| 05th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 39 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120027438 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a storage container which horizontally stores a waste toner; a full detection sensor which detects whether the waste toner reaches a full position; a near detection sensor which detects whether the waste toner reaches a near position; and a conveyance portion which is provided inside the storage container, includes an axial rod, and rotates about the axial rod, wherein the conveyance portion includes: a first spiral protrusion which conveys the waste toner to the near position; a second spiral protrusion which conveys the waste toner from the near position to the full position; and a third range which is provided between the first spiral protrusion and the second spiral protrusion and through which the waste toner passes at a speed lower than the conveyance speed of the first spiral protrusion and the second spiral protrusion. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027439 | METHOD FOR FORMING A COMBINATION PRINT WITH CONTINUOUS IMAGING - Methods are provided for forming a combination print having an image thereon. In accordance with one aspect, a first receiver is provided having a first side with a toner in an overlap area and the first receiver is overlapped with a second receiver overlapping the first receiver; and the first receiver and second receiver are moved in the overlapped position past a print engine so that an image is formed on the combination of the first receiver and the second receiver with contiguous application of toner forming the image applied across the first receiver and the second receiver, the first receiver and second receiver are fused to bind the prints together and to fix the toner to form a combination print having a continuously applied image. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027440 | APPARATUS FOR MAKING COMBINATION PRINTS WITH PLEASING APPEARANCE - Printers are provided. In one aspect, a printer has a printer controller cooperating with a print engine, receiver transport system, overlap positioning system, and fuser to cause a first toner image to be formed on the first side of the first receiver with toner at least in an overlap area proximate to a first edge of the first receiver; to overlap the first edge of the first receiver with a second edge of the second receiver having a second thickness at a second end and to fuse the overlapped first receiver and second receiver to cause the toner in the overlap area to bond the first receiver to the second receiver. The first toner image includes an edge concealment toner pattern positioned confronting the second edge with the edge concealment toner pattern having toner that reduces the visual impact of image artifacts created by the overlapping second edge. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027441 | METHOD FOR FORMING DURABLE COMBINATION PRINTS - Methods forming a durable combination print and a printed article are provided. In one aspect, a first receiver is provided with a first thickness at a first edge and having a first toner image on a first side with toner at least in an overlap area proximate the first edge and toner forming a toner edge shield. The first edge and overlap area are overlapped with a second receiver having a second thickness at a second edge; and, the first receiver and the second receiver are fused to cause the toner in the overlap area to bond the first receiver to the second receiver. The first toner image includes a toner edge shield with a first end confronting the second edge that extends from the first side of the first receiver to at least about 50% of the second thickness and has a deflection surface sloped toward a second end. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027442 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; an image forming portion for forming a toner image on the image bearing member, the image forming portion being capable of forming an image to be formed on a recording material and forming a control image for controlling an image density at a position adjacent to the image to be formed on the recording material; an intermediary transfer member rotatable while carrying the toner image transferred from the image bearing member; a transfer member for forming a transfer portion where the toner image is to be transferred from the intermediary transfer member onto the recording material; an electrostatic cleaning member for electrostatically removing the toner deposited on the transfer member; a density detecting portion, provided upstream of the transfer member with respect to a rotational direction of the intermediary transfer member, for detecting a density of the control image transferred on the intermediary transfer member; an adjusting portion for adjusting an image forming condition of the image forming portion depending on an output of the density detecting portion; and a charge amount changing portion for adjusting a charge amount of the control image transferred onto the intermediary transfer member. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027443 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including: a photoreceptor for bearing a toner image; a transfer body onto which the toner image borne by the photoreceptor is transferred; a drive section for driving the photoreceptor and transfer body respectively, and a control section for controlling the drive section so as to drive the photoreceptor and transfer body at a predetermined driving speed, wherein the control section, under a state in which the control section controls to drive the transfer body at the predetermined driving speed, controls to: a) drive the photoreceptor while changing the driving speed of the photoreceptor within a range of driving speeds between low speed and high speed, including the predetermined driving speed, b) extract torque characteristics under the control which includes the change of driving speed of the photoreceptor, and c) determine the driving speed of the photoreceptor based on the extracted torque characteristics. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027444 | IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS - An image heating apparatus includes image heating device; pressing device; a first temperature sensor; an electric power supply controller; a second temperature sensor; a first cooling device for cooling a surface of the image heating device; a second cooling device for cooling a surface of the pressing device; contact-spacing device for establishing a contact state in which the image heating device and the pressing device are contacted with each other and a spaced state in which the image heating device and the pressing device are spaced from each other; an executing portion for executing a first cooling mode operation in which at least one of the cooling device is operated while rotating the image heating device and the pressing device in the contact state and a second cooling mode operation in which the first cooling device and the second cooling device are operated while rotating the image heating device and the pressing device in the spaced state; and a selector for selecting the first cooling mode or the second cooling mode on the basis of an output of the second temperature sensor. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027445 | METHOD FOR MAKING COMBINATION PRINTS WITH PLEASING APPEARANCE - Methods for operating a printer to form a combination print with improved appearance are provided. In one aspect first receiver is provided with a first thickness at a first edge and having a first toner image on a first side with toner in an overlap area proximate the first edge. The first edge and overlap area are overlapped with a second receiver having a second thickness at a second edge; and the first receiver and second receiver are fused to cause any toner thereon to fuse such that the toner in the overlap area bonds the first receiver to the second receiver. The first toner image includes an edge concealment toner pattern positioned confronting the second edge with the edge concealment toner pattern having toner that reduces the visual impact of artifacts created by the overlapping second edge. Printed articles are also provided | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027446 | APPARATUS FOR FORMING DURABLE COMBINATION PRINTS - A printer is provided for forming a durable combination of printed receivers having a printer controller cooperating with a print engine, receiver transport system, overlap positioning system and fuser to cause a first toner image on the first side of the first receiver with toner in an overlap area proximate to a first edge of the first receiver and a toner edge shield; to overlap the first edge of the first receiver with a second edge of the second receiver having a second thickness and to fuse the overlapped first receiver and second receiver to cause the toner in the overlap area to bond receivers receiver. The toner edge shield forms a first end confronting the second edge that extends from a first side of the first receiver to at least about 50% of the second thickness and that has a deflection surface that slopes toward a second end. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027447 | HIGH-VOLTAGE GENERATION APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A high-voltage generation apparatus raises, in a transient-state period elapsed since output of a voltage is started until the voltage reaches a target value, the output voltage by a change amount corresponding to the target value without performing feedback control. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027448 | HIGH-VOLTAGE GENERATION APPARATUS - A high-voltage generation apparatus raises, when switching from a state where a voltage having a predetermined polarity is output to a state where a voltage having a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity is output, the voltage having the predetermined polarity in change amounts corresponding to the voltage having the predetermined polarity and a target voltage having the opposite polarity in a transient-state period elapsed until the voltage reaches the target voltage. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027449 | Image Forming Device - An image forming device, comprising: an endless belt stretched by a plurality of rollers; and a detection sensor located to face one of the plurality of rollers while sandwiching the endless belt between the detection sensor and the one of the plurality of rollers, the detection sensor reading information formed on the endless belt through use of reflection of light. A recessed part is formed, to catch foreign particles, on the one of the plurality of rollers at a position which is shifted in an axis direction of the one of the plurality of rollers with respect to a detection area on the endless belt to which light from the detection sensor is irradiated | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027450 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier unit that includes an image carrier that is to be rotated about a rotational driving shaft; a charging unit; an exposing unit including a light source substrate and a lens array; a developing unit; a transfer unit; and a fixing unit. The image carrier unit can be pulled out along the rotational driving shaft of the image carrier. The exposing unit is movable between a contacting position, at which the exposing unit abuts on a contacting surface of the image carrier unit to be positioned relative to the image carrier, and a retracted position, at which the exposing unit is away from the image carrier unit. At the contacting position, the contacting surface is closer to the exposing unit in an optical axial direction than a surface of the lens array is. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027451 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a photoreceptor drum that is provided along a paper path of transfer paper; a discharging unit including a light emitting body that emits discharging light, the discharging unit eliminating electrical charge on a surface of the photoreceptor drum; a blast unit that is provided to blow air toward the discharging unit; and a air duct that is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting body, and is configured such that the air from the blast unit toward the discharging unit is configured to blow to a side of the paper path through the air duct. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027452 | ELECTROSTATIC CHARGER DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An electrostatic charger device according to this invention includes a cleaner member, an operating rod, a guide portion, and a bending member. The cleaner member is configured to clean an electrode housed in a housing by pressing against the electrode. The operating rod has one end in a longitudinal direction to which the cleaner member is fixed. The guide portion is disposed at one end of the housing in a primary scanning direction and has a through-hole through which the operating rod extends in the longitudinal direction, the guide portion supporting the operating rod to enable the cleaner member to reciprocate between a first position and a second position. The bending member is configured to bend the operating rod in such a manner that an intermediate portion of the operating rod projects away from an image bearing member when the cleaner member is in the first position. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027453 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a rotatable intermediary transfer member; first transfer member; a second transfer member toner images transferred and superposed on the intermediary transfer member onto a transfer material at a second transfer position; a charging member provided downstream of the second transfer position and upstream of the first transfer position; a first voltage source portion for applying a voltage to the charging member; a charging brush provided downstream of the second transfer position and upstream of the charging member with respect to the rotational moving direction; and a second voltage source portion for applying a voltage to the charging brush, wherein second voltage source portion is capable of applying voltage to the charging brush in a state that a voltage is applied to the charging member by first voltage source portion; and a regulating member, provided between the charging member and the charging brush with respect to the rotational moving direction, for regulating a position of a brush of the charging brush. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027454 | Image Forming Device Having Retaining Member Retaining Toner Cartridges - An image-forming device includes: a main casing; a retaining member; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner cartridges; and an operating member. The main casing defines an accommodation space. The retaining member is movably disposed between an accommodated position, in which the retaining member is accommodated inside the accommodation space, and a pull-out position. The plurality of developing units are retained by the retaining member. The plurality of toner cartridges are detachably attachable to the retaining member, one for each of the developing units, when the retaining member is at the pull-out position. Each of the toner cartridges includes: a casing in which a through-hole is formed for supplying toner accommodated inside the casing to the corresponding developing unit; and a shutter that is configured so as to be capable of moving between an open position exposing the through-hole and a closed position closing the through-hole. The operating member is provided at the retaining member. The operating member is configured to be operated to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position by shifting between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the shutter in which the operating member extends above the retaining member, and a second position corresponding to the open position of the shutter in which the operating member has a lower profile than in the first position. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027455 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: a body; a holding member movable between a housing position and a drawn-out position; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached to the holding member along a attachment path, so that the plurality of cartridges are placed at image forming positions and are arranged in a movement direction of the holding member; and a plurality of restricting members disposed correspondingly with the cartridges. In a state where the holding member is drawn out to the drawn-out position, the plurality of restricting members are located at unrestricted positions that are retracted from the attachment path. In an attachment process in which the holding member is moved from the drawn-out position to the housing position, the plurality of restricting members advance from the unrestricted positions to restricting positions on the attachment path to restrict the cartridges from being detached from the image forming positions. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027456 | ELECTRO-CONDUCTIVE MEMBER FOR ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - Provided is the following electro-conductive member for electrophotography. The electrical resistance of the member hardly increases even by long-term energization, and hence the member is conducive to stable formation of high-quality electrophotographic images. The electro-conductive member for electrophotography, comprises: an electro-conductive mandrel and an electro-conductive layer, wherein said electro-conductive layer contains an A-B-A type triblock copolymer in which an A-block is a polystyrene having a cation exchange group, and a B-block is a polyolefin, and wherein said A-B-A type triblock copolymer forms a microphase-separated structure comprising a matrix phase formed of said B-block, and one phase formed of the A-block and having a structure selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical structure, a bicontinuous structure and a lamellar structure. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027457 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process device actable on the drum, a cartridge positioning portion for engaging a main assembly positioning portion to position the cartridge with respect to a direction crossing the direction of the axis of the drum when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly in a direction parallel with the axis of the photosensitive drum, and a movable member movable between a first position contacting the main assembly in the process of mounting of the cartridge to the main assembly, and a second position contacting a main assembly urging member and receiving a force in the crossing direction to contact the cartridge positioning portion to the main assembly positioning portion to position the cartridge in the crossing direction, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027458 | CLEANING DEVICE, DEVELOPING DEVICE, CARTRIDGE, CLEANING BLADE SECURING METHOD, AND DEVELOPING BLADE SECURING METHOD - A cleaning device includes a cleaning blade for removing toner remaining on a surface of an image bearing member for carrying a toner image; a supporting member for supporting the cleaning blade; a mounting hole provided in one of the cleaning blade and the supporting member; a projection which is provided on the other of the cleaning blade and the supporting member and which is inserted in the mounting hole; and a recess provided in the projection and extended from a free end portion of the projection toward a base portion of the projection, wherein the cleaning blade and the supporting member are secured to each other by the projection deformed such that the recess expands outwardly of the mounting hole by resin material in the recess. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027459 | Image Forming Device Capable of Facilitating Disposal of Waste Developer - An image forming device includes photosensitive drums, developer cartridges, an endless belt, first collecting units, first conveying units, a second collecting unit, a second conveying unit and communication portions. The photosensitive drums form a drum array including a leading photosensitive drum. Each developer cartridge has a waste developer accommodating chamber. Each first collecting unit collects waste developer on the corresponding photosensitive drum. Each first conveying unit conveys the waste developer toward the waste developer accommodating chamber. The second collecting unit collects waste developer on the endless belt. The second conveying unit conveys the waste developer toward the waste developer accommodating chamber. Each communication portion allows fluid communication between the first conveying unit and the waste developer accommodating chamber. One of the communication portions associated with the leading photosensitive drum also allows fluid communication between the second conveying unit and the waste developer accommodating chamber. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027460 | MOUNTING STRUCTURE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A mounting structure includes a supporting member and an engagement member. The supporting member includes a first engaging section at one edge portion and a second engaging section at the other edge portion, and supports or positions an object to support. The engagement member includes a first engagement section capable of engaging with the first engaging section and a second engagement section capable of engaging with the second engaging section, and is a member for holding the supporting member with the supporting member being mounted onto the engagement member. Also, the supporting member supports or positions the object to support with the first engaging section and the second engaging section respectively engaging with the first engagement section and the second engagement section. The first engaging section has a higher rigidity than the first engagement section. The second engaging section has a higher rigidity than the second engagement section. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027461 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A control portion obtains a first difference in a movement amount between paper passing period and paper non-passage period of a transfer belt, and determines whether or not a first absolute value thereof is a first threshold value or more. In a case where the first absolute value is the first threshold value or more, a transfer belt unit positional adjustment motor is driven to adjust a first angle with respect to a first direction of a transfer belt unit with respect to a photoreceptor drum. In a case where the first absolute value is less than the first threshold value, a second absolute value of a second difference between a movement amount and a designed value set in advance of the transfer belt is obtained, and whether or not the second absolute value is a second threshold value or more is determined. When the second absolute value is less than the second threshold value, the processing is finished, and when the second absolute value is the second threshold value or more, a second angle with respect to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the driving roller with respect to the photoreceptor drum is adjusted so as to be less than the second threshold value by a driving roller positional adjustment motor. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027462 | FIXING DEVICE, METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes an enclosure housing, a removable handle, and a detachable attachment mechanism. The enclosure housing encloses the fixing device therein. The removable handle detachably attaches to the housing to move the housing at least in a direction of handling. The detachable attachment mechanism includes a pair of first mutually engageable portions in the housing and a pair of second mutually engageable portions in the handle. A method of installing a fixing device in an image forming apparatus is also disclosed. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027463 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member to bear an electrostatic latent image, which includes an outermost layer comprising a cross-linked resin composition; a toner developing mechanism to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image with a toner comprising a binder resin; a toner transferring mechanism to transfer the toner image from the image bearing member onto a recording medium; and a fixing liquid applying mechanism to apply a fixing liquid to the recording medium onto which the toner image has been transferred or is to be transferred. The fixing liquid dissolves or swells at least a part of the binder resin to soften the toner. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027464 | Drive transmission device, drive device, and image forming apparatus - A drive transmission device includes drive transmission members including a detection target gear, a detection device detecting the rotational position of the target gear and including a position detection member and a detection unit, and a conductive protection member protecting the detection unit. The detection unit and the protection member are assembled to the same member to be installed to an external apparatus. If there is a dimensional error in the protection member causing a portion of the protection member closest to the target gear to shift in position relative to the detection unit beyond a predetermined range, the protection member comes into contact with the detection unit in the assembling process, and is corrected in shape by the detection unit, with the shift in position relative to the detection unit of the portion of the protection member closest to the target gear kept within the predetermined range. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027465 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CAPABLE OF PERFORMING ROTATIONAL PHASE CONTROL OF IMAGE BEARING MEMBER - An image forming apparatus capable of preventing degradation of image quality and reducing time required for rotational phase control. Toner images different in color are formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums, respectively. The toner images are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt in superimposed relation. A motor controller performs phase control for bringing phases of the respective photosensitive drums into predetermined relation based on a rotational phase difference detected using phase detection sensors. When the rotational phase difference is out of a predetermined range, the motor controller performs the phase control with the photosensitive drums and the intermediate transfer belt separated from each other, whereas when the rotational phase difference is within the predetermined range, the motor controller performs the phase control with the photosensitive drums and the intermediate transfer belt in contact with each other. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027466 | DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing device that can suitably discharge developer from the developing device by the amount of developer in the developing device increased by carrier supplemented into the developing device, including: a supply transport screw and a receiving transport screw, the rotational axes of which are mutually parallel in relation to an image support member and which are arranged in a top and bottom positional relationship, and an inclined transport screw which is arranged at an incline between one end of the supply transport screw and the other end of the receiving transport screw; supply means for supplying new carrier into a casing; and a discharge port and discharge means for discharging part of the developer housed in the casing to the outside, the discharge port being provided on the part of the casing corresponding to the upper part of the inclined transport screw. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027467 | TONER CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A toner cartridge includes a toner containing section which contains a toner therein; a toner discharging unit which is disposed in one side of the toner containing section and has a toner discharging port; a screw member which is disposed inside the toner containing section and transports a toner inside the toner containing section to the toner discharging unit; a bearing member which holds an end of the screw member; a rotary shutter which is disposed in the toner discharging unit to be rotatable about a rotation axial line of the screw member and has a circular-arc-shaped cross-section; and a shutter opening and closing mechanism which opens the rotary shutter in conjunction with rotation of the screw member. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027468 | DEVELOPER UNIT AND METHOD THEREOF - A developer unit usable with a liquid electrophotographic printing apparatus having a photosensitive drum includes a developer roller configured to receive ink, and to selectively engage and rotatably transfer the ink to the photosensitive drum, the developer roller configured to switch between a contact mode when the developer roller is rotating and a non-contact mode when the developer roller is not rotating, a squeegee roller selectively in contact with the developer roller, the squeegee roller configured to at least condense the received ink on the developer roller in the contact mode, and configured to be apart from the developer roller in the non-contact mode, and a cleaner roller selectively in contact with the developer roller, the cleaner roller configured to remove remaining ink from the developer roller not transferred to the photosensitive drum in the contact mode, and to be apart from the developer roller in the non-contact mode, wherein at least one of the squeegee roller, the cleaner roller and the developer roller are configured to move between the contact mode and the non-contact mode in response to a rotational state of the developer roller. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027469 | MOLD FOR FORMING DEVELOPER BLADE, AND DEVELOPER BLADE FORMED WITH SAME - The present invention provide a mold for forming a developer blade and a developer blade manufactured with such a mold which are able to give images of good quality even in the low-temperature low-humidity condition and to improve a mold releasability. A mold | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027470 | DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A developing device | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027471 | DEVELOPER SUPPLY DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A developer supply device is provided, which includes a transfer board including an activating section and an always-transferring section. The activating section is disposed in a position close to a developer holding member and lower than a position where development agent is transferred onto the developer holding member. The activating section is supplied with an activating voltage for making the development agent leave a developer transfer path and drop into the developer storage section during an activating process performed at an initial stage of a developer transferring operation while supplied with the transfer bias voltage after the activating process. The always-transferring section is disposed across a position facing the developer storage section to a position lower than and adjacent to the activating section, and always supplied with a transfer bias voltage during the developer transferring operation. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027472 | Image Forming Device Having Belt Disposed Above Developing Unit - An image-forming device includes a main body; a developing unit; a transferring unit; and a tray. The developing unit has a developer-accommodating section that accommodates developer and a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit further has a developer-carrying member to develop the electrostatic latent image. The tray enables the developing unit to move between a contact position and a separate position. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027473 | INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER - An excellent intermediate transfer member which, even when used for printing on a plurality of sheets, does not crack to thereby cause image defects and can retain satisfactory cleaning ability without suffering toner filming, and with which high-quality printed images free from fog caused by toner filming are continuously obtained. The intermediate transfer member is for use in an image-forming device having a means of first transferring a toner image deposited on the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer member and then secondly transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to a receiving material. The intermediate transfer member comprises a resin base, and formed on the periphery thereof, an elastic layer and a surface layer, the surface layer being composed of an interlayer and a rigid layer, the interlayer being a layer having a lower hardness and a lower modulus than the rigid layer. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027474 | Image Forming Apparatus with Multiple Driving Units - An image forming apparatus that includes: a sheet conveying belt that conveys a sheet to a position opposed to an image carrier; a cleaning unit that cleans the sheet conveying belt; a first driving unit that drives the sheet conveying belt; a second driving unit that drives the cleaning unit, the second driving unit being independent from the first driving unit; and a sheet conveying mechanism that conveys the sheet separately from the sheet conveying belt, wherein the second driving unit drives at least a part of the sheet conveying mechanism. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027475 | IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS - An image formation apparatus has an image carrier for carrying a toner image, a transfer element for electrostatically transferring the toner image on the image carrier to a sheet, and a guide element for guiding the sheet. The image carrier and the transfer element form a nip portion for nipping the sheet, the guide element includes a main guide configured to guide the sheet toward the nip portion and a sub-guide protruding from the main guide toward the nip portion, and the sub-guide is conductive. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027476 | IMAGE HEATING DEVICE - An image heating device includes a rotatable image heating member for heating an image on a recording material and for forming a nip; a blowing member for blowing air; and an ejecting member for ejecting air to separate the recording material passing through the nip from said image heating member, the ejecting member ejecting the air from the blowing member toward the image heating member so that a speed of the air toward an end portion of the image heating member is higher than that of the air toward a central portion of the image heating member with respect to a rotational axis direction of the image heating member. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027477 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: an image heating member for heating an image formed on each of a plurality of first recording materials and a second recording material; a pressing member for forming a nip, between itself and the image heating member, in which each recording material is to be nipped and conveyed; and an executing portion for executing an operation in a first mode in which the image formed on each of the plurality of the first recording materials is heated under a first image heating condition and an operation in a second mode in which the image formed on the second recording material having a thickness larger than that of the first recording materials is heated under a second image heating condition. When the images are formed in the first mode and subsequently the image is formed in the second mode, a switching operation is carried out in which the first recording material is heated under a third image heating condition different from the first image heating condition. The switching operation is started before finishing the operation in the first mode. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027478 | Endless belt assembly, fixing device, and image forming apparatus employing same - An endless belt assembly includes one or more rollers, an endless belt, and a belt tracking mechanism. The one or more rollers are disposed parallel to each other, each being rotatable around a rotational axis thereof. The endless belt is looped for rotation around the rollers. The belt tracking mechanism is disposed on at least one side of the endless belt assembly to prevent lateral displacement of the endless belt during rotation. The belt tracking mechanism includes an annular recess, an annular flange, and a circumferential rib. The annular recess is perimetrically formed on a longitudinal end face of the roller. The annular flange is disposed in the annular recess to rotate freely with respect to the roller. The circumferential rib extends along a side edge of an interior circumferential surface of the endless belt to contact the annular flange upon lateral movement of the belt. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027479 | ROTATABLE IMAGE HEATING MEMBER AND IMAGE HEATING DEVICE - An image heating device includes a rotatable image heating member including an elastic layer and a surface layer in which a filler is dispersed; and a fixed pressing member which is contacted to a surface of the rotatable image heating member and forms a nip, between itself and the rotatable image heating member, in which a recording material for carrying an image is to be nip-conveyed. The surface of the rotatable image heating member has a shape such that projections are distributed by the filler so that a coefficient of dynamic friction μ(hot) relative to said fixed pressing member when a surface temperature of the rotatable image heating member is a temperature during image heating and a coefficient of dynamic friction μ(cold) relative to the fixed pressing member when the surface temperature is a normal temperature satisfy, | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027480 | IMAGE HEATING MEMBER, AND IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS HAVING IMAGE HEATING STATION - A rotatable image heating member for pressing against a pressure to form a nip for heating an image on a recording material; a heat generation layer for generating heat by electric power supply thereto, the heat generation layer being disposed at a position inside an end of the nip with respect to a rotational axis direction of the image heating member; an electric energy supply layer for electric energy supplying to the heat generation layer, the electric energy supply layer being provided at an end of the heat generation layer and electrically connected with the heat generation layer; an elastic layer provided outside the heat generation layer at a position inside an end of the nip with respect to the rotational axis direction; a surface layer provided outside the elastic layer and extending to an outside of the end of the nip so as to cover a part of the electric energy supply layer. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027481 | BENDING RECEIVER USING HEAT-SHRINKABLE TONER - Apparatus for bending a receiver having an image side and a non-image side in a bend area having a bend axis. Toner is deposited on the image side of the receiver in the bend area. A device compresses the deposited toner to form a toner film using a heated anvil and a selectively-cooled quencher that stretch and cooled the toner in the bend area below its Tg to form a toner film disposed over the surface of the receiver in the bend area. A heater reheats the bend area of the receiver so that temperature of the toner in the bend area rises above its Tg, so that the toner contracts and the receiver bends at the bend axis. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027482 | OVERLAP POSITIONING SYSTEM - Overlap positioning systems are provided for use with a receiver transport system that moves receiver from a pre-printing path, past a print engine, to a post-printing path. In one aspect, the overlap positioning system has a receiver transport system that moves receiver from a post-printing path to a reentry point in the pre-printing path, a diverter selectively diverts the first receiver from the post printing path into a recirculation system having a plurality of surfaces to guide the first receiver from the post printing path to a reentry in the pre-printing path; and a receiver movement system moves the first receiver through the recirculation system; a controller and sensor system cooperate to cause one of the first receiver or a second receiver to be first through the reentry point and the other is advanced through the reentry point at a point where an overlap of a determined amount is provided. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027483 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING THE TYPE OF PAPER SHEET, AND IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a sheet type determination apparatus includes a tray, light source, detection unit, database, and operation unit. The tray is configured to hold a sheet bundle formed by stacked sheets. The light source emits illumination light to a first region. The detection unit detects a light intensity distribution of transmitted light emerging from a second region. The transmitted light is generated as the illumination light passes through the sheet bundle, and the second region is different from the first region. The database stores a table describing a relation between reference attenuation rates and types. The operation unit is configured to calculate an attenuation rate of the transmitted light based on the light intensity distribution, and determine a type of the sheets by comparing the attenuation rate with the reference attenuation rates. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027484 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH STAPLING FUNCTION - An image forming apparatus with a stapling function is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a printing device and a stapling device. The printing device is used for printing images on plural papers. The printed papers are transmitted to the stapling device and stapled by the stapling device. The printing device has a printing device casing. The stapling device includes a minor casing and a main casing, which are respectively connected with a first surface and a second surface of the printing device casing. Since the stapling device is connected with two difference surfaces of the printing device casing, the overall height of the image forming apparatus is reduced. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027485 | MEDIA CARTRIDGE WITH SHIFTING RIBS - A media cartridge is disclosed for insertion into a cartridge receptacle of a printer. The media cartridge includes a cartridge housing having one or more shifting ribs on the cartridge housing. At a position of initial insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, the shifting ribs are configured to center a length of media and an ink ribbon of the media cartridge between a print head and a platen roller in the cartridge receptacle. As the insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle continues, the shifting ribs shift the length of media and the ink ribbon toward one of the print head and the platen roller. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027486 | CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITH RIBBON LOCK - A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge housing defining an internal chamber. At least one rotatable spool is housed in the internal chamber. In the wall of the cartridge housing, a ribbon lock is formed. The ribbon lock has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the ribbon lock is biased into engagement with the rotatable spool(s) to inhibit rotation of the rotatable spool(s). In the disengaged position, the ribbon lock is urged away from the rotatable spool(s) to disengage the ribbon lock from the rotatable spool(s) to permit rotation of the spool(s). | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027487 | CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITH EDGE PROTECTOR - A cartridge assembly is disclosed with improved protection of its media and/or ink ribbon. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge housing for receiving media. The cartridge housing includes an exit opening through which the media exits the cartridge housing along a media path. A media guide is also located on the media path and is spaced from the exit opening a predetermined distance. An edge protector extends between the exit opening and the media guide adjacent a lower edge of the media path to protect a lower edge of the media. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027488 | PRINTER - A printer performs printing by transferring ink of an ink ribbon on which a plurality of color inks is sequentially arranged to paper, and the printer includes a paper conveyance unit configured to convey paper, an ink ribbon conveyance unit configured to be driven by the same drive source as that of the paper conveyance unit and convey the ink ribbon only in a printing direction, and a detection unit configured to detect a marker for detecting the top of color inks provided on the ink ribbon, wherein a marker of a specific color ink of the ink ribbon includes marker pieces, the number of which is greater than that of the other markers. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027489 | PRINTER WITH COUPLED MEDIA FEED AND PRINT HEAD ACTIVATION MECHANISM - A printer is disclosed for printing on media. The printer includes a platen roller, a print head, and a media feed roller. The print head is supported by an arm. The arm is actuatable between an activated position in which the print head is urged toward the platen roller to provide a force therebetween and a deactivated position in which the print head is moved away from the platen roller. A motor is coupled to the arm and the media feed roller. The motor selectively actuates the arm between the activated position and the deactivated position and further drives the media feed roller. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027490 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - There are provided a plurality of paper feed units | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027491 | FRICTION CORE BRAKE - A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a core, a cartridge housing defining a cavity that receives the core, a shaft extending from the cartridge housing into the cavity and at least part way into the core, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is helically wound to define a coiled outer surface that is received in the core and also includes at least one end that engages the shaft. When the core is rotated in a first direction about the shaft, a circumference of the coiled outer surface of the torsion spring increases thereby restricting a rotation of the core in the first direction. When the core is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the coiled outer surface provides a controlled amount of drag to resist a rotation of the core in the second direction. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027492 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING TENSION IN A RIBBON SPOOLING ASSEMBLY - Systems and methods for controlling tension in a ribbon spooling assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a ribbon tension control assembly for maintaining substantially constant tension in a ribbon, the assembly including a payout core having a cylindrical shape, a first ribbon spool mounted on the payout core and attached thereto, a second ribbon spool mounted on the payout core, the second ribbon spool configured to move independent from the payout core, a takeup core configured to receive a ribbon from each of the first ribbon spool and second ribbon spool, and a load applicator configured to limit movement of the second ribbon spool. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027493 | ADJUSTABLE PRINT MEDIA PATH SYSTEM AND METHOD - An adjustable print media path system and method are disclosed. In one form, the print media path system incorporates a frame and a guide member that is moveably coupled to the frame between a cartridge position and an external media position. Inserting print media into the receptacle moves the guide member between the external media position and the cartridge position, thereby adjusting the print media path. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027494 | SHEET STORAGE CASSETTE AND PRINTING APPARATUS - A sheet storage cassette which contains a print sheet in roll form and is attached to a printing apparatus, comprises: a shaft which retaining the print sheet in roll form; and a support portion rotatably supporting the shaft, wherein an urging member protrudes from a maximum outer diameter of the shaft while the print sheet is not attached to the shaft, and urges the inner surface of a hollow portion of the print sheet while the print sheet is attached to the shaft, and a rib portion which continuously extends in a rotational direction and contacts a pickup guide, when the urging member rotates, the rib portion is provided to prevent the pickup guide from interfering with the urging member which rotates together with the shaft. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027495 | CUTTER UNIT AND PRINTER - A cutter unit includes a conveying mechanism, a first blade and a second blade. The conveying mechanism conveys a linerless label having an adhesive-applied surface on which an adhesive agent is applied. The first blade is provided to face an opposite side from the adhesive-applied surface of the linerless label. The second blade is provided to face the adhesive-applied surface of the linerless label. The second blade includes a cutting portion configured to cut the linerless label inserted between the second blade and the first blade, and a supporting portion configured to support the adhesive-applied surface of the linerless label downstream of the cutting portion in a conveying direction of the linerless label. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027496 | CUTTER UNIT AND PRINTER - A cutter unit that includes a conveying mechanism, a first blade, and a second blade. The conveying mechanism conveys a print paper having a print surface and an adhesive surface. The first blade is provided on a conveying path of the print paper conveyed by the conveying mechanism to face the print surface of the print paper. The second blade is provided on the conveying path to face the adhesive surface. The second blade includes a cutting surface configured to cut the print paper inserted between the second blade and the first blade, and a contact surface configured to contact the adhesive surface of the print paper on the conveying path. The contact surface of the second blade is coated with an adhesion-retardant agent. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027497 | COSMETIC CONTAINER - A cosmetic container includes a PET tube having an open end and a close end, wherein the close end has a connecting section, and the connecting section formed with at least one external thread at its outer periphery and a bottom; a painting assembly including a pen segment screwed with the open end, a brush segment wedged in the pen segment and an upper cap mounted around the pen segment; and an attached member having a threaded hole for receiving and fixing the connecting section at the thread. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027498 | Writing instruments for small children - Crayons are formed of a unitary material with interior distances between surfaces to prevent insertion through the maximum mandibular opening of a child five years of age or younger. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027499 | Dispenser of Product - The invention relates to a dispenser including: an applicator device; a case comprising a housing for receiving at least a portion of the applicator device; a mobile member being movable mounted inside the housing between a retracted position and a use position; an actuating member for urging the mobile member towards the use position, wherein the housing comprises an abutment surface for engaging with the mobile member in order to define the use position of said mobile member. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027500 | LEAK-PROOF ART INSTRUMENT - Art instrument having a self-contained reservoir for storing and dispensing application liquid includes a reservoir body for containing the application liquid and a dispensing assembly that dispenses the application liquid from the reservoir. The dispensing assembly includes an applicator, a primary orifice restrictor including a channel, a movable actuating assembly that retains the applicator and the primary orifice restrictor and is movably connected to the reservoir body, and a secondary orifice restrictor arranged in an opening of the reservoir body and includes an initially closed channel. The instrument also includes a partly movable control mechanism that controls movement of the actuating assembly relative to the reservoir body. The control mechanism having a configuration in which it prevents opening of the closed channel and thereby prevents leakage of application liquid from the reservoir prior to manual activation by a user. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027501 | Cleaning pen - The present invention is to provide a cleaning pen, which includes a hollow clamping device having two clamping units able to be engaged with each other for clamping a wiping element in a bent state and being inserted into a hollow housing such that a bent portion of the wiping element juts out of the hollow housing and can be used for cleaning an object. When the bent portion is soiled or damaged, a user can conveniently and sequentially take the wiping element out from the hollow housing and hollow clamping device, and then shift the soiled or damaged portion to a position for allowing the wiping element to be clamped by the hollow clamping device again and form a new bent portion jutting out of the hollow housing, so as to effectively prevent the object from being scratched by edge of the wiping element and prolong service life thereof. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027502 | ROTATIONAL BINDER ASSEMBLY FOR PAGE IDENTIFICATION - The present invention relates to a page identification system, method and apparatus implemented with respect to a rotational binder assembly for a book. This rotational binder assembly retains the pages of the book on a plurality of rings whereby rotation of these rings actuate further components of the invention to identify the pages or sheets to which the book is opened. The invention incorporates an output or output system which can be utilized to provide a specific output to a user of the invention based on the page identified as opened for the book. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027503 | QUICK-RELEASE, LOOSE-LEAF MATERIALS CAPTURE MECHANISM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A quick-release capture mechanism for loose-leaf binders. Generally, the capture mechanism comprises binder posts and a retention clip that selectively and releasably attaches to a free end of the posts. The posts often comprise a tubular section and a post head with a recess defined between the two. In some cases, the retention clip is a rail having a plurality of elongated apertures that are configured to slidably and releasably engage with a plurality of posts, simultaneously. The apertures can have any suitable characteristic. For instance, the apertures can comprise a first width, a second width, and means for retaining a binder post within either the first or the second width. In such instances, while the first width is sized to allow the post head to be inserted perpendicularly therein, the second width is sized to receive the post's recess while preventing the head from passing perpendicularly therethrough. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027504 | DETECTION SYSTEM, JOINT SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DETECTION SYSTEM AND AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A JOINT SYSTEM - This detection system ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027505 | TWO-SECTION TOOL JOINT - A two-section tool joint comprises a support member including a polygonal ball knob disposed on one end thereof; an acting head including a receiving chamber fixed on end thereof, and on a side wall of the receiving chamber being arranged a plurality of raised rims in response to the ball knob; a limiting structure defined between the support member and the acting head so that the ball knob of the support member is limited in the receiving chamber and moves between a first and a second positions; wherein the raised rims are longitudinally defined on a side wall of the receiving chamber and spaced apart equally from each other, the number of the raised rims is in response to that of the angles of the ball knob, and each raised rim is provided with a convex arc contacting surface so that the support member rotates with the acting head. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027506 | WELD JOINT OF ALUMINUM ALLOY MEMBER - Disclosed is a weld joint of an aluminum alloy member formed by joining one end of a wrought material ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027507 | ORIENTATION OF INTERFACING PROJECTIONS - A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centreline, a tip, and a base. The centreline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centrelines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027508 | TURBINE ENGINE COUPLING STACK - An example coupling stack includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. A plurality of aligned slots is defined in the first rotating member and the second rotating member. A tab lock is provided having an annular body with an axial front side, an axial back side, and a radial inner periphery. Tabs are formed on the axial back side and inserted into the plurality of aligned slots. The annular body of the tab lock also includes a plurality of openings extending into the radial inner periphery. A plurality of flanges is provided on the axial back side of the annular body adjacent to the plurality of openings. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027509 | RETENTION SYSTEM - A system to retain a sleeve within a housing includes a sleeve, a spring loaded retaining pin which can be moved to be fully within the sleeve, a locking pin to hold the retaining pin within the sleeve when the sleeve is being set into or withdrawn from the housing, and an annular recess in the housing to receive the retaining pin when the sleeve is set in the housing, the locking pin is removed and the retaining pin is pushed outward by the spring. The sleeve is retained within the housing when the spring pushes the retaining pin outward so that the retaining pin engages the annular recess in the housing. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027510 | SEAT POST ASSEMBLY - A seat post assembly includes a saddle positioning unit adapted to be mounted to a saddle. An outer tube has one end connected to the saddle positioning unit. An inner tube is received in the outer tube. An opening laterally defined in an outer periphery of the inner tube. An inner post passes through the inner tube and is received in the outer tube. The inner post has a recess laterally defined in one end thereof. An abutting member is disposed in the recess and protrudes from the opening in the inner tube for contacting with an inner peripheral wall of the outer tube. A tightening unit radially passes through the outer tube, the inner tube, and the inner post for pushing the abutting member to abut against the inner peripheral wall of the outer tube for refraining the inner tube from rotating relative to the outer tube. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027511 | FASTENING DEVICE AND OBJECT HAVING THE SAME - A fastening device includes first and second hooks, a stopper member, and two fixed plates. The first hook is disposed on the first article, and has a first hook portion. The stopper member is disposed on the first article, and is spaced apart from the first hook in a left-to-right direction. The fixed plates are disposed on the second article, and are spaced apart from each other in a front-to-rear direction. Each fixed plate has a pivot groove and a first positioning portion. The second hook is connected pivotally between the fixed plates, and extends between the first hook portion and the stopper member. The second hook has a second hook portion engaging removably the first hook portion, two pivot shafts, and two second positioning portions. The pivot shafts are rotatable respectively within the pivot grooves. Each second positioning portion engages the corresponding first positioning portion. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027512 | LOCK - A lock for retaining one or more ladders or trestles to a rack comprises a hook which hooks under the rack while the shaft of the hook extends through and beyond the one or more ladders or trestles and a cross beam with a flange at each end which receives the shaft of the hook and sits on and around the one or more ladders or trestles and a handle which also receives the shaft of the hook and secures the cross beam in place thereby fastening the one or more ladders or trestles to the rack and wherein said cross beam is extendable to fit a variety of ladder or trestle sizes. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027513 | Asphalt Concrete Pavement Containing Wave Absorbing Material and Maintenance Process Thereof - An asphalt concrete pavement containing a wave absorbing material and a maintenance process thereof are provided. The asphalt concrete pavement includes: 1. a coarse materials consisted of small stone with a grain size of 10-15 mm, macadam with a grain size of 5-10 mm and stone chip with a grain size of 0.1-5 mm; 2. fine materials consisted of sand; 3. a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material which accounts for 10%-100% of the mineral powder by weight percentage. Furthermore, an asphalt concrete material for making asphalt concrete pavement, a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material, and a use of the mineral powder or wave absorbing material in making the asphalt concrete pavement are provided. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027514 | Pavement Degradation System with a Diesel Electric Drum - In one aspect of the present invention, a pavement degradation machine comprises a motor vehicle comprising a combustion engine connected to an electrical generator, a pavement degradation assembly comprising a plurality of cutting elements, the pavement degradation assembly being in mechanical communication with the electric motor, wherein the generator is in electrical communication with the electric motor. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027515 | SOLAR MODULE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A boat lift system that utilizes a solar module system. The solar module system includes a flexible solar film that is secured to a magnetic member that is electrically connected to a junction box. The junction box additionally is electrically connected to the electrical system of the boat lift such that electricity generated from the flexible solar film is transferred to the electrical system of the boat lift. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027516 | METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING UNDERGROUND BOREHOLE CONFIGURATIONS AND RELATED SOLUTION MINING METHODS - Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027517 | FLUID LEAK CONTAINMENT SYSTEM - A fluid leak containment system for containing leaks of fluids, such as, but not limited to fossil fuels, during an underwater extraction process is disclosed. The fluid leak containment system may be formed from a generally extendible, conically shaped containment structure including a plurality of decreasingly sized housing sections extending from an inlet to a smaller sized outlet. The housing sections may be formed from flexible materials that enable easy storage and rapid deployment. The outlet directs fossil fuels into a fluid containment device, such as, but not limited to, a vessel. The extendible containment housing may include an anchoring base configured to retain an inlet of the housing section at a bottom of a water body at a leak site such that the inlet envelopes the leak site yet also enables water from outside the first extendible containment housing section to enter the housing, thereby providing for pressure stabilization. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027518 | Containment Boom - A containment boom for floating substances, including a long section of linear low density polyethylene folded over and heat sealed to form (i) a top sleeve along the length of the long section, (ii) a second sleeve along the length of the long section adjacent to and beneath the top sleeve, (iii) a bottom sleeve, and (iv) a skirt along the length of the long section extending downwardly from the second sleeve to the bottom sleeve. The second sleeve has a plurality of separate watertight pockets defined along its length by vertical seals extending between the top sleeve and the skirt. First and second rigid connectors extend from the top sleeve to the bottom sleeve at the longitudinal ends of the long section. Cables are in the top and bottom sleeves, with the cables at one end being secured to the first connector, and the cables at the other end being secured to the second connector. A plurality of closed cell foam segments are each tapered to a narrow edge at both longitudinal ends, and are disposed in each of the second sleeve pockets. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027519 | Method and a device for sealing and/or securing a borehole - The invention relates to a method and a device for sealing a borehole from which oil discharges uncontrolled. Thereby, a hull is filled with cement and the cement mass is lowered around a cone-shaped pipe so that the cone-shaped pipe is simultaneously fixated and also sealed. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027520 | Reinforced Dikes For Damming Or Diverting Liquids - A device for damming and diverting liquid on a spill surface has an elongated, pliable dike having a first end, a second end and an exposed surface. The exposed surface is inherently tacky so that it is adherable to the spill surface to prevent flow of liquid past the dike. The dike is preferably made from a substance, such as polyurethane, that is inherently tacky. The device provides improved tear resistance by one or more additions to the construction of the device. Some of the additions to the construction also improve UV resistance and/or chemical compatibility. A method for creating a liquid control zone on a spill surface utilizing the dike of the present invention is also disclosed. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027521 | Engineered Mine Seal - A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027522 | METHOD OF INSTALLING A HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE GENERATOR - A method of installing an off-shore tidal hydroelectric turbine generator is described. The method provides for a number of safety features, ensuring that all components are safe to handle during the installation operation, and also ensuring that the turbine will not start spinning during the installation operation. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027523 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A STRUCTURE AT SEA - A device for assembling a large structure at sea, particularly a wind turbine. The device includes a support structure which can be arranged relative to a transport vessel, wherein a part of the support structure is movable from a transport position, in which the component is transported, to an assembly position in which the component is rotated and/or tilted relative to the transport position. The movable part is provided can be fixed in place. A method for assembling a large structure at sea making use of the device. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027524 | Marine Power Generator Deployment and Retrieval System - An offshore structure for deploying and retrieving underwater electrical power generators that converts energy derived from water currents into electrical energy. The offshore structural platform includes a pair of vertical guide rails to guide a propulsion device lowering said generator underwater onto a seabed propulsion device. The seabed propulsion device is engaged on an underwater seabed rail system and transports the generator onto one of many unique frames specifically designed to support underwater generators. Securing devices are utilized to ensure the generators remain anchored to each propulsion device and to the unique frame. Rail transferring elements are also utilized for a smooth and safe transition during the transport process. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027525 | JACK-UP OFFSHORE PLATFORM AND ITS USE FOR ASSEMBLING AND SERVICING A STRUCTURE AT SEA - A jack-up offshore platform includes a work deck and a lifting device for manipulating a load from the work deck. The lifting device includes a main boom for manipulating the load, which main boom is pivotally connected to a support structure at a pivot. The support structure is provided to support the pivot in an elevated position with respect to the work deck, which allows manipulation of heavier loads and moreover saves space on the work deck. In a preferred embodiment, the platform further includes a counterbalancing structure that is connectable to the platform and/or the support structure. Also included is the use of the platform for assembling and servicing a structure at sea. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027526 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR REDUCING TURBULENCE AROUND AND EROSION OF UNDERWATER STRUCTURES - An underwater structure for supporting an above-water structure having an underwater portion immersed for some period of time underneath a water line of a body of water is provided. The underwater structure includes, but is not limited to, a turbulence reducing member connected with the underwater portion. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027527 | Piling System - A pile comprises a first side portion configured as a section of the pile and comprising first and second edges. A second side portion comprising first and second edges and is configured to slidably engage with the respective second and first edges of the first side portion, wherein the first edge is configured to slidably engage the second edge. When engaged, the two side portions form a substantially hollow pile and the side portions form junctions between the two side portions that are located inside the outermost boundary of the pile. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027528 | Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same - Retaining wall systems and methods of making retaining wall systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining wall system includes a first horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a second horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned vertically adjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnecting member that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the second course of sand/soil bags. The interconnecting member has an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engage geogrid. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027529 | Mine Support Having a Linearly Moveable and/or Pivoting End Plate - A mine support yieldable prop includes a threaded shaft rotatably mounted in an end of the prop to move into and out of the prop end to move a bearing plate toward or away from a mine roof, and/or a bearing plate pivotally mounted to the end of the prop to level the prop with uneven mine roofs. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027530 | INDEXABLE CUTTING INSERT - A cutting insert is provided including at least three cutting edges, each cutting edge including a primary cutting edge. Each primary cutting edge is associated with a respective different side surface of the cutting insert, each side surface having a respective rake surface and a clearance surface. The clearance surface is of varying width. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027531 | Method and System for Milling a Bevel Gear Tooth System in a Continuous Milling Process - Milling of a bevel gear tooth system in the continuous process, wherein a cutter head comprising a plurality of pairs of inner cutting edges and outer cutting edges is applied to a workpiece, the inner cutting edges are arranged on a smaller fly circle radius than the outer cutting edges and movements for a metal-cutting machining by milling are performed by a gear cutting machine where the bevel work gear and the cutter head run linkedly: performing a first continuous metal-cutting machining by milling using the gear cutting machine according to a first machine setting, wherein convex inner flanks on the bevel work gear are machined by the inner cutting edges; and performing a second continuous metal-cutting machining by milling using a gear cutting machine according to a second machine setting, wherein concave outer flanks on the bevel work gear are machined by the outer cutting edges. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027532 | PULL STUD BOLT WITH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL COOLANT AND METHODS - Systems and methods include using a pull stud bolt for connecting a tool holder to a collet in a spindle. The pull stud bolt includes a body configured to receive a tool holder, the body having a longitudinal passage fluidly connected to a cavity, the cavity fluidly connected to a plurality of longitudinal channels; a sealing ring disposed around an end of the longitudinal passage, the sealing ring in contact with the cavity; a spring disposed in the cavity; and a sphere in contact with the spring. The sphere is configured to unblock the end of the longitudinal passage by losing contact with the sealing ring when a first force applied to the sphere from the spring is less than a second force applied by a fluid flowing through the longitudinal passage. The first and second forces are substantially opposite in direction of application. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027533 | Rotary Drive Device within a Rotary Cylinder - In one aspect of the invention, a motorized machine comprises at least one rotary assembly supported by a frame of the machine. A rotary drive device is disposed within an inner diameter of the rotary assembly. The rotary drive device is configured to rotate the rotary assembly with respect to the frame. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027534 | FASTENING DEVICE FOR AT LEAST PARTIALLY SECURING A FIRST AND A SECOND FREIGHT ITEM - Fastening elements are known in which locking elements can be swivelled out of a non-operative position and into a fixing position. Usually, each of these locking elements has a locking lug. The known fastening devices are mostly very complex in their structure. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027535 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SECURING CARGO - A method and system of securing cargo for preventing access to cargo during transportation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises a security net adapted for covering the cargo, the net comprising a panel with a periphery. The panel is made from a net with holes of sufficiently small size to prevent objects from readily being inserted therethrough without causing a tear thereto. The periphery contains a plurality of openings. The system also comprises a plurality of security locks adapted for locking onto a pallet beneath the cargo and coupling onto one of the plurality of openings. Each security lock has a first identifier for identifying whether the plurality of security locks belong to a predetermined set. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027536 | RETAINER RING - A retainer ring including an outer ring having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of spring beam elements extending inwardly from the interior surface, and a central aperture. Each of the spring beam elements includes an elongated arm having a first end attached to the interior surface of the outer ring and a second, free end opposite the first end. Each of free ends of the arms includes a tab portion and a pressure pad that extends from the tab portion. The retainer ring captivates pin members, such as bolts, onto work pieces, such that the pressure pads engage and align with an annular groove of the bolt. When the bolt engages the retainer ring, each of the spring beam elements is displaced and expands radially from a free position to an expanded position in order to enable the bolt to travel through the aperture. The retainer ring captivates the bolt onto the work piece, while providing a positive hold out of the bolt. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120027537 | CAPTIVE PANEL FASTENER ASSEMBLY - A fastener including a bolt and a grommet assembly attached to the bolt for fastening to a work piece. The grommet assembly includes an upper grommet, a lower grommet attached to the upper grommet, a retainer ring, and a housing that houses the retainer ring within the lower grommet. The upper grommet is inserted into a hole at one side of the work piece and the lower grommet is attached to the upper grommet through the hole at an opposite side of the work piece. The retainer ring is inserted into the lower grommet and encapsulated by the housing. The bolt is inserted into the grommet assembly, and the retainer ring engages the bolt such that a plurality of pressure pads extending from a plurality of corresponding spring beam elements of the retainer ring reside in an annular groove of the bolt. The grommet assembly captivates the bolt onto the work piece, while providing a positive hold out of the bolt. | 2012-02-02 |
