31st week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 35 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110188864 | OPTICAL TRANSMITTER, OPTICAL RECEIVER, AND OPTICALLY COUPLED INSULATING DEVICE - According to one embodiment, an optically coupled insulating device includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter includes an analog-to-digital converter, an encoder, a transmitting controller, and an electrooptical transducer. The encoder is configured to generate a transmitting signal by superimposing an output of the analog-to-digital converter onto a signal based on a clock signal. The transmitting signal is encoded to have an average duty ratio of more than zero and less than one. The transmitting controller is configured to output one of the transmitting signal and the output of the analog-to-digital converter depending on an input level of the analog signal. The electrooptical transducer is configured to convert an output of the transmitting controller into an optical signal. The optical receiver includes an optoelectrical transducer, a decoder, and a receiving controller. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188865 | METHOD FOR RAPID DETERMINATION OF LOWEST COST WAVELENGTH ROUTES THROUGH A PHOTONIC NETWORK BASED ON PRE-VALIDATED PATHS - A method of setting up an end-to end connection between two end-points in an optical network. A plurality of validated paths in the network are defined. Each validated path extends between a respective pair of wavelength termination points and has requisite physical resources to carry signal traffic between its pair of wavelength termination points. A graph of the network is generated. An edge of the graph corresponds with a respective validated path, and a vertex of the of the graph corresponds with at least one wavelength termination point. The graph is analysed to compute an end-to-end path between two vertices respectively corresponding with end-points of the end-to-end connection, and the end-to-end connection set up using the computed path. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188866 | COHERENT OPTICAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A coherent optical communication device includes a demodulator configured to demodulate a reception signal; a local oscillator light optical source configured to generate local oscillator light used for demodulating the reception signal; a memory configured to store wavelength information; and a controller configured to control the local oscillator light optical source when the demodulator cannot receive the reception signal, so that a wavelength of the local oscillator light generated in the local oscillator light optical source is changed to a wavelength specified by the wavelength information stored in the memory. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188867 | DQPSK DEMODULATOR - A phase shift keyed demodulator includes first and second beam splitters, a first optical path, a second optical path, and a wavelength tuner. The first beam splitter splits an input signal into first and second output signals. The second beam splitter splits each first and second output signal into a transmitted signal and a reflected signal. The first optical path includes an optical path of each transmitted signal from a beam splitting surface to a reflector and back to the beam splitting surface. The second optical path includes an optical path of each reflected signal from the beam splitting surface to a mirror surface and back to the beam splitting surface. A path difference introduces a delay between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal. The wavelength tuner tunes the demodulator to a predetermined central wavelength and introduces a phase shift between first and second transmitted signals. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188868 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND A COLOR MATERIAL CONTROLLING METHOD - An image forming apparatus comprising: an attachment of a cartridge configured to accommodate a color material; a memory configured to memorize a current cartridge information which shows whether the cartridge attached to the attachment is a first cartridge which accommodates a first color material or a second cartridge which accommodates a second color material; and a controller configured to read the current cartridge information from said memory when the current cartridge attached to the attachment is exchanged to a new cartridge, further said controller configured to judge the new cartridge based on the current cartridge information read from said memory, further said controller configured to temporary stop initiating of a supply of the color material from the new cartridge until the color material supplied from the current cartridge remains in the image forming apparatus when the new cartridge is different from the current cartridge and said controller configured to initiate a supply of the color material from said new cartridge when the color material supplied from said current cartridge does not remain in the image forming apparatus. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188869 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a cleaner-less mechanism is provided only in a black image forming unit, and a cleaning apparatus is provided in a color image forming unit. Otherwise, when an image adjustment function is executed, the number of operations of forming an image adjustment pattern corresponding only to a black developing agent is reduced. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188870 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image control apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a traveling member which carries a toner image; a detection unit which detects an adjustment pattern formed on the traveling member; and a control unit which generates an edge detection signal obtained by binarizing a detection result from the detection unit, and generates converted data obtained by analog-digital converting the detection result from the detection unit. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188871 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT ADOPTS IMAGE DENSITY CONTROL WITH DENSITY SENSORS - An image forming apparatus that can reduce the time period for rotation of an intermediate transfer unit required before toner patches are formed, and measurement of toner patch densities while continuing the rotation. A toner image formed on a photosensitive drum is transferred to a surface of the intermediate transfer unit. A toner image for detection is formed on the intermediate transfer unit, and image forming conditions are corrected based on the amount of toner obtained by reading the toner image for detection. Two density sensors read the surface of the intermediate transfer unit. Outputs from the two density sensors are stored as a first profile and a second profile, respectively. A toner density of the toner image for detection is calculated based on the first and second profiles, and image forming conditions are corrected based on the toner density. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188872 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Disclosed is a fixing device including a fixing belt to fix a toner image formed on a paper onto the paper, a driving unit to make the fixing belt reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the paper when fixing the toner image onto the paper and a detecting unit to detect a position of the fixing belt in the perpendicular direction, and a control target value of the fixing belt is changed in accordance with the position of the fixing belt in the perpendicular direction detected by the detecting unit, and the fixing belt is made to reciprocate by the driving unit based on the changed control target value. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188873 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - Certain embodiments provide an image forming device including: a print portion; a first roller provided in a sheet transportation direction; a heating element provided in either the first roller or an endless belt wound around the first roller and generates heat by magnetic flux; a second roller that forms a nip together with the heating element; a coil that has a coil hole facing the nip with a gap therebetween and generates the magnetic flux; an induction heating circuit that supplies the coil with a drive signal; an insulating mold that has a through hole facing the coil hole and supports the coil; a mechanism that transports the sheet through the through hole to the nip; and a controller that causes the mechanism to transport the sheet to the nip and the induction heating circuit to perform the induction-heating. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188874 | Fixing device and image forming apparatus - A fixing device is disclosed, including: a fixing rotative body, a heat source, and a control part. The control part conducts a printing temperature control which varies an ON ratio per unit time of the heat source based on a detection result of the temperature detecting part to maintain a printing target temperature in a printing state, conducts a waiting temperature control which performs an ON/OFF control based on the detection result of the temperature detecting part to maintain a waiting target temperature in a waiting state after a printing operation ends, and conducts a forcible ON control which forcibly turns on the heat source for a predetermined time before starting the ON/OFF control when the detection result of the temperature detecting part after the printing operation ends is lower than the waiting target temperature. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188875 | AUTO DOCUMENT FEEDING DEVICE AND IMAGE SCANNING DEVICE - A fixing device comprises a fixing device comprising, a fixing body that contacts with a non-fixed toner on a recording medium, a pressing body that forms a nip between the pressing body and the fixing body, a first heater to heat the fixing body, a second heater to heat the pressing body and a control part that applies maximum electric power to the first heater and the second heater until the pressing body reaches a copy temperature when, although the fixing body reaches a copy temperature, the pressing body does not reach the copy temperature. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188876 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - An image forming device includes an image forming section that forms toner images on paper, a fixer that fixes the toner images to the paper through heating, and a controller that changes a reference value for a warm-up control of the fixer according to a connection status of plural option devices which work by being supplied with power from the image forming device. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188877 | OPERATING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - When a manual feed tray detector detects that a manual feed tray has been set to a feeding position before any one of workflow images displayed on a workflow screen is pressed by a user, a display controller causes a sheet storage location reception screen to be displayed in an interrupting manner between respective reception screens. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188878 | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A power supply apparatus needs to control an output voltage to a target voltage for a short time. A power supply apparatus of the present invention detects voltages output from a piezoelectric transformer. The power supply apparatus also detects peak values in a plurality of detected voltages according to a plurality of frequencies of pulse signals for the piezoelectric transformer, and identifies a frequency corresponding to the highest peak value, and a frequency corresponding to a next peak value next to and on a higher- or lower-frequency side of the frequency corresponding to the highest peak value. Moreover, the power supply apparatus sets an initial frequency used when starting to control the output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer to the target voltage, within a frequency range between the two identified frequencies. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188879 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a paper supply section, a housing member and an ion generating unit. The housing member is disposed at least below the image forming section, and gives the same shape in plane view as the image forming section and the paper supply section. The ion generating unit is contained in the housing member. The ion generating unit includes a duct forming a pathway of flow to guide the air that is sucked in from outside of the housing member again to outside of the housing member, an ion generating device disposed inside the duct, and a fan for generating an air current in the duct. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188880 | Cooling device and image forming apparatus including the same - Of a cooling device that is for use in an image forming apparatus and that includes: a heat receiving unit that receives heat from a cooling target and that is disposed to come into and away from contact with the cooling target; a heat radiating unit that radiates the heat received by the heat receiving unit; a heat conductive member disposed on at least one of a surface of the heat receiving unit on the side facing the cooling target and a surface of the cooling target on the side facing the heat receiving unit; and a protection member that is disposed on the heat conductive member to protect the heat conductive member, the protection member is substantially incompatible with binder resin of toner for use in the image forming apparatus. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188881 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - The image forming apparatus is capable of collecting discharged toner satisfactorily even when a power source for discharging toner from a voltage application member to a moving member and a power source for collecting the discharged toner from the moving member onto an image bearing member are provided in common. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188882 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - There is provided an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the variance of image density. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188883 | ROLLER REPLACEMENT AUXILIARY TOOL OF FIXING UNIT - Disclosed is a roller replacement auxiliary tool of a fixing unit for extracting at least one of a heating roller and a pressure roller from a replacement opening part formed in a frame of the fixing unit in a shaft direction so as to be replaced. The heating roller has a heater lamp provided therein, and the pressure roller is capable of being brought into press-contact with the heating roller. The roller replacement auxiliary tool includes a protection unit that protects the roller when the roller is replaced. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188884 | CARTRIDGE INSTALLING UNIT AND IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS - A cartridge installing unit on which a plurality of types of liquid cartridges are to be installed, includes: a plurality of cartridge installing portions on which the plurality of types of liquid cartridges are installed; a plurality of liquid infusing portions each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of types of liquid cartridges, and each of which is provided to be movable between the plurality of cartridge installing portions to communicate with corresponding liquid cartridge; and a plurality of moving mechanisms each of which moves one of the plurality of liquid infusing portions, and when a liquid cartridge among the liquid cartridges is installed on a cartridge installing portion among the cartridge installing portions, a moving mechanism among the moving mechanisms moves a liquid infusing portion corresponding to the liquid cartridge to the cartridge installing portion on which the liquid cartridge is installed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188885 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a transfer roller configured to be opposite to an image carrier when the housing is rotated around a rotation fulcrum, a transfer roller pressing member configured to urge the transfer roller toward the image carrier, a guide configured to feed transfer paper, a fixing hook configured to be urged in a direction to lock the housing about the main body, a transfer roller releasing lever configured to separate the transfer roller from the image carrier against urging performed by the transfer roller pressing member, a transfer roller positioning part that is disposed in a main body and configured to position the transfer roller, and an operation part configured to cause the fixing hook to rotate in a direction to unlock the housing roller such that the transfer roller releasing lever rotates in a direction to release the transfer roller from the image carrier. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188886 | DEVELOPING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing apparatus is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Developing units form corresponding developer images. A frame holds the developing units therein in position so that the developing units are movable independently by a distance relative to the frame. An urging member is disposed across the frame and each developing unit and urges each developing unit against the frame. An elastic sealing member secured to the frame and in intimate contact with each of the developing units when the corresponding developing unit is attached to the frame. The sealing member seals a gap between the frame and each of the developing unit. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188887 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, wherein a cartridge including at least a photosensitive drum is detachably mountable to said image forming apparatus, said image forming apparatus includes a first abutting portion, provided in an upstream side with respect to a mounting direction in which the cartridge is moved in its longitudinal direction to be mounted to said apparatus; a first urging means, provided in an upstream side with respect to the mounting direction, for urging, when the cartridge is mounted to said apparatus, the cartridge, in a direction crossing with a center axis of the photosensitive drum to position the cartridge in the crossing direction; a second abutting portion, provided in a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction; and a second urging means, provided in a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, for urging, when the cartridge is mounted to said apparatus, the cartridge, in a direction crossing with the center axis of the photosensitive drum to position the cartridge in the crossing direction, wherein said first abutting portion and said second abutting portion are disposed opposite from each other with respect to a plane including the center axis. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188888 | Photosensitive member cartridge - A photosensitive member cartridge for use with an image-forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum and a cartridge case comprising an upper wall, a bottom wall, a right side wall, and a left side wall. An outer surface of the upper wall faces upwards when the photosensitive member cartridge is installed in the image-forming apparatus. The right side wall extends upwardly from a right side of the bottom wall, and the left side wall extends upwardly from a left side of the bottom wall. The upper wall connects upper edges of the right side wall and the left side wall. A light-entrance portion is formed in the upper wall and is configured to allow a laser beam to pass through the upper wall and reach the photosensitive drum when the photosensitive member cartridge is installed in the image-forming apparatus. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188889 | CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cartridge includes: a rotational body; a joint member having a first joint-side engagement part configured to be engaged to a rotational body-side engagement part with a predetermined moving range in a rotational direction, and a press member, wherein the joint member has a second joint-side engagement part configured to be engaged with a transfer-side engagement part with central axes of the joint member and the driving force transfer member being substantially matched, and wherein when the second joint-side engagement part is contacted to the driving force transfer member at a position at which the central axes of the joint member and the driving force transfer member are not matched, the joint member is rotated within the predetermined range and the second joint-side engagement part is thus moved, so that the second joint-side engagement part is engaged with the transfer-side engagement part in the rotational direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188890 | TRANSFER DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A transfer device includes: an endless transfer-belt that includes a first transfer-portion, at which a developer image is transferred onto an outer periphery surface of the transfer-belt, and a second transfer-portion, at which the developer image is transferred onto a member-to-be-transferred, the transfer-belt moving toward the second transfer-portion from the first transfer-portion; a transfer-member that, at the second transfer-portion, sandwiches the member-to-be-transferred between the transfer-member and the transfer-belt, and transfers the developer image to the member-to-be-transferred; a tension application unit that includes a resilient member, and a tension application member that urges the transfer-belt with resilient force of the resilient member and applies tension to the transfer-belt; and a damping member that causes damping force to act on the tension application member when the tension application member moves in one of a direction in which the tension application member urges the transfer-belt, or an opposite direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188891 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE MAGNIFICATION ADJUSTMENT METHOD - An image forming apparatus has an intermediate transfer belt stretched lightly across rollers to move endlessly in a sub-scanning direction upon image formation and has an outer surface to which a toner image formed by a development unit is transferred. A secondary transfer opposing roller is one of the rollers across which the intermediate transfer belt is stretched. A secondary transfer roller contacts the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to recording paper. A movement mechanism moves at least one of the rollers or the secondary transfer roller and changes a pressed state of the intermediate transfer belt by the secondary transfer roller at a nip of the secondary transfer opposing roller and the secondary transfer roller. A movement mechanism control unit controls a travel distance of the roller to be moved by the movement mechanism. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188892 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier whose surface is moved in a specific direction, a charging device to charge the image carrier, an exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image by exposing a surface of the charged image carrier in accordance with an image signal, a developing device to supply a developer to the surface of the image carrier on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, a transfer device to transfer a developer image formed on the surface of the image carrier onto an image forming medium, and a dielectric member that has a dielectric constant of 5 or less and is disposed near the image carrier and between the charging device and the exposure device, in which the charging device, the exposure device, the developing device and the transfer device are sequentially arranged around the image carrier along the movement direction of the surface of the image carrier. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188893 | Optical writing device and image forming apparatus - Disclosed is an optical writing device including a light-emitting element array unit having a light-emitting element array in which plural light-emitting elements are mounted on a substrate member in lines in a main scanning direction, an image focusing lens forming light from the light-emitting array into an image on a writing surface, and a housing holding the light-emitting element array and the image focusing lens; and a base member having plural of the light-emitting array units arranged and held thereon zigzag in the main scanning direction. Each of the plural light-emitting array units fixes its substrate member and housing at one position. Each of the plural light-emitting array units holds the housing on the base member at a position such that moving amount differences between the substrate member, the housing, and the base member due to their thermal expansions are cancelled at adjacent joints of the plural light-emitting array units. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188894 | DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing device and an image forming apparatus which suppress unevenness of image density are provided. A developing device includes a developer tank storing a developer, a first conveying member and a second conveying member conveying the developer, and a developing roller bearing the developer thereon. In the developing device, the first conveying member is constituted by a first rotating shaft and a plurality of first conveying blades provided along a first imaginary spiral surrounding the outer periphery of the first rotating shaft and advancing in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft at a predetermined lead angle θ | 2011-08-04 |
20110188895 | SHUTTER OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A joint member moves forward and backward between an advanced position and a retracted position according to the rotation of a rotary member when a cover is opened and closed between an open state and a half open state, and rotates at the advanced position according to the rotation of the rotary member when the cover is opened and closed between the half open state and a closed state. A coupling member is engaged with the joint member when the joint member is at the advanced position while being disengaged from the joint member when the joint member is at the retracted position. The coupling member opens and closes a toner supply port by rotating according to the rotation of the joint member engaged therewith at the advanced position. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188896 | DEVELOPING UNIT, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - A developing unit includes: a developer carrier; a toner supplying member having a porous surface layer; a toner storage storing therein toner; a stirring member that is rotated to stir the toner; a toner amount detecting unit that detects an amount of the toner; a toner supplying unit that supplies new toner to the toner storage based on a detection result; and a toner removing member that removes the toner carried in the porous surface layer, wherein the toner removing member is arranged in a separable and contactable manner from and with the porous surface layer, and the developing unit has a stirring mode in which the toner removing member is brought into contact with the porous surface layer, and the toner supplying member is rotated while the stirring member is rotated to stir the toner. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188897 | Developing device and image forming apparatus - A developing device includes a developer bearing body provided so as to face a latent image bearing body. The developer bearing body rotates to supply a developer to the latent image bearing body. A developer supplying member is provided so as to contact the developer bearing body. The developer supplying member rotates to supply a developer to the developer bearing body. A developer recovery member is provided so as to contact a surface of the developer bearing body that moves from a position facing the latent image bearing body to a position in contact with the developer supplying member by a rotation of the developer bearing body. The developer recovery member rotates to recover the developer from the developer bearing body. The developer recovery member is constituted by a brush roller. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188898 | MOVABLE METERING SKIVE FOR A DEVELOPMENT STATION OF A REPRODUCTION APPARATUS - A magnetic brush development station for a reproduction apparatus has a housing forming, at least in part, a reservoir for developer material; a developer roller mounted within the housing for delivering developer material to a dielectric support member in a development zone; a transport mechanism for transporting developer material from the reservoir to the developer roller; a metering skive for establishing a developer material metering gap; and a mechanism for selectively moving the metering skive to an operative position relative to the developer roller and to a position remote from the developer roller, wherein a build up of contamination at the metering gap between the metering skive and the developer roller can be substantially prevented. A method of removing a skive blockage from a metering skive in a magnetic brush developer station is also disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188899 | Developer Supply Device and Image Forming Apparatus Having the Same - A developer supply device is provided, which includes a bias controller that, during an image forming operation by an image forming apparatus, applies a first bias to a first transfer board and applies a second bias to between a developer holding body and the first transfer board, so as to make the developer holding body hold development agent thereon while transferring the development agent along a first developer transfer path of the first transfer board. At least one of before and after the image forming operation, the bias controller applies the first bias to the first transfer electrodes without applying the second bias to between the developer holding body and the first transfer board, so as to transfer the development agent along the first developer transfer path without making the developer holding body hold the development agent. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188900 | URETHANE FOAM AND TONER-CONVEYING ROLLER USING THE SAME - Provided are urethane foam: which heightens toner charge amount (Q/M); by which toner is sufficiently absorbed in the surface layer of a toner-conveying roller to give a sufficient toner conveying ability; and by which a good image can be obtained with a low cost, and a toner-conveying roller using the same. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188901 | INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - The present teachings provide an intermediate transfer member which includes a substrate layer and a surface layer disposed on the substrate layer. The surface layer includes a polyimide polymer having the formula: | 2011-08-04 |
20110188902 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing a toner image; an endless rotatable intermediary transfer belt onto which the toner image is to be transferred from the image bearing member; a transfer device disposed at a position in which the transfer device opposes the image bearing member through the intermediary transfer belt, the transfer device including a sheet member surface-contacted to an inner surface of the intermediary transfer belt and including an urging member for urging the sheet member toward the intermediary transfer belt; and a primary transfer voltage source for applying a voltage to the sheet member. With respect a rotational direction of the intermediary transfer belt, an upstream end portion of a contact area formed between the intermediary transfer belt and the sheet member and an upstream end fportion of a contact area formed between the sheet member and the urging member are within a range of a contact area formed between the intermediary transfer belt and the image bearing member. The upstream end portion of the contact area formed between the intermediary transfer belt and the sheet member is located upstream of the upstream end portion of the contact area formed between the sheet member and the urging member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188903 | APPARATUSES INCLUDING A VIBRATING STRIPPING DEVICE FOR STRIPPING PRINT MEDIA FROM A BELT AND METHODS OF STRIPPING PRINT MEDIA FROM BELTS - Apparatuses useful in printing onto media and methods for stripping print media from belts are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus useful in printing onto media includes a first member including a first surface; a second member; a fixing belt supported on the second member, the fixing belt including an inner surface and an outer surface, the first surface and the second surface forming a nip at which media are received; and a vibrating stripping device disposed between the second member and the inner surface of the fixing belt. The vibrating stripping device includes a stripping member including a stripping surface and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism produces vibration of the stripping surface and the fixing belt, and the vibration of the fixing belt assists separation of media passed through the nip from the outer surface of the fixing belt adjacent to the stripping surface of the stripping member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188904 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A fixing device includes a fixing portion provided with a fixing roller, a heating roller and a fixing belt; a pressing roller that presses a recording sheet to the fixing belt; a cleaning unit provided with a cleaning web that cleans up the pressing roller; and contact/separation mechanism that separates fixing means from the pressing roller. Viscosity of silicone oil that impregnates the cleaning web is set to 3,000 cs or more, and the contact/separation mechanism separates the fixing belt from the pressing roller at the time of rotation operation before fixation. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188905 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH SAME - A fixing device is provided with a fixing roller, a peeling claw that peels a recording paper from the fixing roller, a peeling claw holder that rotatably supports the peeling claw, and a support member that movably supports the peeling claw holder to enable the peeling claw to retract by moving apart from the fixing roller, wherein not less than two directions are set as retracting directions of the peeling claw holder to be moved when the peeling claw is caused to retract by moving apart from the fixing roller. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188906 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes: a fixing member that fixes a toner image on a recording medium; a pressure member that forms a fixing pressure portion between the pressure member and the fixing member by making pressure contact with an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member, the fixing pressure portion being passed through by the recording medium holding an unfixed toner image; a heat supplier that supplies heat to the fixing member; and a thermal diffusion member that diffuses heat on a surface of the fixing member by contact with the fixing member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188907 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A fixing device includes an endless belt-shaped fixing member, a rotary pressing member disposed opposite the fixing member, a stationary member, a friction reducer, and a activation device. The endless belt-shaped fixing member formed in a loop moves in a predetermined direction and fixes a toner image on a recording medium by heating and fusing the toner image. The stationary member is provided inside the loop and pressed against the rotary pressing member through the fixing member to form a nip between the rotary pressing member and the fixing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes. The friction reducer disposed between the fixing member and the stationary member reduces friction generated therebetween. The activation device provided inside the loop of the fixing member moves the friction reducer to change a portion of the friction reducer that comes between the fixing member and the stationary member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188908 | Fixing Device Having Adjustment Mechanism for Adjusting Sheet Discharging Direction - A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet fed in a sheet feeding direction including: a tubular flexible fusing member; a heater; a nip member; a resiliently deformable backup member; and an adjustment mechanism. The tubular flexible fusing member has an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space. The heater is disposed in the internal space and configured to radiate radiant heat. The nip member is disposed in the internal space and configured to receive the radiant heat from the heater. The inner peripheral surface is in sliding contact with the nip member. The resiliently deformable backup member is configured to provide a nip region in cooperation with the fusing member upon nipping the fusing member between the backup member and the nip member. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the backup member between a first position and a second position different from the first position in the sheet feeding direction to adjust the sheet feeding direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188909 | Fixing Device Having Adjustment Mechanism for Adjusting Sheet Discharging Direction - A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet fed in a sheet feeding direction includes: a tubular flexible fusing member; a heater; a nip member; a resiliently deformable backup member; and an adjustment mechanism. The tubular flexible fusing member has an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space. The heater is disposed in the internal space and configured to radiate radiant heat. The nip member is disposed in the internal space and configured to receive the radiant heat from the heater. The inner peripheral surface is in sliding contact with the nip member. The resiliently deformable backup member is configured to provide a nip region in cooperation with the fusing member upon nipping the fusing member between the backup member and the nip member. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the nip member between a first position and a second position different from the first position in the sheet feeding direction to adjust the sheet feeding direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188910 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device is configured to fix a toner image formed on a recording medium and includes a fixing roll, a separation claw in contact with the fixing roll, and a pressure member disposed to face the fixing roll. The fixing roll includes a metallic core and a surface layer formed on the metallic core. The surface layer is an electroless nickel plating layer containing a boron compound and a phosphorus compound. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188911 | Gloss applicator and image forming apparatus - A gloss applicator, disposed downstream from a fusing device for fusing a non-fused image on a recording medium, includes a pair of pressure units, an endless belt, and a belt suction unit. The pair of pressure units define a gloss nip therebetween through which the recording medium is passed to enhance glossiness of the fused image. The endless belt, disposed in one of the pressure units in an extended loop configuration, transports the recording medium thereon. An outer face of the endless belt can contact the fused image on the recording medium. The belt suction unit, disposed inside the endless belt loop, exerts suction on the endless belt to locally deform a given portion of the endless belt and separate the recording medium from the endless belt at the given portion as a separation position. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188912 | PRINT SYSTEM WITH LINEAR ENCODER FOR TRAY PRINT MEDIA SIZING - According to aspects of the embodiments there is provided a printing system such as a printer, a copier, and a facsimile machine having an automatic print media size determining apparatus. At least one side guide is coupled with a linear encoder and an external sensor to determine the size of media received on a support surface. According to one implementation, the support surface is provided by a paper tray. The paper tray includes a support surface configured to receive media, at least one side guide, and an encoder that moves with the side guide. The side guide is movably supported for continuously adjustable positioning relative to the tray to conform dimensionally with print media received in the tray. The print media size determining apparatus includes an external position-detecting sensor associated with the encoder and the side guide that is operative to generate a unique electrical pattern corresponding with a detected position of the side relative to the tray. The unique electrical pattern is indicative of the size of the media detected in the tray. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188913 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus that can form images on both surfaces of a recording medium is provided. The apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a switchback roller that switches back the recording medium fed from the image forming unit, and first and second feed portions. The first feeding portion may include a feed roller assembly that feeds the recording medium in a switchback direction while moving the recording medium to a first side in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the switchback direction. The second feeding portion may feed the recording medium fed by the first feeding portion toward the image forming unit. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188914 | PRINTING APPARATUS - A printing apparatus configured to transfer ink on a color ink ribbon to a print medium to thereby create a color photographic print, includes: a ribbon switching rotary mechanism into which a plurality of the color ink ribbons are loaded, and the mechanism configured to set a desired one of the color ink ribbons to a photographic printing position; a ribbon detection device configured to detect the color ink ribbons loaded into the mechanism, the ribbon detection device detecting whether the desired and set color ink ribbon is a single-color ribbon or a multi-color ribbon; a ribbon head-detecting device configured to perform head-detecting of the multi-color ribbon in a case where the multi-color ribbon is loaded into the mechanism; and a control device configured to control the mechanism and the ribbon head-detecting device so as to suit each of a time of photographic printing using the single-color ribbon and a time of photographic printing using the multi-color ribbon. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188915 | Press Key Structure of Keyboard - A press key structure includes a keycap, a base, and two crossed pivotal support stands. Both ends of the two support stands are abutted against the keycap and the base, and the keycap and the base includes pivot lugs for pivotally coupling axle portions at both ends of the support stands, and an inverted hook disposed at each pivot lug, and the axle portions at both ends of the support stands are prevented from sliding freely out the pivot lugs without the interference by the inverted hook. During an assembling process, the two crossed pivotal support stands are latched with the pivot lugs on a side of the base first, and then latched with the pivot lugs on a side of the keycap to achieve the fixing effect, and finally the top of the keycap is pressed gently to complete the assembling process. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188916 | IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS - An image recording apparatus including: a first convey path; a support member which supports a first recording medium, a second recording medium, and a tray; a second convey path connected to the first convey path; a first guide member partly defining the second convey path; and a posture change mechanism which changes the support member and the first guide member between (a) a first posture in which the first convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough and (b) a second posture in which the first convey path has a height larger than the first height and allowing the second recording medium or the tray to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height smaller than the second height. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188917 | Printer - Provided is a printer in which attachment and detachment manipulation of a platen roller can be easily performed, in which the platen roller can be retained with high reliability at a time of attachment, and in which downsizing of the entire printer is achieved due to use of the platen roller smaller in diameter. A printer ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110188918 | Mechanical pencil - A mechanical pencil has a hollow longitudinal main body and a slider slidably mounted in a front end of the main body. The slider has a through-hole through which a lead is fed and a front end face formed into a spherical surface centering around the through-hole for contacting a writing surface during a writing operation of the mechanical pencil. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188919 | ROLLER FOR PAINTING DIFFICULT-TO-ACCESS ROUGH SURFACES - The invention relates to an improved roller for painting difficult-to-access rough surfaces, comprising a roller formed by a tube, one end of which is provided with perforations from which the paint is released in order to wet a plush roller disposed at said end. Each end of the plush roller is provided with a pierced cover having a central perforation through which the tube extends and a rough section which provides grip when a cover is being installed or removed. The invention also includes an open half-pipe casing including at least one perforation on each side thereof, through which the tube extends, and a V-channel at the longitudinal edges thereof, into which bristles are inserted. In addition, an extendable/retractable handle is added to the lower part of the base of the tube. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188920 | Clear Cosmetic Tip with Opaque Core - A dispenser includes a multi-layered tip and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetic product or a medicinal product. The multi-layered tip comprises a translucent outer tip molded about an opaque inner tip. Both the translucent outer tip and the opaque inner tip may be formed of materials that are suitable for an injection over-mold manufacturing process. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188921 | CONNECTING PIPING ASSEMBLY WITH A LIMITER - The present invention provides a connecting piping assembly with limiter, including a first connecting piping and a second connecting piping. The first connecting piping contains a first coupling end, a first assembly portion and a first flow channel. The second connecting piping contains a second coupling end, a second assembly portion and a second flow channel. The first and second assembly portions can be mated and positioned so that the first and second flow channels are interconnected. A locating part is provided with a polygonal through-hole, which can be slidably sleeved on the perimeter of the first and second assembly portions, such that the polygonal through-hole is mated with the perimeter of the first and second assembly portions. The locating part is positioned via a locator. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188922 | QUICK COUPLING FOR DRIVE SHAFT - A quick coupling for a shaft includes a male coupling having a locking portion with a locking groove formed thereon. A female coupling includes a female body having an interior surface bounding a socket. A tapered port is formed on the female body and extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface thereof. The locking portion of the male coupling is received within the socket so that the tapered port is aligned with the locking groove. A ball bearing is disposed within the tapered port so that a portion of the ball bearing can project into the socket and into the locking groove. A locking sleeve is slidably mounted along the female body so as to cover and interact with the ball bearing. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188923 | MULTI-AXIS ARTICULATED IMPLEMENT - A lockable articulated joint comprises a first member having a ball shaped attachment further having a recess on its periphery. A rotationally symmetric conforming plunger is for movably nesting into the recess. A second member pivotally receives the ball shaped attachment and comprises a plunger holding portion. User alignment of the recess with the plunger holding portion allows configuring the joint in one of at least two selectable locked positions. The articulated joint is usable in a multi-axis articulated implement, in which one member is an elongated end effecter having a working face and the other member is an elongated handle portion. A user may configure the implement in various locked attitudes, wherein a working face's longitudinal axis extends parallel or perpendicular to the handle, or wherein the working face's normal axis extends parallel to the handle. The implement may be embodied into a multi-axis snow brush. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188924 | PANEL CLAMP ASSEMBLY HAVING A PRIMARY PANEL CLAMP AND A SECONDARY PANEL CLAMP RELEASABLEY-CONNECTED TO THE PRIMARY PANEL CAMP - A panel clamp assembly includes a primary panel clamp and at least one secondary panel clamp releasably-connected to the primary panel clamp. The primary panel clamp includes a clamp member having a pair of jaws and a web interconnecting the pair of jaws to each other in a manner to form a generally U-shaped configuration and to define a channel therebetween and a support member extending longitudinally and parallel to the web and connected to the clamp member. The at least one secondary panel clamp includes a clamp member, similar to the one above, and at least one hook-shaped fastener connected to the clamp member and sized and adapted to be releasably connected to the support member of the primary panel clamp. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188925 | JOINT UNIT - A joint unit comprises a lock mechanism in which a ball-like joint section provided at the base end of an arm is housed in a holder formed at an end of a cylindrical case. As the joint section is brought into pressed contact against an inner surface of the holder, the lock mechanism locks a pivotal angle. In the lock mechanism, in response to a manual operation of a knob, a bolt is caused to project into the case and this pressing force is transmitted to a roller-like first pressing body and then to a second pressing body placed in contact therewith. Further, the pressing force from the first pressing body is transmitted to a pressure block and then the pressing force from this pressure block brings the joint section into pressed contact against the holder inner surface. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188926 | Cross-Flexural Pivot - A cross-flexural pivot includes a first structure with a first longitudinal axis; a second structure with a second longitudinal axis; an inner flexure member, and an outer flexure member. The inner flexure member includes a face disposed obliquely to the first and second longitudinal axes and is coupled to the first structure at a first side and the second structure at a second side opposing the first side. The outer flexure member includes a tubular face surrounding the inner flexure member, the tubular face being disposed obliquely to the first and second longitudinal axes. The outer flexure member is coupled to the first structure at the second side and to the second structure at the first side. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188927 | PROCESSES FOR WELDING COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND ARTICLES THEREFROM - The invention is directed at a method for welding a composite material and to welded structures thus prepared. The method includes a step of contacting a substrate material with a composite material, wherein the composite material includes a pair of spaced apart steel sheets and a core layer between the sheets; the volume of the core layer is about 25 volume % or more, based on the total volume of the composite material; the core layer includes a plurality of steel fibers arranged in one or more masses of fibers that extend the thickness of the core layer so that the core layer is in electrical communication with the steel sheets; and the steel fibers have a cross sectional area perpendicular to the length of the fibers from about 1×10 | 2011-08-04 |
20110188928 | SELF ALIGNING COUPLING FOR MIXING SYSTEM - A shaft coupling assembly includes a hub bounding an opening. The interior surface of the hub includes an annular coupling surface and a receiving surface, the receiving surface sloping away from opening. An alignment rib projects from the receiving surface into the opening. An elongated shaft includes a driver that is configured to be received within the opening of the hub. The driver has an exterior surface that includes an annular engaging surface, a guide surface, and a guide rib radially, outwardly projecting from the guide surface. The guide rib is configured such that when the driver is being inserted within the opening with the guide rib being aligned with the alignment rib, the guide rib contacts the alignment rib so that the guide rib must be offset from the alignment rib before the driver can be fully received within the opening. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188929 | HIGHWAY OVERPASS BRIDGE MODIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An example method of expanding a highway have a multiple lanes passing under a highway overpass bridge having a center pier is described. The center pier may be between lanes passing in opposite directions. The center pier may be replaced with two replacement central piers having a gap there between. Additional lanes may be added through the gap between the replacement central piers. Various methods of construction and detailed designs for such bridges are also described. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188930 | POWERED ROLLER SCREED WITH CURB ATTACHMENT - A powered roller screed with a curb attachment is disclosed. The powered roller screed may include a screed roller that is offset (e.g., vertically) from one or more curb rollers used by the curb attachment. In one embodiment, the amount of offset between the screed roller and each such curb roller is adjustable. Generally, each curb roller used by the curb attachment may engage and roller along an upper wall of a curb as screeding operations are conducted on poured concrete alongside the curb. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188931 | Small boat dock racking system - A small vessel dock racking system provides a three-sided cradle that is rotatably connected to two lateral supports extending outward from one side of the dock. A person in the water can float the canoe or kayak into the cradle and lift it into a secure vertical storage position on the side of the dock without having to get up on the dock. A pivot point extending out into the water has the advantages of both accommodating freeboard and minimizing the distance between the pivot and the boat's center of gravity, thereby allowing for much less effort in lifting. Depending on the depth of the vessel, the cradle can be dimensioned so that the position of the vessel's center of gravity tends to hold the cradle in a vertical alignment after it's been lifted. Where needed, a cradle latch that can be activated from the water side further secures the storage position. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188932 | BARGE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND REFURBISHING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRANSPORTING AND REFURBISHING BARGES - A transportation system and method of transferring a barge from a waterway and to a refurbishing system. The transportation system includes transport systems that move the barge out of water and onto to a position away from the water, then moves the barge into the refurbishing system. The transport systems then move the refurbished barge back into the water. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188933 | WATER-STORAGE AND WATER-PURIFICATION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a water-storing and water-cleaning system. Said system is designed in such a manner that it can be used irrespective of location. It is used, inter alia, in agriculture, in horticulture and in reforestation. Said system comprises a reservoir ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110188934 | Device For Concentration Of Material On A Water Surface And Use Of The Device - A device for concentration of material on a water surface, wherein the device forms a front opening and is provided with buoyancy bodies and guide elements structured for guiding the material towards a collection portion, wherein the device is structured for admitting water through the device in the flow direction of the water, and wherein the device, in a portion thereof, is provided with at least two consecutive guide elements in the flow direction of the water. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188935 | TREATMENT OF AQUEOUS SUSPENSIONS - A process in which material comprising an aqueous liquid with dispersed particulate solids is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved whilst retaining the fluidity of the material during transfer, by combining with the material an effective rigidifying amount of aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The process is particularly suitable for the treatment of the tailings underflow resulting from a mineral processing operation and the co-disposal of fine and coarse tailings fractions. In addition, liquor released during the rigidification step is of high clarity. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188936 | WASTE WATER ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATING SYSTEM WITH STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A method for selectively generating electrical power uses waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the waste water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the waste water flow. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188937 | WAVE GENERATING APPARATUS AND METHOD - The teachings herein are directed to a wave forming apparatus and method including a channel directing a flow of water over modular forms in the bed of the channel, such as aerofoils, that can be changed, repositioned or removed to create various effects such as barrel waves for surfing. Also disclosed is a water smoothener system and method for reducing turbulence in water flowing through such an apparatus. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188938 | Ice Break-Up Using Artificially Generated Waves - A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188939 | MINE SHAFT LINER PLATE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A thermoplastic fusion element extends along an exterior surface of the flange. A liner structure within a shaft or tunnel includes at least first and second liner plate members assembled together, the liner plate members formed of metal plate material having respective metal surfaces in contact with each other along a plate joint. A thermoplastic fusion seal arrangement is located along the plate joint. A method of lining a mine shaft bore includes: providing a plurality of liner plate members, each liner plate member having a curved shape; assembling a first set of liner plate members into a first ring structure; assembling a second set of liner plate members into a second ring structure; mounting the second ring structure in abutting contact with the first ring structure; and forming at least one seal between the first ring structure and the second ring structure. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188940 | METHOD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LONG PIPELINE - The invention concerns a method for the construction of a long pipeline using a mobile pipeline producing unit, the mobile unit being able to produce specific lengths of the pipeline, each specific length being a fraction of the length of the long pipeline, the method comprising placing the mobile unit at a first position at the stretch of the projected long pipeline, producing a specific length of pipeline in one direction of the projected long pipeline, producing a second specific length of pipeline in the opposite direction, moving the mobile production unit to a second position at the stretch of the projected long pipeline, producing a third specific length of pipeline in a direction of the long pipeline, producing a fourth specific length of pipeline in the opposite direction, optionally moving the mobile production unit to a further position at the stretch of the projected long pipeline, producing a further specific length of pipeline in a direction of the projected long pipeline, producing another further specific length of pipeline in the opposite direction and optionally repeating this process one or more further times, and connecting all produced specific lengths. The invention further relates to pipelines made according to the method described above and to the use of the pipelines in the transport of gas and/or liquids, especially crude oil and natural gas. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188941 | APPARATUS FOR USE IN LAYING PIPE ON THE SEA FLOOR - When laying pipe from a pipelay vessel into the sea, the pipe is subject to torsion. To relieve this torsion an apparatus to perform controlled relative rotation between the pipe and the vessel is proposed, which apparatus is also able to permit the pipelay vessel to “weather vane” about the pipe without twisting it. The apparatus comprises a hold off clamp ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110188942 | Offshore Coiled Tubing Deployment Vessel - An offshore coiled tubing deployment system is provided, wherein the system includes a sea vessel hull configured to include a mounted coiled tubing spool; and a mast configured to guide lengths of coiled tubing received from said mounted coiled tubing spool. Methods, means and locations for the mounted coiled tubing spool are also provided, as well as lubricated coiled tubing riser assemblies which interface with self-standing riser systems. Tractors, swivel plates, buoyancy devices and positioning systems therefore; and a self-standing riser system joined with one or more of a blowout preventer, wellhead, production tree or injection tree are also disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188943 | Rod Pulling And Pushing Machine For Pipe Bursting - A rod pushing and pulling machine includes at least one hydraulic cylinder having a front end thereof engagable with a reaction surface at an entry opening of an existing pipeline or borehole, a spindle assembly, and a dual vise assembly. The spindle assembly includes a frame, a spindle shaft rotatably mounted in the frame, a distal end of the spindle shaft being threaded for engagement with a mating thread of a rod, a drive system for rotating the spindle shaft in threading and unthreading directions, the spindle frame being secured to a rear end of the hydraulic cylinder for pushing or pulling of a rod string engaged to the spindle shaft upon extension or retraction of the hydraulic cylinder, and a support assembly for the spindle shaft. The support assembly includes a set of roller bearings rotatably supporting the spindle shaft, a radial flange on the spindle shaft, and a load flange secured to the spindle frame positioned to engage the radial flange, whereby the radial flange comes into engagement with the load flange during pulling operation to prevent rotation of the spindle shaft during pulling operation, and leaves engagement with the load flange during pushing operation so that the spindle shaft may rotate during pushing operation supported by the roller bearings. The dual vise assembly has two pairs of separately actuable jaws positioned to grip a rod nearest the spindle shaft and a rod adjacent the rod nearest the spindle shaft. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188944 | Arctic Platform - The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms that are particularly useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Methods and means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, improved platform floor plans are provided, and various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means are also described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided. Also taught are a variety of methods of adjusting the height and level of an assembled drilling platform, and methods and means of adding extension members useful for extending the length of a support post are also described. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188945 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING AN OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE - A support structure for supporting offshore wind turbines is provided. The support structure includes a foundation configured to at least partly contact a seabed and at least part of a tower. The foundation and the at least part of the tower are one-piece. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188946 | Method of stabilising a blasthole - A method of stabilising a blasthole prior to detonation which comprises the step of coating the inner wall of the blasthole with a stabilising composition. In one embodiment, the invention comprises coating the blast hole by means of a movable spraying application. The invention further relates to the use of a silicate-containing resin but is also suitable for use with a thermoset resin system. The method can be used to apply the stabilising composition to both dry and wet blastholes. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188947 | DEVICE FOR CONSOLIDATING SOILS BY MEANS OF MECHANICAL MIXING AND INJECTION OF CONSOLIDATING FLUIDS | 2011-08-04 |
20110188948 | ARRANGEMENT OF SHEET-PILE COMPONENTS - An arrangement of sheet-pile wall components includes two sheet-pile wall sections. The ends of the two sheet-pile wall sections are arranged. Their locks are hooked into two lock profiles of a connecting profile which is hooked via a third lock profile into the lock of an anchorage. The respective other ends of the sheet-pile wall sections are secured such that each of the two sheet-pile wall sections partially encloses a region. At least one of the lock profiles and the lock of the sheet-pile wall component of the anchorage in engagement therewith are configured in such a way that the lock profile of the connecting profile and the lock in engagement therewith are hooked one inside the other and grip around one another. As viewed in cross section, they bear on one another and are supported against one another by at least three points in at least one installed position. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188949 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE LARGE SCALE COLLECTION OF LIGNO-CELLULOSIC BIOMASS - A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop.” The outgoing and return legs of each loop optionally are located adjacent each other. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188950 | COATED CUTTING TOOL AND A METHOD OF MAKING THEREOF - The present invention relates to a cutting tool for metal machining with improved wear properties, comprising a cutting tool substrate of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics or a super hard material, and a wear resistant coating, wherein the wear resistant coating comprises a PVD Ti—Si—C—N layer with a compositional gradient, and a method of making thereof. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188951 | Tool Cassette - A tool cassette having a receptacle for an interchangeable cutting insert, wherein at least one setting element for setting the position of the tool cassette with respect to a seat for the cassette of a carrier tool is provided on the tool cassette. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188952 | STABILIZER FOR DRESSING ELECTRODES AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - One embodiment includes an electrode dressing apparatus having a rotatable dressing blade including a first cutting face, an electrode comprising an electrode body and a weld face, and an electrode guide positioned absolutely relative to the rotatable dressing blade to position the weld face of the electrode at a designated location over the first cutting face. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188953 | REAMING TOOL - A reaming tool has a generally planar base with a base opening. A stand is coupled to the base and extends away from the base, the stand having at least one cross member. A guide opening extends through the cross member. An elongate reamer has a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second, opposing end. The reamer extends through the guide opening and the base opening, with the second end of the reamer being proximal to the base opening. A set of reaming flutes are formed in the reamer proximate its second end. The reamer is slidable and rotatable in the guide opening and the base opening, and the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the reamer with respect to the base and the stand is fixed by the guide opening. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188954 | BORING TOOL - The present invention concerns a boring-out tool comprising a main tool body having an interface for a drive, and a cutting insert holder which can be fastened to the main tool body and has a seat for a cutting insert, wherein the cutting insert holder can be moved in the radial direction relative to the main tool body between two positions. To provide a boring-out tool of the kind set forth in the opening part of this specification, which can be easily adapted to different boring diameters so that only few different boring-out tools have to be stocked to be able to cover all usual boring diameters, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that there is provided an extension arm which on the one hand is fastened to the main tool body and which on the other hand carries the cutting insert holder, wherein the cutting insert holder can be fastened to the extension arm at least two positions which are spaced from each other in the radial direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188955 | REPLACEABLE TIP FOR A BIT OR AUGER BIT - A tool element for cutting a workpiece includes a body including a shank for connecting the tool element to a power tool, a first cutting portion formed as part of the body and defining a first removing pattern, and a cutting element removably coupled to the body and including a second cutting portion defining a second removing pattern, the second removing pattern being a substantial continuation of the first removing pattern. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188956 | Coated twist drill - The present invention concerns a twist drill comprising a shank and a cutting portion which is defined by the axial length of the chip flutes and which is at least partially coated. To provide a twist drill having the aforementioned features and a process for the production thereof, which on the one hand have very good properties in terms of service life and chip formation or chip transport, but which on the other hand are also highly suited for reconditioning including coating, in accordance with the invention it is proposed that the cutting portion has substantially over its useable length a first coating, wherein there is provided a second coating which is different from the first coating only in the region of the tip of the drill and which extends over an axial length which corresponds at a maximum to twice the nominal diameter of the drill. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188957 | ATTACHMENT INTERFACE FOR ROTARY HAND TOOLS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an attachment interface for a handheld power tool having an elongated housing and a rotary output shaft, the interface comprising a nose portion having a generally cylindrically shaped wall extending in the direction of the center axis to a flat annular surface, a plurality of screw threads formed in an outer surface of the wall configured to have an attachment device with a screw threaded collar mounted on the interface, and a first plurality of keys formed in an inner surface of the wall configured to receive have an attachment device with a second plurality of complementary keys, the engaged keys preventing rotation of the attachment device when the attachment device is mounted on the interface. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188958 | CUTTING METHOD - There is provided a cutting method for cutting a work by rotating a rotary tool with a circular cutting edge around an axis while a cutting fluid is supplied thereto. Cutting is performed by means of the rotary tool which is rotated in the same rotational direction as an outflow direction of chips, and the rotary tool is rotated at a rotational speed of the rotary tool at which a circumferential speed of the cutting edge is higher than an outflow speed of the chips. Thus, the area of direct solid contact between the rotary tool and the chips is reduced with the aid of a dynamic pressure effect, and the abrasion of the rotary tool is suppressed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188959 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PREFABRICATED PART FROM AN UNMACHINED PART BY MEANS OF A MILLING TOOL - The invention relates to a method for producing a prefabricated part ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110188960 | METHOD FOR TENSIONING SCREW BOLTS, AS WELL AS SCREW BOLT AND SCREW BOLT TENSIONING DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - This invention relates to a method for hydraulically tensioning screw bolts as well as to screw bolts and screw bolt tensioning devices for carrying out the method. It is proposed to apply the total pretensioning force for one part via an external thread and for the remaining part via an internal thread of the bolt end. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188961 | BLIND RIVET - A mandrel has an anti-dropping-off portion that is formed between a head and a breakable portion thereof. In the anti-dropping-off portion, a plurality of latching ridges is formed which have peaks that protrude outwardly in the radial direction and frictionally engage with the inner wall surface of a sleeve. The latching ridges are formed in the outer surface of the portion of the mandrel that is between the head and breakable portion thereof, so as to be diagonal relative to the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the mandrel and to cross each other, with the peaks thereof formed in a twill pattern protruding out from the outer surface of that mandrel portion. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188962 | SELF-ALIGNING FASTENER ASSEMBLY - A captive fastener assembly that employs a concentric collar protrusion protruds from the bottom circular edge of the screw hole, surrounds the lower transitional shaft of the fastener to hold the fastener steadily aligned with the receiving hole when the to-be-fastened parts as being opened or closed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110188963 | WALL ANCHOR SYSTEM - A wall anchor system includes an anchor member installable into a hollow wall. The anchor member includes a body having a first end that extends to a second end through an intermediate portion. The body includes an internal passage having a fastener retaining feature provided adjacent the first end. A fastener member is operatively engageable with the anchor member. | 2011-08-04 |