| 27th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 36 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20130170782 | MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER HAVING BENDED WAVEGUIDES - Consistent with the present disclosure, both arms of an MZ interferometer are “double-folded” and are bent in at least two locations to define first and second acute inner angles. Accordingly, the arms of the MZ interferometer may have substantially the same length, and, further, the MZ interferometer has a more compact geometry. In one example, the arms parallel each other and have a serpentine shape, and, in a further embodiment, the arms parallel one another and have a Z-shape. Accordingly, since the temperature of a PIC upon which the MZ interferometer is provided does not vary significantly over such short distances, the temperatures of both arms is substantially the same. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170783 | MACH-ZEHNDER HAVING SEGMENTED DRIVE SIGNAL ELECTRODES - Consistent with the present disclosure, MZ drive signal electrodes may be provided relatively close to and parallel to one another, such that the underlying waveguide arms may also be provided close to and parallel to one another. As a result, common mode performance of an MZ modulator may be obtained. In one example, an electrode wiring configuration consistent with the present disclosure may permit a waveguide arm separation of 40 microns or less. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170784 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A semiconductor device includes a single crystalline substrate, an electrical element and an optical element. The electrical element is disposed on the single crystalline substrate. The electrical element includes a gate electrode extending in a crystal orientation <110> and source and drain regions adjacent to the gate electrode. The source region and the drain region are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the gate electrode extends. The optical element is disposed on the single crystalline substrate. The optical element includes an optical waveguide extending in a crystal orientation <010>. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170785 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL INTEGRATED OPTICAL DEVICE - A multifunctional integrated optical device includes an input collimator ( | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170786 | REMOTE WATER SENSING SYSTEM WITH OPTICAL FIBER - A remote water sensing system and method with optical fiber, comprises a water sensor which is an optical element designed in accordance with the principle of optical path return loss and provided with reusable features to measure the state of having water or not. A monitoring equipment is provided which is an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), an Optical Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (OFMCW), or a light source power meter, and used to emit monitoring light signals and accept optical signals returned from the water sensor. A signal processing control unit analyzes the optical signal returned from the water sensor to determine whether the monitoring position is touching the water or not. The method can be used in other fields, such as optical closure watering monitoring, telecommunications facilities flooding alarm, and monitoring and alarm for a low-lying area or river water level of a bridge. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170787 | OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM HAVING TUNABLE SOURCES - Consistent with one example of the disclosed implementations, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) may be provided that includes s group of lasers and an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) disposed on a substrate. Each laser in the group may supply an optical signal, such that each optical signal has a different wavelength. Each laser may be tunable to at least two designated wavelengths, which are separated from one another by a free spectral range (FSR) of the AWG. As a result, the optical signals provided from each laser may be combined by the AWG, regardless of which designated wavelength the optical signals have. Accordingly, a PIC may be provided that has a relatively simple construction but can supply optical signals having tunable wavelengths. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170788 | OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR - An optical fiber connector includes a substrate and an optical-electrical convertor. The substrate includes a loading surface and a sidewall. The loading surface defines a first and a second receiving grooves. The sidewall receives a first light channel passing through the sidewall and extending to the first receiving groove, and a second light channel passing through the sidewall and extending to the second receiving groove. The optical-electrical convertor includes a first coupling lens received in the first receiving groove, a second coupling lens received in the second receiving groove, a main body, a light emitting module, and a light receiving module. The main body has a top surface away from the substrate, and defines a first and a second through holes. The light emitting module and the light receiving module are positioned on the top surface, and are aligned with the first through hole and the second through hole respectively. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170789 | OPTICAL FIBER ARRAY STRUCTURE - An optical fiber array structure includes a substrate covered with a cover plate and defining therebetween a longitudinal rectangular groove with a bottom wall and two opposite lateral contact walls, an optical fiber cable consisting of multiple optical fiber layers arranged in an array in the longitudinal rectangular groove in such a manner that the optical fibers of each two adjacent optical fiber layers are arranged in a staggered manner so that the center of one optical fiber of one optical fiber layer is kept in alignment with the contact area between two adjacent optical fibers of one adjacent optical fiber layer. This design effectively reduces light loss, phase noise and crosstalk, improves yield rate for mass production and assures a high level of optical signal transmission quality and reliability. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170790 | OPTICAL BOARD, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND OPTICAL MODULE STRUCTURE - An optical board including a substrate including a plate-shaped resin including a first main plane and a second main plane facing each other, and a slit-shaped optical fiber receiving portion which penetrates between the first main plane and the second main plane in a thickness direction, a metal layer provided on the second main plane, and a wiring pattern consisting of metal and provided on the first main plane. An inclined plane is provided at an end of the optical fiber receiving portion in the substrate, a tilt angle of the inclined plane with respect to the first main plane is an obtuse angle, and a reflective layer is provided on the inclined plane for reflecting a light output from an optical fiber received in the optical fiber receiving portion toward the first main plane. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170791 | OPTICAL MODULE - A low-cost optical module with highly consistent properties. The optical module includes, in a housing, an optical waveguide array, an optical functional element array, lens optics using one or a plurality of lenses for optically coupling the optical waveguide array and the optical functional element array, and a mirror disposed so as to convert the propagation direction of optical beams transmitted by the lens optics such that the optical beams are incident on the optical incidence ports of the optical functional element array. The optical functional element array is affixed to the housing, and the angle of the mirror is fixed in place after the angle of the mirror is adjusted such that the optical waveguide array and the optical functional element array are optically coupled. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170792 | LIGHT GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR A RADIATION DETECTOR - A method of fabricating a light guide assembly includes the steps of providing an array of generally frustum-shaped light guides made of a light-transmissive material, providing an optical isolation frame of interconnected slats made of an opaque material, wherein the slats are arranged and profiled to correspondingly match the gaps between the light guides and the outer gap around the periphery of the light guide array, and bonding the light guide array and the optical isolation frame to each other. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170793 | OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE STRUCTURE AND OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE DEVICE - The present invention provides a small optical waveguide structure capable of converting the spot size of light, and capable of reducing the conversion loss when compared under the condition of the same waveguide length and performing an optical conversion with high efficiency. An optical waveguide structure ( | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170794 | MAGNETIC CONNECTOR WITH OPTICAL SIGNAL PATH - Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170795 | OPTICAL COUPLER - An optical coupler includes a male port and a female port. The male port includes a first main body, a first optical fiber, and a male port lens unit. The male port lens unit includes a first base body, a first male port lens coupling with the first optical fiber, and a second male port lens. The first base body includes a male port reflecting sidewall. The female port includes a second main body, a second optical fiber, and a female port lens unit. The female port lens unit includes a second base body, a first female port lens coupling with the second optical fiber, and a second female port lens coupling with the second male port lens. The second base body includes a female port reflecting surface parallel with the male port reflecting sidewall. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170796 | OPTICAL FIBER COUPLER HAVING MALE PORT AND FEMALE PORT - An optical fiber coupler includes a male port and a female port. The male port includes a main body, the male transmission lens and the male receiving lens positioned on the main body, and a male optical wave guide assembly. The male base board includes at least one male optical wave guide. Each male optical wave guide includes a male first alignment portion and a male second alignment portion. The male first alignment portion is optically coupled with one male receiving lens; and a male second alignment portion has a greater width than that of the male first alignment portion. The structure of the female port is similar to the male port. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170797 | MULTI-FIBER FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION SYSTEM WITH FLEXIBLE, INSERTABLE PINS - A flexible pin for use in a male fiber optic connector is flexible both in bending and radially to accommodate variations in fiber optic ferrules of the male fiber optic connector and a female fiber optic connector. The flexibility may accommodate angular errors of the male and the female fiber optic connectors. The flexibility may also accommodate diametral errors of the flexible pin of the male fiber optic connector and diametral errors in a pin hole of the female fiber optic connector. The flexibility is sufficient that a connector spring or spring clamp can mate mating faces of the male and the female fiber optic connectors with the errors present. In certain embodiments, the flexible pin is a removable pin that includes a latch. The removable pin can be installed and removed from a fiber optic connector without disassembling a ferrule from a connector housing of the fiber optic connector. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170798 | OPTICAL FIBER TERMINAL, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE WITH TERMINAL, OPTICAL CONNECTOR, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE WITH CONNECTOR, AND CONNECTION STRUCTURE - An optical fiber terminal is configured to be attached to an end of an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber element wire having an optical fiber covered by an element wire coating, a tensile member disposed along a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber element wire, and a coating portion that covers the optical fiber element wire and the tensile member. The optical fiber terminal includes a ferrule and a tensile member fixing member for fixing the tensile member to the ferrule. The ferrule has an insertion hole for inserting and fixing the optical fiber element wire, and a front end face on which a front end face of the optical fiber inserted in the insertion hole is configured to be exposed. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170799 | OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR - An optical fiber connector includes a shell, a printed circuit board (PCB), and an optical-electrical convertor received in the shell. The PCB includes a loading surface. The optical-electrical convertor includes a substrate, a light emitting module, a light receiving module, a connecting block, a first converging lens, a second converging lens, a first fiber group, and a second fiber group. The substrate is positioned on the loading surface. The connecting block is fixed on the substrate, and defines a first channel and a second channel parallel to the loading surface. The light emitting module and the light receiving module are fixed on the substrate and electrically connected to the PCB. The first fiber group and the second fiber group are received in the first channel and the second channel respectively. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170800 | FIRE RESISTANT OPTICAL CABLE - A fire resistant optical cable includes: a plurality of optical fibers; at least one tubular layer of a ceramifiable material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers; and at least one flame shielding layer surrounding the tubular layer. The tubular layer of the ceramifiable material is able to mechanically protect the optical fibers not only during heating but also when the fire is extinguished, since it forms a sufficiently robust layer to withstand the mechanical stresses caused by the collapsing of the materials still surrounding the cable, especially in the transition portions between hot and cold zones. The tubular layer of the ceramifiable material is protected by means of at least one flame shielding layer which prevents the flames from directly acting on the ceramifiable material. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170801 | BRANCHING DEVICE FOR HYBRID FAN-OUT CABLE - A branching device for enclosing a hybrid fan-out cable the hybrid fan-out cable comprising plural optical cables and power cables, the branching device includes: an enclosure having a first end, through which the hybrid fan-out cable is inserted, and a second end that is opened; and a gasket provided at the second end of the enclosure and having plural through-holes; and a cover thread-coupled to the second end of the enclosure to fasten the gasket to the second end of the enclosure in such a manner that the through-holes are exposed. In the enclosure, the hybrid fan-out cable is branched out into plural individual sub-part cable components, and each of the sub-part cable components is drawn out through one of the through-holes of the gasket to the outside. The gasket is formed from an elastic material which forms a tight seal between the inner peripheral surface of the enclosure and with the outer peripheral surface of each of the sub-part cable components to seal the other end of the enclosure. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170802 | OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE AND A METHOD FOR MAKING AN OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE - The invention provides an optical waveguide and a method of making an optical waveguide. The waveguide has a curved section having an asymmetric refractive index profile, in which the refractive index varies asymmetrically across the waveguide cross-section in dependence on the radius of the curved section of the waveguide. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170803 | OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An optical waveguide including a first cladding layer; a core layer, including first and second core sections with cladding sections on sides thereof in the in-layer direction; and a second cladding layer. A refractive index distribution in the in-layer direction in the core layer, from the first core section to an adjacent cladding section, has a continuous change and a region with a first peak, a first dip, and a second peak in this order; the first peak at a position of the first core section, the second peak with a maximum value of refractive index smaller than of the first peak, at a position of the cladding section, and a portion, from the first cladding layer to the first core section, corresponded to a refractive index distribution in the layer-stacking direction, discontinuously changing at the boundary between the first cladding layer and first core section. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170804 | MULTI-CORE OPTICAL FIBER - The present invention relates to a multi-core optical fiber that can realize suppression of crosstalk on an easy and inexpensive basis. The multi-core optical fiber is provided with a plurality of core portions extending along a central axis of the fiber, a common cladding portion integrally holding the core portions inside, a coating layer surrounding the common cladding portion, and a bend applying portion. The bend applying portion, as an example, is provided on a partial region of an outer periphery of the coating layer and applies bending stress to a glass region. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170805 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A LIGHT GUIDE ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a light guide assembly includes the steps of providing a light guide array made of a light-transmissive material and having a top portion and an integral bottom portion supporting the top portion, wherein grooves are formed on a top surface of the top, providing an optical isolation frame of interconnected slats made of an opaque material wherein the slats are arranged and profiled to correspondingly match the grooves in the light guide array, bonding the light guide array and the optical isolation frame to each other, and removing the bottom portion of the light guide array. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170806 | DEVICE FOR HOMOGENIZING A LASER-BEAM PROFILE - A device for homogenizing a laser-beam profile and a method for focussing and homogenizing a laser beam in laser photocoagulation for coagulating organic tissue, for example in the eye of a living organism. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170807 | SPOT SIZE CONVERTER, OPTICAL TRANSMITTER, OPTICAL RECEIVER, OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SPOT SIZE CONVERTER - The spot size converter includes a first cladding layer, a first core layer and a second core layer arranged side by side on the first cladding layer so as to extend from a first end which receives/outputs light along a direction from the first end toward a second end, a third core layer which is disposed on the first cladding layer between the first and second core layers, is a member different from the first and second core layers, and extends to the second end along the direction from the first end toward the second end, and a second cladding layer disposed on the first, second, and third core layers. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170808 | CABLE EXIT TROUGH WITH INSERT - A cable exit trough defining an insert aperture for receiving a modular cable management inserts. The modular insert providing an additional cable management device such as a curved guidewall. The cable management device may alternatively be fixed to the cable exit trough. Removable snap-mounted flanges may also be included in the exit trough. The exit trough may also include an exit cover having a cover plate and a pivot plate hingedly mounted thereto for easy access to the trough. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170809 | CABLE EXIT TROUGH WITH INSERT - A cable exit trough with pivoting cover. The cover having a cover plate and a pivot plate hingedly mounted thereto for easy access to the trough. The exit trough may define an insert aperture for receiving modular cable management inserts. The modular insert providing an additional cable management device such as a curved guidewall. The cable management device may alternatively be fixed to the cable exit trough. Removable snap-mounted flanges may also be included in the exit trough. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170810 | Fiber Management Panel - A telecommunications termination panel includes a pivoting tray with cable connection locations. Cables extending to the connection locations enter through the rear or the side exit through the side of the panel. Cable management structures direct cables to and away from the connection locations. A first trough extends from the rear to the front of the panel housing, the first trough raised from the floor thereof. A second trough extends from the rear to the front of the tray and is pivotal relative to the first trough with movement of the tray. When the tray is closed, the troughs are parallel and when the tray is open, the troughs are perpendicular to each other. The second trough is raised from the first trough such that cables extending from the first into the second trough are not pinched when the tray is pivoted closed. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170811 | FIBER OPTIC ENCLOSURE WITH EXTERNAL CABLE SPOOL - A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170812 | OPTICAL FIBER POSITIONING STRUCTURE - An optical fiber positioning structure includes a first positioning member and a pair of second positioning members. The first positioning member includes a columnar shaped main body and a pair of latching portions extending from opposite side of the main body toward a same direction. Each second positioning member is columnar shaped, and the pair of second positioning members are clamped between the pair of latching potions and located below the first positioning member, such that a positioning space is bound by the pair of second positioning members and the main body for positioning an optical fiber. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170813 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING RELEVANT SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT TO A USER DEVICE - Systems and methods are provided for presenting a supplemental content asset on a secondary device that is relevant to a primary content asset that is being presented on a primary user device, to enhance the user experience of the primary content asset. A relevant supplemental content asset may be selected based on characteristics of the primary content asset and/or user profile information. Presentation of the supplemental content asset and primary content asset may be coordinated and synchronized by exchange of messages between the primary user device and secondary device. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170814 | Image Pickup Device and Control Method Thereof - An image pickup device capable of processing a high-resolution image appropriately is provided. The image pickup device includes an imaging sensor for taking an image and a plurality of main processors for encoding segmented images obtained by dividing the image taken by the image sensor spatially. Encoded files are obtained by encoding the segmented images and further recorded in a plurality of memory cards corresponding to the main processors, respectively. In these main processors, a first processor creates the encoded file so as to contain a thumbnail image of the image. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170815 | Methods And Apparatus For Use in Providing Object Indicators During Video Recording Or Playback - Techniques for use in providing object indicators for video recording or playback are described. A mobile device includes a media recorder module and a sensor device. The media recorder module is used to record video data in a media file. The sensor device detects signals which indicate the presence of an object during a time period of the recording. The mobile device receives object data comprising an identification of the object, and stores the object data in association with timestamp data which corresponds to the time period during which the object is present during the recording. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170816 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTION WITH HYPERLINKS IN A TELEVISION BROADCAST - A system and method of adding hyperlinked information to a television broadcast in which an interactive content icon is used. The broadcast material is analyzed and one or more regions within a frame are identified. Additional information can be associated with a region, and can be transmitted in encoded form, using timing information to identify the frame with which the information is associated. The system comprising a video source and an encoder that produces a transport stream in communication with the video source, an annotation source, a data packet stream generator that produces encoded annotation data packets in communication with the annotation source and the encoder, and a multiplexer system in communication with the encoder and the data packet stream generator. The encoder provides timestamp information to the data packet stream generator and the data packet stream generator synchronizes annotation data from the annotation source with a video signal from the video source in response to the timestamp information. The multiplexer generates a digital broadcast signal that includes an augmented transport stream from the transport stream and the encoded data packets. A receiver displays the annotation information associated with the video signal in response to a viewer request on a frame by frame basis. A viewer can respond interactively to the material, including performing commercial transactions, by using a backchannel that is provided for interactive communication. The interactive content icon can be used to inform a viewer of the presence of hyperlinked information, for teaching the viewer how to use the system, and for informing the viewer about the hyperlinked information. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170817 | VIDEO EDITING APPARATUS, VIDEO EDITING METHOD, PROGRAM, AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A video editing apparatus includes: a selection unit which receives a first editing point and a second editing point; a representative value generation unit which generates a representative value of first disparity information on disparities of the first editing point and a representative value of second disparity information on disparities of the second editing point; a comparison value calculation unit which calculates a first depth difference by a comparison between the representative value of the first disparity information and the representative value of the second disparity information; a determination unit which determines whether or not the first depth difference is less than or equal to a predetermined value; and a presenting unit which presents a message prompting a user to change at least one of the first editing point and the second editing point when it is determined that the first depth difference is greater than the predetermined value. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170818 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING PLAYBACK AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - Embodiments provide methods and systems for synchronizing simultaneous media asset viewing for users at different geographical viewing locations. In some embodiments, a first user device receives a request to synchronize viewing of a media asset with a second user device. Control circuitry may automatically determine that the media asset is available to the second user device after becoming available so the first user device. Based on the determining, the control circuitry may automatically schedule the media asset for recording on the first user device. In some embodiments, control circuitry synchronizes viewing of the media asset when the media access becomes available to the second user device. The second user device may access a video feed transmitted by a media source, while the first user device accesses a video feed of a recorded media asset. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170819 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTELY MANAGING RECORDING SETTINGS BASED ON A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF A USER - Systems and methods for remotely managing recording settings based on a geographical location of a user are provided. A determination is made that the user, associated with a user equipment device, is currently attending a live event. A video associated with the live event accessible by the user equipment device is identified. In response to identifying, an option for the user to select a recording setting of the user equipment device is generated for display on the mobile device. The user equipment device is caused to be programmed based on the user selection of the displayed option. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170820 | VIDEO IMAGE CAPTURE AND PLAYBACK FOR DISPLAY DEVICES - A display controller integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The display controller IC includes a video interface that receives an image for real time display on a display. The display controller IC further includes means that is configured to store the image on a data storage device so that it can be displayed again at a later time. A display device including the display controller IC and a method of capturing and displaying images are also disclosed. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170821 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device comprises a main body, a flip cover rotatably connected with the main body, and at least one switching portion. The main body includes at least one through hole. The flip cover includes at least one protrusion corresponding to the at least one through hole. The at least one switching portion comprises an operating portion. The operating portion is slideably received in the at least one through hole and does not protrude from the at least one through hole at any time. When the flip cover covers on the main body, the at least one protrusion is inserted into the at least one through hole to press the at least one switching portion via pressing the operating portion. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170822 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE AND AUTOMATIC BACKLASH CORRECTION METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses an image capturing device and an automatic backlash correction method, comprising: a group of zoom lenses, a storage module and a processing module. The processing module drives the group of zoom lenses moving to a datum point to get the moving step value. The current backlash value is then calculated according to the moving step value and the predetermined step value. Then, the difference value between the current backlash value and the predetermined step value are stored in the storage module. The processing module determines whether the difference value is within an allowable error range. When the difference value is within the allowable error range, the processing module writes the current backlash value into the storage module to replace the backlash compensation value. Therefore, the backlash compensation value of the image capturing device can be corrected automatically to enhance image quality. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170823 | Mounting System for Electronics Device - The present invention relates to electronic devices of a particular structure, and to a method and apparatus for engaging and holding such devices with the user's person, clothing, equipment or vehicle. The apparatus includes a bracket that engages with the electronic device and a cover that provides protection to the electronic device and a camera lens augmentation element. Additional elements provide engagement between flat or cylindrical surfaces. The apparatus facilitates convenient carry, access and secure attachment of an electronic device during participation in a physical activity. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170824 | ACCESSORY FOR PORTABLE IMAGING DEVICE - An apparatus for attachment to a portable image capture and storage device. The apparatus includes an auxiliary lens and an elastic band coupled thereto. The auxiliary lens is shaped for image alteration of an image obtained by the portable image capture and storage device. The auxiliary lens characterized by an optical axis extending from a base of the lens to a crown of the lens. The elastic band extends, at least in part, in a lateral direction, substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, from the auxiliary lens. The elastic band in combination with the auxiliary lens forms a closed loop whereby the apparatus is removably attachable to a peripheral portion of the image capture and storage device to alter the appearance of the image obtained by the portable image capture and storage device. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170825 | Solution for Hitless Protection in High-Speed OTN Framer and Front-End - In an optical communication system containing a primary line and backup line card, a method includes providing interfaces for the primary and backup line card, each line card including a transmitter and receiver; and selecting output from the transmitter from either the primary or back up line card including selecting the backup line card when the primary line card encounters a failure. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170826 | 802.3av Compliant Method Using Small Timescale Bandwidth Assignment for Increased ONU Downstream Energy Efficiency - A method for small scale time increased bandwidth assignment to increase optical network unit ONU downstream energy efficiency includes splitting of downstream scheduling cycles into multiple rounds, using selective ones of the multiple rounds as probing rounds and other than said selective ones of the multiple rounds as fixed rounds, the probing rounds and fixed rounds being cooperatively selected for energy efficiency without limitations in length of the downstream scheduling cycles. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170827 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM - There is provided a communications system ( | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170828 | Monitoring and Controlling Optical Nodes - A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling an optical node | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170829 | Optical Coherent Receiver Optimization - Coherent optical receiver performance is optimized and made adaptable to changing optical channel conditions by providing feedback loops to adjust receiver parameters based on measured receiver performance. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170830 | SIGNAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS AND OPTICAL MODEM MODULATION METHOD - A modulation method of an optical modem and a signal transmission apparatus performing the method are disclosed. The modulation method of the optical modem includes an optical interface providing a signal to a light source, a photo detector receiving reflected light by an optical link when output light from the light source based on the provided signal is reflected by the optical link, the photo detector measuring and determining characteristics of the optical link using the reflected light, and the optical modem determining a power level and a modulation method for each subcarrier based on the characteristics of the optical link. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170831 | PHASE-MODULATED TRANSMISSION CONTROL USING EMBEDDED CONTROL SYMBOLS - A system receives a phase-modulated signal that carries client symbols and a sequence that includes first symbols on which a first tone is to be based and having a first power level, and second symbols on which a second tone is to be based and having a second power level; processes the sequence to generate the first tone and the second tone; determines a power difference based on the first power level and the second power level; retrieves condition information that identifies a threshold for determining whether a condition is associated with the signal; determines whether the power difference is greater than the threshold; and outputs an instruction, to adjust a parameter, used to transmit the signal, based on the determination that the condition is associated with the signal, where adjusting the parameter causes the power difference to decrease to a level that is less than the threshold. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170832 | SWITCHING DEVICE - A conventional edge device is constituted of a switching device and a transmission device. The switching device determines an ODU as an accommodation destination for an L2 packet from a client side device in accordance with an L2 ID, and outputs the L2 packet to an output port to which the ODU is associated. The transmission device receives an L2 packet through an input port corresponding to an output port of the switching device in a one-to-one manner, and performs transparent mapping on the corresponding ODU so as to output the signal by using an ODU connection. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170833 | OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM HAVING TUNABLE SOURCES - Pairs of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are provided on a substrate. An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is also provided on the substrate having input waveguides, each of which being connected to a corresponding pair of DFB lasers. The wavelengths of optical signals supplied from each pair of DFB lasers may be spectrally spaced from one another by a free spectral range (FSR) of the AWG. By selecting either a first or second DFB laser in a pair and temperature tuning to adjust the wavelength, each pair of DFB lasers can supply optical signals at one of four wavelengths, pairs of which are spectrally spaced from one another by the FSR of the AWG. A widely tunable transmitter may thus be obtained. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170834 | HYBRID PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK SYSTEM - Provided is a hybrid passive optical network (PON) system. The hybrid PON system of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/time division multiplexing (TDM) may include an optical line terminal (OLT) and an optical network unit (ONU). The OLT and the ONU may transmit a signal based on wavelength reuse using a seed light source and a reflective modulator. The light source may include a seed light source having a single wavelength, two seed light sources having different wavelength bands, and a light source having a wavelength tunable characteristic. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170835 | OPTICAL TRANSMITTER DEVICE - An optical transmitter device includes a laser source, a driving circuit, and an optical modulator. The driving circuit is connected to the laser source. The driving circuit includes a thermistor configured for compensating the temperature variation of the laser source to stabilize the frequency of a laser beam output from the laser source. The optical modulator is configured for modulating the laser beam to form a plurality of second laser beams which have different frequencies. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170836 | OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER AND WAVELENGTH INITIALIZATION METHOD USING OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER - An optical transceiver, and a wavelength initialization method using the optical transceiver are provided. The optical transceiver may include an optical transmitter to transmit an upstream signal using a first waveguide Bragg grating (WBG), an optical receiver to receive a downstream signal using a second WBG, and a control unit to control the second WBG to initialize a wavelength, so that the optical receiver receives a maximum optical power. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170837 | CONVERGED PON FOR TDMA-PON SERVICE BASED ON OFDMA-PON - A converged passive optical network (CPON) and a data transmission method are disclosed. The CPON is a combination of a time division multiple access-passive optical network (TDMA-PON) and an orthogonal frequency division multiple access-passive optical network (OFDMA-PON) and is able to dynamically controlling a bandwidth for upstream signal transmission through allocation of multiple subcarriers to each single optical network unit (ONU). | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170838 | TRANSMISSION DEVICE, TRANSMISSION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A cross connecting unit outputs an including frame whose type matches a type of an including frame stored in a storage unit in association with identification information of a multiplexing unit having a problem among including frames generated by an including unit to a backup multiplexing unit when any one of multiplexing units has a problem. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170839 | WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BATHROOM DEVICES - The present application relates to a communication system for a bathroom product such as a toilet. The communication system includes a remote control device and a host device that directly controls the bathroom product. The remote control device includes an infrared module, a first RF communication module, and a first microcontroller connected to the infrared module and the first RF communication module. The host device includes a second RF communication module and a host microcontroller. The first microcontroller uses the infrared module to detect whether a person has entered the proximity of the remote control device. The first microcontroller is configured to cause the first RF communication module to activate, from a deactivated state, in response to the infrared module and the first microcontroller detecting that a person has entered the proximity of the remote control device. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170840 | Hybrid Multi-Band Communication System - A communication system includes a hybrid signal transmitter incorporating a signal routing circuit and a driver circuit. The signal routing circuit is configured to receive a first input signal and route the first input signal through a first signal path when the frequency bandwidth of the input signal is lower than a threshold frequency and through a second signal path when the frequency bandwidth exceeds the threshold frequency. The second signal path includes a frequency down-converter circuit. The driver circuit is configured to receive the routed input signal via the first signal path or the second signal path, and convert the routed input signal into an optical signal for coupling into an optical fiber. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170841 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING HIGH-LEVEL QAM OPTICAL SIGNALS WITH BINARY DRIVE SIGNALS - Methods and apparatus for power-efficiently and reliably transmitting high-level quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) optical signals using binary drive signals. Even though binary signals are used to drive a QAM modulator directly, without digital-to-analog conversion, the methods and apparatus disclosed allow the transmission of pilot symbol sequences having near optimal properties, such as a constant power profile in the time domain; a mean power that is approximately the same as the mean power of the data symbols; and roughly uniform amplitude in the frequency domain for non-zero frequency components of the pilot symbol sequence. The binary drive signals can be processed so that the modulated optical signals are selectively constrained to a subset of points of the QAM constellation to form a QAM constellation with reduced size and a mean power that is approximately the same as the mean power of the original QAM constellation. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170842 | Method and System for Equalization and Decoding Received Signals Based on High-Order Statistics in Optical Communication Networks - A method equalizes and decodes a received signal including a sequence of symbols. Subsequences of the signal are selected, wherein the subsequences are overlapping and time shifted. For each subsequence, statistics of the channel corresponding to a pattern in the subsequence are selected, wherein the statistics include high-order statistics. A transmitted signal corresponding to the received signal is then estimated based on the statistics. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170843 | OPTICAL COHERENT RECEIVER WITH LOCAL OSCILLATOR LASER HAVING HYBRID CAVITY - A coherent optical receiver includes a local oscillator (LO) laser configured to provide an LO signal. The LO laser includes a hybrid external cavity and an active gain medium within the hybrid external cavity, where the LO laser is defined between a first optical reflector on a chip including the active gain medium and a second optical reflector not on the chip. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170844 | Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Provided Therewith - A cartridge includes: a frame; a rotation body; a driving force transmission unit; and a moving member. The rotation body is provided at the frame and rotatable about its rotation axis relative to the frame. The driving force transmission unit is provided at the frame and transmits an external driving force to the rotation body. The moving member is irreversibly movable to one of a covered position and an exposed position by the external driving force transmitted through the driving force transmission unit. The moving member covers at least a portion of the driving force transmission unit when the moving member is at the covered position. The moving member exposes the driving force transmission unit when the moving member is at the exposed position. The exposed position provides an exposing degree greater than that at the covered position. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170845 | Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Provided Therewith - A cartridge includes: a frame; a rotation body; a driving force transmission unit; a closing member; and a moving member. The frame is formed with a filling port for filling an internal space of the cartridge with a developing agent therethrough. The closing member is configured to close the filling port. The moving member is configured to be irreversibly moved to one of a covered position and an exposed position by an external driving force transmitted through the driving force transmission unit. The moving member covers at least a portion of the closing member when the moving member is at the covered position. The moving member exposes the closing member when the moving member is at the exposed position. The exposed position provides an exposing degree greater than that at the covered position. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170846 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus capable of reading a unique pattern of a toner bottle without using an expensive device, and of preventing the delay of the toner replenishment. A control unit controls a driving unit to rotate a toner bottle for replenishing toner and controls a reading unit to read a unique pattern of the toner bottle in conjunction with the rotation of the toner bottle, when receiving a toner replenishment signal in N-th time from a toner remaining amount detection unit after receiving the bottle detection signal from a bottle mounting detection unit. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170847 | CAPACITIVE TONER LEVEL SENSOR - A toner container including a first electrode disposed within the toner container, a second electrode electrically connected to the first electrode and disposed within the toner container, and a sense electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The sense electrode and the first electrode form a first capacitor having a first capacitance that changes in response to a change in toner amount existing therebetween. The sense electrode and the second electrode form a second capacitor having a second capacitance that changes in response to a change in toner amount existing therebetween | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170848 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus has rotatable members for rotatably retaining respective ones of flanges mounted to opposite ends of a roll sheet, and placement stages on which the roll sheet is to be placed and on which respective ones of the rotatable members are mounted. Racks are mounted to respective ones of the placement stages for undergoing movement to move the placement stages relative one another to vary a distance between the placement stages. A pinion is arranged between the racks for undergoing rotation to move the racks, and a potentiometer whose resistance value varies in accordance with a distance between the placement stages undergoing movement with rotation of the pinion is provided. An A/D converter outputs a value based on a resistance value of the potentiometer. A calculation device calculates a width of the roll sheet based on the value output from the A/D converter. A memory stores the calculated width of the roll sheet. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170849 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - When an unfixed toner image is formed on a recording material, a toner amount per unit area satisfying: A<(ρΠL)/30√3 when a specific gravity of a toner is ρ (g/cm | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170850 | POWER SUPPLY DEVICE PERFORMING VOLTAGE CONVERSION - In a power supply device, the controller outputs a control signal specifying a voltage value. The voltage conversion unit converts a first voltage to a second voltage in response to a control signal specifying a voltage value output from the controller. The voltage conversion unit converts the first voltage to a start voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a first control signal specifying a start voltage value output from the controller and further converts the first voltage to a target voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a second control signal specifying a target voltage value output from the controller. A transition period of time is intervened between generation of the start voltage and generation of the target voltage during which the controller outputs a third control signal specifying the intermediate voltage value between the start voltage value and the target voltage value. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170851 | CARTRIDGE - According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, comprising an electric energy receiving member; a frame of resin material; an electrode member which is molded by injecting electroconductive resin material into the frame which provides an electroconductive path between the electric energy receiving member and a main assembly electrical contact provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the electrode member having a projected portion projected from a surface of the frame for contacting the main assembly electrical contact, the projected portion being provided by changing a direction of flow of the injected electroconductive resin material by the metal mold or the frame. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170852 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a sheet conveyance path, a toner containing unit, a fixing unit, a fixing housing, a heat insulation member, a first hot air exhaust passage, a second hot air exhaust passage and a third hot air exhaust passage. The fixing housing houses the fixing unit and includes a wall portion facing the toner containing unit. The heat insulation member shields between the wall portion and the toner containing unit. The first hot air exhaust passage is arranged between the heat insulation member and the toner containing unit. The second hot air exhaust passage communicates with the first hot air exhaust passage. The third hot air exhaust passage is arranged between the wall portion and the heat insulation member and includes an opening facing the sheet conveyance path and a communication port communicating with the second hot air exhaust passage. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170853 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a main body of the image forming apparatus; at least one image forming unit disposed in the main body; a light scanning unit that is disposed in the main body and scans light to form an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive medium of the at least one image forming unit; a window open-closing shutter that is disposed to slidably move on a surface of the light scanning unit from which light emits, and moves between an open position where a light moving path is opened and a blocking position where the light moving path is blocked; a shutter operating lever that is disposed in the main body, and activates the window open-closing shutter to be positioned at either of the open position and the blocking position; and a pressure member that is disposed in the main body and presses the shutter operating lever. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170854 | Imaging Unit Having a Collapsible Handle - An imaging unit of an image forming apparatus is provided including a handle mechanism. The imaging unit includes at least one of a photoconductor unit and a developer unit for developing a toner on the photoconductor unit. The handle mechanism is mounted on a frame portion of the housing and is configured to pivot between a collapsed position and an extended position. When in the collapsed position, the handle mechanism is substantially flush with a surface of the housing to accommodate a toner cartridge. When in the extended position, the handle mechanism automatically returns to the collapsed position by gravity when released from a user's grip. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170855 | Image Forming Apparatus and Developing Unit For Use In Image Forming Apparatus - A photosensitive drum extends in an axial direction. An irradiating unit includes a first reacting portion and a second reacting portion spaced from each other in the axial direction. A moving member includes a first acting portion and a second acting portion spaced from each other in the axial direction. The first acting portion and the second of the moving member act on the first reacting portion and the second reacting respectively, in response to attachment of the developing unit to a main body, such that the irradiating unit moves from the retracted position to the proximate position with respect to the photosensitive drum, and cancel the actions on the first reacting portion and the second reacting portion respectively, in response to removal of the developing unit from the main body, such that the irradiating unit moves from the proximate position to the retracted position. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170856 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTORECEPTOR, PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTORECEPTOR MANUFACTURING METHOD - An electrophotographic photoreceptor apparatus is provided and a method of manufacturing such a photoreceptor. The electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a cylindrical substrate. A photosensitive layer is formed on the cylindrical substrate. The photoreceptor has first surface corrugations with a pitch of 0.4 to 0.6 mm in an axial direction of the photoreceptor. Each of the first surface corrugations has a depth of 3.0 to 5.0 μm. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170857 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive drums, a frame member, a first sheet metal member, and a pressing member. The frame member is configured to accommodate the photosensitive drums such that the photosensitive drums are withdrawn along an axial direction thereof. The first sheet metal member is disposed on a first side of the frame member and configured to position the photosensitive drums. The pressing member is configured to press the photosensitive drums toward the first sheet metal member. The frame member includes a first wall disposed on a second side, opposite to the first side, of the frame member in the axial direction, a second wall disposed on a third side of the frame member and connected to the first wall, and a third wall disposed on an upper side relative to the photosensitive drums and connected to the first wall and the second wall. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170858 | ROTARY DRIVING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A rotary driving device includes a rotary shaft supported rotatably about an axis thereof on a predetermined supporting member, a rotary load body mounted on the rotary shaft to project radially outward from the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotary load body can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a driver for rotating the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a disk mounted on the rotary shaft coaxially therewith for integral rotation with the rotary shaft, the disk having a mounting hole formed therein, a pendulum loosely fitted in the mounting hole, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative position relationship between a central axis position of the mounting hole and a center of gravity position of the pendulum under conditions where the disk is rotating. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170859 | CHARGING MEMBER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A blade-like charging member for charging a surface of an image bearing member by contacting thereto and by being supplied with a voltage, includes a charging portion for effecting electric discharge to the surface of the image bearing member; a non-charging portion not effecting the electric discharge to the surface of the image bearing member; non-charging portion capable of contacting the image bearing member with maintaining an electrically dischargeable gap between the charging portion and the image bearing member, wherein at least a part of the non-charging portion is made of a material having a higher resistance than that of the charging portion so as to prevent electric discharge between the non-charging portion and the surface of the image bearing member, and the non-charging portion is contacted to and slidable on the surface of the image bearing member over a range not less than a longitudinal dimension of the charge portion, and wherein when the surface of the image bearing member is charged, a closest distance between a discharging position of a surface of the charge portion and an electrode portion for applying a voltage to the charging member is longer in a longitudinal end portion of the charging member than in a longitudinally central portion. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170860 | Charge Roller for an Image Forming Apparatus Using Hard Filler Particles - An image forming apparatus includes a charge roller with improved resistance to defects from prolonged periods of nonuse. The charge roller includes an outermost coating layer including a coating material and filler particles. The filler particles have an average particle size larger than an average thickness of the outermost coating layer in a portion without the filler particles. Furthermore, the filler particles are harder and have a higher glass transition temperature than the coating material. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170861 | TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING A PIVOTING EXIT PORT COVER - A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A cover is mounted on an exterior portion of the housing that is pivotable between a closed position blocking the exit port and an open position unblocking the exit port. The cover is biased toward the closed position. An actuation mechanism is operatively connected to the cover to open the cover upon being actuated by an engagement feature in the image forming device. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170862 | TONER CARTRIDGE WITH PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM - A toner cartridge having a pressure equalization system for equalizing a pressure differential between a toner reservoir in the toner cartridge and a toner sump developer unit containing ingested air utilizing a ducted shutter that opens and closes an exit port on the housing of the toner cartridge in combination with a passageway in fluid communication with the ducted shutter and the toner reservoir wherein, when the toner cartridge is mated with a developer unit of the imaging apparatus and the shutter is in the open position, exiting toner leaves the cartridge through the exit port and enters the developer unit while air entrained within the developer unit enters the toner reservoir via the exit port, the duct and the passageway equalizing pressure between the toner cartridge and the to developer unit. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170863 | IMAGING APPARATUS ASSEMBLY WITH PRESSURE EQUALIZATION - An assembly in an imaging apparatus comprising a developer unit and a toner cartridge having a pressure equalization system for equalizing a pressure differential between a toner reservoir in the toner cartridge and a toner sump of a developer unit containing ingested air. A ducted shutter that opens and closes an exit port on the housing of the toner cartridge in combination with a passageway in fluid communication with a duct in the shutter and the toner reservoir forms an airway wherein, when the toner cartridge is mated with a developer unit of the imaging apparatus and the shutter is in the open position, exiting toner leaves the cartridge through the exit port and enters the developer unit while air entrained within the developer unit enters the toner reservoir via the exit port and airway equalizing pressure between the toner cartridge and the developer unit. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170864 | TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING A SHUTTER LOCK MECHANISM - A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shutter is biased toward the closed position. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the linkage from opening the shutter. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position that is disengaged with the linkage when the interlock is actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device permitting the linkage to open the shutter. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170865 | TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING A SHUTTER LOCK MECHANISM - A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication therewith. A movable shutter is positioned at the exit port. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. The linkage includes a first linkage member positioned to receive the first engagement feature and a second linkage member connected to the shutter. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the second linkage member from opening the shutter but permitting the first linkage member to move relative to the second linkage member. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position upon being actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device that permits the second linkage member to open the shutter. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170866 | TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING A SHUTTER LOCK MECHANISM - A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication therewith. A movable shutter is positioned at the exit port. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. The linkage includes a first linkage member positioned to receive the first engagement feature and a second linkage member connected to the shutter. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the second linkage member from opening the shutter but permitting the first linkage member to move relative to the second linkage member. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position upon being actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device that permits the second linkage member to open the shutter. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170867 | TONER CARTRIDGES HAVING POSITIONAL CONTROL FEATURES - A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg each project from a bottom portion of the housing to limit the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. Wing guides are positioned on opposite side surfaces of the housing. A stop extends from each wing guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in the image forming device. Rounded projections extending from the bottom surfaces of the wing guides define contact points to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170868 | TONER CARTRIDGE FOR USE IN AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A shutter positioned at the exit port is movable between an open position and a closed position. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is positioned near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device for opening and closing the shutter. A forward facing slot is positioned near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device for locking and unlocking the shutter. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170869 | Movable Toner Port Cover Member for a Replaceable Unit of an Imaging Device - A rotating cover on the developer unit of an imaging apparatus to prevent toner leaks from the toner entry port of the developer unit. When installing a toner cartridge, the cartridge contacts a surface to cause the cover to rotate to an open position, thereby exposing the toner port for receiving toner. Conversely, when the toner cartridge is removed the cover is rotated into a closed position with the aid of a torsion spring so as to seal the toner entry port of the developer unit. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170870 | DETACHABLE TONER CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - An image forming apparatus includes a toner cartridge that has an inner shutter and an outer shutter and is attached to and detached from a main body through a door disposed on a main body. The outer shutter moves to a position in which toner is allowed to be discharged through a toner outlet of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is loaded into the main body, and the inner shutter moves to an open position in which the toner outlet is opened by being interlocked in a closing operation of the door after the toner cartridge is loaded into the main body. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170871 | OVERMOLDED SHUTTER FOR USE IN TONER CONTAINING SUPPLY ITEMS OF AN IMAGING APPARATUS - An shutter having an overmolded seal for use in controlling the flow of toner through a port in a toner containing supply items for an imaging apparatus. In one form the shutter is overmolded with a seal comprised of a sleeve and one or more integrally molded angled endless ribs projecting outwardly from the sleeve. With the shutter installed in the supply item, the ribs deflect creating an sealing interface with the housing of the supply item to prevent toner leakage between the shutter and the housing of the supply item. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170872 | Toner Cartridge having a Pivoting Exit Port Cover - A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A cover is mounted on an exterior portion of the housing that is pivotable between a closed position blocking the exit port and an open position unblocking the exit port. The cover is biased toward the closed position. The cover has a projection extending therefrom such that a force on the projection causes the cover to move toward the open position. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170873 | TONER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A SHAKE-FREE TONER CARTRIDGE - A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. A main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170874 | PADDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A SHAKE-FREE TONER CARTRIDGE - A paddle assembly for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle having a plurality of scrapers. When installed in a toner cartridge, a main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170875 | TONER VESSEL HAVING IMPROVED PADDLE FOR BREAKING COMPACTED TONER - A toner paddle for a toner vessel containing toner according to one example embodiment includes a drive shaft defining an axis of rotation for the paddle. The paddle also includes a first set of radially aligned breaker bars, a second set of radially aligned breaker bars radially offset from the first set of breaker bars by about 90 degrees, and a third set of radially aligned breaker bars radially offset from the second set of breaker bars by about 180 degrees. Each of the sets of breaker bars includes a plurality of radially extending breaker bars axially spaced along the drive shaft. The rotation of the drive shaft results in the rotation of the sets of breaker bars into, through, and out of engagement with the toner within the vessel. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170876 | Developer Unit Architecture for an Imaging Device - A removable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device includes a housing having an opening, a rotatable roll disposed near the opening and adjacent to a bottom of the housing and a blade assembly coupled to the housing. The blade assembly includes a support bracket secured to a wall defining at least a part of the opening of the housing, and a blade member coupled to the support bracket and being positioned in the removable unit so that a distal end portion of the blade member engages with the rotatable roll. The housing, the blade assembly, and a portion of a surface of the rotatable roll define a substantially sealed enclosure for containing toner therein. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170877 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, AND SEPARATING MEMBER - In an embodiment, provided is a fixing device that includes: a fixing belt rotatable and endless; a belt holding member holding the fixing belt at each end part in an axial direction; a heat source heating the fixing belt; a nip forming member provided inside the fixing belt; an opposing rotator forming a nip portion between the opposing rotator and the fixing belt via the fixing belt; and a separating member that extends near the nip portion and separates a recording medium from a surface of the fixing belt. A leading end of the separating member is provided with a receding portion and an approaching portion that is at a different position from a position of the receding portion different in the axial direction. The approaching portion is provided nearer to the nip portion than the receding portion is provided. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170878 | BELT UNIT, FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A belt unit includes an endless belt member, a first roller provided on an inner circumferential surface side of the belt member, and a stretching member provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the belt member. The stretching member is configured to stretch the belt member. A circumferential length of the belt member at a center portion in a widthwise direction of the belt member is shorter than a circumferential length of the belt member at an end portion in the widthwise direction of the belt member. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170879 | FIXING DEVICE WITH SUPPORT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a support supporting a nip formation assembly that presses against an opposed rotary body via an endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body. The support includes a base contacting the nip formation assembly. An upstream projection projects from the base in a pressurization direction of the opposed rotary body at a position on the base corresponding to or upstream from an upstream edge of the fixing nip in a recording medium conveyance direction. A downstream projection projects from the base in the pressurization direction of the opposed rotary body at a position on the base corresponding to or downstream from a downstream edge of the fixing nip in the recording medium conveyance direction. The downstream projection is spaced apart from the upstream projection in the recording medium conveyance direction. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170880 | FIXING DEVICE WITH ENDLESS BELT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - The fixing device includes a nip formation assembly partially pressing against an opposed rotary body via an endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body. The nip formation assembly includes a base pad defining the fixing nip and including a pressure portion, an extension portion, and a curved portion. The pressure portion presses against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The extension portion is contiguous to and disposed upstream from the pressure portion in a recording medium conveyance direction. The extension portion does not press against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The curved portion is disposed upstream from the extension portion in the recording medium conveyance direction and smoothly blends into the extension portion. The curved portion does not press against the opposed rotary body. | 2013-07-04 |
| 20130170881 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device is provided with an endless fixing belt; a heating roller for heating the fixing belt; a fixing roller that has a shaft and extends the fixing belt between the fixing roller and the heating roller; a pressure roller for pressurizing the fixing roller via the fixing belt; and a deviation preventing member that is provided on the shaft of the fixing roller and suppresses moving of the fixing roller in a shaft direction. The fixing roller has an end portion with high hardness and an end portion with low hardness along the shaft direction of the fixing roller. The end portion with high hardness is in contact with the deviation preventing member. | 2013-07-04 |
