49th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 41 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090297171 | Systems and Methods for Imaging Components - A cartridge chip for use with a first type of imaging cartridge and a second type of imaging cartridge comprises a controller and a resistive element connected between the controller and a reference potential, the cartridge chip adapted for operation in a first mode of operation compatible with the first type of imaging cartridge when the controller detects the reference potential through the resistive element, the cartridge chip adapted for operation in a second mode of operation compatible with the second type of imaging cartridge when the controller cannot detect the reference potential through the resistive element. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297172 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing a time before an image formation operation is started after toner bottle replacement. When a toner sensor detects that toner is out, and further a door sensor detects that there is a possibility that a toner bottle has been replaced, a toner replenishment rate is calculated from the rotational speed of a motor for rotating the toner bottle, and timing in which image formation is to be resumed is determined based on the toner replenishment rate. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297173 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND DOUBLE-SIDED IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - The image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer member onto which an image is transferred, a transfer part transferring the image formed on the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer, a detection part detecting a transfer which is conveyed, and a both-surface conveying part reversing the transfer with an image being formed on a first surface, and conveying the transfer to the transfer part again, wherein a timing when forming an image on a second surface of the transfer by the image forming part is switched based on a size in a conveying direction of a transfer which is designated and a size of the conveyed transfer. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297174 | CUSTOMER PART REPLACEMENT FEATURE UTILIZING HIGH FREQUENCY SERVICE INTERVAL FAULT AND SIGNATURE ANALYSES - A diagnostic system made part of or for use with a document handling device in which a customer is guided toward performance of at least one comparison means in a diagnostic routine analysis. The comparison means is selected from a group comprising (1) a first comparison comparing a fused print media and an unfused print media for presence of a defect, (2) a second comparison comparing an output print media and at least one image on a screen for a type of defect, and (3) a third comparison comparing a low-charged print media and a no-charged print media for qualities of the defect. The customer enters a selection based on results of the first, the second, or the third comparisons. The diagnostic system can identify a part causing a defect in the print media based on results of the comparisons. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297175 | DEVELOPING APPARATUS, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing apparatus used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes: a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on a photosensitive drum; a developing container for containing developer; a developer conveying member for supplying the developer from the developing container to the developing roller; a light transmissive member provided in the developing container, and formed integrally with a light emitting guide portion for guiding, into the developing container, a detecting light from a light emitting element provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to detect a developer remaining amount in the developing container and a light receiving guide portion for guiding the detecting light that has passed through the developing container to a light receiving element provided in the apparatus main body; and a regulating member for covering at least a space between the light emitting guide portion and the light receiving guide portion. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297176 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus is provided with a developing unit for attaching developer to a static latent image formed through charging and exposing to form a developer image; an image supporting member for supporting the developer image formed with the developing unit; a removing member disposed to abut against the image supporting member for removing developer; a drive unit for driving the image supporting member; a drive control unit for controlling the drive unit; and a fixing unit for fixing the developer image to a medium. It is configured such that the drive control unit controls the drive unit to temporarily stop before developer is discharged. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297177 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - An image forming device includes an imaging apparatus configured to form an image according to image data and to maintain information associated with performance of the imaging apparatus, a replaceable member that is mounted in the imaging apparatus and used for forming an image, a consumed amount calculation unit configured to calculate a usage value of the replaceable member, and a notification control unit configured to control a replacement notification. Wherein the notification control unit controls a timing of the replacement notification based on the usage value calculated by the consumed amount calculation unit and the information associated with performance of the imaging apparatus. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297178 | DEVELOPING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297179 | TONER CONCENTRATION SYSTEM CONTROL WITH STATE ESTIMATORS AND STATE FEEDBACK METHODS - The present disclosure provides for an imaging machine having an imaging member including a method for maintaining a toner concentration. The method for maintaining the toner concentration comprises: determining a toner concentration (TC) measurement using a sensor; computing a state estimator output from the TC measurement and a pre-stored estimator gain matrix, K | 2009-12-03 |
20090297180 | Fixing Device - A fixing device including a heating element and a pressure element, for fixing a developer image transferred onto a recording sheet is provided. The pressure element is configured to be positioned selectively in two or more pressing positions defined relative to the heating element. The pressure element in any one of the pressing positions is configured to be pressed against the heating element. A plurality of interrupter elements are provided opposite to the heating element. Each of the interrupter elements is configured to sense a temperature of the heating element and to interrupt a flow of electrical current to a heat source for heating the heating element when the temperature is not lower than a predetermined threshold value. The interrupter elements are arranged in positions corresponding to the pressing positions. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297181 | FIXING APPARATUS - In one embodiment of the present invention, a fixing apparatus that causes a recording material to pass through a nip portion formed by a rotating heat roller and a rotating pressure roller being in contact so as to perform a fixing operation is configured including a pressing mechanism that can switch between a pressure applied state in which the pressure roller presses against the heat roller using a bias and a pressure cancelled state in which the pressure is cancelled, a pressure state detection unit, and a control unit that performs a pressure cancelation operation and a pressure application operation. If the pressure state detection unit does not detect the pressure cancelled state even when the control unit has performed pressure cancellation control for a certain time period with respect to the pressing mechanism in the pressure applied state, the control unit permits a fixing operation in only the pressure applied state after performing pressure application control for a certain time period with respect to the pressing mechanism. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297182 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus which predicts VL fluctuations of a photosensitive drum in consideration of a double-sided print mode, and performs an image formation control based on the prediction, and thus always obtains a stable density image. The image forming apparatus performs an appropriate image formation control by controlling an image forming condition based on a photosensitive member rotation time, a photosensitive member stop time, a temperature of an atmospheric environment, an absolute humidity of the atmospheric environment, and whether an image formation that precedes a subsequent image formation is performed in single-sided printing or double-sided printing. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297183 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a transfer bias set up section and a developing bias set up section. The transfer bias set up section sets a transfer bias applied to each transfer member so that the transfer bias applied to a transfer member corresponding to a photosensitive member on the most downstream side is greater than a transfer bias applied to a transfer member other than this transfer member. The developing bias set up section sets a developing bias applied to each developing member to a first developing bias in a single-side printing mode, and sets up the developing bias applied to each developing member in formation of an image on a first surface and in formation of another image on a second surface to a second developing bias lower than the first developing bias when the image formed on the second surface is a color image. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297184 | Humidity Detecting Device and Image Forming Apparatus Including the Same - A humidity detecting device includes a humidity sensor, which detects humidity using a change in an impedance by humidity, and which generates a humidity detection signal according to application of an AC voltage, a detecting unit that detects the impedance of the humidity sensor based on the humidity detection signal, a switching unit that switches a frequency of the AC voltage to at least a first frequency and a second frequency, the humidity sensor being a first impedance at the first frequency and a second impedance at the second frequency, a temperature sensor that detects ambient temperature of the humidity sensor, a calculating unit that calculates a difference and/or a change rate between the first impedance and the second impedance, a discriminating unit that discriminates the humidity sensor based on the difference and/or the change rate, and a control unit that performs processing corresponding to the discriminated humidity sensor. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297185 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus which predicts VL fluctuates of a photosensitive drum, taking a rotation speed of the photosensitive drum during image formation into consideration, and controls the image formation based on the prediction, for always obtaining an image of a stable density. The image forming apparatus performs appropriate image formation control by controlling image forming conditions based on a photosensitive member rotation time, a photosensitive member stop time, a temperature of the environment, an absolute humidity of the environment, and the rotation speed of the photosensitive member. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297186 | FUSER APPARATUS HAVING FUSER CLEANER WEB AND CORRESPONDING METHODS - Disclosed are methods of controlling a speed of a fuser cleaner web in a fuser apparatus, and the corresponding fuser apparatus. The method utilizes a fuser apparatus having a fuser roll and a web nip roll, the fuser cleaner web for cleaning the fuser roll and being disposed between the fuser roll and the web nip roll. The method determines a property of a media to be fused in the fuser apparatus, and controls a speed of the fuser cleaner web based on the determined property of the media. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297187 | MULTI-SENSOR CALIBRATION TECHNIQUE - A method and apparatus for sensor calibration and signal processing to obtain transfer efficiency measurements in a reprographic device from a pair of reflective toner area coverage (mass) sensors, one located before transfer and the other located after. The same mass is passed under both sensors and the ratio of responses yields the necessary sensor characterization. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297188 | Image forming apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes an image supporting member for forming a developer image; a developing unit for forming a developer layer and forming the developer image on the image supporting member using developer of the developer layer; a developer supplying unit for supplying the developer to the developing unit; an image density detection unit for detecting an image density of the developer image; and a control unit for controlling a voltage applied to the developing unit and the developer supplying unit. The control unit corrects the voltage applied to at least one of the developing unit and the developer supplying unit according to the image density detected with the image density detection unit. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297189 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion and an intermediate transfer portion that has an intermediate transfer member on which a toner image is primarily transferred, the intermediate transfer portion secondarily transfers a toner image on a paper sheet; a position confirmation portion that allows confirmation of a rotational position of the intermediate transfer member; a position detector that outputs a position detection signal at a time of passage of the position confirmation portion; and a control portion which when forming a density-correction pattern image that is a combination of images which are identical to each other in color and different in density, forces the image forming portion to form the density-correction pattern image of a first color by using the position detection signal as a trigger, and forces the image forming portion to form the density-correction pattern images of a second and following colors irrespective of the position detection signal. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297190 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - There is provided an image forming apparatus that accurately obtains the dynamic characteristic of the apparatus when a foreign substance is adhered to a driving roller for driving an endless belt, such as a facing roller. To accomplish this, the image forming apparatus uses an optical sensor to detect information of a foreign substance on the facing roller. When it is determined that there is no foreign substance information, the image forming apparatus executes profile detection of an intermediate transfer belt using the nominal circumference of the facing roller. When the optical sensor detects foreign substance information, the image forming apparatus measures the circumference of the facing roller, and performs profile detection of the intermediate transfer belt using the measured circumference of the facing roller. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297191 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - There is provided an image forming apparatus including a rotation member used for image forming and a detector for detecting light from the rotation member. First waveform data of an image-formed surface used to form an image on the rotation member is acquired by the detector. Second waveform data of the image-formed surface used to form an image on the rotation member is acquired. The second waveform data includes at least part of a detected section of the first waveform data. Information on the actual circumference of the rotation member is calculated based on matching between the acquired first and second waveform data. The acquired first waveform data and second waveform data are compared to determine whether or not to use the calculated information on the circumference. When it is determined not to use the calculated information on the circumference, information on the circumference of the rotation member is recalculated. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297192 | Developing device, image forming apparatus and method of forming image - An image forming apparatus includes an image supporting member for supporting a static latent image; and a developer supporting member for developing the static latent image formed on the image supporting member using developer. It is configured to supply developer to the developer supporting member so that a ratio of a maximum amount of the developer on the image supporting member per unit area with respect to an amount of the developer on the developer supporting member per unit area does not exceed 0.60. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297193 | DENSITY DETECTION DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In a density detection device, a casing includes an internal space. An inflow path is communicated with the internal space through an inlet facing the internal space. An outflow path is communicated with the internal space through an outlet facing the internal space. A base is provided in the internal space to block the liquid flowing from the inlet. The base has a top side positioned above the inlet. A movable member has a bottom side opposed to the top side of the base. The movable member is configured to move to cause the bottom side to be close to and away from the top side of the base. A density detection section is configured to detect density of a liquid layer formed between the bottom side and the top side while the bottom side is positioned close to the top side at predetermined distance. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297194 | Method For Processing A Media Sheet In A Media Processing Device - A method for processing a media sheet by advancing the media sheet through a nip in a media processing device is disclosed. The nip is capable of being configured by abuttingly coupling a heater device to a pressure roller. A first heater device temperature of the heater device and a pressure roller temperature of the pressure roller are determined. A signal for configuring the nip is generated upon determining the first heater device temperature and the pressure roller temperature. A second heater device temperature of the heater device is determined on generating the signal. A closure of the nip is verified for advancing the media sheet through the nip based on the first heater device temperature, the second heater device temperature and the pressure roller temperature. The media sheet is advanced through the nip on verifying the nip as closed. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297195 | FUSER ASSEMBLIES, XEROGRAPHIC APPARATUSES AND METHODS OF FUSING TONER ON MEDIA IN XEROGRAPHIC APPARATUSES - Fuser assemblies, xerographic apparatuses including the fuser assemblies, and methods of fusing toner on media in xerographic apparatuses are disclosed. An embodiment of the fuser assemblies comprises a first roll including an electrically-conductive first surface; an electrically-conductive second surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a nip therebetween at which toner is fused on a medium; at least one voltage sensor for sensing a first voltage difference between the first surface and the second surface; and at least one power supply connected to the first surface and the second surface. A controller is connected to each voltage sensor and each power supply. The controller receives a signal from each voltage sensor indicating the first voltage difference, and the controller controls each power supply to produce a second voltage difference between the first surface and the second surface based on the first voltage difference. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297196 | FIXING APPARATUS - In one embodiment, a fixing apparatus is configured of a pressing portion for causing the pressure roller to enter a pressure applied state by applying bias, a switching portion for causing the pressing portion in the pressure applied state to enter a pressure released state by causing a cam to rotate forward, a pressure state detection portion for detecting the pressure released state, and a control portion for, when shifting from the pressure applied state to the pressure released state, turning forward the cam of the switching portion in the pressure applied state and stopping the cam after the pressure state detection portion detects the pressure released state. If the cam is turned forward with respect to the switching portion for a certain time period, but the pressure state detection portion does not detect the pressure released state, the control portion performs forward rotational direction retry control. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297197 | Image forming apparatus and control method therefor - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixer to fix an image formed on a sheet and includes a rotary heat generator including a heat generation layer, a pressure member to form a nip with the rotary heat generator to sandwich the sheet therebetween, an excitation coil disposed facing the rotary heat generator, to inductively heat the heat generation layer, a demagnetization coil disposed facing the heat generation layer, to generate magnetic flux that partly counteracts magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil and a fixer controller to control activation of the excitation coil as well as the demagnetization coil before a second image formation job after completion of a first image formation job in which an image is formed on a sheet of recording media whose width is smaller than a maximum sheet width usable in the fixer. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297198 | IMAGE FIXING APPARATUS - A fixing apparatus includes a control circuit which controls the electrifying to a first heater so that a temperature detected by a first temperature detection portion reaches a first target temperature and controls the electrifying to a second heater so that a temperature detected by a second temperature detection portion reaches a second target temperature, when warm-up is initiated, and, when the warm-up initiated, if an initial temperature of a rotary member is below a predetermined temperature, the control circuit sets the first target temperature to a temperature value greater than the first target temperature set when the initial temperature of the rotary member is greater than the predetermined temperature and sets the second target temperature to a temperature value greater than the second target temperature set when the initial temperature of the rotary member is greater than the predetermined temperature. In this way, hot offset and poor fixing can be prevented and a pre-heating operation time can be prevented from extending excessively. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297199 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an imaging section and a thermal fixing device. The fixing device fuses a toner image formed by the imaging section onto the recording sheet passing through a fixing nip. The fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressure member, a heater, a temperature sensor, and a temperature controller. The fixing member is rotatable, and the pressure member is pressed against the fixing member to form the fixing nip therebetween. The heater heats at least a portion of the fixing member. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fixing member. The temperature controller controls the temperature of the fixing member in at least one of an on-off mode and a PID mode. The temperature controller initially operates in the on-off mode upon entering recovery, and switches to the PID mode when a threshold time has elapsed after entering recovery. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297200 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a pattern forming unit which forms a light amount adjustment pattern on an image carrier belt, a light amount control unit which controls the amount of light irradiating the image carrier belt and pattern, a detection sensor which detects reflected light amounts from the image carrier belt and pattern with respect to the irradiating light amount and stores the detection results in a storage unit, a calculation unit which calculates the correspondence between the irradiating light amount and the reflected light amounts from the image carrier belt and pattern on the basis of the detection results and stores the calculation results in the storage unit, and a light amount decision unit which decides, on the basis of the calculation results, a light amount at which the difference between the reflected light amounts from the image carrier belt and pattern exhibits a value set in advance. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297201 | IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS - An image heating apparatus includes an image heating rotational member configured to heat an image on a recording material, a pressure member configured to form a nip portion with the image heating rotational member and pinch the heated recording material in the nip portion, a first external heater including a first heat generation member and configured to contact an outer surface of the image heating rotational member and heat an area of the image heating rotational member that has passed the nip portion, and a second external heater including a second heat generation member and configured to contact an outer surface of the image heating rotational member and heat an area of the image heating rotational member heated by the first external heater. In the image heating apparatus, maximum power applied to the second heat generation member is smaller than maximum power applied to the first heat generation member. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297202 | DEVELOPING APPARATUS, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing apparatus including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member, wherein the developing apparatus is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in an axial direction of the developing roller, the developing apparatus includes a drive transmission member, provided at one end of the developing roller, for receiving a driving force from the main assembly and transmitting the driving force to the developing roller; an urging member, provided at other end, for urging the developing roller in the axial direction; an abutting portion, provided adjacent the one end, for being abutted by the shaft of the developing roller by an urging force of the urging member to position the developing roller with respect to the axial direction; and a contact member contactable to a main assembly contact provided in the main assembly when the developing apparatus is mounted to the main assembly, wherein the contact member contacts to a peripheral surface of the shaft of the developing roller adjacent the one end to apply a voltage to the developing roller. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297203 | Image Forming Apparatus and Process Cartridge - An image forming apparatus has plural process cartridges. Each of process cartridges comprises: a photosensitive element; an electrification unit including a discharging unit and an electrification frame which contains the discharging unit and which has a first opening formed between the photosensitive element and the discharging unit and a second opening formed at a position opposite the first opening across the discharging unit; and a process frame including an exposure opening opposing the photosensitive element, wherein the plurality of process cartridges are arranged such that one process cartridge of a pair of adjacent process cartridges opposes the second opening and the exposure aperture of the electrification unit of the other process cartridge; a regulation member configured to regulate airflow is provided between the pair of process cartridges; and the regulation member has elasticity and is disposed in a position between the second opening and the exposure aperture of the electrification unit. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297204 | BELT CONVEYANCE APPARATUS AND IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS - The image heating apparatus has a plurality of heat generators which are capable of forming a plurality of heat generating distribution in the longitudinal direction for supplying heat to a heating member. Unevenness in temperature is decreased by changing the heat generating distribution when cooling by a fan for the heating member starts. The heat generating distribution is changed so that heat generating amount at an area in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the cooling area by the fan is to be larger than the heat generating amount before starting the cooling. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297205 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND PHOTOELECTROGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a first unit having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a second unit including a developing roller configured to develop a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a sheet member which is disposed along the developing roller in a lengthwise direction of the developing roller and contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive member to restrain scattering of developer, wherein a contact portion of the sheet member that contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive member is roughened by a roughening process. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297206 | CLEANING MEMBER, CHARGING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cleaning member including a core bar, an elastic coating layer, and high-friction coefficient parts provided on both ends of the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning member is roller-shaped and configured to clean a surface of a roller member to be cleaned in contact therewith. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297207 | WINDING MEMBER, CARTRIDGE, AND CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLING METHOD - A winding member winds a seal member that seals an opening of a developer storage unit. The winding member includes a first holding portion having a first engaging portion, and a second holding portion having a second engaging portion to be engaged with the first engaging portion, configured to hold the sealing member between the first and second holding portions, wherein an end of the first holding portion and an end of the second holding portion are connected, so that the first holding portion and the second holding portion are relatively movable, and wherein the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion while the sealing member is held between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297208 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ASSEMBLING, DISASSEMBLING REMANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR - An assembling method for a process cartridge the assembling method includes a step of preparing a drum unit supporting a electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a step of preparing a developing unit supporting a developing roller for developing a electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum a developer supplying roller for supplying a developer to the developing roller and a developer accommodating portion having a developer supply opening; a unit coupling process of coupling the drum unit and the developing unit with each other; a first-end developing-device spacing member mounting step after the unit coupling process of engaging with a opening provided at a first end portion of the drum unit a first-end developing-device spacing member provided rotatably about a shaft at a first end portion of the developing unit to regulate rotation of the developing unit relative to the drum unit; and a second-end developing-device spacing member mounting step of engaging, with a projection provided at a second end portion of the drum unit, a second-end developing-device spacing member provided rotatably about a shaft at a second end portion of the developing unit to regulate rotation of the developing unit relative to the drum unit. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297209 | Image Forming Device Having Detachable Process Unit - An image forming device facilitating fluid communication between developer cartridges supported in a main body frame and a process unit in which developing units are accommodated in a drawer movable in a first direction and second direction opposite to the first direction. The developing units are arrayed in the first and second direction, and the process unit is formed with communication ports displaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to the first and second direction. An inlet shutter mechanism is provided to open the communication ports when the drawer is assembled to an operable position for image formation. The main body has abutment portions to open each shutter of the inlet shutter mechanism in accordance with the movement of the drawer to the operable position. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297210 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus comprising: a recording unit; a reading unit rotatably supported to the upper portion of the recording unit so as to be openable and closable about one end as a fulcrum and reads an original; an L-shaped guide groove which is provided for the recording unit and in which a long groove portion and a short groove portion are connected by a bending portion; and a stay at one end is fitted into the guide groove and coupled therewith, the other end is swingably coupled with the reading unit. The guide groove has a restricting mechanism configured to alternately guide the projecting portion to the long groove portion and the short groove portion when the projecting portion moves from the bending portion. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297211 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a drum unit supporting the drum, a developing unit supporting a developing roller and swingably coupled with the drum unit, drum and developing roller rotating force receiving portions, first and second positionable portions positioned at first and second main assembly side positioning portions by contacting by an urging force of first and second main assembly side urging members, a developing device spacing force receiving portion, first and second cartridge side rotation regulating portions for limiting rotation of the drum unit by abutting first and second main assembly side rotation regulating portions when the drum and developing roller rotating force receiving portions receive the rotating forces or when the developing device spacing force receiving portion receives the urging force from the main assembly. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297212 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge and an image forming apparatus in which a charging roller is separated from a photosensitive drum by a predetermined distance and in which the separation between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum is released at the time of use without involving an increase in the burden on the user and erroneous releasing of the separation by user is prevented prior to use. The process cartridge, which is detachably mountable to the apparatus main body having an acting portion, includes a process cartridge frame, a locking portion locked with the frame to separate the charging roller from the photosensitive drum, a separation holding member having an acted portion which penetrates the frame and on which the acting portion can act, and a protruding portion provided on the frame and protruding beyond the acted portion at the position where the separation holding member is locked with the frame. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297213 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE - A process cartridge is configured to perform a contact and separation operation between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum. The process cartridge is provided with a toner scattering prevention sheet. The process cartridge includes a container a part of which is provided with a contact portion for regulating a spacing range between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297214 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes a drum unit supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and having a process cartridge positioning portion which is engageable with a main assembly positioning portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus; a developing unit supporting a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer, wherein the developing unit is movable relative to the drum unit between a contacting position in which the developing roller is contacted to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a spaced position in which the developing roller is spaced from the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a space maintaining member movable between an engaging position for maintaining the developing unit in the spaced position and a releasing position for permitting the developing unit to move to the contacting position, wherein the space maintaining member is moved to the releasing position by being abutted by the main assembly positioning portion when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297215 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a drum unit containing said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a developing unit swingably supported by said drum unit and containing said developing roller; an urging member for urging said drum unit and said developing unit to each other so as to press said developing roller against said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a space keeping member for keeping space between said electrophotographic photosensitive drum and said developing roller by engaging with said developing unit and limiting swing of said developing unit against an urging force of said urging member, wherein said space keeping member is movable by being contacted by the main assembly of the apparatus in a direction crossing with a swing plane perpendicular to an axis of the swing, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus in a direction of an axis of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297216 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A process cartridge includes a first guided portion provided on a photosensitive member unit at a downstream side of a mounting direction of the process cartridge, a second guided portion provided along the mounting direction, and a third guided portion provided on a developing unit of the process cartridge along the mounting direction. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297217 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTORECEPTOR, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE USING THE SAME - The present invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having at least a photosensitive layer and a surface layer provided at a surface of the photosensitive layer. The surface layer contains a first layer which is provided at the photosensitive layer side and has a refractive index of n1 and a second layer which is provided at the opposite side of the first layer to the photosensitive layer and has a refractive index of n2. The refractive index of the photosensitive layer, the refractive index of the first layer, the refractive index of the second layer, the film thickness of the first layer, an integer of 0 or more, and the wavelength of light with which the surface of the photoreceptor is irradiated when an electrostatic latent image is formed satisfy specific relationships. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297218 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTOSENSITIVE MEMBER, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - An electrophotographic photosensitive member having a charge generation layer containing a phenanthrene compound, a phenanthroline compound or an acenaphthene compound. Also disclosed are a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus which have the electrophotographic photosensitive member. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297219 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE - A member for performing separation holding of a developing roller of a process cartridge is provided at a position opposite from a photosensitive drum with respect to a swing center. A detachably mountable protective cover is mounted to the process cartridge and a projection of the protective cover is inserted between the photosensitive drum and a developing device frame which supports the developing roller. The projection of the protective cover is inserted in a non-contact state with the photosensitive drum and the developing device frame. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297220 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing body and a developer apparatus with mutually opposing first and second side faces to supply a developer to the image bearing body. The developer apparatus is installed removably on a frame with first and second wall surfaces opposing the first and second side faces respectively. First and second fulcrum sections project respectively on the first and second side faces. First and second installation grooves are provided respectively on the first and second wall surfaces and have open upper ends that receive the first and second fulcrum sections respectively. First and second supporting structures support the first fulcrum and second fulcrum sections that are fit respectively into the first and second installation grooves. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297221 | TRANSFER BELT MODULE STEERING TO OPTIMIZE CONTACT FORCES AT TRANSFER BELT AND PHOTORECEPTOR BELT INTERFACE - According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods of optimizing contact forces between transfer and photoreceptor belts in image forming devices. The method acquires initial and operational set point data for the photoreceptor and transfer belt at different stages of engagement. Yaw motion is applied to reduce any misalignment between the belts based on the acquired data. A processor is used to determine misalignment between the photoreceptor belt and the transfer belt, and an actuator can be used to apply yaw motion. The yaw motion can return the transfer belt and the photoreceptor belt to their initial set position, or return a steering subsystem actuator to its setting prior to engagement of the belts. Set point data can be from the respective transfer steering subsystem for the photoreceptor and the transfer belts. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297222 | COLOR-IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A color-image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive members corresponding to individual colors and disposed along the moving direction of a transfer member to which toner images are to be transferred, wherein the peripheral speed of a photosensitive member that is not forming a toner image on the transfer member is controlled so that a load during forming of a toner image on the transfer member with part of the photosensitive members at least comes close to a reference load generated between all the photosensitive members and the transfer member while all the photosensitive members are forming toner images on the transfer member. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297223 | LIGHT SOURCE HEAD AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A self-scanning light source head comprising: a substrate, surface emitting semiconductor lasers arranged in an array on the substrate, and at least one thyristor disposed on the substrate and serving as a switching element selectively turning ON and OFF light emission of the surface emitting semiconductor lasers, and an image forming apparatus using the same are provided. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297224 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING TONER, TONER, DEVELOPER, DEVELOPING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A method for manufacturing a toner is provided. The method for manufacturing a toner uses a rotary stirring apparatus that includes a circulating section for repeatedly performing circulation in a powder passage having a rotary stirring chamber and a circulation tube to return to the rotary stirring chamber by a rotary stirring section having a rotary disc around which rotary blades are installed and a rotary shaft, and a temperature adjusting section provided at least on a part of the powder passage for adjusting temperatures in the powder passage and of the rotary stirring section to a predetermined temperature, and includes a temperature adjusting step; a fine resin particle adhering step; a spraying step; and a film-forming step. The temperature in the powder passage is adjusted to the predetermined temperature by the temperature adjusting section at the fine resin particle adhering step, the spraying step, and the film-forming step. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297225 | TONER, DEVELOPER, DEVELOPING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A toner whose flowability, chargeability and fixing property are enhanced, a developer, a developing device and an image forming apparatus are provided. The toner comprises a toner particle in which a shell layer is formed on a surface of a core particle, and external additive, where (1) the shell layer is formed in a film on the surface of the core particle, (2) a shape factor SF-2 is 120 or more and 140 or less, and (3) a BET specific surface area measured by the BET method is 1.2 m | 2009-12-03 |
20090297226 | DEVELOPER SUPPLY CONTAINER AND DEVELOPER RECEIVING APPARATUS - A developer supply container detachably mountable to a developer receiving apparatus, wherein developer supply container mounted to the developer receiving apparatus is set to a set position by an operator rotating the developer supply container in a setting direction, includes a containing portion for containing a developer; a rotatable discharging member for discharging the developer out of the containing portion; and a drive transmission member for engagement with a driving gear provided in the developer receiving apparatus to transmit a driving force to the discharging member, wherein the drive transmission member is revolved to a position where the drive transmission member is engageable with the driving gear, by rotation of the developer supply container to the set position by the rotating operation of the operator; wherein the drive transmission member is loaded to rotate the developer supply container placed at the set position to a developer discharging position in the setting direction when the drive transmission member receives a driving force. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297227 | Image Formation Device and Developer Supply Device - There is provided an image formation device, comprising a developer holding body having a developer holding surface; and a developer supply unit to supply the developer to a first position facing the developer holding surface by carrying the developer in a developer transport direction intersecting with the main scanning direction through use of effect of an electric field. The developer supply unit comprises a plurality of carrying electrodes each of which is formed to have a longer side extending along the main scanning direction. The carrying electrodes are arranged along the developer transport direction to carry the developer when a drive voltage is applied to the carrying electrodes. The developer supply unit has a developer carrying area formed such that, in the main scanning direction, the developer carrying area becomes narrower from an upstream side in the developer transport direction toward the first position along the developer transport direction. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297228 | Developer Carrying Device and Image Forming Device - There is provided a developer carrying device, including a first carrying body having a first electrode group configured to from a traveling electric field while being applied a voltage sequentially and to circulate charged developer through a facing portion with respect to a developer supply target; and a second carrying body having a second electrode group configured to from a traveling electric field while being applied a voltage sequentially and to circulate the developer through a facing part with respect to the first electrode group so that the developer being carried is supplied to the first carrying body. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297229 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic latent image; a rotatable developer carrying member, provided opposed to the image bearing member, for carrying a developer including toner and a carrier to a position where the developer carrying member is opposed to the image bearing member; a regulating member for regulating the amount of the developer to be carried on the developer carrying member; a driving device for rotating the developer carrying member; a controller for controlling the driving device to execute, at the time of end of image formation, a plurality of continuous operations each including acceleration of a rotational speed of the developer carrying member and deceleration thereof following the acceleration. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297230 | TONER SUPPLYING ROLLER, DEVELOPING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A toner supplying roller which is used in a developing apparatus and has the following characteristics: (1) an average diameter of a foam cell opening portion on a surface of a foam elastic member is 100 to 800 μm, (2) an unopened cell closed by a skin layer of a film thickness of 50 μm or less is present in the surface of the foam elastic member, and (3) assuming that a surface area of the foam elastic member is A, a total area of the foam cell opening portions is B, and a surface area of the unopened cell is C, the following relationship is satisfied: | 2009-12-03 |
20090297231 | Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof, a toner carrying roller that is disposed to face the image carrier and rotates in a predetermined rotation direction with charged toner carried on a surface thereof so as to transport the toner in an opposing position for facing the image carrier, and a bias applying unit that develops the electrostatic latent image with the toner by applying an AC voltage as a developing bias to the toner carrying roller. In addition, periodical concavo-convexes that are formed of a plurality of convex portions arranged at a constant pitch in a circumferential direction and concave portions that surround the plurality of convex portions are formed on the surface of the toner carrying roller. When the arrangement pitch is denoted by P, the frequency of the developing bias is denoted by F, and the moving speed of the surface of the toner carrying roller for the circumferential direction is denoted by V, a quotient acquired from dividing V by F is a value acquired from multiplying P by a natural number or an approximately natural number. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297232 | POLYIMIDE INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER COMPONENTS - An intermediate transfer belt that includes a thermosetting polyimide and a conductive component, and where the polyimide is rapidly cured. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297233 | IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS - An image heating apparatus includes a heating member for heating a toner image on a recording material in a heating nip; a pressing member for forming the heating nip in contact with the heating member; a abrading member for abrading a surface of the heating member; a contact-and-separation device for permitting contact and separation of the abrading member with respect to the heating member; and a selecting device for selecting, depending on a basis weight of the recording material to be heated by said heating member, whether or not the contact-and-separation means brings the abrading member into contact with the pressing member before a recording material is conveyed to the heating nip. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297234 | PRESSURE ROLLER INTERFRAME OIL CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD - A fuser assembly for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus including a fuser roller, a pressure roller, and a pressure roller cleaner for cleaning the pressure roller. The pressure roller cleaner has an absorbent portion and a drive mechanism for moving the pressure roller cleaner relative to the pressure roller such that the pressure roller cleaner is selectively located proximate the pressure roller to absorb oil. A controller selectively activates the drive mechanism to move the pressure roller cleaner. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297235 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus has heating and fixing rollers that define a fixing belt rotating path with a straight line region that runs along and faces at least an upstream part of a rotating direction of a toner image carrying belt. The upstream part of the rotating portion is upstream from a transfer position to a second roller in terms of the rotating direction of the toner image carrying belt. This arrangement reduces trapping of heat inside the main body of the apparatus, and improves the cooling efficiency of the main body of the apparatus. In addition, the toner image carrying belt and the fixer are in close proximity to each other, thereby raising the freedom of arrangement of the other constituent members, and making it possible to reduce the size of the main body of the apparatus. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297236 | HEAT FIXING APPARATUS - The heat fixing apparatus includes a fixing heater and a pressure roller. The fixing heater has a plurality of resistance-type heat generation layers which are different in heat distribution in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the direction of conveying a recording material. The recording material P is heated when passed through a fixing nip portion formed between the fixing heater and the pressure roller. The pressurization conditions between the fixing heater and the pressure roller can be changed. The heat fixing apparatus includes a fixing member which adjusts the lengthwise heat distribution of the fixing heater by changing the applied current proportion of the plurality of resistance-type heat generation layers according to the pressurization conditions between the fixing heater and the pressure roller. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297237 | INDUCTION HEATING FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS EMPLOYING INDUCTION HEATING FIXING DEVICE - A fixing device comprises a heated member formed into a hollow, cylindrical shape, said heated member including a nonmagnetic portion having a particular length along an axial direction of said heated member, a magnetic flux generator for generating magnetic flux exerted on said heated member, a first magnetic core disposed face to face with said magnetic flux generator with said heated member positioned between said first magnetic core and said magnetic flux generator to form a magnetic circuit which is routed to come out of said magnetic flux generator, pass through said heated member and return to said magnetic flux generator, and a shifting mechanism for varying the length of an area of said heated member along the axial direction thereof where the nonmagnetic portion of said heated member and said first magnetic core face each other. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297238 | BRUSH ROLLER, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier on which a toner image is formed; a cleaning unit that removes residual toner remaining on the image carrier after transferring the toner image onto a medium; and a lubricant applying unit that includes a lubricant and a brush roller that scrapes the lubricant and applies scraped lubricant to the image carrier and that is arranged upstream of the cleaning unit in a rotation direction of the image carrier. The brush roller includes a bristle of which cross section is shaped such that a point from which a plurality of projections extends is positioned outside a center of the cross section of the bristle. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297239 | CLEANING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Disclosed a cleaning apparatus including: a brush to remove an adhered matter adhered to a photoconductor drum; wherein the brush includes: a first brush portion which contacts an end portion of the photoconductor drum in an axial direction, which portions is on a circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum, and in which portion a conductive base substance is exposed; and a second brush portion which contacts only a photosensitive layer on the circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum, and an electric resistance value of the first brush portion is larger than that of the second brush when a bias current is applied. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297240 | PRINT ENGINE PRODUCTIVITY MODULE INVERTER - A productivity module for increasing duplex throughput of a first print engine is disclosed. The productivity module has a second print engine, a controller, and an inverter. The controller is configured to receive one or more timing signals from the first print engine and synchronize timing of the second print engine with the first print engine based at least in part on the timing signals received from the first print engine. The inverter has an input paper path having an entrance configured to accept one or more receiver sheets from the first print engine; an output paper path having an exit configured to supply the one or more receiver sheets to the second print engine; and an inversion paper path having an entrance coupled to an exit of the input paper path and an exit coupled to an entrance of the output paper path. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297241 | STRUCTURE TO GUIDE PRINT MEDIUM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS EMPLOYING THE SAME - A structure to guide a take-in direction of a print medium to be taken in a carrying part where the print medium is carried, the structure includes: a guide unit which changes a travel direction of the print medium from a feeding direction, in which the print medium is supplied from a medium feeding unit, to the take-in direction of the print medium; and a vibration damper which prevents a bottom part of the print medium from shaking and vibrating when the print medium is free from the guide unit. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297242 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image transfer portion for transferring a toner image to a printing sheet. A fixing portion includes a fixing member and a pressure member pressed against the fixing member for fixing the toner image to the printing sheet. A guide is between the image transfer portion and the fixing portion for guiding the printing sheet carrying the toner image toward a nip between the fixing member and the pressure member. The guide includes a rigid first guide plate and a flexible second guide plate joined to the first guide plate at a downstream portion thereof along a sheet feeding direction. The second guide plate has a free downstream end that is closer to the fixing member than a tangent line drawn to pass through the nip between the fixing member and the pressure member. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297243 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In an image forming device, a fixing unit thermally fixes a development image transferred onto a first surface of a recording medium, the recording medium having a second surface opposite to the first surface. The conveying wall defines a conveying path, along which the recording medium is conveyed from the fixing unit in a conveying direction, the recording medium being conveyed along the conveying path with the first surface of the recording medium confronting the conveying wall, the recording medium having a pair of lateral parts in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction, the recording medium being curled at the pair of lateral parts to bring the first surface to face outwardly and the second surface to face inwardly. The abutting member is provided in confrontation with the conveying wall, with the conveying path being defined between the conveying wall and the abutting member, the recording medium being conveyed along the conveying path between the conveying wall and the abutting member with the second surface confronting the abutting member, the abutting member being urged so as to be capable of being in abutment contact with the lateral parts of the recording medium to eliminate the curling of the recording medium. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297244 | Recording apparatus and method for controlling the rotation of rotating section in recording apparatus - A recording apparatus performs recording on a strip of a recording target medium that is fed from a roll object that is set in or on the recording apparatus. The roll object is formed as, or at least includes, a roll of the recording target medium. The recording apparatus includes: a rotating unit that rotates the roll object; a rotation controlling unit that controls the rotation of the rotating unit; and a roll object diameter measuring unit that measures the diameter of the roll object, wherein the rotation controlling unit sets the rotation speed of the rotating unit or the rotation amount of the rotating unit on the basis of the diameter of the roll object measured by the roll object diameter measuring unit so as to ensure that at least either one of the transportation speed of the recording target medium and the transportation distance of the recording target medium is set at a predetermined value. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297245 | Web Flow Path - Various embodiments and methods relating to moving a printed upon web along bowed segments of a web path through at least three consecutive turns in a same direction are disclosed. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297246 | PRINTER - The present invention provides a printer that prints on a rolled recording paper, cuts the printed recording paper to a predetermined length, and ejects the cut recording paper. The printer includes storage means | 2009-12-03 |
20090297247 | PRINTING APPARATUS AND PRINT SETTING METHOD - A printing apparatus which prints one image by sequentially transferring a set of a plurality of color inks to roll paper from an ink ribbon cyclically coated with the plurality of color inks, the apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit which acquires image data; a print processing unit which prints an image on the roll paper based on the image data acquired by the acquisition unit; a cutting unit which cuts the roll paper after the print processing unit prints the image; and a setting unit which sets a cutting position, the setting unit displaying an image to be printed on a display unit together with the cutting position, and changing the cutting position in accordance with an operation to an operation member, wherein the cutting unit cuts the roll paper in accordance with the cutting position set by the setting unit. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297248 | KNIFE WITH INTEGRATED DISPENSER - A knife with integrated dispenser incorporates a blade terminating at a boss. A handle extends from the boss with a condiment container connected to the handle and the boss. A conduit extending through the boss and communicating with the condiment container terminates in an aperture adjacent the blade for extruding condiment. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297249 | COATING MATERIAL EXTRUDING CONTAINER - To generate a sense of click according to the movement of a moving member, reset screwing sections to screw in when a screwing action of the screwing sections is released, and reduce the number of components. In a container | 2009-12-03 |
20090297250 | PEN CAP AND PEN BARREL COUPLING STRUCTURE - A pen cap and a pen barrel coupling structure provides the pen cap formed in hollow to hold a magnet and an opening at one end and the pen barrel couplable with the opening of the pen cap and having a metal element attractable to the magnet. The pen cap and pen barrel have respectively a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion that correspond to and engageable with each other. The first and second coupling portions form a first coupling position to allow the magnet and metal element attracting to each other to form an anchor condition, and a second coupling position to separate the magnet and metal element to release the anchor condition. Thus by moving the pen cap against the pen barrel to the second coupling position, the pen cap can be separated from the pen barrel to make use of the pen easier. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297251 | Surgical skin marker with disposable sterilized tip - A surgical skin marker has a handle body and a removably attached marking tip that is provided in a protective sterilized bag. After a single use, the marking tip can be removed and discarded. A new marking tip can be attached for a subsequent surgical procedure or treatment. Such a marker can help maintain a sterile surgical environment while minimizing waste and costs. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297252 | DISPENSER HAVING AN ANTI-ROTATION PISTON - An elongate container includes a cylindrical chamber having an opening at one end of the container. A collar is affixed to the elongate container, and a threaded rod is axially disposed within the cylindrical chamber and coupled to the collar. The collar is adapted to rotate the threaded rod relative to the elongate container. A piston is disposed within the cylindrical chamber and is threadingly engaged with the threaded rod. The piston includes a sealing ring adapted to circumferentially seal against an inner wall of the cylindrical chamber and at least two axially aligned ribs. The ribs are disposed on a side of the piston and seated against the inner wall of the cylindrical chamber. With this arrangement, rotation of the threaded rod causes translation of the piston in the axial direction. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297253 | Brush device for dispensing liquid material by using plunger means - Brush device which dispenses fluid material such as toothpaste or paint is equipped with a dispenser and brush. The dispenser comprises a liquid material container and a plunger therein which is manually actuated to pressure out the liquid material from the container. The brush body is detachably connected to a liquid material container using a screw mate and elongated hub engagement. The material is pressured by the plunger to enter into a series of conduits incorporated into a body of the brush and, through the openings of the head of the brush, finally pushed out to the bristles of the brush. When the fluid in the container is completely used up, the dispenser is reloaded with new fluid by sliding a plunger of the dispenser. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297254 | Journal Template System - A journaling system including a binder, journaling sheets, and template sheet. The template sheet includes a plurality of spaced holes spatially arranged to correspond to at least some of the rings in the binder. Typically, each of the holes includes a slit that allows the template sheet to be inserted and removed from the binder without opening the rings. One or more windows are defined in the template sheet which allows a user to write therethrough onto a journaling sheet. A preprinted instruction is disposed adjacent to the window which instructs the user to write a message within the window. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297255 | DRIVE MEANS - A drive means for downhole use comprises an input shaft and an output shaft, the input shaft being coupled to a means of rotation, the input shaft and the output shaft being torsionally coupled, the output shaft being coupled to the rotor of the progressive cavity pump, the input shaft lies in a first axis and the output shaft lies in a second axis, the second axis being parallel to the first axis but spaced from it so that the output shaft rotates about its axis while describing a circular path. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297256 | Antirotation coupling for connector - A mechanism ( | 2009-12-03 |
20090297257 | Pivot Joint - A pivot joint has a first member having a ball located at one end, a fixed member having one or more bearing surface, which locates on the ball of the first member and a second member having one or more bearing surface located at one end which locates onto the ball of the first member. The first and second members are rotatable about the centre of the ball. This type of pivot joint is suitable for use in a machine such as a Stewart platform. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297258 | Rake with quick handle connection - A reliable quick connection mechanism is provided for attaching a pole-like handle to a rake or other tool head. The mechanism comprises a socket that is part of the rake or other tool head and a detent attached to the pole-like handle for interlocking engagement with teeth that form part of the socket. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297259 | STEERING APPARATUS - To provide a steering apparatus which can ensure the transmission of rotational torque of a steering shaft even when weld joining between a shaft and a shaft coupling is insufficient. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297260 | Coupling For A Medical Instrument - A coupling for a medical instrument for connecting two lines, with a first coupling part, and with a second coupling part which can be inserted into the first coupling part in the longitudinal direction of the coupling parts. The coupling comprises first locking elements arranged on the first coupling part and second locking elements arranged on the second coupling part, the first locking elements being movable between a locking position, in which they engage with the second locking elements, and an unlocking position, in which they disengage from the second locking elements. The coupling further comprises retaining elements which are arranged on the first coupling part and which are movable between a retention position, in which they keep the first and second locking elements in engagement with each other, and a release position, in which the first and second locking elements can be disengaged. It is proposed that the first coupling part comprises a slide which is movable in the longitudinal direction thereof and which, upon insertion of the second coupling part into the first coupling part, is moved from an advanced position to a recessed position, that the slide is biased into the advanced position, and that sealing elements are arranged on an end of the second coupling part directed towards the first coupling part which in a state in which the first coupling part is connected to the second coupling part, seal off an interior of the coupling with respect to a fluid. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297261 | SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLING TWO ROTARY PARTS TOGETHER BY FLANGES - The invention relates to a system of assembling together two rotary parts by means of flanges, said flanges forming a cylindrical passage of diameter D | 2009-12-03 |
20090297262 | FRICTION CLAMP - A clamping mechanism including: a deformable body configured to provide a friction fit with at least one element to which it is fitted, at least one slot in the deformable body, wherein the slot traverses at least a portion of the longitudinal and latitudinal direction of the body. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297263 | BETONLEITWAND-ELEMENT - In a concrete safety barrier element ( | 2009-12-03 |
20090297264 | ROAD MARKER - A road marker according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention has advantages that exterior impact transmitted from a tire may be absorbed by elastic force of a spring as a consequence of a transparent cover being completely inserted in an upper housing when a vehicle passes on a road marker. The road marker has further advantages in that a vehicle load may not be transmitted to a guide cover and thus breakage of the road marker may be prevented. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297265 | B-W manhole cover-cover - Depressed manhole covers affect vehicles negatively. The B-W Manhole Cover-Cover is a recycled rubber disc attached to the existing manhole cover with toggle-bolts. It will provide proper elevation. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297266 | CONNECTOR AND RIG MAT EMPLOYING SAME - A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297267 | Recycled tire paver blocks - Recycled tire paver blocks with hidden interconnectors are cast blocks composed at least of a binder and rubber, the rubber being shredded rubber from recycled tires. The block has a top, a bottom and at least one sidewall, and has a substantially symmetric shape from a top view. It has at least one protruding male interconnector located on and extending outwardly from the at least one sidewall, and having at least one female interconnector located under the block on its bottom, at least 90 degrees away from the male interconnector as measured in an arc from a centerpoint of the block. The at least one female interconnector is a recess adapted to receive a male interconnector of a similar block. When the paver block male interconnector is inserted into a female interconnector of a similar block, both interconnectors are significantly hidden from top view. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297268 | Method for Removing Asphalt Pavement, System for Removing Asphalt Pavement, Electromagnetic Induction Coil Unit, Apparatus for Removing Asphalt Pavement, and Method for Peeling off Asphalt Pavement - It is intended to allow an asphalt pavement to be peeled off efficiently with a relatively small amount of electric power without generating large vibration and noise, and handled in the form of a block. An electromagnetic induction coil | 2009-12-03 |
20090297269 | MOTOR-POWERED, POLE-MOUNTED CONCRETE FINISHER - A motor-powered concrete finisher, having a motor and a rotatable circular disc powered by the motor are attached at the end of a counter-balanced extension pole. A handle may be provided at or near the balance point of the extension pole. The motor may be disposed on the rear end of the extension pole, to assist in counterbalancing the weight of the circular disc, hub, front end of the extension pole and other weight on the front end of the extension pole. An angled gear drive on the front end of the extension pole, driven by a shaft extending through the extension pole, has an attachment hub at its end for attachment of the circular disc. The motor may be an internal combustion engine. The concrete finisher may be a weed trimmer having the weed trimmer attachment replaced by a rotatable circular disc. | 2009-12-03 |
20090297270 | Artificial reef and a method of constructing an artificial reef - A method of constructing an artificial reef. The method includes attaching a reef element ( | 2009-12-03 |