Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotary first fixing unit, a second fixing unit that is formed of an endless belt and is in contact with the first fixing unit at a position other than an uppermost point and a lowermost point in a vertical direction to form a fixing nip, and a lubricant retaining unit arranged at a position including the lowermost point to retain a lubricant to be supplied to an inner peripheral surface of the belt.

Abstract: An image fixing device includes a rotatable fixing belt; a pressing roller forming a nip for feeding a sheet; a nip forming member contacted to an inner surface of the fixing belt to sandwich the fixing belt between the pressing roller to form the nip; a heating roller stretching the fixing belt; a cooling fan, for cooling the fixing belt, provided opposed to the belt at a position downstream of the heating roller and upstream of the nip forming member in the rotational movement direction of the fixing belt; a temperature sensor, for detecting a temperature of the fixing belt, provided at the position downstream of the cooling fan and upstream of the nip; and a controller for controlling power supply to the heater on the basis of an output of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A fuser may include a rotatable member, a belt, a pressure member, and a sliding member. The belt and rotatable member may form a nip portion. The sliding member may be sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the belt and the pressure member. The sliding member may include a front surface, which faces the inner peripheral surface of the belt. The front surface may include a plurality of dimples designed to catch lubricant that moves along ridges between the dimples.

Abstract: A power supply device is connectable to a commercial power supply to output power to a supply destination device. The power supply device includes a filter circuit and a switching unit. The filter circuit includes a capacitor unit. The switching unit is configured to switch a capacitor capacity of the capacitor unit.

Abstract: Example systems and related methods may provide replenishment services for a plurality of printing devices. An example method includes receiving, at a replenishment server, information indicative of at least one aspect of a printing device. The printing device includes a sensor configured to obtain the information about the at least one aspect. The method includes, based on the received information, accumulating historical data corresponding to the at least one aspect of a plurality of printing devices. The method further includes receiving, at the replenishment server, information indicative of the at least one aspect of a target printing device. The method yet further includes determining a trigger based on a comparison of the information received from the target printing device with the historical data corresponding to the at least one aspect of the plurality of printing devices and taking an action based on the trigger type.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus acquires a remaining amount of a consumable part that is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus and is used for image forming. The apparatus predicts a remaining number of days, which is a number of days remaining in which the consumable part can be used, based on a change of the acquired remaining amount, and notifies a server apparatus, which performs processing for delivering a consumable part to be used for replacement of the consumable part, of the acquired remaining amount and the predicted remaining number of days.

Abstract: The pixels counting unit divides an area in a main-scanning direction of a recording material on which image formation is performed into a plurality of areas 1 to n based on a width that is a length in the main-scanning direction of the recording material, and measures a pixels count with respect to each area among the plurality of areas 1 to n defined by dividing the area in the main-scanning direction of the recording material.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus, includes a sheet stacking portion on which a sheet is stacked, and a conveyance portion configured to convey the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion. The conveyance portion includes a roller configured to convey the sheet and a shaft supporting the roller. The roller includes an end surface formed on a downstream end side in a detaching direction which is a direction of detaching the roller, an extension portion extending downstream in the detaching direction beyond the end surface, an engage portion formed on the extension portion and engageable with the shaft, and a grip portion extending downstream in the detaching direction beyond the end surface and disposed outside, in a radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction, from the extension portion. The grip portion includes a hole portion penetrating through in the radial direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, including a conveying member configured to convey a long paper along a paper path; an image forming unit which forms an image on the long paper being conveyed by the conveying member along the paper path; an image reading unit which reads a surface of the long paper, the surface having the image formed by the image forming unit; and a color sample member which is arrangeable at a position facing the image reading unit, such that the long paper is conveyed by the conveying member to avoid passing through between the image reading unit and the color sample member. Also included is a switch between a first arrangement in which the image reading unit reads the long paper and a second arrangement in which the image reading unit faces the long paper via the color sample member and reads the color sample member, the switch being made by moving the image reading unit or by moving the color sample member and the conveying member.

Abstract: A forming apparatus includes a discharge target device, a reducing device, and a discharge device. The reducing device reduces a section of a linear formation material in which a bundle of continuous fibers has been impregnated with resin. The discharge device moves relative to the discharge target device, discharges to the discharge target device the formation material the section of which has been reduced by the reducing device, and stacks plural layers formed of the formation material having been solidified.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charger, and a cleaning member. The charger charges a circumferential surface of the image bearing member to a positive polarity. The cleaning member is pressed against the circumferential surface of the image bearing member and collects a toner remaining on the circumferential surface of the image bearing member. A linear pressure of the cleaning member on the circumferential surface of the image bearing member is at least 10 N/m and no greater than 40 N/m. The image bearing member includes a conductive substrate and a single-layer photosensitive layer. The single-layer photosensitive layer contains a charge generating material, a hole transport material, an electron transport material, and a binder resin. The image bearing member satisfies formula (1) 0.60 ? V ( Q / S ) × ( d / ? r · ? 0 ) .

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member and a static elimination device. The static elimination device irradiates static elimination light onto a circumferential surface of the image bearing member. The image bearing member includes a conductive substrate and a single-layer photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer contains a charge generating material, a hole transport material, an electron transport material, and a binder resin. The static elimination light has a wavelength of at least 600 nm and no greater than 800 nm. The photosensitive layer has an optical absorption coefficient of at least 600 cm?1 and no greater than 1,500 cm?1 with respect to light having a wavelength of 660 nm.

Abstract: To provide a process cartridge, a drum unit capable of receiving a driving force from the main assembly, and an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge. A cartridge is provided with a movable member having a driving force receiving portion. The movable member moves between an advanced position and a retracted position.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a developing cartridge including a developing roller; a developing pressing member for pressing the developing cartridge; a first developing guide; and a second developing guide. The developing cartridge is movable among a detachable position; a contact position at which the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum; and a separated position at which the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. The developing pressing member presses the developing cartridge to place the developing cartridge at the contact position. The developing pressing member is disabled from pressing the developing cartridge to place the developing cartridge at the separated position lower than the contact position. The first developing guide can guide movement of the developing cartridge between the detachable position and the contact position.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a rotatable member configured to carry toner on a surface and a coupling member operatively connected to the rotatable member. The coupling member is rotatable about a rotational axis thereof, and the coupling member includes an extended portion that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a projection projecting from the extended portion, with the extended portion extending in a direction crossing a projecting direction of the projection. The extended portion extends downstream in a rotational direction of the coupling member toward the projection.

Abstract: A drum unit for a cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a coupling member rotatable about a rotational axis thereof, the coupling member being operatively connected to the photosensitive drum. The coupling member includes a movable extended portion that extends in a first direction, and a projection projecting from the extended portion in a second direction that crosses the first direction, the projection being capable of transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum. At least a part of the projection is positioned inside of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A controller is configured to execute a larger gamut technology mode in which the controller performs image formation by controlling a ratio of a rotation speed of a development roller to a rotation speed of a photosensitive drum such that the ratio becomes a second speed ratio higher than a first speed ratio in a normal mode. The controller is configured to, when the controller executes the larger gamut technology mode, control transfer voltage based on a humidity around an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a fixing portion, a duct and a water vapor moving portion through which water vapor generated in the fixing portion moves. The water vapor moving portion is cooled by air blowing in the duct.

Abstract: A printing device (106) includes a laser source and a LCOS-SLM (Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulator). The printing device generates a laser control signal and a LCOS-SLM control signal. The laser source (110) generates a plurality of incident laser beams based on the laser control signal. The LCOS-SLM (112) receives the plurality of incident laser beams, modulates the plurality of incident laser beams based on the LCOS-SL M control signal to generate a plurality of holographic wavefronts (214,216) from the modulated plurality of incident laser beams. Each holographic wavefront forms at least one corresponding focal point. The printing device cures a surface layer or sub-surface layer (406) of a target material (206) at interference points of focal points of the plurality of holographic wavefronts. The cured surface layer of the target material forms a three-dimensional printed content.

Abstract: Provided is a holographic display apparatus including a light source configured to emit light; a spatial light modulator configured to sequentially generate hologram patterns for modulating the light and to sequentially reproduce frames of hologram images based on the hologram patterns; and a controller configured to provide hologram data signals to the spatial light modulator, the hologram data signals being used to sequentially generate the hologram patterns. The controller is configured to further provide, to the spatial light modulator, diffraction pattern data signals for forming periodic diffraction patterns for adjusting locations of the hologram images to be reproduced on a hologram image plane, the diffraction pattern data signals being configured to move the periodic diffraction patterns on the spatial light modulator along a predetermined direction for each of the frames.

Abstract: Provided is a watch component made of silicon and including a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface intersecting with the front surface and the back surface, the watch component including a first recessed portion formed at the front surface side, a second recessed portion formed at the back surface side, and a communicating groove causing one of the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion to communicate with the side surface.

Abstract: An escape lever suppresses energy loss and provides strong resistance to external shocks. An escape lever has a pallet fork; a pallet formed in unison with the pallet fork for engaging the escape wheel; and a pallet staff that is a pivot of the pallet fork and passes through the pallet fork. The pallet has a locking surface that the locking corner of the escape wheel contacts in the unlocking period when the escape wheel is released by the pallet and freed to move. The locking surface is shaped so that the draw angle formed by a normal to the contact point with the locking corner of the escape wheel, and a line through the contact point and the axis of the pallet staff, remains constant during the unlocking period.

Abstract: A method forms a digital value from a clock signal and a digital data signal. The method includes sampling the clock signal in order to obtain a clock signal digital value sequence and sampling the digital data signal in order to obtain a data signal digital value sequence. Sampling points are ascertained from the clock signal digital value sequence, at which data signal digital values are extracted from the data signal digital value sequence. The digital value is formed from the data signal digital values.

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a housing defining a side surface of the electronic watch, a transparent cover coupled to the housing and defining a front surface of the electronic watch, an image-sensing element, and a crown extending from the side of the housing and defining an imaging surface. The crown may include a light-directing feature configured to direct, onto the image-sensing element, an image of an object in contact with the imaging surface.

Abstract: A site monitoring system may analyze information from sites to determine when a device, a sensor, a controller, or other structure associated with optically switchable devices has a problem. The system may, if appropriate, act on the problem. In certain embodiments, the system learns customer/user preferences and adapts its control logic to meet the customer's goals.

Abstract: A continuous-time recurrent neural network (CTRNN) is described that exploits the nonlinear dynamics of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices to model a neuron in accordance with a neuron rate model that is the basis for dynamic field theory. Each MEMS device in the CTRNN is configured to simulate a neuron population by exploiting the characteristics of bi-stability and hysteresis inherent in certain MEMS device structures. In an embodiment, the MEMS device is a microbeam or cantilevered microbeam device that is excited with an alternating current (AC) voltage at or near an electrical resonance frequency associated with the MEMS device. In another embodiment, the MEMS device is an arched microbeam device that is excited with a direct current voltage and exhibits snap-through behavior due to the physical design of the structure. A CTRNN can be implemented using a number of MEMS devices that are interconnected, the connections associated with varying connection coefficients.

Abstract: A building HVAC system includes an airside system having a plurality of airside subsystems, a high-level controller, and a plurality of low-level airside controllers. Each airside subsystem includes airside HVAC equipment configured to provide heating or cooling to one or more building spaces. The high-level controller is configured to generate a plurality of airside subsystem energy targets, each airside subsystem energy target corresponding to one of the plurality of airside subsystems and generated based on a thermal capacitance of the one or more building spaces to which heating or cooling is provided by the corresponding airside subsystem. Each low-level airside controller corresponds to one of the airside subsystems and is configured to control the airside HVAC equipment of the corresponding airside subsystem in accordance with the airside subsystem energy target for the corresponding airside subsystem.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system for a building includes a plurality of indoor subsystems, a high-level controller, and a plurality of low-level controllers. Each indoor subsystem includes one or more indoor units configured to provide heating or cooling to one or more building spaces. The high-level controller is configured to generate a plurality of indoor subsystem energy targets, each indoor subsystem energy target corresponding to one of the plurality of indoor subsystems and generated based on a thermal capacitance of one or more building spaces to which heating or cooling is provided by the corresponding indoor subsystem.

Abstract: A site monitoring system (SMS) may analyze information from one or more sites to determine when a device, a sensor, a controller, or other structure or component associated with a network of optically switchable devices has a problem. The system may, if appropriate, act on the problem. In certain embodiments, the system learns customer/user preferences and adapts its control logic to meet the customer's goals. In various embodiments, the system updates a memory component associated with one or more optically switchable windows and/or controllers. The memory component may be updated to reflect an updated control algorithm and/or associated parameters in some cases.

Abstract: A load control system may comprise an electrical load control device and/or a computing device. The electrical load control device may control, for example, motorized window treatments (e.g., shades), lighting controls, and/or sensors (e.g., occupancy, radio window, daylight, etc.). For example, a load control device comprising a motorized window treatment may control the position of a covering material in the window treatment. The computing device may comprise a processor and/or a graphical user interface (GUI). The computing device may be a server and/or a user device, such as a wireless user device (e.g., a cellular phone, tablet, or laptop computer). The computing device may be configured to provide graphical representations that may be displayed on a GUI based on load control information.

Abstract: A cloud-based modeler component that generates interactive models of an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)) is presented. An interactive model facilitates remote viewing of, interaction with, troubleshooting of problems with, or optimization of industrial assets of an IAS. The modeler component polls industrial assets via cloud gateways to obtain information relating to the industrial assets to identify industrial assets of the IAS and relationships with other industrial assets or can receive information from a communication device that obtains information relating to legacy industrial assets to identify those legacy assets and their relationships. The modeler component generates an interactive model of the industrial assets of the IAS based on the information.

Abstract: An adaptive hydraulic control system controls irrigation system zones using predicted valve behavior, measured pressure, recovery time, and measured flow. A pressure sensor can measure a pressure in a water line and a flow meter can measure a flow rate in the water line. The adaptive hydraulic control system monitors the pressure and the flow rate, and determines when the pressure and the flow rate are above and below target operational thresholds. When the pressure is determined to be below a minimum target threshold or the flow rate is determined to be above a maximum target threshold, the adaptive hydraulic control system identifies one or more valves in an opened position of the plurality of valves that when closed would cause the pressure and the flow rate to return within the target operational thresholds. The adaptive hydraulic control system provides instructions to change a position of the one or more identified valves.

Abstract: A real-time hydraulic representation system may comprise a memory to store information on components of a hydraulic system. The real-time hydraulic representation system may receive a component data comprising a hydraulic component type, and upstream data and downstream data associated with the component data. The real-time hydraulic representation system may generate a node comprising the component data, the upstream data, and the downstream data. Additionally, the real-time hydraulic representation system may generate a diagram illustrating the node in relation to a plurality of other nodes based on the component data, the upstream data, and the downstream data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for generating an energy demand model by a multi-access edge server, the method including: a step a of receiving a task execution request signal including a bit value from a user; a step b of matching a task to one or more pre-classified groups using the bit value; a step c of extracting a feature of energy consumed to perform the task according to a criterion set differently for each group; a step of performing the steps a to c for one or more task execution request signals received from one or more users during a time period and generating an energy demand pattern for the time period using a feature of energy for one or more tasks performed during the time period; and a step of generating an energy demand model by time using one or more energy demand patterns by time and energy cost by time.

Abstract: A tracing apparatus communicably connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) that inputs and outputs a signal based on a ladder program, includes a constituent element setting unit configured to set a plurality of constituent elements to be traced among the constituent elements of the ladder program, a tracing data acquisition unit configured to acquire tracing data indicating a signal state of the constituent element at a specified timing, at a predetermined sampling cycle, a section detection unit configured to detect a sampling cycle section in which two or more of the acquired tracing data corresponding to the constituent elements simultaneously change, a change sequence calculation unit configured to calculate change sequence of signals of the constituent elements simultaneously changing in the detected sampling cycle section, and a change sequence output unit configured to output the calculated change sequence of the signals of the constituent elements.

Abstract: A method of providing additive manufacturing includes the steps of (a) developing a plurality of layers to result in a final shape product, (b) developing a space filling algorithm to develop a path, (c) estimating a temperature at a location along the path in an existing direction of the path, and (d) comparing the estimated temperature to a desired temperature and altering the existing direction of the path should the estimated temperature differ from the desired temperature by a predetermined amount. An additive manufacturing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An analysis unit and method for determining at least one forming process characteristic of a servo press includes the steps of determining a torque profile of a motor of the servo press, wherein the torque profile belongs to a first cycle of the servo press and wherein the first cycle describes a forming process without an item to be processed by the servo press, determining a torque profile of the motor of the servo press, wherein the torque profile belongs to a second cycle of the servo press and wherein the second cycle describes a forming process with an item to be processed by the servo press, and comparing the torque profile belonging to the first cycle with the torque profile belonging to the second cycle to ascertain the at least one forming process characteristic.

Abstract: To provide a data management apparatus, a data management method, and a data management program capable of restricting the output of machine information to an external location according to the level of confidentiality of each piece of machine information. An edge server that provides machine information in a factory to an external location includes an execution unit configured to execute an application referring to a database storing the machine information, a setting unit configured to acquire lists of transmission destinations and transmission items defined for each application and set, as transmission conditions, a transmission destination and a transmission item permitted by a user from the lists, a data processing unit configured to sort out transmitted data output from the application according to the transmission conditions, and a transmission and reception unit configured to transmit the transmitted data processed to the external location.

Abstract: A mobile assembly apparatus and a method of assembling a retail product utilizing a retail assembly are discussed. The mobile assembly apparatus may include a cabinet structure, an expandable work surface, a frame, wheels, an articulated arm, outrigger supports, a power supply, sensors, a hardware dispenser, and a computing device. The mobile assembly apparatus scans a machine readable identifier and retrieves assembly instructions for an item associated with the identifier. The computing device controls the outrigger supports and extendable surface based on the instructions. The computing device monitors the progress of the assembly of the time and validates the assembly based on assembly data from the sensors.

Abstract: A method is, inter alia, disclosed, which comprises the following: providing a graphic user surface for monitoring and/or controlling a packaging system, wherein the graphic user surface comprises a production parameter course view for displaying one or a plurality of predefined production parameters of the packaging system, wherein the production parameter course view for each of the predefined production parameters graphically represents at least one course of the respective production parameter in a previous time period and the respective current production parameter value, wherein the graphic user surface further comprises at least one alternative view that can be activated and wherein the production parameter course view and the alternative view are configured such that the alternative view is displayed when the alternative view is activated in such a way that the alternative view only partially covers the production parameter course view and a first section of the production parameter course view is dis

Abstract: A simulation apparatus is configured to simulate a conveyance line. The simulation apparatus includes: a shape model generating unit configured to generate a shape model of each press machine, the conveyance apparatus, and the work; an operation simulation unit configured to perform an operation simulation based on an operation pattern in which the work is conveyed; and an interference check unit configured to execute an interference check based on the simulation by the operation simulation unit. The shape model generating unit is configured to generate a shape model that combines the conveyance apparatus and the work. The simulation apparatus further includes a switching setting unit configured to switch between displaying/hiding of the work in the shape model. The interference check unit is configured to execute a check for interference between the shape model according to the work switching by the switching setting unit, and the press machine.

Abstract: A grip interface is used to provide information about a user to a range of connected devices and applications based on the users' interactions with the grip. By embedding into the grip an array of sensors for motion, health, environmental and other data using embedded microcontroller network technology, and focusing on the grip as the interface between the physical and virtual worlds, applications and services to existing grip-based devices are enabled. Applications for the grip include as sports, fitness equipment, health monitoring, activity tracking, coaching, physical therapy, mobility aide and virtual entertainment, among others.

Abstract: A control device configured to control an operation of a motor includes: a communication state detecting section configured to detect a communication state of a communication device; and an operation control section configured to restrain the operation of the motor in a case where received power of a signal externally received by the communication device is less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A numerical controller is configured to perform machining in accordance with a machine control program, establish a connection to a connecting destination node written in network connection information, and activate a processing program for accessing information relating to machining located at the connecting destination node. The numerical controller treats the machine control program and the network connection information as a pair.

Abstract: A machine tool includes: a main spindle that holds a work piece; a tool holding unit that holds a tool for processing the work piece; a detection unit that detects vibration generated during processing of the work piece; and a processor that controls machining of the work piece performed by the tool, in which the processor compares a detected value detected by the detection unit with a predefined threshold value, interrupts the machining by releasing contact between the work piece and the tool at time of generation of chatter vibration or when there is a sign of the generation of the chatter vibration in which the detected value exceeds the threshold value, and analyzes the chatter vibration while the machining is being interrupted on basis of the detected value detected by the detection unit before the interruption.

Abstract: In a production system, a control unit controls a first apparatus configured to start to operate after a waiting time and a second apparatus configured to starting to operation after a waiting time. A first sensor outputs a value that changes in response to operation of the first apparatus. A second sensor outputs a value that changes in response to operation of the second apparatus. The control unit compares a first time period from a starting of the operation of the first apparatus to an occurrence of a change in the value of the first sensor with a predetermined first threshold value, and compares a second time period from a starting of the operation of the second apparatus to an occurrence of a change in the value of the second sensor with a predetermined second threshold value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for a dynamic fabrication system. In some implementations, a computing system obtains a digital model of a physical structure. A fabrication plan for the physical structure is generated. The fabrication plan is provided to a fabrication system to execute the automated fabrication procedure according to the fabrication plan. A set of operations are performed for each of at least a subset of tasks from a set of tasks executed by the fabrication system during an automated fabrication procedure to identify an adjusted fabrication plan. The fabrication system is directed to continue execution of the automated fabrication procedure according to the adjusted fabrication plan.

Abstract: System (1) for sharing device-related data by means of remote data transmission, in particular machining-specific parameters, of machining devices (30, 35), in particular wood machining devices, for machining of workpieces preferably consisting at least in sections of wood, wood material, synthetic material and/or glass, comprising: a main computer (15) for creating and providing a database (10) in which the device-related data can be managed, a first workstation (20) of a first machining device (30) which can be connected to the main computer (15) via a data communication link, and a second workstation (25) of a second machining device (35) which can be connected to the main computer via a data communication link, with device-related data being able to be stored in the database (10) of the main computer (15) by at least one of the two workstations (20, 25) and thereby being able to be made available for the other of the two workstations (20, 25).

Abstract: Techniques, including systems and methods, for testing systems utilize a decoupled architecture. A device for administering a test on a system is decoupled from one or more other devices that apply a load on the system as part of the test. The one or more devices that apply the load on the system and the system itself may be located in a common facility. The one or more devices that apply the load on the system may apply the load in a manner specific to one or more applications executing on the system.

Abstract: A display device is provided with: a history information generation part that determines, as an abnormal sensor, a sensor having an abnormal value with respect to each of a plurality of sensors provided in a target; a clustering part that clusters the determined abnormal sensor(s) to belong to any of a plurality of groups; a cluster hierarchical structuring part that determines a hierarchy among the plurality of groups; and an output part that associates, with the abnormal sensor(s), symbol(s) capable of differentiating groups to which the abnormal sensor(s) belongs, and uses the symbols to present to a user the abnormal sensor(s) together with information indicating hierarchical relationships among groups.