checking device which is a passive indicator element. The passive element is fixed to a fixed support portion of the mechanical movement. The passive element may be a strip or a plate fixed to the fixed support portion of a regulating member and configured to vibrate according to one or more clearly defined vibration frequency components following the vibration of the mechanical movement. The vibration frequency components of the strip or plate define an acoustic signature specific to the timepiece to allow the authenticity of the timepiece to be determined by a measurement of the acoustic signature using an acoustic measuring system.

Abstract: A satellite radio signal receiver includes a receiving section and a processor. The receiving section receives a radio signal from a satellite and demodulates the signal to identify each received bit of the signal. The processor compares the identified received bit with estimated bits which are estimated to be received within a possible deviation range set for a current date and time acquired as a reception time of the received bit, so as to obtain information on comparison result in relation to a deviation from the current date and time. The processor detects the deviation which satisfies a predetermined match condition of comparison results for received bits. The processor acquires date and time information based on the detected deviation which satisfies the predetermined match condition.

Abstract: A wearable wireless electronic device includes a watch dial and a hand module. The hand module includes a first hand and a second hand that are rotatably coupled to the watch dial. The first and second hands are configured to indicate current time and send/receive wireless signals. When the first and second hands rotate relative to the watch dial, the first and second hands are configured to display current time. When the first hand is positioned at a predetermined position substantially perpendicular to the second hand, the first and second hands are configured to send/receive wireless signals.

Abstract: A biometric identity confirmation system is based on both pulse wave shape data and spirometric data for the subject. During an initial enrollment mode, pulse wave shape and spirometric data for a known subject are used to generate subject characterization data for the known subject by computing an exemplar and selectively weighting portions of the exemplar based, for example, on repeatability or distinguishing characteristic features over the population of known subjects. During a subsequent identity authentication mode, pulse wave shape and spirometric data for a test subject are analyzed using the subject characterization data to confirm whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject.

Abstract: A field device for process instrumentation comprises a measuring and comparison device and a readable storage element. The measuring and comparison device is configured for monitoring an operating characteristic variable for compliance with a predefined range. The readable storage element maintains a state. The storage element state is permanently changed if a value held by the operating characteristic variable goes out of said predefined range. The predefined range is determined in such a manner that, as a result of a changed state of the storage element, a loss of suitability of the field device for special operation with an operating characteristic variable with restricted specifications, but not a loss of suitability for normal operation with an operating characteristic variable with less restricted specifications, is indicated.

Abstract: An automation system including a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility and an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device, wherein the automation controller includes a compiler configured to take high level rules and information about the peripheral devices and produce at least one program that will respond to data from the peripheral devices and to timer, calendar, clock, and preprogrammed events and a server component that provides the data as input to the at least one program and takes actions based on the output of the program.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.

Abstract: In an actuating drive (1) having an electric motor (2) which is driven by a drive unit (4), it is provided to determine a state of charge of an intermediate circuit capacitor (5) of an intermediate circuit (3) which supplies the drive unit (4) and, depending on the determined state of charge, to adjust electrical power consumption by the electric motor (2) such that a critical state of charge of the intermediate circuit capacitor (5) can be avoided.

Abstract: A building management system (BMS) includes a baseline model generator configured to receive an initial set of predictor variables for potential use in an energy usage model for a building, generate a first set of coefficients for the baseline energy usage model based on the initial set of predictor variables, remove one of the predictor variables from the initial set of predictor variables to create a subset of the initial set of predictor variables, generate a second set of coefficients for the baseline energy usage model based on the subset of the initial set of predictor variables, calculate a test statistic for the removed variable using a difference between the first set of coefficients and the second set of coefficients, and automatically select the removed predictor variable for use in the baseline energy usage model in response the test statistic exceeding a critical value.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use cloud-hosted control system back-up processing to replace the functionality of a failed control panel are provided. Systems can include a remote monitoring station, a remote control panel device, and a local control system installed in a region, the local control system including a local control panel and at least one device. When operating in a normal mode, the at least one device can communicate with the local control panel, the local control panel can communicate with the remote monitoring station, and the remote control panel device can be inactive. When operating in a back-up mode, the remote control panel device can be active, the at least one device can communicate with the remote control panel device, the remote control panel device can communicate with the remote monitoring station, and the local control panel can be inactive.

Abstract: A sensor is installed in a building management system by determining a sensor type of the sensor from among a plurality of supported sensor types based on information collected by a mobile device of a user; identifying configuration information required by the building management system for the determined sensor type; obtaining the required configuration information from the user using an interface on the mobile device, wherein at least a portion of the interface is generated to accommodate one or more requirements of the building management system with respect to the determined sensor type; and providing the obtained required configuration information to the building management system. The sensor type and unique identifier of the sensor can be automatically determined. Portions of the required configuration information for the determined sensor type can be automatically populated using default information for the determined sensor type.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for configuring a set of devices of a structure are disclosed. One method includes loading a structure plan to a mobile computing device, wherein the structure plan is associated with the structure, communicating, by the mobile computing device, with one or more of the set of devices, communicating, by each of the one or more of the set of devices, a device identifier and proximity dependent information of the device back to the mobile computing device, wherein the proximity dependent information allows the mobile computing device to estimate a proximate location of the device, and placing, by the mobile computing device, each of the one or more of the set of devices on the structure floor plan based at least in part on the proximity dependent information.

Abstract: A system includes a syngas cooler and a compatible seal gas system. The syngas cooler may be configured to cool a syngas. The compatible seal gas system may be configured to supply a compatible seal gas to a seal of the syngas cooler. The seal may be configured to block the syngas from a passage between an outer wall of the syngas cooler and a tube cage of the syngas cooler.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for choosing a point from a set of optimal solutions defined as the output of a problem in such a way that small perturbations to the input variables of the problem may reliably produce small changes to the output. Embodiments may determine the optimal point for concentrating solar thermal power plants utilizing heliostats, based on a linear function, one or more constraints, and a determined space of optimal solutions.

Abstract: A fascia panel assembly includes an electrically non-conductive fascia panel, an electrically non-conductive isolator, and a capacitance sensor. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the sensor while the sensor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The isolator is sandwiched between the fascia panel and the isolator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing adjustment to optimize the voltage for each distribution network in a power distribution system. The apparatus for adjusting a voltage in the power distribution system adjusts the voltage by switching a switch that lies on a path in the power distribution system. The apparatus determines a switch that is to become a switching target from among switches lying on the path, obtains a voltage optimization value of the determined switching target switch, selects a switch having the minimum voltage optimization value by changing the switching target switch to another switch in order to obtain the voltage optimization value, and adjusts the voltage through switching of the selected switch.

Abstract: A profile gauge that embodies a measurement geometry for a tool that has a toothed profile designed in particular for the skiving of toothed work pieces, wherein the profile gauge serves to determine at least one measurement quantity which can be used for a machining process, specifically a skiving process, that is to be performed with the tool and wherein, in a phase of said process, the toothed profile of the work piece that is to be generated is formed by a meshing engagement with the teeth of the tool, wherein the profile gauge is distinguished by having a toothed profile section with which, for determining the measurement quantity, the teeth of the tool are brought into a meshing engagement that corresponds to the tooth engagement between the tool and the work piece during the profile-forming phase. The invention further concerns a measuring device and a measurement method.

Abstract: A method of operating a power tool detects human contact with a non-moving implement in the power tool. The method includes generating a series of samples of an electrical signal passing through the non-moving implement, identifying a component for each sample in the series of samples of the electrical signal, identifying a first max?min value corresponding to a first plurality of samples in the series of samples occurring during a first periodic time interval with reference to a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value identified in the components of the first plurality of samples, and identifying human contact with the non-moving implement in response to the first max?min value being greater than a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece may include continuously rotating the workpiece, continuously rotating a tool having at least one cutting surface, and positioning the tool relative to the workpiece so that the at least one cutting surface engages the workpiece at a first discrete location at a periphery of the workpiece. The method may further include continuing to rotate the workpiece and the tool so that the at least one cutting surface engages a second discrete location at the periphery of the workpiece, and controlling a tool surface velocity VT relative to the workpiece surface velocity VW so that the first and second discrete locations are discontinuous. The tool may make multiple iterative passes over the workpiece to engage subsequent discrete locations, wherein the first discrete location, second discrete location, and multiple subsequent discrete locations may form a machined surface that extends continuously around the workpiece.

Abstract: A method determines a path of a tool machining a pocket shape in a workpiece. The pocket shape is defined by a closed curve in an x-y plane. The method determines positions and velocities of a motion of an oscillator having an energy defined by a function that is positive within a boundary of the pocket shape and equals zero on the boundary of the pocket shape. The method determines coordinates of the path of the tool based on corresponding pairs of position and velocity values of the motion, wherein a position value of each pair represents an x coordinate of the path of the tool in the x-y plane, and a velocity value of each pair represents a y coordinate of the path of the tool in the x-y plane.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and system for optimizing kit nesting. The method, computer program, and system include defining a priority for each kit in a plurality of kits. Each of the plurality of kits is associated with at least one machine in a machine family, such that each machine family is associated with a set of kits. A first optimized nest is determined for each machine in each machine family by providing all machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the first nest. A second optimized nest is determined for at least one machine by providing all remaining machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the second nest.

Abstract: A method for notifying at least a first condition in an industrial system by way of a monitoring system in order to draw the attention of an operator monitoring the industrial system to the at least one condition. The method includes displaying the first condition in a first portion of a display screen of the monitoring system, determining by eye tracking an area where a user focuses on the display screen, the area where the user focuses differing from the first portion, and alerting the user of the first condition in order to allow the user to be notified of the first condition in the industrial system. A monitoring system is also presented herein.

Abstract: A method of error detection of a flight management system coupled with a guidance of an aircraft according to a flight plan, comprises the steps of: generating a first reference guidance order, monitoring the integrity of the first reference position, when the first reference position is not monitored as being dependable: invalidating the first FMS assembly and the associated guidance system, when the first reference position and the first reference trajectory are monitored as being dependable: generating a first monitoring guidance order, generating a first reference flight control, generating a first monitoring flight control, in monitoring the integrity of the first reference guidance order when the first reference guidance order is not monitored as being dependable: invalidating the first FMS assembly and the associated guidance.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to differentiating between active and inactive construction zones. In one example, this may include identifying a construction object associated with a construction zone. The identified construction object may be used to map the area of the construction zone. Detailed map information may then be used to classify the activity of the construction zone. The area of the construction zone and the classification may be added to the detailed map information. Subsequent to adding the construction zone and the classification to the detailed map information, the construction object (or another construction object) may be identified. The location of the construction object may be used to identify the construction zone and classification from the detailed map information. The classification of the classification may be used to operate a vehicle having an autonomous mode.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a plurality of machines deployed on an underground worksite is provided. The system includes a monitoring module provided on-board each of the plurality of machines. The system also includes an area isolation control module associated with the underground worksite. The system further includes a machine control module coupled to the monitoring module and the area isolation control module.

Abstract: A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Abstract: An air/ground contact logic management system for use with fly-by-wire control systems in an aircraft. The system includes a first sensor configured to provide an output signal to determine when the aircraft is in a transition region. A logic management system is in communication with the first sensor and is configured to receive and process the output signal and classify a mode of the aircraft. A controller receives signal data from the logic management system and communicates with a control axis actuator to regulate a level of control authority provided to a pilot. The control authority is individually regulated within each integrator as a result of the individual landing gear states.

Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for processing a wafer are provided. A method for processing a wafer includes creating an exhaust flow in a fluid conduit assembly that is connected to a process module used for processing the wafer. The method also includes detecting the exhaust pressure in the fluid conduit assembly. The method further includes determining whether the exhaust pressure meets a set point. In addition, the method includes regulating the exhaust flow if the exhaust pressure fails to meet the set point.

Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. The method contemplates heating the water up to a temperature of about 200° F. (93.3° C.). A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed.

Abstract: Arrangements for configuring a thermostat for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are presented. A thermostat may receive information indicative of the HVAC system comprising an air conditioner and information indicative of the HVAC system comprising a multi-stage heat pump. The thermostat may modify configuration information of the thermostat based on the information indicative of the air conditioner and the information indicative of the multi-stage heat pump. The thermostat may then control the HVAC system in accordance with the modified configuration information.

Abstract: Employed within an LED driver operating from the AC power line, the invention controls both input current and output power. With this regulation circuit, input current appears purely resistive, precisely tracking the input voltage waveshape. At the same time, it provides good line regulation and inherent phase dimmer compatibility, requiring no special circuitry to detect and handle a dimmer.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes circuits and methods for generating bleeding currents. In one embodiment, a pass transistor of a voltage regulator receives a voltage from a feedback circuit. A negative resistance circuit is coupled to a node to produce a bleeding current that turns on when needed and is otherwise off to save power. In one embodiment, the negative resistance circuit includes stacked current mirrors and a resistor. In another embodiment, the resistor has a first terminal that receives the voltage from the feedback circuit and a second terminal is coupled to a constant reference voltage that tracks the input voltage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO), including a power transistor, a driving stage circuit, a feedback circuit, a bias power source and an auxiliary reference current generation circuit. The power transistor is controlled by a driving signal to convert an input voltage into an output voltage. The feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage according to the output voltage. The driving stage circuit generates the driving signal according to the feedback voltage and the reference voltage. The bias power source provides a bias current. The auxiliary reference current generation circuit is configured to sample an output current, adjust the sampled output current to generate an adjustment current by means of mapping and superpose the adjustment current onto the bias current to generate a reference current to control drive capability of the driving stage circuit.

Abstract: A voltage regulator is described. It includes an amplification stage to control a voltage level of a first gain node and of a second gain node in response to an input voltage, to activate a first and a second output stage, respectively. It further includes the first output stage to source a current at an output node of the voltage regulator from a first potential. The voltage regulator includes the second output stage to sink a current at the output node to a second potential. The voltage regulator includes a first operating point control circuit to set the voltage level of the first gain node such that a first maintenance current is sourced by the first output stage; and/or a second operating point control circuit to set the voltage level of the second gain node such that a second maintenance current is sunk by the second output stage.

Abstract: A method of controlling frequency of a power system by a frequency control system includes: obtaining a frequency control command to keep frequency fluctuation of the power system within a predetermined range; obtaining information on electric power to be received or supplied by m second apparatuses, and determining n first command values for controlling electric power to be received or supplied by n first apparatuses, based on the frequency control command obtained in the obtaining of a frequency control command and the obtained information on electric power to be received or supplied by the m second apparatuses; and transmitting each of the n first command values determined in the determining to a corresponding one of the first apparatuses.

Abstract: There are provided a power conversion mode control apparatus of a bi-directional DC-DC converter including: a controlling unit determining an overall reference current so as to perform a power conversion from a side in which an actual voltage is relatively larger than a reference voltage to a side in which the actual voltage is relatively smaller than the reference voltage by comparing a voltage error of low voltage side and a voltage error of high voltage side with each other; and a duty command generating unit generating duty command based on a difference between the overall reference current and a current of low voltage side and providing the duty command to the bi-directional DC-DC converter.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high degree of freedom control apparatus that includes a base attached to a strain gauge assembly movable in three orthogonal directions to provide signals indicative of a position of the strain gauge assembly relative to the base. An actuator assembly is supported on the base and movable by an operator's arm, hand, digit, or wrist relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly provides signals indicative of the position of the operator's arm, hand, digit or wrist in at least seven degrees of freedom relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly includes a wrist angle stage and a digit angle stage. The strain gauge assembly includes a spring plate and a load cell that is configured to provide a signal indicative of deflection of the load cell relative to the base.