Abstract: Provided is [i] a toner including at least a colorant, a resin, and a releasing agent, wherein a spin-spin relaxation time (t2) of the toner at 90° C. obtained by Hahn Echo method of pulse NMR analysis is from 1.80 msec to 7.00 msec. Also provided is [ii] a toner according to [i], wherein the spin-spin relaxation time (t2) of the toner at 90° C. obtained by Hahn Echo method of pulse NMR analysis is from 3.80 msec to 5.90 msec.

Abstract: Provided is a toner that has a plurality of toner particles. Each toner particle can include a binder resin core and a shell disposed about the binder resin core. The binder resin core can include at least one binder resin. The shell can include a plurality of metal nanoparticles. The binder resin core can be prepared by forming an aggregate of the binder resin in which metallic nanoparticles are not present.

Abstract: A roller for electrophotography including a mandrel and an elastic layer on the mandrel is provided. The elastic layer contains a hollow particle in a region from the surface of the elastic layer to a depth of 100 ?m. A cross-section of the hollow particle intersected by a first plane and a cross-section of the hollow particle intersected by a second plane each have a ratio of the length of the long axis to the length of the short axis of 1.2 or more and 1.9 or less.

Abstract: A semiconductive roller (1) is formed from a semiconductive rubber composition which contains a rubber component including 15 to 80 mass % of an epichlorohydrin rubber, and has an oxide film (5) formed in its outer peripheral surface (4). The arithmetic average roughness Ra of the outer peripheral surface is 1.0 to 3.5 ?m, and the ratio S/S0 of a measured surface area S per unit area of the outer peripheral surface to a theoretical surface area S0 per unit area of the outer peripheral surface determined assuming that the outer peripheral surface is a smooth surface is 2.0 to 5.0.

Abstract: Techniques for liquid electrography printing are described herein. In at least some examples herein, a liquid electrographic printer includes a charging element for charging a photo imaging plate (PIP). A light source irradiates light onto the charge element. The irradiated light is to heat the charge element to a selected temperature.

Abstract: The optical scanning device includes a polygon mirror, one or more planar mirrors for reflecting the beam light so as to be led to a photosensitive drum, and a pressing member for pressing a back surface of a final planar mirror. The final planar mirror has a glass plate for allowing the beam light to pass therethrough and a reflection layer arranged on an opposite surface of the glass plate. The beam light passes through the glass plate and is reflected at the opposite surface side, so that a scanning line is curved on a surface to be scanned in a convex shape to one side in a sub-scanning direction. The final planar mirror is pressed by the pressing member so as to be curved, so that the scanning line on the surface to be scanned is adjustable to a flat shape.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes an image carrier; a first roller that is in contact with and charges the image carrier; a second roller that is in contact with the first roller and obtains toner from or supplies toner to the first roller; an exposure section that irradiates the charged image carrier with light to form an electrostatic latent image; a development section that develops the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image; a transfer section that transfers the toner image to a transfer member; a control section that performs control such that the toner moves from the image carrier to the first roller and to the second roller or such that the toner to moves from the second roller to the first roller and to the image carrier; and a collecting member that collects the toner that has moved from the first roller to the image carrier.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a coupling member, a transmitted member, and a rotary member. The transmitted member includes an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the coupling member, and a protruded portion integrally formed with an inner wall of the accommodating portion and protruding from the inner wall toward an inside of the accommodating portion. The coupling member includes a free end portion having a rotational force receiving portion that receives a rotational force, a connected portion connected to the transmitted member in such a manner that at least a part of the connected portion can be accommodated in the accommodating portion, and a recessed portion provided at the connected portion so that the protruded portion can enter. An inclination angle of a rotation axis of the coupling member relative to a rotation axis of the transmitted member is variable.

Abstract: Provided is a remanufacturing method of a developer accommodating unit including a frame member configured to accommodate a flexible container for accommodating developer. The remanufacturing method includes taking out the flexible container from the inside of the frame member, and refilling the developer into the flexible container.

Abstract: A first stretch roller stretches a secondary transfer belt at a position where a tip in a conveying direction of a recording medium being conveyed through a secondary transfer portion can reach. The first stretch roller has a circumferential surface formed into a normal crown shape in which a straight area where a diameter of the first stretch roller is constant is provided at a center part in a direction of axis of rotation. A second stretch roller has a circumferential surface formed into an inverse crown shape in which a straight area where a diameter of the second stretch roller is constant is provided at a center part in a direction of axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a primary heater, a secondary heater, and a tertiary heater to heat a primary heating span, a secondary heating span, and a tertiary heating span of a fixing rotator, respectively. A primary temperature detector and a secondary temperature detector detect a temperature of the fixing rotator. A tertiary temperature detector detects a temperature of a pressure rotator. A controller selectively performs a primary control mode to de-energize the tertiary heater and a secondary control mode to connect the secondary heater and the tertiary heater in series to energize the primary heater, the secondary heater, and the tertiary heater. The controller energizes the secondary heater and the tertiary heater in the secondary control mode based on the temperature of the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator detected by the secondary temperature detector and the tertiary temperature detector, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a fixing device, a transport unit and a controller. The fixing device includes a heat roller and a pressure roller that is moveable with respect to the heat roller. A movement mechanism moves the pressure roller among a contact position in which the pressure roller contacts the heat roller with a first pressing force, a separation position in which the pressure roller does not contact the heat roller, and a semi-contact position in which the pressure roller contacts the heat roller with a second pressing force smaller than the first pressing force. The transport unit transports a medium between the heat roller and the pressure roller. The controller controls the movement mechanism so that the pressure roller moves from the semi-contact position to the separation position after the pressure unit is in the semi-contact position for more than a predetermined time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; a charging unit configured to charge the photosensitive member; an exposure unit configured to expose the photosensitive member charged by the charging unit with a laser beam in order to form an electrostatic latent image; a development unit configured to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member to form an image; an obtaining unit configured to obtain information related to the photosensitive member; a measuring unit configured to measure a measurement image formed by the charging unit, the exposure unit, and the development unit; and a determination unit configured to determine an image forming condition for adjusting a maximum density of the image to be formed, based on a measurement result of the measuring unit and the information obtained by the obtaining unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeder is provided. The sheet feeder includes a sheet container installation space forming member to form a sheet container installation space in the sheet feeder; a sheet container to contain a recording sheet therein, which can be inserted into or extracted from the sheet container installation space; and a sheet feeding device, which contacts with the recording sheet in the sheet container at a sheet pickup position to apply a feeding power to the recording sheet. The sheet feeder has a passage, which is formed by the sheet container and the sheet container installation space forming member to communicate the inside of the sheet feeder with the outside thereof and which is detoured plural times, wherein the passage is located above the sheet pickup position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit, and a remaining-recording-medium detector. The first light-emitting unit is arranged on an outer surface of a recording medium setting unit on which recording media are set, and emits light while the recording media are being conveyed from the recording medium setting unit. The second light-emitting unit is arranged on or near an operating member that is to be operated when a recording medium jammed in a main body of the image forming apparatus is removed. The remaining-recording-medium detector detects presence or absence of a recording medium remaining in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The second light-emitting unit emits light when the operating member needs to be operated, based on a result of detection by the remaining-recording-medium detector. The first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit emit light in different manners.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a paper sheet; a conveying unit configured to convey the paper sheet to the image forming unit at a first conveyance speed and convey the paper sheet in the image forming unit at a second conveyance speed; a trouble detecting unit configured to detect a trouble; and a control unit configured to control the conveyance of the paper sheet in the conveying unit and the image formation on the paper sheet in the image forming unit, wherein, when the trouble detecting unit detects a trouble from the paper sheet being conveyed, and the control unit controls the conveying unit to perform a purging process to discharge a troubled paper sheet to the outside of the apparatus, the control unit controls a conveyance speed to be equal to the second conveyance speed.

Abstract: A developer detector includes a sensor housing portion, an optical sensor, and a cleaning portion. The sensor housing portion can be installed on a wall surface of a hopper storing a developer. The sensor housing portion includes a detection surface, and a step surface protruding a smaller amount from the wall surface than the detection surface to form a step height from the detection surface. The optical sensor is housed in the sensor housing portion and detects the developer through the detection surface. The cleaning portion moves in a moving region including a first region facing the detection surface and a second region facing the step surface and cleans the detection surface on the way of moving. The cleaning portion includes a flexible member and makes the flexible member slide on the detection surface while making the flexible member contact the detection surface under pressure in the first region.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning apparatus including a cleaning member configured to collect developer on an image bearing member, and a storage chamber configured to store the developer, wherein cross-sectional areas of a lengthwise center and an end portion of the storage chamber in a lengthwise direction of the storage chamber are different, the cross sections being orthogonal to the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A collected toner container includes a container with a collecting port receiving a collected toner on one end in a longitudinal direction and a conveying member convey the toner collected from the collecting port from the one end toward the other end. The conveying member includes a plurality of forward conveyance sections and a plurality of reverse conveyance sections configured to convey the toner in a direction opposite to the forward conveyance section. The reverse conveyance sections are arranged alternately with the forward conveyance sections in an axial direction and a length of a downstreammost reverse conveyance section, in the direction of conveyance of the forward conveyance sections, is formed to be longest among the plurality of reverse conveyance sections.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a main body; a toner cartridge having a first opening; a process cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a second opening; a positioning part; a transfer unit; and an urging member. The toner cartridge and process cartridge are attachable to and detachable from the main body in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The positioning part and transfer unit are positioned above the process cartridge attached to the main body. The positioning part fixes the attached process cartridge in position relative to the main body. The urging member urges the attached process cartridge toward the positioning part and urges the process cartridge such that such that the toner can be supplied from the toner cartridge to the process cartridge through the first opening and the second opening when the toner cartridge and the process cartridge are attached to the main body.

Abstract: A process cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a casing, a photosensitive drum having an axis L1, and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a fan disposed between an exhaust port and a filter, and a controller configured to perform at least one of first fan control and second fan control when at least one switching condition is satisfied among one or more switching conditions for switching fan control, the first fan control being for controlling the fan to generate an air current when an in-apparatus temperature detected by a temperature sensor is higher than a threshold temperature, the second fan control being for controlling the fan to generate an air current when an air contamination amount detected by a contamination sensor is larger than a threshold contamination amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a hologram includes a collimation lens configured to receive incoherent light emitted from an object; a spatial light modulator (SLM) that includes at least one diffractive lens which is configured to receive the incoherent light from the collimation lens and split the incoherent light into two beams that interfere with each other; and a camera configured to record the interference pattern of the two beams to create a hologram, wherein a ratio between a distance from the SLM to the camera and a focal length of the diffractive lens is greater than 1.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system that provides a holographic layer as a micro-lens array and/or a color filter array in an imager. The method of writing the holographic layer results in overlapping areas in the hologram for corresponding adjacent pixels in the imager which increases collection of light at the pixels, thereby increasing quantum efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complex security elements based on recording materials for optical elements with refractive index modulation, in particular, holograms, which are subsequently coated with specific metallic nano-shaped metal particles, a method for their manufacture, in particular on a paper or on a plastic substrate and a security product obtainable using the security element. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a security element for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value.

Abstract: A holographic display system for generating a super hologram with full parallax in different fields of view in the horizontal and vertical directions. The display system includes assemblies or subsystems each adapted to combine holographic displays and coarse integral displays to produce or display a coarse integral hologram. The display system is adapted to combine such displays or display systems to add more detail or information. For example, the display system can be assembled as if it were made up of “holographic bricks” that can be stacked and combined to provide a unique image/output. Briefly, the display system described herein teaches techniques for combining coarse integral holographic (CIH) displays in a seamless and scalable manner, e.g., a display system where multiple spatial light modulators (SLMs) can be placed or provided behind coarse integral optics.

Abstract: A mechanical component configured to rotate with a shaft member includes a component main body having a through-hole through which the shaft member is passed, and one or more shaft support portions formed on the inner surface of the through-hole to fix the shaft member to the component main body. The one or more shaft support portions protrude from the inner surface of the through-hole and are capable of retaining the shaft member due to an elastic force. The one or more shaft support portions are made of material having a larger elongation percentage than that of the material of the component main body thereby preventing breakage of the mechanical component due to stress created when the shaft member is forced through the through-hole in the component main body.

Abstract: The invention provides bearing systems characterized by single point contact with each jewel segment and a spring-loaded assembly with protection from radial and thrust forces. An important feature of jewel bearings of the invention is that they are self-lubricating, i.e., no oil or grease lubricants are needed. This can be a major advantage in medical and precision equipment. A secondary important feature is the reduced friction and effective heat-dissipation due to the unique design of the invention with significant reduction in contact surfaces and friction, which significantly prolong the lifespan of the bearings. Another advantage of the present invention is the substantial reduction in audible noise due to the unique design. Furthermore, the invention allows the use of relatively low cost synthetic jewel segments in bearings.

Abstract: A shock-absorber bearing for a staff of a moving part of a timepiece, the bearing including a support including a housing configured to receive a pivot module configured to cooperate with the staff, and an elastic mechanism configured to exert at least one axial force on the pivot module to retain the module in its housing.

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: An apparatus comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a divided clock signal and a control signal in response to (i) an input clock signal and (ii) a configuration signal. The second circuit may be configured to generate an output clock signal in response to (i) the control signal and (ii) the divided clock signal. The second circuit may add a delay to one or more edges of the output clock signal by engaging one or more of a plurality of capacitances. A number of the capacitances engaged may be selected to reduce jitter on the output clock signal. The capacitances may be used each cycle to calibrate the output clock signal.

Abstract: A biological information processing system includes a pulse wave information acquisition unit that acquires pulse wave information of a user, and a processing unit that determines a sleep state of the user on the basis of the pulse wave information and instructs an alarm control unit to perform an alarm notification based on a notification mode according to the sleep state.

Abstract: A controller that controls both safety and application functions of connected equipment is disclosed. The controller allows a user to freely program application specific functions while preventing the application functions from affecting the safety functions of the controller. This may give the user more flexibility and leeway when programming the application specific programming functions, without having to worry about affecting the safe operation of the connected equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a process plant include a server providing display information to a first user interface (UI) device, storing state information, and providing display information to a second user interface device according to the stored state data. A processor is coupled to a unitary, logical data storage area and to a memory device that stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the processor to retrieve process data for display on a first UI device, transmit to the first UI device the retrieved process data, store state information associated with the display of the process data on the first UI device, retrieve process data for display on a second UI device according to the stored state information, and transmit to the second UI device the process data retrieved according to the stored state information.

Abstract: A landscape controller includes a housing and a control panel in the housing. The control panel includes a display and at least one manual control that enable a user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. A memory is provided for storing an operational program for carrying out the watering schedule. A processor is connected to the memory and is capable of executing the operational program. A connecting device in the control panel operatively connects at least one feature module to the processor. The controller further includes station control circuitry controlled by the processor that enables the processor to selectively energize a plurality of valves to deliver water to sprinklers in accordance with the watering schedule.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the method includes configuring a user interface to receive a first parameter setting associated with a system device. The user interface is further configured to send a message to the system device including the first parameter setting. The user interface is further configured to receive from the system device a second parameter setting that is dependent on the first parameter setting. The user interface is further configured to make the second parameter setting available for viewing.

Abstract: A method of allocating a fixed resource includes displaying an interface control in a user interface display. The interface control includes at least three continuous value control elements associated with a group including at least three categories. Each continuous value control element is associated with a value associated with a category of the group. The operator of the values associated with the at least three continuous value control elements is equal to a fixed quantity. In response to a first user input, a first continuous value control element is locked to fix the value associated with the first continuous value control element. In response to a second user input, a second continuous value control element is adjusted to change the value associated with the second continuous value control element.

Abstract: A system and method for performing build verification of equipment systems after being installed in a partially constructed vehicle portion. After installing one or more of prerequisite equipment systems during a current build stage of a vehicle build plan, the installed equipment systems are tested during the current build stage to determine whether the installed equipment systems are electrically connected correctly.

Abstract: A device includes a case for holding a mobile computer against a user's body so that a camera of the mobile computer faces away from the user's body. The device includes a wedge assembly, including a hinge and a wedge piece for contacting the user's body. The mobile computer can cause the wedge piece to rotate about the hinge, thereby positioning the case to an angle with respect to the user's body.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a memory system may include one or more memory modules and a memory controller communicatively coupled to one or more memory modules. The memory controller may be configured to determine a temperature associated with the memory system and determine if the temperature is below a minimum threshold temperature, wherein the minimum threshold temperature is a predetermined margin greater than a critical temperature below which one or more timing parameters of the memory system are of greater durations than they are when the temperature is above the critical temperature, and further wherein the predetermined margin is zero or greater. The memory controller may also be configured to initiate one or more remedial actions to increase the temperature above the minimum threshold temperature if the temperature is below the minimum threshold temperature.

Abstract: An energy management system 1 is provided with an SOFC unit 100 and a gas meter 200. The gas meter 200 includes: a control unit 230 that stops gas supply when continuous use of gas lasts a specific period; and a transmission unit 220 that transmits a stop instruction signal to the SOFC unit 100 before a timing at which continuous use of gas lasts the specific period, the stop instruction signal designating a time limit that is before the timing and instructing to stop the SOFC unit 100.

Abstract: A controller module, method, and a non-transitory computer program product are disclosed for the dynamic configuration of an industrial control system, which can include a current settings receiver configured to receive current configuration and security settings of the industrial control system, a changed settings receiver configured to receive changed configuration settings of the industrial control system, a settings analyzer configured to determine, based on the current configuration and security settings and the changed configuration settings, updated configuration and security settings of the industrial control system, and a dynamic activator configured to dynamically establish at least one communication path in order to activate updated configuration and security settings of the industrial control system.

Abstract: The invention provides a position detection apparatus comprising: a base part, a moving part movable relatively with respect to the base part, a position detection part that detects a position of the moving part relative to the base part on the basis of a magnetic flux change to produce position data, a temperature detection part that detects an ambient temperature, a position correction part that calculates a correction value on the basis of a difference between the position data and a given reference value and the ambient temperature, and corrects the position data on the basis of the calculated correction value to produce a first corrected position data, and a linearity correction part that corrects the first corrected position data on the basis of the correction value for nonlinearity of the position detection part to produce a second corrected position data, wherein: the position detection part is capable of detecting position value as far as a position area where, within a position range of relative

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods associated with controlling lighting based on a presentation display, such as a television, mobile device, white board, etc. The disclosed embodiments can involve a lighting system, a presentation display, a monitoring system, and a controller. The lighting system provides light to an area and may include a light source and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the light source. The lighting system can include natural light sources and/or artificial light sources. The adjustment mechanism may adjust, for example, one or more of an intensity, orientation, polarization, color, flicker rate, polarization, and other characteristics of the light source. The presentation display can be monitored by a monitoring system to monitor a status of the presentation display. The controller processes the status of the presentation display and signal the adjustment mechanism to adjust the light source, based on the status of the presentation display.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a plug-in hybrid vehicle having a secondary battery that can be charged with external power includes a stoppage period acquisition unit and a battery control unit. The stoppage period acquisition unit obtains an engine stoppage period in which an internal combustion engine is stopped. The battery control unit controls charging/discharging of the secondary battery. The battery control unit sets an upper limit value of a storage amount of the secondary battery to be lower when the engine stoppage period equals or exceeds a predetermined period than when the engine stoppage period is shorter than the predetermined period.

Abstract: A control system for a concrete plant adds intelligent capabilities in the concrete plant that may enhance safety, localize control of the concrete plant, and assist with troubleshooting. The control system may also enhance accuracy for determining an amount of mixed concrete dispensed, or amounts of concrete ingredients to dispense, and may eliminate the need for equipment used to verify the amount of mixed concrete or concrete ingredients dispensed.

Abstract: Multiple parallel slave processes and a master process are assigned to a node executing an operating system such that the operating system maintains a ready queue comprising a list of one or more processes that are ready to be executed by at least one processing core. A parallel slave process takes an action that causes the operating system to keep the parallel slave process out of the ready queue. Based on receiving an indication that the parallel slave process is to be kept out of the ready queue, the master process sets the parallel slave process to a blocking state, selects a second parallel slave process that is in a runnable state but is currently kept from being in the ready queue, and takes an action that causes the operating system to add the parallel slave process that is in the runnable state to the ready queue.

Abstract: A method controls a machine with redundant actuators according to pattern of disconnected contours, wherein the machine includes redundant actuators by first generating a set of initial trajectories from the pattern. Each initial trajectory corresponds to one of the disconnected contours, or a path from an exit point of one contour and an entry point of a next contour. A set of costs for the set of initial trajectories is determined. A sequence of final trajectories is determined based on the set of costs. Then, a set of commands is generated for controlling the machine according to the sequence of final trajectories.

Abstract: A numerical control device reads a machining program and causes a machine tool to operate based on the machining program. The numerical control device includes: an acceleration-deceleration determining unit; and a position-command generating unit. The numerical control device is configured to set the acceleration and the deceleration as acceleration-deceleration data when the acceleration and the deceleration satisfy tolerances decided based on actual mechanical dynamic characteristics, and set the tolerances as acceleration-deceleration data when the acceleration and deceleration do not satisfy the tolerances. The position-command generating unit is configured to generate a position command based on the moving command, the acceleration-deceleration data, and the speed at the end of the command route and the superimposition amount subjected to processing by the acceleration-deceleration determining unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fuel cell stack part serialization and tracking. In an embodiment, a barcode may be applied to a fuel cell stack part which may identify the fuel cell stack part. In an embodiment, the barcode may be applied as ink on a green fuel cell stack part prior to sintering. In an embodiment, a portion of a fuel cell stack part may be imaged and pattern recognition techniques may be utilized to identify the fuel cell stack part based on the unique features of fuel cell stack part. In an embodiment, portion of a fuel cell stack part may be measured to generate one or more series of unique volume/area values and one or more series of unique volume/area values may be utilized to identify the fuel cell stack part.