Abstract: An image forming device includes a sheet transport portion; an image forming portion; and a sheet conveying portion. The sheet conveying portion includes: a guide plate extending in a sheet width direction; a plurality of guide ribs arranged on the guide plate along the sheet width direction and extending along the sheet convey direction, each having a sheet guide surface guiding the sheet being conveyed; and a suction portion which causes suction air to act on a sheet guided by the guide ribs to bring the sheet into close contact with the sheet guide surface via suction holes opened in the guide plate and which is configured to reduce an air amount of the suction air in regions of the guide ribs on the downstream side in the sheet convey direction to be smaller than that in regions of the guide ribs on an upstream side.

Abstract: A driving device includes a motor; a stay supporting the motor; a gear configured to receive a driving force from the motor; and a supporting shaft rotatably supporting the gear, the supporting shaft being supported by the stay. The supporting shaft stands at a side of the stay opposite from a side thereof where the stay supports the motor. The stay supports the motor in a first region and supports the supporting shaft in a second region offset from the first region in a direction of being away from the motor.

Abstract: The power supply apparatus comprising a generation unit configured to generate a pulse signal, a memory unit configured to store information set in advance on the driving frequency, and a determination unit configured to determine an error of the input voltage and an error of a load, to a piece of the information stored in the memory unit, a driving frequency detected by the detection unit under a state where a load is connected to the convertor, and based on a result of comparing, to a piece of the information stored in the memory unit, a driving frequency detected by the detection unit under a state where the load is not connected to the convertor.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer belt includes at least two layers which are a base layer and an inner surface layer having electric resistance lower than electric resistance of the base layer, and an end portion of the inner surface layer is positioned on an outside of an end portion of a development opening portion in a width direction as a direction orthogonal to a circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt.

Abstract: An assembly for an image forming device includes a first replaceable unit and a second replaceable unit matable with the first replaceable unit. One of the first and second replaceable units includes a reservoir for storing toner and the other of the first and second replaceable units is configured to receive toner from the one of the first and second replaceable units. An electrical connector on the first replaceable unit is movable between a retracted position and an operative position. The electrical connector on the first replaceable unit includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the electrical connector is in the operative position. A cam on the second replaceable unit is positioned to engage the electrical connector and to cause the electrical connector to move from the retracted position to the operative position when the first and second replaceable units mate.

Abstract: A developer cartridge according to one aspect is attachable to a photoconductor unit that comprises a photoconductive drum. The developer cartridge may comprise a main body having an opening, the main body comprising an electric circuit, a front cover configured to move to an opening position in which the opening of the main body is exposed and to a closing position in which the opening of the main body is closed, a first terminal electrically connected to the electric circuit, a photosensitive drum, and a developer cartridge comprising a developing roller, developing frame having a pressed portion, memory unit and second terminal. The front cover may include a pressing portion configured to press the pressed portion of the developing frame in a direction from the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum, and wherein the second terminal faces to the front cover when the front cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotary member, a web, a moving unit, a detecting unit configured to detect a predetermined position, and a control portion. The control portion informs, in a case where an actual moving amount per one winding operation is a first moving amount, the replacement of the web, if a number of sheets of recording materials on which images have been formed after the predetermined position is detected reaches a first number of sheets. The control portion informs, in a case where the actual moving amount per one winding operation is a second moving amount which is greater than the first moving amount, the replacement of the web, if a number of sheets of recording materials on which images have been formed after the predetermined position is detected reaches a second number of sheets which is less than the first number of sheets.

Abstract: A drawer is moveable between an inner position and an outer position through an opening when a cover is located at an opening position. A waste toner conveying tube is movable in a second direction between a first connection position and a first disconnection position when a drum cartridge is attached to a drawer and the drawer is at the inner position. When the cover moves from a closing position toward the opening position, the waste toner conveying tube moves from the first connection position toward the first disconnection position in conjunction with the movement of the cover. The drawer is movable from the inner position toward to the outer position when the drum cartridge is attached to the drawer, the drawer is at the inner position, and the waste toner conveying tube is at the first disconnection position.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus to convey a sheet to an image forming unit includes a main body, an opening/closing member, and first, second, and third portions. The opening/closing member can be opened and closed with respect to the main body, and the first, second, and third portions pivotably support the opening/closing member. The second support portion is provided below the first support portion and above the third support portion. Each of the first, second, and third portions include a projecting portion and a hole portion. A difference between a greatest length of the third projecting portion and a diameter of the third hole portion is larger than a difference between a greatest length of the first projecting portion and a diameter of the first hole portion and is larger than a difference between a greatest length of the second projecting portion and a diameter of the second hole portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a frame unit from a first unit. The first unit includes a first image carrying member, a supporting member supporting the first image carrying member, and a frame to which the supporting member is adhered. The first image carrying member includes a first edge portion member, and the first edge portion member includes a first restricted portion. The supporting member includes a bearing engaging with the first edge portion member so that the first image carrying member is rotatable about a rotational axis. The frame includes a first restricting portion restricting movement of the first image carrying member. The method includes separating in which the first image carrying member is separated from the supporting member while in a state in which the supporting member is adhered to the frame.

Abstract: A developing cartridge may include a housing including an outer surface, a small-diameter gear, a large-diameter gear, a first gear, and a moving member. The small-diameter gear may include a first engaging portion positioned on at least a portion of a peripheral surface of the small-diameter gear. The large-diameter gear may be positioned farther from the outer surface than the small-diameter gear from the outer surface. The large-diameter gear may be rotatable together with the small-diameter gear. The first gear may include a second engaging portion, a first end surface, a second end surface, and at least one protrusion. The moving member may include a contact portion configured to move the moving member from one position to another position in a state where the contact portion is in contact with the protrusion.

Abstract: An imaging cartridge installable in an image forming device. The image forming device includes a rotational driving member and at least one cartridge guide defining a guide path. The cartridge includes a first cartridge portion engageable with the at least one cartridge guide for movement along the guide path and a second cartridge portion coupled to the first cartridge portion. The second cartridge portion includes a drive receiving member configured for engagement with the rotational driving member and at least one of a drum unit assembly, a hopper, a developer roller, and a regulating blade. The second cartridge portion is moveable with respect to the first cartridge portion between a first position, in which the drive receiving member is not engageable with the rotational driving member, and a second position, in which the drive receiving member is engageable with the rotational driving member.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a casing; a developing roller; a shaft; and a cam. The casing is configured to accommodate developer therein. The developing roller is rotatable about a first axis extending in an axial direction. The shaft extends along a second axis extending in the axial direction. The shaft is movable along the second axis. The cam is movable along the second axis in response to axial movement of the shaft. The cam has a cam surface non-parallel with the second axis.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum; and a toner cartridge which is mountable on the drum cartridge and stores toner, wherein the drum cartridge includes: a cleaner configured to collect waste toner on the photosensitive drum; a waste toner conveyance tube configured to convey the waste toner collected by the cleaner; and a developing unit which includes a developing roller configured to supply toner to the photosensitive drum and is swingable about a swing axis with respect to the photosensitive drum, and wherein the toner cartridge has a waste toner storing chamber for storing the waste toner conveyed by the waste toner conveyance tube.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. An electrical connector is positioned on a first side of the housing. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device and a magnetic sensor electrically connected to the electrical contact. The electrical connector is movable between a first position and a second position. When the electrical connector moves from the first position to the second position, the electrical contact of the replaceable unit moves from a retracted position to an operative position. When the electrical connector moves from the first position to the second position, the magnetic sensor moves from a misaligned position to an aligned position with a point in a path of movement of a magnet for sensing a magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a cartridge including an image carrying member and a positioning portion, and an apparatus main body. The apparatus main body including an opening portion, a rotatable opening and closing member, the opening and closing member including an engaging portion and being rotatable between a first position and a second position, an engaged portion, an abutment portion that determines a position of the attached cartridge, and a pressing portion applying pressing force to the cartridge. The opening and closing member rotates from the first position to the second position against counterforce of the pressing force, and the engaging portion is provided in an area of the opening and closing member that is closer to the rotational axis than an area of the opening and closing member that receives the counterforce.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing having first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the housing, respectively, and that run along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing. Third and fourth alignment guides extend outward from the first side of the housing. The third alignment guide is spaced toward the front of the housing from the fourth alignment guide. Bottom surfaces of the third and fourth alignment guides are unobstructed to sit on top of a corresponding guide surface in an image forming device to control a vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device. The bottom surfaces of the third and fourth alignment guides are aligned with each other in a vertical dimension of the housing and are positioned higher than the first and second alignment guides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process cartridge and a power supply method therefor. The process cartridge is detachably mounted in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising a developing member rotatably mounted in the process cartridge and a voltage generating unit, the voltage generating unit is electrically connected to the conductive contact and the developing member. The process cartridge supplies power by using a data line, and the power supply method comprises: providing a conductor, and transmitting electric energy on the data line to the voltage generating unit by using the conductor. When the process cartridge is mounted in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that outputs a DC bias voltage, because the voltage generating unit can generate an AC bias voltage, the process cartridge can work in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that outputs a DC bias voltage and also in an apparatus that outputs an AC bias voltage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a sheet storage portion in which a plurality of sheets is stored; a heater which heats air; a fan which sprays air on the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion; and a controller which controls the heat of the heater and controls the drive of the fan, in which the controller controls the heat of the heater at a first temperature before a drive time of the fan reaches a threshold value set in advance, the drive time being in which the fan sprays air heated by the heater on the sheet, and when the drive time of the fan reaches or exceeds the threshold value set in advance, controls the heat of the heater at a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a digital holographic imaging apparatus, comprising: an illumination portion (10) having an illumination light emission surface (32i) for emitting coherent light of a specific wavelength as illumination light toward an object (1) side relative to the illumination light emission surface (32i), and a reference light emission surface (32r) for emitting the coherent light, as reference light, in a direction opposite to the illumination light; and an image sensor (50) located on the reference light emission surface (32r) side of the illumination portion (10) and imaging an interference pattern between object light having been modulated by the object (1) and passed through the illumination portion (10) and the reference light of the illumination light, the image sensor (50) having a pixel array (51) comprising two-dimensionally aligned pixels.

Abstract: A process for decorating a timepiece component, which includes performing (i) engraving (E10) of a surface to be decorated of the timepiece component with a femtosecond laser; and (ii) structuring (E20) of said surface to be decorated of the timepiece component, these two decorations being at least partially superposed on each other.

Abstract: An improved astronomical calendar clock mechanism, integrating a sun-centered planetary dial with an earth-centered celestial ring with a fixed orientation number dial located in the earth's equatorial plane, with the sun on a meridian track fixed at 12 on the number dial, and the meridian track indicates the date on a calendar band which is applied to the outside edge of the celestial ring in a plane parallel to the celestial equator, and an hour hand emerging from the earth globe at the center of the celestial ring indicates the time relative to the fixed orientation number dial framing the earth.

Abstract: A clock apparatus with: (i) a gas cell, including a continuous path cavity including a sealed interior for providing a signal waveguide; (ii) an apparatus for providing an electromagnetic wave to travel along the continuous path cavity and for circulating around the continuous path cavity back toward and past a point of entry of the electromagnetic wave in the continuous path cavity; (iii) a dipolar gas inside the sealed interior of the cavity; and (iv) receiving apparatus for detecting an amount of energy in the electromagnetic wave, wherein the amount of energy is responsive to an amount of absorption of the electromagnetic wave as the electromagnetic wave passes through the dipolar gas.

Abstract: An atomic oscillator includes: a light source; an atom cell containing a gaseous alkali metal atom, and a nitrogen- and argon-containing buffer gas, and through which light from the light source passes; a photodetector that detects light having passed through the atom cell; and a container containing only a mixed gas containing nitrogen and argon, and housing the atom cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring the time-of-flight of a signal. The signal may be acoustic energy or electromagnetic energy such as x-ray, radio frequency, microwave, millimeter-wave, radar, and laser. Unlike unambiguous ranging devices that measures the phases of two or more signals to determine the time-of-flight and requires long averaging to achieve some degree of accuracy, this invention phase lock one or more transmitter signals to the corresponding received signals in predetermined phase relationships and measures the frequencies of one or more variable frequency oscillators having frequencies several times higher than the frequency of the transmitter signal to determined the time-of-flight with much higher accuracy.

Abstract: A display device and a smart watch are disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a front display panel configured to display a front image in a front direction and having an edge at the perimeter that is curved. The display device also includes a side display panel that is curved and configured to display a side image in a side direction conforming to the edge of the front display panel. The display device further includes a driver circuit board connected to the front and side display panels and configured to respectively apply first and second signals, corresponding to image data, to the front and side display panels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a process plant include multiple user interface (UI) devices, each accessing a plurality of applications on a server, and operable to store device state on the server and receive device state from the server. The server is coupled to a unitary, logical data storage area and provides functions related to the process data stored in the data storage areas via one or more user interfaces. A first UI device coupled to the server accesses the process data and maintains on the server state information indicative of a state of the user interface executing on the first UI device. A second UI device coupled to the server accesses the process data and the state information to execute a user interface on the second UI device in accordance with the state information indicative of the state of the user interface executing on the first UI device.

Abstract: User interface sessions in a user interface device are initiated or resumed according to a device type and a target session. A session request is received from a first client device. A device type associated with the session request is determined, and a graphical user interface configuration is identified according to the device type. A target session associated with the session request is identified and a new session is configured for the first client device according to the identified graphical user interface configuration and the identified target session. Data associated with the new session are transmitted to the first client device.

Abstract: An adaptive process control system and corresponding method for independent steering of plant control systems is provided, wherein a plant associated with the plant control system includes a plurality of interlocked elements of one or more operational unit of the plant. The operation of an operational unit is controlled by the plant control system by means of the elements interlocked to the plant control system, wherein the adaptive, independent process control system is accessible by a plant process engine including a plant controller unit connected via the supervisory control and data acquisition unit with at least one programmable logic controller of the plant control system. The operation of the plant and the operational units is controlled by means of the programmable logic controller and the plurality of interlocked elements.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a system that controls a first switch terminal or equivalent of a building occupied by one or more building occupants. One or more switch terminals of the system are installed where the one or more switch terminals include a plurality of switch terminal parameters for a switch terminal relative to the building.

Abstract: Various neural network models are constructed flexibly on a learning circuit. A machine learning model construction device includes a learning circuit (80) capable of constructed a neural network model according to a setting value, and a control means (11) capable of adjusting the setting value so as to become a value for constructing a predetermined neural network model in the learning circuit (80).

Abstract: A control system controls tenant services to various tenants by obtaining tenant attributes for each tenant, with respect to a particular workload. A model is generated that models tenant usage performance for a set of best performing tenants. The model is then applied to a remainder of the tenants to obtain a metric indicative of a likely tenant capacity for incremental usage of the workload. The control system controls the services provided to the tenant based upon the likelihood of adoption metric.

Abstract: An HVAC controller includes a user interface configured to accept inputs from a user and to display information to the user, and a controller configured to process inputs from the user interface and to provide the user interface with information to be displayed. An equipment connection may be connectable to one or more HVAC components and may be operably coupled to the controller. A network connection may be operably coupled to the controller and may provide the controller with access to outside information. The controller may output (via the user interface) a particular cue in response to information received from the equipment connection and/or the network connection, and wherein the particular cue is a cue that was previously selected and activated by the user.

Abstract: A building management system (BMS) includes building equipment, a data collector, a sample aggregator, and an application. The building equipment is operable to monitor and control a variable in the BMS and to provide raw data samples of the variable. The data collector is configured to collect the raw data samples from the building equipment and generate a raw data timeseries including a plurality of the raw data samples. The sample aggregator is configured to automatically generate a data rollup timeseries including a plurality of aggregated data samples. The aggregated data samples are generated by aggregating the raw data samples as the raw data samples are collected from the building equipment. Both timeseries are stored in a timeseries database. The application is configured to retrieve the raw data timeseries and the data rollup timeseries from the timeseries database in response to a request for timeseries data associated with the variable.

Abstract: A method of determining an operation of at least one of a plurality of generators in a power generation system. The method includes identifying a system parameter that is related to operation of the power generation system; and determining which of the plurality of generators to operate to minimize fuel consumption of the power generation system based on the system parameter. Other methods include identifying a system parameter that is related to operation of the power generation system; and determining which of the plurality of generators to operate by optimizing an operating variable of the power generation system based on the system parameter.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods and systems for protecting unattended children in the home. In one aspect, a method is performed at computer system. The computer system: (1) receives occupancy data for a room in a smart home environment; (2) determines based on the received occupancy data whether a predetermined child-protection alert condition is met; (3) in accordance with a determination that the condition is met, presents or sends instructions to issue a child-protection alert; (4) receives a request to cancel the child-protection alert; (5) in accordance with a determination that the request is a first type of cancellation request, cancels the child-protection alert and modifies the predetermined child-protection alert condition; and (6) in accordance with a determination that the request is a second type of cancellation request, cancels the child-protection alert and foregoes modifying the predetermined child-protection alert condition.

Abstract: A variable height workstation system includes a base, a variable height platform, a lift mechanism, and a sensor arrangement. The lift mechanism is configured to move the variable height platform within a range of motion between a fully lowered position and a raised position. The sensor arrangement is operatively connected to the variable height platform. The sensor arrangement is configured to sense the position and movement of a user on, above and around the variable height platform for outputting data to determine how the user is positioned on, above and around the variable height platform in comparison to a predetermined target position.

Abstract: A currently touched position on a capacitive touch interface is determined based at least in part on sensing a capacitance associated with the currently touched position along a geometric shape, wherein the capacitive touch interface comprises a touchable surface at least a portion of which defines the geometric shape. The currently touched position is mapped to a corresponding value of an attribute associated with a current context. The corresponding value of the attribute is used to operate an external system associated with the current context in a manner determined at least in part by the corresponding value of the attribute. A feedback associated with the determined currently touched position and the current context is provided via the capacitive touch interface.

Abstract: Distributed industrial process monitoring and analytics systems and methods are provided for operation within a process plant. A plurality of distributed data engines (DDEs) may be embedded within the process plant to collect and store data generated by data sources, such as process controllers. Thus, the data may be stored in a distributed manner in the DDEs embedded throughout the process plant. The DDEs may be connected by a data analytics network to facilitate data transmission by subscription or query. The DDEs may be configured as a plurality of clusters, which may further include local and centralized clusters. The local clusters may obtain streaming data from data sources and stream selected data to a data consumer. The centralized cluster may register the local clusters, receive data therefrom, and perform data analytic functions on the received data. The analyzed data may be further sent to a data consumer.

Abstract: A system includes a control system and a field device. The control system is configured to communicate data with one or more field devices. The field device includes a sensor module configured to monitor a process in the control system. The field device also includes a communication module configured to detachably couple to both a display configured to display information related to the monitored process and an upgrade module configured to control a software or firmware upgrade process associated with the sensor module.

Abstract: The present invention can stabilize driving of a motor even if multiple control instructions of driving the motor are acquired through non-real-time communication. A servo driver (10) does not perform processing corresponding to other control commands when acquiring the other control commands from other interfaces through non-real-time communication in a process of performing processing corresponding to a control command acquired via one interface and through non-real-time communication.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods pertaining to a moveable well construction apparatus to be electrically energized via an electrical power transmission path extending between a stationary power source and the moveable well construction apparatus. The path comprises cables and connectors. A system comprises a detector operable for generating information indicative of whether the path is properly installed. The system permits the path to be electrically energized when the detector-generated information indicates the path is properly installed, and prevents the path from being electrically energized when the detector-generated information indicates the path is not properly installed.

Abstract: An autonomous system for managing power distribution to an electrically-powered device that includes a power controller module that includes power input and power output abilities and operably connected power switching abilities, wherein the power switching is configured for actuation by an integral power management module operably connected thereto, the integral power management module including integral actuation signal detection and actuation abilities configured for, in accordance with commands and operational parameters, upon detection of an actuation signal, actuation the integral power switching to alter power output through the power output from a first output level to a second output level.

Abstract: A system for the cryptographically-secure, autonomous control of devices comprising, connected to or remotely operating devices in an electrically powered network and the transaction of the benefits, costs or value created by or transacted through the devices in this electrically powered network.

Abstract: Systems and methods of configuring process control systems for operating process plants including multi-variable devices are disclosed herein. Multi-variable devices generate data associated with primary parameters and subsequent parameters. To facilitate configuration and use of subsequent parameters within process control systems, new device objects may be generated to represent the subsequent parameters. The new device objects may be generated as child device objects of parent device objects representing the multi-variable devices. Each child device object may also have a unique tag to identify the new device object within the process control system. The subsequent parameters of the multi-variable devices may thus be used within the process control system by reference to the tags of the corresponding child device objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for electrically controlled installations, comprising at least one electronic control apparatus and at least one portable, mobile manual held operating unit, and a wireless communication connection between the at least one control apparatus and the manual held operating unit. Furthermore, at least one material coupling means, flexible in terms of form, with a restricted maximum longitudinal extent is provided for selectively establishing and releasing a physical link between the manual held operating unit and a machine-side coupling counterpart. The control system is embodied to release or block supervisory-relevant control commands depending on a coupling state and/or a linkage state of the coupling means.

Abstract: A numerical controller of the present invention is provided with an override input unit configured to accept an operation for an override value by an operator, an override monitoring unit configured to detect the operation for the override value by the override input unit and output a notification based on the detected operation, and an execution block control unit configured to control suspension and resumption of run based on the notification output from the override monitoring unit. The override monitoring unit outputs a notification of an end-point stop request if a first operation pattern is detected from the override input unit during the run, and the execution block control unit performs control for suspending the run at the end point of a currently running block of a machining program on receiving the notification of the end-point stop request.

Abstract: Situational-awareness controllers and methods to increase situational-awareness for an actor associated with a triggering event are described. An example method includes in response to receiving a notification of a triggering event generated by at least one sensor, a computing device accessing information that includes related to an actor associated with the triggering event. The computing device correlates the information to a compilation of historical information by (i) determining whether the actor's location is associated with one or more safety events stored as part of the compilation of historical information and (ii) determining a risk level of the actor based on whether the one or more associated safety events occurred within a predetermined range of time from the time associated with the triggering event. The computing device generates a command based on a result of the correlating and sends the command to at least one controllable device.

Abstract: A numerical controller can suppress overshoot in adaptive control and includes a speed calculation unit and a spindle load correction unit. The speed calculation unit performs PID control to adjust a feeding speed based on a spindle load measured by a measurement unit. The spindle load correction unit corrects the spindle load so as to have a value close to a target load until the spindle load reaches the target load. The speed calculation unit performs PID control using the corrected spindle load.

Abstract: Provided is a tool life estimating device that enables estimation of a life of a tool used in a machine tool according to changes in machining conditions. The tool life estimating device includes a state observation unit that acquires machining information indicative of a status of the machining in a state where the life of the tool remains sufficiently, wherein the machining information is acquired from log data recorded while the machine tool is operated, and creates input data based on the machining information that has been acquired; a learning unit that constructs a learning model in which clusters of the machining information are created by unsupervised learning using the input data that has been created by the state observation unit; and a learning model storage unit that stores the learning model.