Abstract: A developer container includes a conveyance member having at least a first sheet member and a second sheet member and configured to convey the developer, a deformation portion provided to contact the first sheet member and configured to elastically deform the first sheet member, and a release portion configured to release elastic deformation of the first sheet member to cause the developer on the first sheet member to fly toward an opening, wherein a containing chamber includes a recessed portion as viewed in a lengthwise direction of the containing chamber and wherein the second sheet member is in contact with a wall inside the recessed portion when the developer on the first sheet member is positioned at the release portion.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developing container, a rotatable member including a first screw portion and a second screw portion, a first feeding path configured to accommodate the first screw portion, a second feeding path provided in communication with the first feeding path at a position downstream of the second screw portion with respect to a develop feeding direction, and a developer discharging opening provided in the second feeding path. In a state in which the developing device is mounted to the image forming apparatus, in a cross section of the second feeding path perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotatable member, the second feeding path includes a region where a distance between side surfaces of the second feeding path in a side above a center of a rotation shaft of the rotatable member with respect to a vertical direction increases upwardly.

Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic ink developer comprises a developer roller (112) rotatable about an axis, first and second electrodes (108, 110) proximate the developer roller (112) and an inlet chamber (100) extending along the axis from a first end adjacent an inlet opening (122) to a second end opposite the first end. A neck (104) forms an uninterrupted ink flow path from the inlet chamber (100) to the developer roller (112).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which tension is applied to a recording medium during secondary transferring includes an image carrier, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a tension releasing device, a voltage applier, a voltage measuring device, a nip width adjuster and a controller. The second rotating member sandwiches the image carrier with the first rotating member to from a nip. The tension releasing device releases the tension. The voltage measuring device measures the voltage between the first rotating member and the second rotating member applied by the voltage applier. The nip width adjuster adjusts a width of the nip. The controller controls the nip width adjuster so that a difference between a first voltage which is measured in a state where the tension is released and a second voltage which is measured in a state where the tension is applied within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A fixing device has a flexible endless fixing member; a heater to heat the fixing member; a nip forming member to contact the fixing member directly or via a slide member; a pressure member, rotatably disposed opposite the fixing member and the nip forming member; and a back curl correction structure that includes a drive roller disposed on a side where a back curl appears in the recording sheet; a driven roller disposed opposite the drive roller; an auxiliary nip portion to feed the recording sheet; a guide member to guide the recording sheet fed out from the auxiliary nip portion to bend in a direction opposite a curled direction of the back curl of the recording sheet. A driving connection between the drive roller and the pressure member is performed by a connection between a drive roller side connection gear and a pressure member side connection gear.

Abstract: To provide an image forming apparatus in which the paper is cooled early by blowing air to the paper in the conveying path so as to prevent a sticking phenomenon on a paper output tray while paper turning, paper folding, paper breakage and paper jamming due to influence on paper conveyance by blowing air onto the paper in the conveying path, can be prevented. At the start of paper conveyance, a gate 73 is turned upwards to a first position to thereby close a sixth conveying path 44 and establish communication between a first conveying path 42 and a second conveying path 43 so that the paper having passed through a fixing unit 21 starts to be conveyed from first conveying path 42 to second conveying path 43. At the same time, air is exhausted from an exhausting mechanism 53 arranged upstream of a cooling mechanism 76.

Abstract: A fixing device includes an endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt. An opposed rotary body is pressed against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A belt holder contacts and supports each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. The belt holder is isolated from the opposed rotary body with a first interval interposed therebetween in the axial direction of the endless belt.

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

Abstract: A fixing device includes a pressure mechanism and a pressure adjustment mechanism. The pressure mechanism includes a pressing member holding one of the pressure member and the heating member and a biasing member biasing the pressing member in a direction toward or away from the other of the pressure member and the heating member. The pressure adjustment mechanism includes an eccentric cam. The pressure adjustment mechanism uses one of small-diameter and large-diameter parts formed in the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam to allow the pressure mechanism to give the nip pressure, and uses the other of them to allow the pressure mechanism to release the nip pressure. When the large-diameter part is used to allow the pressure mechanism to give or release the nip pressure, the eccentric cam constantly receives reaction force urging it to rotate in a direction toward the small-diameter part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, a fixing device including a fixing member that fixes the image formed on the sheet and a polishing device that polishes a surface of the fixing member, and circuitry that determines whether an interruption required operation is to be performed, at a time while image formation is being performed by the image forming device to execute an image forming job, or at a time after image formation is executed for one job and before image formation is to be executed for a subsequent job, controls the image forming device to stop image formation to perform the interruption required operation, based on a determination indicating that the interruption required operation is to be performed, and controls the polishing device to polish the surface of the fixing member concurrently with the interruption required operation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image formation unit, a detection unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. When the detection unit outputs a second output value when a second recording material, which is different from a first recording material is detected, in a state where the storage unit stores a first output value output by the detection unit upon detection of the first recording material, the control unit controls an image forming condition based on at least the first output value if a differential value between the first output value and the second output value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value and controls the image forming condition based on the second output value without using the first output value if the differential value is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An endless rotatable belt device including an endless rotatable belt, a scale tape bonded on the belt, at least one optical sensor to detect a scale pattern, and auxiliary tape to cover at least one of the first end and the second end of the scale tape of the belt. The scale tape has a first end and a second end and includes at least one scale pattern. The auxiliary tape has a lower surface friction coefficient than the surface friction coefficient of the scale tape.

Abstract: In some examples, a device authenticates a first consumable product installed in the device, sends a first identifier of the authenticated first consumable product over a network to an engine, receives, over the network from the engine, a list of identifiers for consumable products classified as non-authentic, and in response to installation of a second consumable product in the device that stores an identifier in memory, determines whether the identifier of the second consumable product matches one of the identifiers in the received list of identifiers.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes an endless belt, a temperature raising portion, a first detecting portion configured to detect the temperature of the endless belt at a widthwise central portion, a controller configured to control energization to the temperature raising portion depending on an output of the first detecting portion, a second detecting portion configured to detect the temperature of the endless belt at a widthwise one end portion, an air blowing portion configured to blow air depending on an output of the second detecting portion to cool the widthwise one end portion of the endless belt, and a discriminating portion configured to discriminate whether or not the endless belt is broken on the basis of the output of the second detecting portion when the air blowing portion is operated while effecting the energization to the temperature raising portion.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus has a controller configured to store a rotation amount of a motor since the tray is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus as a stored rotation amount, and move, in response to receipt of a print instruction, a pressing plate by driving the motor in the first mode when a remaining rotation amount is equal to or larger than a particular threshold rotation amount, the remaining rotation amount being a difference between a target rotation amount which is a rotation amount necessary to move the pressing plate from a position when the tray is attached to the main body to the conveying position, and the stored rotation amount, or in the second mode when the remaining rotation amount is less than the particular threshold rotation amount.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet processing apparatus which includes a processing device which performs predetermined processing on a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus. The processing device is able to perform the predetermined processing within a certain amount of time after preparation operation to enable the predetermined processing is completed. The sheet processing apparatus includes a processor which controls timing to start the preparation operation so that the preparation operation is completed when a first sheet which is to be a target of the predetermined processing reaches the processing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can create various output products using a transparent sheet as intended by a user.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming unit, a conveying unit, a first image detecting unit, a second image detecting unit, and a controller, wherein the controller includes a detecting unit correcting mode in which the first image detecting unit is corrected by using an image detection result by the second image detecting unit, and in the detecting unit correcting mode, a transfer paper conveying speed at the time of image reading by the second image detecting unit is changed to the transfer paper conveying speed different from a normal transfer paper conveying speed at the time of image formation and the first image detecting unit is corrected based on read results of the same image by the first and second image detecting units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device to transfer an image to a recording sheet; a fixing device to feed the recording sheet and fix the image onto the recording sheet; a branching device to switch between an ejection path to eject the recording sheet fed downstream of the fixing device, to outside the apparatus, and a reversing path for duplex printing; and a back curl correction structure disposed in a sheet feeding path between the fixing device and the branching device. The back curl correction structure includes a drive roller; a driven roller; an auxiliary nip portion; a guide member; and a guide moving device to move the guide member to a first position and a second position depending on the condition of the recording sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet on a conveyance path on which the sheet is conveyed; a first conveyance path opening member configured to open a first portion of the conveyance path; a second conveyance path opening member configured to open a second portion, which is located downstream the first portion, of the conveyance path; a sheet leading edge position detecting unit configured to detect a position of a leading edge of a stopped sheet on the conveyance path; and a determination unit configured to determine, based on a detection result of the sheet leading edge position detecting unit, one of not conveying the stopped sheet, causing the conveyance unit to convey the stopped sheet toward the first portion, and causing the conveyance unit to convey the stopped sheet toward the second portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit that receives first mode electric power to perform communication; an image forming unit that receives first mode electric power to form an image on a medium; a fixing unit that generates heat by receiving first mode electric power, and performs a fixing process of fixing the image to the medium; a predicting unit that predicts a processing time required for a process of forming the image; and a supply controller that controls supply of electric power according to a first mode or a second mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode. The supply controller starts the supply of first mode electric power to the fixing unit at a timing based on the predicted processing time when the image forming apparatus transitions from the second mode to the first mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearer, a toner image forming device, a transfer device, a transfer bias power source, and a cleaner. The toner image forming device is to form a toner image on the image bearer. The transfer device contacts a surface of the image bearer to form a transfer nip between the transfer device and the image bearer. The transfer bias power source is to output a transfer bias to transfer the toner image from the image bearer onto a recording medium in the transfer nip. The cleaner is disposed downstream from the transfer nip in a direction of rotation of the image bearer, to electrostatically attract and remove toner from the surface of the image bearer to a surface of the cleaner. The transfer bias includes an alternating current component.

Abstract: A static eliminating device includes a substrate provided with a plurality of light emitters that irradiates light as static eliminating light onto a surface of a photosensitive body, and a plurality of limiting resistors that is provided on a same surface as the light emitters. One ends of each of the plurality of light emitters are connected to a power source via the plurality of limiting resistors. The static eliminating device further includes: a first switching section that supplies power from the power source to the plurality of limiting resistors and the plurality of light emitters at a ON state; and a second switching section that supplies power from the power source to the limiting resistors at the ON state, but does not supply the power to the light emitters.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, an image carrier, a developing device, a developer housing container, and a connector. The connector includes a connector housing and elastically deformable second ground terminal and second input/output terminal. The connector housing includes an opening and an end edge. The end edge defines one side portion of the opening. The second ground terminal and the second input/output terminal are projected from the opening. The second ground terminal and the second input/output terminal contact the first ground terminal and the first input/output terminal, respectively by mounting the developer housing container to the internal space. The second ground terminal and the second input/output terminal each abut the end edges on the connector housing with elastic force. The abutment regulates a maximum amount of projection of the second ground terminal and the second input/output terminal with respect to the opening.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a rotating body, a blade that extends in an axial direction of the rotating body and is disposed on the rotating body, a supporting member that is fixed to the blade and configured to support the blade in such a manner that the blade protrudes toward the rotating body in a shorter direction crossing the axial direction, a frame body including a placing surface that supports the supporting member, and a fixed portion that is disposed on the placing surface via the supporting member and fixed to the frame body. The supporting member includes a cut portion extending in the axial direction. The fixed portion includes a deformed portion deformed by given energy, and the deformed portion engages with the cut portion so that movement of the supporting member with respect to the frame body is restricted.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided. The device includes a main body which includes a main controller controlling operations of the image forming device, a consumable unit mounted on the main body to enable communication with the main controller, and a CRUM chip which is provided in the consumable unit and stores usage information of the consumable unit and characteristics information The main controller and the CRUM chip transmit and receive signals which include data and integrity detection data between each other. The integrity detection data is generated by accumulating and reflecting integrity detection data included in a previous signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for performing in-line lens-free digital holography of objects. At least one embodiment relates to an apparatus for performing in-line lens-free digital holography of an object. The apparatus includes a point light source adapted for emitting coherent light. The apparatus also includes an image sensing device adapted and arranged for recording interference patterns resulting from interference from light waves directly originating from the point light source and object light waves. The object light waves originate from light waves from the point light source that are scattered or reflected by the object. The image sensing device comprises a plurality of pixels. The point light source comprises a broad wavelength spectrum light source and a pinhole structure. The image sensing device comprises a respective narrow band wavelength filter positioned above each pixel that filters within a broad wavelength spectrum of the point light source.

Abstract: A hologram generation apparatus is based on a hologram imaging system which includes an object space where an object is situated and a retina space or region where an image is formed within an eyeball of an observer. The hologram generation apparatus includes a modeling unit for generating first graphic data by transforming a 3D image of a 3D object to a set of polygonal facets; a data transformation unit for generating second graphic data by transforming the first graphic data from the modeling unit to normal/reference coordinates in the retina region; a hologram generation unit for generating a first computer generated hologram (CGH1), which is light wave analysis data for the second graphic data; and a hologram transformation unit for transforming the first computer generated hologram (CGH1) in the retina region to a second computer generated hologram (CGH2) in the object space.

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

Abstract: A balance spring system of a horology movement, comprising: a balance spring (1); a movement blank; a first element (1c) for indexing the position of an outer end (10) of the balance spring relative to the blank; and a unit (OL) for connection of the outer end (10) of the balance spring to the movement blank, the first indexing element (1c) being designed such as to be displaceable relative to the connection unit (OL).

Abstract: A timepiece includes a dial plate, and a solar battery which is disposed on a rear side of the dial plate. The dial plate is provided with grooves or ridges. The grooves or the ridges have portions where inclination angles with regard to a normal line of the dial plate are different, and due to this, light which is transmitted through the dial plate is incident from a plurality of directions with angles which are different with regard to the solar battery.

Abstract: A circuit includes a time delta detector configured to receive an input clock signal and a reference clock signal and generate a delta pulse signal and a reference pulse signal. A comparison circuit is configured to receive the delta pulse signal and the reference pulse signal. The comparison circuit generates an output indicative of a bit of a time difference between the input clock signal and the reference clock signal. A control circuit is configured to receive the output from the comparison circuit. The control circuit maintains a count of the time difference between the input clock signal and the reference clock signal.

Abstract: A machine learning apparatus that learns a condition associated with a predicted life of a motor includes: a state observation unit that observes a state variable composed from at least one of output data of a sensor that detects an operation state of the motor and data relating to presence or absence of a failure in the motor; an actual life data acquisition unit that acquires data relating to an actual life of the motor; and a learning unit that learns the condition associated with the predicted life of the motor in accordance with a training data set created based on a combination of the state variable and the actual life.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a signal such that a PLC input signal is equalized to a reference input signal. The apparatus includes an error calculation unit to calculate an error by using the PLC input signal and the reference input signal; an estimation parameter calculation unit to calculate an estimation parameter by using the reference input signal, the PLC input signal and the error; and an error correction unit to correct the error by using the estimation parameter such that the PLC input signal is equalized to the reference input signal.

Abstract: Embodiments include a wireless mote network having a plurality of motes, wherein each of the plurality of motes includes a processing unit in communication with a communications device. Each of the motes includes at least a sensor configured to monitor an environmental condition in an area around the mote or an actuator configured to control one or more external systems. The wireless mote network also includes a central communications device configured to communicate with one or more of the motes within a range of the central communications device and a controller configured to communicate with the central communications device, to receive one or more signals indicative of the environmental condition of one or more of the plurality of motes, and to transmit one or more control signals indicating an operation of the actuator to one or more of the plurality of motes.

Abstract: A machine such as an industrial robot operates either in a stand-alone or in-production mode to perform a number of tests on a battery object having one of several different assembly levels and packaging geometries. The machine has selectable testing programs that correspond to various combinations of object assembly levels and geometries. The machine performs the tests either by coming into contact with a predetermined location on the conductive material of the object or viewing that location. The test results are analyzed to determining if retesting is necessary. After all of the tests are completed on an object, the tested object is assigned a grade and then sorted by grade. The tested objects may be kept at the machine location or sent on for further processing based on the assigned grade. After the testing is completed on one object, the machine tests the next object to be tested.

Abstract: An optimization and management system using a global linearization approach and mixed integer linear programming to perform the dispatch and to schedule a river system for ten days forward while subject to real world, hourly physical, biological, environmental, and recreational constraints. The optimizer system uses a combination of slack variables and stitching methods to approximate a highly nonlinear optimization problem, thereby generating realtime generation schedules to promote to the management authority.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply switching circuit including a first control signal output unit that outputs a signal exceeding a predetermined potential using a main power supply as a first control signal when a power supply voltage of the main power supply exceeds a predetermined reference voltage, a second control signal output unit that outputs the signal exceeding the predetermined potential using a standby power supply from a battery as a second control signal when a potential of the first control signal does not exceed the predetermined potential, and a power supply output unit that outputs the main power supply when the first control signal exceeds the predetermined potential and outputs the standby power supply when the second control signal exceeds the predetermined potential.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus of discriminating reformulated fuel, which includes a fuel sensing unit including first and second electrode plates which are spaced and face each other, and a measuring part connected to the first and second electrode plates; a fuel control valve unit including a control valve part blocking the fuel passage and a second actuator driving the control valve part; and a control unit connected to the measuring part and the second actuator, and operating the second actuator based on a capacitance measured from the measuring part.

Abstract: Embodiments may include a method of curtailing an output level of an EG system. The method may include receiving, at a processor, a first dynamic control signal. The first dynamic control signal may include an instruction to adjust an output level of an EG system to a first output level. The method may also include maintaining the output level of the EG system at the first output level for a predetermined period. The method may further include determining, by the processor, whether a second dynamic control signal is received during the predetermined period. If a second dynamic control signal is not received during the predetermined period, the method may include ramping down the output level at a predetermined rate after the predetermined period until a predetermined failsafe output level is achieved. The predetermined failsafe output level may be maintained until a third dynamic control signal is received by the processor.

Abstract: A human detection system includes a thermal sensor and an indoor apparatus. The thermal sensor captures a thermal image of an indoor space. The human detection system includes a human entering detection mode, a first human exiting detection mode corresponding to a state of turning off the indoor apparatus and a second human exiting detection mode corresponding to a state of turning on the indoor apparatus, wherein the human detection system executes a human entering detection procedure according to the thermal image under the first human entering detection mode, and executes a human exiting detection procedure according to the thermal image under the first human exiting detection mode or the second human exiting detection mode.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to a haptic hand-holdable controller configured with throttle functionality. An example device may take the form of a haptic controller, which senses tactile information and provides force feedback. The haptic hand-holdable controller may implement a throttle where a motor varies feedback to the hand-holdable controller to simulate a throttle.

Abstract: A coil spring modeling apparatus includes a first attachment member disposed on a lower spring seat, a second attachment member disposed on an upper spring seat, an actuator unit formed of a Stewart-platform-type parallel mechanism, a spring height detection mechanism, and a controller. The spring height detection mechanism is constituted of displacement gauges such as a linear variable differential transformer. These gauges are provided on hydraulic cylinders, and detect amounts of displacement relative to the reference lengths of the hydraulic cylinders, respectively. A hydraulic pressure supply device is controlled by the controller and supplies fluid pressure according to the displacement detected by the gauges to the respective hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to improve energy efficiency of a farm with livestock wastes by generating a cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) microgrid model; performing on a computer a multi-objective optimization to improve system efficiency of energy utilization and reduce environmental problems caused by animal wastes; and displaying results of the optimization for review.

Abstract: A servomotor control apparatus according to the present invention is a control apparatus for controlling a machine having one or a plurality of movable portions each driven by a servomotor. In the servomotor control apparatus, while an electromagnetic brake is operated, an actual position obtained by a position detector is periodically monitored. The actual position is compared with the actual position at the time of actuating the electromagnetic brake. When the actual positions are different by a predetermined value or more, any of the issue of a motor torque to maintain the position, the actuation of a regenerative brake, or a control means for continuing a control to maintain the position without operating the electromagnetic brake, even if the servomotor stops for a certain period of time during playback operation, is performed.

Abstract: A test case is executed on a product using a hardware machine, the product being configured in manufacturing according to a configuration, the test case being related to an estimation function. A set of data points resulting from the executing is collected. Using the estimation function, an estimated time needed for the executing is computed. Using the set of data points, an actual time used for the executing is computed. A determination is made whether a difference between the estimated time and the actual time is within a tolerance. Responsive to the difference not being within the tolerance, the estimation function is adjusted using the set of data points and at least one other set of data points, the other set of data points being generated by executing the test case on a second product configured according to a second configuration at a previous time.

Abstract: A system construction support apparatus 1 includes a non-volatile memory 4 that stores in advance apparatus information (projects and design information) that is written such that device numbers and character strings associated with the device numbers are included; a name-candidate-list generating unit that extracts character strings included in the apparatus information in association with device numbers associated with the character strings, organizes the extracted character strings into an entry for each device on the basis of a device number corresponding to each of the character strings, and displays a list of character strings; and a label registering unit that receives an input selecting one of the character strings displayed in the list for each entry and registers the selected character string as a label of a device corresponding to the character string.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide isolating and applying a common protocol which may be used by multiple devices across multiple network levels to analyze an entire system of control networks. A generic message may be sent individually to targeted addresses across a network level. If a response is received from a device at a targeted address, such as within a timeout period, a specific message customized to the individual device may be sent to extract further detail about the device, including its connectivity to other devices and networks. The system may continue automatically until resource utilization of the entire system is determined to thereby provide diagnostic and reliability services.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a shaft load measuring unit measures a load of the main shaft motor. When a measured load of the main shaft motor exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that a tool is brought into contact with a work. Detection and correction of thermal displacement of the main shaft are performed by comparing a reference time and a measured time for the tool to reach the work.

Abstract: A disclosed system includes a physically plausible virtual runtime environment to simulate a real-life environment for a simulated robot and a test planning and testing component to define a robotic task and generate virtual test cases for the robotic task. The test planning and testing component is further operable to generate virtual test cases for the robotic task, determine a control strategy for executing the virtual test cases, and create the physics-based simulated environment. The system further includes a robot controller operable to execute the virtual test cases in parallel in the physics-based simulated environment, measure a success of the execution, and store training and validation data to a historical database to train a machine learning algorithm. The robot controller may continuously execute the virtual test cases and use the machine learning algorithm to adjust parameters of the control strategy until optimal test cases are determined.