Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090032278 | Protective Electrical Wiring Device with a Center Nightlight - The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals including a plurality of receptacle terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly. Each of the at least one set of receptacle openings is in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals. The fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of contacts configured to provide at least one electrically continuous path between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in a reset state. The first set of contacts is configured to disconnect the at least one electrically continuous path in response to the fault detection output to thereby enter a tripped state. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033247 | Electrical Wiring Device with a Center Nightlight Having Automatic and Manual Control Features - The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing, the cover assembly including at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly. A plurality of receptacle terminals are disposed in the housing, each of the plurality of receptacle terminals being coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of load terminal structures. Each of the plurality of receptacle terminals is in communication with a corresponding one of the at least one set of receptacle openings. A light assembly is disposed in the central portion of the cover assembly and coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion. The light transmissive region occupies a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. An automatic control mechanism is coupled to the light assembly and configured to selectively drive the light assembly from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. A manual control mechanism is coupled to the light assembly and configured to selectively regulate the amount of light transmitted by the light assembly when in the light emitting state. | 02-05-2009 |
20090035967 | Electrical wiring device with a center nightlight and a plurality of safety features - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes a first set of receptacle openings and a second set of receptacle openings. A plurality of receptacle terminals are disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of load terminals. The plurality of receptacle terminals include a first set of receptacle terminals in communication with the first set of receptacle openings and a second set of receptacle terminals in communication with the second set of receptacle openings. A first protective shutter assembly is disposed in the cover assembly between the first set of receptacle openings and the first set of receptacle terminals and a second protective shutter assembly disposed in the cover assembly between the second set of receptacle openings and the second set of receptacle terminals. Each protective shutter assembly is configured to move from a closed position to an open position in response to engaging a set of plug blades to thereby establish electrical continuity between the corresponding set of receptacle terminals and the set of plug blades. A light assembly is disposed in a central portion of the cover assembly between the first set of receptacle openings and the second set of receptacle openings. The light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. The light assembly directs emitted light into a spatial volume proximate the device via the light transmissive region in the light emitting state. | 02-05-2009 |
20090184787 | Protective Device Having a Thin Construction - The present invention is directed to a wiring device that includes a front cover assembly. The front cover assembly includes a front cover having at least one plug receptacle opening disposed therein. A ground strap is coupled to the cover assembly. A device assembly includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be connected to an AC power source, a plurality of load terminals configured to be connected to a downstream load, and at least one set of receptacle load terminals in communication with the at least one receptacle opening. The device assembly also includes a fault response circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals. A back cover is coupled to the front cover assembly to accommodate the device assembly therein. The ground strap element is disposed between the front cover assembly and the back cover. The back cover extending beyond the ground strap a distance substantially less than or equal to one inch. | 07-23-2009 |
20100123982 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE HAVING A THIN CONSTRUCTION - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a front cover member having a front major surface and a back cover member having a back major surface substantially in parallel with the front major surface. The housing further includes an electrically isolating member disposed between the front cover member and the back cover member such that a front interior region is formed between the front cover member and the electrically isolating member and a rear interior region is formed between the back cover member and the electrically isolating member. The user accessible reset button assembly establishes a plane normal to the major front surface and subdividing the rear interior region into a first rear interior region portion and a second rear interior region portion. The interrupting contact assembly is configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals in a reset state. The plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals are decoupled in a tripped state. A protective electrical assembly includes a sensor assembly coupled to the plurality of line terminals and a solenoid assembly coupled to the interrupting contact assembly. The sensor assembly and the solenoid assembly are substantially disposed in the first rear interior region portion. The sensor assembly includes at least one toroidal transformer having a toroidal axis and the solenoid assembly including a solenoid coil having a solenoid coil axis. The toroidal axis and the solenoid coil axis are substantially parallel to one another. | 05-20-2010 |
20110115511 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH MISWIRE PROTECTION AND AUTOMATED TESTING - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes an actuator assembly that is responsive to the fault detection signal. The actuator assembly includes a breaker coil configured to generate an actuation force in response to being energized. A circuit interrupter includes four sets of movable contacts configured to be driven into a reset state in response to a reset stimulus, the four sets of movable contacts being configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the actuation force. A self-test circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the at least one sensor. The self-test circuit is configured to automatically generate a test signal from time to time during a predetermined portion of an AC power line cycle. The self-test circuit is configured such that the test signal is sensed by the at least one sensor when the at least one sensor is operational, the sensor output signal being a function of the test signal. A monitor circuit is configured to monitor the fault detection circuit or the actuator assembly; the mechanical actuation force is substantially inhibited when the fault detection circuit or at least a portion of the actuator assembly properly respond to the test signal. The monitor circuit generates an end-of-life response if the fault detection circuit or the actuator assembly do not respond to the test signal within a predetermined period of time. | 05-19-2011 |
20110148423 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATED SELF-TEST - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output signal corresponding to electrical perturbations propagating on the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. A protective circuit assembly configured to detect a fault condition when the sensor output signal substantially corresponds to at least one predetermined fault criterion and generate a trip actuation signal in response thereto. A solenoid coil is configured to generate a trip actuation force in response to the trip actuation signal. A circuit interrupter assembly includes movable contacts configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the trip actuation force. An automatic fault simulation circuit is configured to generate a self-test signal without execution of software code. The self-test signal is generated such that it is sensed by the at least one sensor if the at least one sensor is operational. An end-of-life detection circuit is coupled to the protective circuit assembly. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to monitor the protective circuit assembly without execution of software code. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to substantially inhibit the trip actuation force when the protective circuit assembly detects the fault condition and generates the trip actuation signal in response to the self-test signal. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life response if the protective circuit assembly does not respond to the self-test signal within a predetermined period of time. | 06-23-2011 |
20110156920 | PROTECTIVE ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE WITH A CENTER NIGHTLIGHT - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. | 06-30-2011 |
20110188160 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE HAVING A THIN CONSTRUCTION - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a front cover member having a front major surface. The front major surface includes at least one set of receptacle openings formed in at least one end thereof. The at least one set of receptacle openings is configured to accommodate at least one plug set including a ground prong, hot plug blade and neutral plug blade. The housing further comprises a front cover member, a back cover member, and an electrically isolating separator member disposed therebetween. The electrically isolating separator member includes at least one ground compartment configured to accommodate and electrically isolate the ground prong. A protective circuit assembly is at least partially disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is positioned in the back cover member such that a lower spatial region is formed between the PCB and the at least one ground compartment. The lower spatial region is within a lower plane substantially parallel to the back major surface. The protective circuit assembly includes an actuator assembly and a toroidal sensor having a central toroid aperture. The actuator assembly includes a solenoid coil operatively connected to a latch block assembly. The at least one ground compartment, the toroidal sensor and the solenoid coil are substantially aligned with a central longitudinal plane normal to the front major surface. An end portion of the actuator assembly is substantially adjacent a side wall of the at least one ground compartment and the central toroid aperture is substantially disposed in the lower plane such that a distance from the interior ground strap portion and the back major surface is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. | 08-04-2011 |
20110261490 | PROTECTION DEVICE WITH A SANDWICHED CANTILEVER BREAKER MECHANISM - The present invention is directed to a protective electrical wiring device that includes a housing assembly having a plurality of receptacle terminals comprising hot user-accessible terminal structure and a neutral user-accessible terminal structure accessible via at least one user-accessible receptacle. A circuit interrupting assembly is coupled to a fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupting assembly is configured to establish electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals in a reset state and interrupt the electrical continuity in a tripped state. The circuit interrupting assembly includes at least one first circuit interrupter member and at least one second circuit interrupter member, the at least one first circuit interrupter member being configured to drive the at least one second circuit interrupter member into the reset state in response to a make force. The at least one first circuit interrupter member and the at least one second circuit interrupter member are counter-driven into the tripped state by a break force. At least one stop member is disposed in a substantially fixed position relative to the housing assembly. The at least one stop member is configured to limit the movement of the at least one second circuit interrupter member such that a gap between the at least one first circuit interrupter member and the at least one second circuit interrupter member is substantially equal to a predetermined distance in the tripped state. | 10-27-2011 |
20120068623 | ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a lighting assembly module disposed in the housing assembly and coupled to a set of line terminals, the lighting assembly includes at least one light emitting device. An ambient light sensor is disposed in the housing assembly and substantially optically decoupled from the lighting assembly, the ambient light sensor provides an electrical sensor signal corresponding to an ambient light level at or proximate to the ambient light sensor. A rechargeable electrical storage device is coupled to the set of line terminals, the rechargeable electrical storage device being charged by the source of AC power to a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit is coupled to the set of line terminals, the lighting assembly module and the ambient light sensor. The control circuit is configured to provide a modulated lighting control signal to the lighting assembly module when AC power is being provided by the source of AC power, the modulated lighting control signal being a function of the AC power and the electrical sensor signal, the modulated lighting control signal being configured to adjust an intensity of the light emitted by the at least one light emitting device such that the intensity is a function of the ambient light level. The control circuit is further configured to provide a second lighting control signal configured to turn the lighting assembly ON at a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time when AC power is not being provided by the source of AC power, the second lighting control signal being provided by the rechargeable electrical storage device. | 03-22-2012 |
20120188668 | PROTECTION DEVICE WITH A SANDWICHED CANTILEVER BREAKER MECHANISM - The present invention is directed to a protective electrical wiring device that includes a circuit assembly that has a fault detection circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect perturbations corresponding to a fault condition or a simulated fault condition, the fault detection circuit being configured to provide a fault detection signal in response to detecting the perturbations corresponding to the fault condition or the simulated fault condition. An interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit, the interrupting contact assembly including a contact assembly configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of feed-through load terminals, and the plurality of receptacle load terminals in a reset state, and interrupt the electrical continuity in a tripped state in response to the fault detection signal, the contact assembly including a hot contact mechanism and a neutral contact mechanism configured to move in unison between the reset state and the tripped state, the hot contact mechanism including a first hot contact disposed at an end portion of a first hot arm, a second hot contact disposed at an end portion of a second hot arm, and a third hot contact disposed at an end portion of a third hot arm, the neutral contact mechanism including a first neutral contact disposed at an end portion of a first neutral arm, a second neutral contact disposed at an end portion of a second neutral arm, and a third neutral contact disposed at an end portion of a third neutral arm. | 07-26-2012 |
20120217970 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATED SELF-TEST - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal. | 08-30-2012 |
20130057990 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH MISWIRE PROTECTION AND AUTOMATED TESTING - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be coupled to a source of AC power, a plurality of feed-through load terminals, and at least one set of receptacle load terminals configured to provide the AC power to a user load via an AC power plug. A circuit interrupter assembly includes a plurality of movable interconnection members. Each movable interconnection member includes a first interconnecting contact disposed on a first side thereof and a second interconnecting contact disposed on a second side thereof. The first interconnecting contact and the second interconnecting contact are offset from one another in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of movement. The movable interconnection members are movable in the direction of movement between a reset position wherein the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of feed-through load terminals and the at least one set of receptacle load terminals are electrically connected, and a tripped position wherein the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of feed-through load terminals and the at least one set of receptacle load terminals are electrically disconnected. | 03-07-2013 |
20130141822 | Protective Electrical Wiring Device With Tamper Resistant Shutters - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a frameless shutter assembly that is disposed in the front cover portion or in the at least one separator member between the plurality of receptacle openings and the plurality of receptacle terminals. The at least one frameless shutter assembly comprises a first shutter member and a second shutter member configured to move from a closed position to an open position when the hot and neutral blades of a plug blade set are simultaneously inserted into the receptacle openings to engage a set of receptacle terminals and remain closed otherwise. The front cover member and/or the at least one separator includes a first stop member disposed proximate the first shutter member and a second stop member being disposed proximate the second shutter member. The first stop member and the second stop member are configured to prevent a foreign object from accessing one of the plurality of receptacle terminals after being inserted into a corresponding one of the receptacle openings. | 06-06-2013 |
20130250459 | PROTECTION DEVICE WITH A SANDWICHED CANTILEVER BREAKER MECHANISM - The present invention is directed to a protective electrical wiring device that includes at least one first stop member disposed proximate at least one first conductor. The at least one first stop member is configured to limit the movement of the at least one first conductor when the circuit interrupting assembly moves between the reset position and the tripped position such that a gap is established between the plurality of circuit interrupting contacts in the tripped state, the gap being substantially greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. | 09-26-2013 |
20130293990 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATED SELF TEST - The present invention is directed to a circuit interrupting device including an actuator that provides an actuator stimulus upon the occurrence of the fault actuation signal. A circuit interrupter is positioned to electrically disconnect the first, second and third electrical conductors from each other upon the occurrence of the actuator stimulus. An automated test circuit is coupled to the circuit interrupting assembly. The automated test circuit is configured to automatically produce the simulated fault condition during a predetermined portion of an AC line cycle to determine whether the fault detection assembly is operational such that the fault detection assembly provides a fault detection signal without the circuit interrupter electrically disconnecting the first, second and third electrical conductors from each other. The automated test circuit is further configured to provide a device failure mode signal such that a plurality of the first, second or third electrical conductors are disconnected from each other if the fault detection signal is not detected within a predetermined time frame. | 11-07-2013 |
20130301169 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE HAVING A THIN CONSTRUCTION - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a front cover assembly having a front major surface. The front major surface includes a button disposed between first and second sets of receptacle openings. A test circuit is coupled to the button, and the button is coupled to an elongated switch actuator. The elongated switch actuator includes a first switch contact and a second switch contact which contact a first test circuit portion and a second test circuit portion in the switch closed position. The first switch contact contacts a first test circuit portion and the second switch contact contacts a second test circuit portion in the switch closed position, the first switch contact and the first test circuit portion forming a first air gap and the second switch contact and the second test circuit portion forming a second air gap in the switch open position. | 11-14-2013 |
20140217898 | ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one circuit configured to provide an output signal in response to at least one external input signal. The device further comprises a light emission and detection assembly that includes: a lamp sub-assembly coupled to the at least one circuit, the lamp subassembly including at least one light emitting element configured to emit light in response to the output signal; and an ambient light sensor sub-assembly coupled to the at least one circuit and including an ambient light sensor and a sensor housing assembly, the ambient light sensor being configured to generate the at least one external input signal in response to sensing an ambient light level in the space, the sensor housing assembly being configured to substantially isolate the ambient light sensor from the light emitted by the lamp sub-assembly. | 08-07-2014 |
20150145416 | ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring assembly that includes a wall plate cover, a housing portion and an electro-optical assembly coupled to a plurality of wiring terminations. The assembly includes a circuit configured to provide an output signal in response to an external input signal. The assembly also includes a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the circuit and configured to emit the plurality of light beams in response to the output signal. The electro-optical assembly further includes an ambient light sensor accessible to the ambient space via at least one of the plurality of openings. The ambient light sensor is configured to generate the at least one external input signal in response to an ambient light level in the ambient space, the ambient light sensor being substantially isolated from the plurality of light beams. | 05-28-2015 |
20150219740 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATED SELF-TEST - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal. | 08-06-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080288319 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTING WITH PARTICIPANTS OF A FUTURE EVENT - A system and method for conducting on-line meetings that includes functionality for scheduling and calendaring on-line meetings or events. The system functionality for scheduling and calendaring on-line meetings or events includes enhanced functions for specifying actions to be performed at the time of the meeting and rendering the nature of such actions contingent upon the members attending a scheduled meeting. | 11-20-2008 |
20080301563 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETED MESSAGE DELIVERY AND SUBSCRIPTION - A system, method and computer program product for product that enables users of broadcast messaging systems to more expediently and efficiently find communities, both for subscribing and for sending messages. The system, method and computer program product provides an end-user with the ability to send messages for delivery to more targeted communities of messaging users. In this aspect, the system and method determines one or more attributes of messaging activity associated with one or more communities of users communicating messages in a messaging system; and, displays via an interface, a graphical representation of the attributes and inter-relationships between the attributes. The user may then select via the interface a recipient community for receiving a message to be sent based on the graphical representation displayed. | 12-04-2008 |
20080320101 | COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY COUPONS - A system and method for establishing communications between first and second parties. In one embodiment, a request initiated by a first party is generated for establishing a communications channel over a first communications network between the first and second parties. An intermediary server device interrupts receipt of the request and attempts to generate the channel If unsuccessful in the attempt, the server device translates the request into a data network object, which is passed to the second party via a second communications network. The network object enables a second party to communicate acceptance for establishing communication with the first party over the first communications network. The second party invokes the network object upon receipt thereof or at a future time for initiating creation of a communications channel between the first and second parties. Alternately, the first party may establish the network object in the form of a coupon for communication directly to a second party without a first prior attempt to create the channel. | 12-25-2008 |
20120089945 | EFFICIENT NAVIGATION BASED ON IMPORTANCE WITH AUDIO OUTPUT OPTION - A system and method for navigating items includes computing an importance of a plurality of items. The importance is compared to one of a threshold or other items. Upon encountering a next item, a determination to skip the item or stop on the item is made based upon a comparison of the importance. | 04-12-2012 |
20140164894 | CONTEXT AWARENESS IN AUDITORY BROWSING - In a method for generating an audio summary of a portion of an electronic document, a user input selecting a focus position within a rendered electronic document is received. The plurality of document elements included in the rendered electronic document is identified. A plurality of audio objects corresponding to the plurality of document elements is generated. An audio signal is generated. The audio signal includes a subset of the plurality of audio objects corresponding to a subset of the plurality of document elements contained within a predetermined range from the focus position. The audio signal indicates the spatial relation between the elements of the elements subset. The audio signal is rendered to the user. | 06-12-2014 |
20140188479 | AUDIO EXPRESSION OF TEXT CHARACTERISTICS - In a method for communicating characteristics of an electronic document, a coefficient representative of predetermined characteristics of the electronic document is determined. The coefficient is associated with a corresponding audio rendering parameter. A speech signal communicating content of the electronic document is generated. The speech signal includes predetermined text content items audio formatted based on the audio rendering parameter. The speech signal is rendered to the user. | 07-03-2014 |
20140215298 | Creating Tag Clouds Based on User Specified Arbitrary Shape Tags - Mechanisms are provided for generating a shape tag cloud display. A user input is received that specifies an arbitrarily hand-drawn shape tag. A set of shape tag equivalence classes is updated based on the received user input to assign the arbitrarily hand-drawn shape tag to a shape tag equivalence class having similar previously entered arbitrarily hand-drawn shape tags. Rankings of the shape tags relative to one another are generated. The shape tag cloud display is generated based on the rankings. A representation of each shape tag within the shape tag cloud display has display characteristics based on the rankings. The shape tag cloud display is then output. | 07-31-2014 |
20140215299 | Creating Tag Clouds Based on User Specified Arbitrary Shape Tags - Mechanisms are provided for generating a shape tag cloud display. A user input is received that specifies an arbitrarily hand-drawn shape tag. A set of shape tag equivalence classes is updated based on the received user input to assign the arbitrarily hand-drawn shape tag to a shape tag equivalence class having similar previously entered arbitrarily hand-drawn shape tags. Rankings of the shape tags relative to one another are generated. The shape tag cloud display is generated based on the rankings. A representation of each shape tag within the shape tag cloud display has display characteristics based on the rankings. The shape tag cloud display is then output. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080304697 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTERFACING REPROGRAPHIC AND IMAGING SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE SET FINISHING DEVICES - Reprographic or imaging systems and methods issue a command to place multiple finishing devices into an alternating delivery mode such that consecutive sets are sent to different finishing devices, rather than to the same finishing device. | 12-11-2008 |
20090269166 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MECHANICALLY BINDING A BOOK SPINE - Method and system for permanently fastening an in-line plastic book spine utilizing bind spine tabs. Paper sheets can be formed into an aligned book block. A set of rectangular holes can be configured on binding edges of the paper sheets and book covers. Each bind spine tab can be inserted into the rectangular holes and connected with a binding strip utilizing a mechanical material fastening process, an ultrasonic sealing/welding process and/or a mechanical tab fastening process. The mechanical material fastening process can fasten the book spine together by a stitch or piercing a mechanical material therein. The ultrasonic sealing/welding process can apply ultrasonic waves on the spine tab and the strip to bond together. The mechanical tab fastening process can insert a pre-cut series of mechanical tabs into die-cut slots on a mating side of the book spine. | 10-29-2009 |
20100276873 | MOVEABLE DRIVE NIP - Systems for moving a moveable drive module in a cross-process direction are disclosed. A system includes a moveable drive module and a cross-process positioning system. The moveable drive module includes a drive roll. The cross-positioning system is capable of moving the moveable drive module in a cross-process direction. The system may optionally include a plurality of idler rolls, each configured to be associated with the drive roll when the moveable drive module is in an associated position. The moveable drive module may alternately include an idler roll associated with the drive roll. Alternately, the cross-positioning system may further be capable of moving a moveable idler module in a cross-process direction. Still alternately, the system may further include a moveable idler module including an idler roll and a translation drive motor capable of moving the moveable idler module in a cross-process direction. | 11-04-2010 |
20100276877 | MOVEABLE DRIVE NIP - Systems for moving a moveable drive module in a cross-process direction are disclosed. A system includes a moveable drive module including a drive roll and a translation drive motor capable of moving the moveable drive module in a cross-process direction. The system may optionally include a plurality of idler rolls, each configured to be associated with the drive roll when the moveable drive module is in an associated position. Optionally, the moveable drive module may further include an idler roll associated with the drive roll. Alternately, the system may further include a moveable idler module including an idler roll and a translation drive motor capable of moving the moveable idler module in a cross-process direction. | 11-04-2010 |
20100278573 | MOVEABLE TRAIL EDGE SENSOR FOR DUPLEX REGISTRATION - A print device for registering a printable medium during a duplex printing process. The print device includes a controller, at least one leading edge sensor operably connected to the controller, the at least one leading edge sensor configured to detect a leading edge of a printable medium having a first and a second side when the first side is facing away from the at least one leading edge sensor, a coarse registration sensor operably connected to the controller, the coarse registration sensor configured to detect a leading edge of the printable medium when the second side of the printable medium is facing away from the at least one leading edge sensor, and at least one trail edge sensor operably connected to the controller, the at least one trail edge sensor configured to detect a trailing edge of the printable medium. | 11-04-2010 |
20100327513 | SHEET TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH MODULAR NIP RELEASE SYSTEM - A sheet transport system and method including a first drive module including a frame. A first drive wheel is rotatably disposed on the frame. A first drive motor is operably connected to the first drive wheel and disposed on the frame. The first drive module is pivotally secured to a structure. A first idler wheel corresponds to the first drive wheel. An actuator is operably engagable with the first drive module. The actuator is configured to move the first drive module to cause the first drive wheel to move between an open position and a closed position. The first drive wheel is configured to propel a sheet in the closed position and to not propel a sheet in the open position. | 12-30-2010 |
20110062659 | ENCODER IDLER ROLL - An encoder idler roll includes an integral idler roll/encoder structure that forms an enclosed housing with a portion of the surface of the idler roll becoming the inner race for the encoder, as well as, the media encoding surface. Additionally, this integral idler/encoder configuration minimizes run out, improves tolerances between parts and stabilizes clearances between the idler roll and its support shaft. | 03-17-2011 |
20110305490 | DUAL POSITION PRE-TRANSFER ASSEMBLY - A dual mode media registration transport and media pre-transfer baffle arrangement within a printer enables printing onto normal and heavy weight media materials. In a first mode, the arrangement allows normal media to enter pre-transfer baffles with the normal “S” shape, which allows all performance specifications to be maintained. To accommodate heavy weight media, the registration transport and pre-transfer baffles are moved into a second mode position which straightens the media path and enables heavy weight media to enter the pre-transfer area. Thus, enabling the printing of these materials which could not be processed through the “S” shape baffle arrangement. | 12-15-2011 |
20130036887 | FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION COLLATING SYSTEM - In a system, at least two picker support elements are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and at least two picking elements are connected to each of the picker support elements. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the picker support elements and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the picker support elements and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041495 | FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION COLLATING SYSTEM - In a system, one or more robotic arms are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and one or more picking elements are connected to each of the robotic arms. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the robotic arms and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the robotic arms and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface. | 02-14-2013 |
20130042733 | METHOD FOR ACQUIRING AND TRANSPORTING MULTIPLE-ITEM SETS USING A VACUUM SYSTEM - Methods and devices include a patterning device positioned along a processing path. The patterning device forms one or more holes through workpieces at a contact location of the workpieces. A transport device is positioned along the processing path. The transport device removes the workpieces from the processing path and stacks the workpieces by simultaneously moving at least two of the workpieces together in workpiece sets. The transport device comprising a vacuum device that contacts the contact location of the top workpiece within each of the workpiece sets. The vacuum device applies vacuum through the holes of the top workpiece to the bottom workpiece within each of the workpiece sets to maintain the workpieces together in the workpiece sets when performing the removing and the stacking. | 02-21-2013 |
20140198329 | DOCUMENT FINISHING ARCHITECTURE (DFA) MASTER CONTROLLER - A Document Finishing Architecture Master controller includes an input communication link enabling two-way communication with a document-handling device. The document-handling device is restricted to connections with document finishing devices (DFDs) connected in series. Output communication links are operatively connected to the input communication link. The output communication links enable two-way communication over parallel communication networks with the DFDs. A translator is operatively connected to the output communication link, and driver interfaces are operatively connected to the translator. Document-finishing signals originating from the document-handling device are translated by the translator to a protocol used by the DFDs. The document-finishing signals are communicated from the translator to the driver interfaces, and from the driver interface to the DFDs. DFD signals from the DFDs are translated by the translator to a protocol used by the document-handling device. The DFD signals are communicated from the driver interfaces to the translator and from the translator to the document-handling device. | 07-17-2014 |
20140325942 | FORMING CONTAINER FOR PRODUCT ITEMS DURING PRODUCTION JOB - A print job includes a container page, product pages, and a stacking pattern. Methods and systems automatically pattern a first material according to a container pattern specified by the container page to output a flat and patterned container sheet to a stacking location, and automatically fold the flat and patterned container sheet at the stacking location to form a three-dimensional container. Further, such methods and systems automatically print markings specified by the product pages on additional sheets of material. Then, after forming the three-dimensional container and printing the markings, such methods and systems automatically pattern the additional sheets of material according to a product pattern specified by the product pages to output product items to the stacking location. Further, such methods and systems automatically stack the product items in the three-dimensional container. The container pattern has a specific size and shape to accommodate the stacking pattern. | 11-06-2014 |