Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080271820 | ANTIRUST TREATMENT METHOD FOR AN ALUMINUM DIE-CAST PART FOR VEHICULAR LIGHTING FIXTURE, AND AN ALUMINUM DIE-CAST PART FOR VEHICULAR LIGHTING FIXTURE - An aluminum alloy-made part for a vehicular lighting fixture cast by the die-casting method and containing at least silicon is heated, whereby the silicon in the surface layer of the aluminum alloy-made part for a vehicular lighting fixture is oxidized to form a silicon oxide layer. By the heating treatment, the aluminum alloy-made part can achieve an antirust effect. | 11-06-2008 |
20090060189 | TERMINAL DEVICE, GROUP MANAGEMENT SERVER, NETWORK COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ENCRYPTION KEY - A network communication system has terminal devices belonging to a group, the terminal devices generating, if there is a leaving terminal device leaving from the group, an updated group encryption key corresponding to a new group encryption key, from a deletion key corresponding to the leaving terminal device and a group encryption key, and, after the leaving terminal device leaves the group, communicating by using the updated group encryption key; and a group management server generating the updated group encryption key corresponding to the new group encryption key from the deletion key corresponding to the leaving terminal device and the group encryption key, and, after the leaving terminal device leaves the group, communicating by using the updated group encryption key. | 03-05-2009 |
20090203440 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND INPUT INTERFACE APPARATUS - For an input interface apparatus for recognizing the motion of an object, there may be cases where the brightness of the object to be captured is insufficient, and thus, a camera takes an image of the object operated by the object, a depth position detector detects the position of the object based on captured frames, an action identifying unit identifies an action of the player based on a result on the detection of the object, an input receiving unit receives the action as an instruction to an input-receiving image displayed on a display, and in response to the action, an illumination control unit raises the brightness of the image projected on the display higher than that before the action is detected. | 08-13-2009 |
20090237537 | DIGITAL CAMERA - In order to provide a digital camera which includes a heat dissipating device which can cool sufficiently a solid state image pick-up device and integrated circuits, which has a high rigidity and which affects little the design of the digital camera, there is provided a digital camera comprising a lens unit | 09-24-2009 |
20100014862 | Mach-Zehnder Light Modulator, Mach-Zehnder Light Modulating Method, Optical Transmitter, Light Modulator, Optical Transmitting Apparatus, and Optical Receiving Apparatus - A phase modulator (22) modulates, based on an electrical signal (Sa), the phase of one of optical signals of an input optical signal branched by a light branching circuit (21). Then, a phase modulator (23) performs phase modulation in a smaller amount and opposite polarity as compared to the phase modulator (22) based on an electrical signal (Sc) obtained by delaying the inverse logic signal (Sb) of the electrical signal (Sa) by a predetermined delay time τ shorter than the transient response time of the phase modulator (22) or the rise and fall times of the electrical signal (Sa). A light multiplexing circuit (24) multiplexes the optical signal obtained by the phase modulator (23) with the other optical signal of the input optical signal, thereby outputting a pulse-like output optical signal (36). | 01-21-2010 |
20100066745 | Face Image Display, Face Image Display Method, and Face Image Display Program - The present invention provides a facial image display apparatus that can display moving images concentrated on the face when images of people's faces are displayed. A facial image display apparatus is provided wherein a facial area detecting unit ( | 03-18-2010 |
20100222144 | IMAGE-LINKED SOUND OUTPUT METHOD AND DEVICE - Intended is to inform a player of it through both the visual sense and the auditory sense that an action has been recognized. A velocity vector calculating unit calculates, by using the image of the action of the player taken with a camera ( | 09-02-2010 |
20110181621 | Image Processor, Image Processing Method, Recording Medium, Computer Program And Semiconductor Device - To provide an image processing technique for easy initial settings when a video image feature is used as an input interface. This is an image processor having an image combining section for combining a mirrored video image feature that includes an image of an operator as a portion thereof and an object image of an object that is associated with a predetermined event, to generate a combined image, and being adapted to provide production of the combined image on a display device. This image processor has a detection section for detecting the position of an image of an operator included in the mirrored video image feature. The image combining section is adapted to combine the object image and the mirrored video image feature in such a manner that the object image is displayed in a range that an image of a hand of the operator can reach, depending on the position of the image of the operator detected by the detection section. | 07-28-2011 |
20120169913 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE - An image capturing device | 07-05-2012 |
20120223952 | Information Processing Device Capable of Displaying A Character Representing A User, and Information Processing Method Thereof. - The basic image specifying unit specifies the basic image of a character representing a user of the information processing device. The facial expression parameter generating unit converts the degree of the facial expression of the user to a numerical value. The model control unit determines an output model of the character for respective points of time. The moving image parameter generating unit generates a moving image parameter for generating animated moving image frames of the character for respective points of time. The command specifying unit specifies a command corresponding to the pattern of the facial expression of the user. The playback unit outputs an image based on the moving image parameter and the voice data received from the information processing device of the other user. The command executing unit executes a command based on the identification information of the command. | 09-06-2012 |
20120236423 | LENS DRIVING DEVICE - A lens driving device comprises a lens holder for holding a lens, a shaft for supporting the lens holder so as to make the lens holder movable in an optical axis direction of the lens and swingable about an axis of the shaft, an actuator for applying a driving force to the lens holder so as to move the lens holder in the optical axis direction; and an urging member for applying an urging force to the lens holder so as to rotate the lens holder toward the actuator. In the lens holder, a position where the urging force is applied by the urging member and a position where the driving force is applied by the actuator oppose each other, so that the urging force from the urging member is directed to the actuator. | 09-20-2012 |
20130164056 | Fixing Device And Image Forming Apparatus Including The Fixing Device - A fixing device for fixing an image on a recording medium includes a rotatable endless fixing rotary member, a heating source which heats the fixing rotary member, an opposite rotary member in contact with the fixing rotary member, a nip forming member provided inside the fixing rotary member and in contact with the opposite rotary member via the fixing rotary member to form a nip portion to which the recording medium is fed, holding members rotatably holding end portions of the fixing rotary member, and protecting members provided between the holding members and end surfaces of the fixing rotary member to protect the end portions. Each of the protecting members has an opposite surface facing the corresponding end surface of the fixing rotary member, and including an inner diameter-side end edge having an inclined surface inclined in an inner diameter direction and away from the fixing rotary member. | 06-27-2013 |
20130164058 | FIXING DEVICE AND ENDLESS BELT ASSEMBLY - A fixing device includes an endless flexible belt, a stationary pad, a rotary pressure member, and a reinforcing member. The endless flexible belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction thereof for rotation in a rotational, circumferential direction thereof. The stationary pad is stationarily disposed inside the loop of the belt. The rotary pressure member is disposed parallel to the belt. The rotary pressure member presses against the stationary pad via the belt to form a nip therebetween. The reinforcing member is stationarily disposed in contact with the stationary pad inside the loop of the belt for reinforcing the stationary pad. The stationary pad includes two or more contact portions spaced apart from each other in the conveyance direction, each generally extending in the axial direction of the looped belt and protruding toward the reinforcing member to contact the reinforcing member. | 06-27-2013 |
20130164059 | Fixing Device And Image Forming Device - According to an embodiments, provided is a fixing device that includes: an endless fixing belt, heats and melts a toner image, and has flexibility; a stationary member that is set stationary on an inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt and comes into contact under pressure to form a nip portion; and a reinforcement member that is set stationary on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt and comes into abutment with the stationary member. If it is assumed that a length of the nip portion in a direction of conveyance of the recording medium is designated as A; and a length between an upstream-side abutment portion and a downstream-side abutment portion at which the stationary member and the reinforcement member come into abutment with each other is designated as B, following relation is established: A | 06-27-2013 |
20130170877 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, AND SEPARATING MEMBER - In an embodiment, provided is a fixing device that includes: a fixing belt rotatable and endless; a belt holding member holding the fixing belt at each end part in an axial direction; a heat source heating the fixing belt; a nip forming member provided inside the fixing belt; an opposing rotator forming a nip portion between the opposing rotator and the fixing belt via the fixing belt; and a separating member that extends near the nip portion and separates a recording medium from a surface of the fixing belt. A leading end of the separating member is provided with a receding portion and an approaching portion that is at a different position from a position of the receding portion different in the axial direction. The approaching portion is provided nearer to the nip portion than the receding portion is provided. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170879 | FIXING DEVICE WITH SUPPORT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a support supporting a nip formation assembly that presses against an opposed rotary body via an endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body. The support includes a base contacting the nip formation assembly. An upstream projection projects from the base in a pressurization direction of the opposed rotary body at a position on the base corresponding to or upstream from an upstream edge of the fixing nip in a recording medium conveyance direction. A downstream projection projects from the base in the pressurization direction of the opposed rotary body at a position on the base corresponding to or downstream from a downstream edge of the fixing nip in the recording medium conveyance direction. The downstream projection is spaced apart from the upstream projection in the recording medium conveyance direction. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170880 | FIXING DEVICE WITH ENDLESS BELT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - The fixing device includes a nip formation assembly partially pressing against an opposed rotary body via an endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body. The nip formation assembly includes a base pad defining the fixing nip and including a pressure portion, an extension portion, and a curved portion. The pressure portion presses against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The extension portion is contiguous to and disposed upstream from the pressure portion in a recording medium conveyance direction. The extension portion does not press against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The curved portion is disposed upstream from the extension portion in the recording medium conveyance direction and smoothly blends into the extension portion. The curved portion does not press against the opposed rotary body. | 07-04-2013 |
20130177340 | FIXING DEVICE CAPABLE OF ENHANCING DURABILITY OF ENDLESS BELT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING THE SAME - A fixing device includes an endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt. An opposed rotary body is pressed against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A belt holder contacts and supports each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. The belt holder is isolated from the opposed rotary body with a first interval interposed therebetween in the axial direction of the endless belt. | 07-11-2013 |
20130183070 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE FIXING DEVICE - A fixing device for fixing an image on a recording medium includes an endless fixing rotary member which is formed into a loop and comes into contact with the image on the recording medium, an opposed rotary member which is in contact with the fixing rotary member, a nip forming member provided inside the loop of the fixing rotary member to be in contact with the opposed rotary member via the fixing rotary member to form a nip portion to which the recording medium is fed in a feeding direction, a support member which supports the nip forming member, and a heating source which heats the fixing rotary member. The nip forming member includes a downstream portion extending downstream in the feeding direction from a center of the nip portion and an upstream portion extending upstream in the feeding direction from the center and longer than the downstream portion. | 07-18-2013 |
20130183071 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device that fixes an image on a recording medium includes a rotatable endless belt, deployed in a loop supported by rollers, a nip forming member provided inside the loop formed by the belt, a support member that supports the nip forming member, a counter rotation body disposed outside the loop formed by the belt and configured to form a nip with the belt by being in contact with the nip forming member through the belt, and a heat source configured to heat the belt directly by a radiant heat except at the nip. The support member includes a base portion that contacts the nip forming member and two arms extending from the base portion in a direction away from the nip forming member to partially surround a part of heat generating portion of the heat source. | 07-18-2013 |
20130188991 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH FIXING DEVICE - A fixing device comprises a rotatable fixing member to heat a side of a recording medium bearing an unfixed image; a heat source to heat the rotatable fixing member; a rotatable pressing member disposed opposite the fixing member to press against an outer side of the fixing member; a housing to accommodate the fixing member and the pressing member; a conveyance path defined internally within the fixing device to convey a recording medium therethrough and between the fixing member and the pressing member, and a shutter actuator to move the shutter to open and close the conveyance path. The housing holds the shutter and the shutter actuator. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189005 | SEPARATOR AND SEPARATION DEVICE, FIXING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A separator includes a front edge disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of an endless belt. The front edge contacts and separates a recording medium from the endless belt. A separation plate mounts the front edge. A contact plate projects from the separation plate in an axial direction of the endless belt and contacts a belt holder that supports the endless belt. A bracket projects from the separation plate in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the contact plate projects from the separation plate. The bracket includes a notch that engages the belt holder. The contact plate contacting the belt holder and the notch of the bracket engaging the belt holder produce an interval between the front edge of the separator and the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189008 | FIXING DEVICE AND ENDLESS BELT ASSEMBLY - A fixing device includes an endless flexible belt, a stationary pad, a rotary pressure member, and a lubrication mechanism. The endless flexible belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction thereof for rotation in a rotational, circumferential direction thereof. The stationary pad is stationarily disposed inside the loop of the belt. The rotary pressure member is disposed parallel to the belt. The rotary pressure member presses against the stationary pad via the belt to form a nip therebetween, through which a recording medium is conveyed in a conveyance direction. The lubrication mechanism supplies lubricant between the stationary pad and the belt, and includes a first sheet of lubricant-impregnated material and a second sheet of lubricant-impregnated material. | 07-25-2013 |
20130194684 | LENS DRIVE DEVICE - A lens drive device comprises a lens holder, a piezoelectric actuator, a ball member held rotatably, and an biasing member configured to apply an biasing force to the lens holder toward the piezoelectric actuator through the ball member. The lens holder has a projection projecting outward from an outer peripheral surface and extending in a direction intersecting the projecting direction and optical axis. A side wall face of the projection is formed with a groove extending along the optical axis and engaging the ball member. A position receiving the biasing force from the biasing member and a position receiving the drive force from the actuator in the lens holder oppose each other through the projection interposed therebetween. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195477 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device comprises a rotatable fixing member to apply heat to a recording medium bearing an unfixed image thereon, a heat source to heat the fixing member, and a rotatable pressing member pressing against the fixing member forming a nip therebetween. A driving source rotates and drives the fixing member and the pressing member. An overheat safety device has a relay to open and close a power supply path connected to the heat source. A temperature detector is connected to both the relay and the control unit to detect temperature of the fixing member. The overheat safety device turns off the relay and cuts off power supply to the heat source when the fixing member is overheated. The fixing member is allowed to radiate heat and cool down when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is more than a prescribed level. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195523 | FIXING DEVICE - A fixing device includes an endless flexible belt, an elongated stationary pad, a rotary pressure member, and a low-friction sheet. The endless flexible belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction thereof for rotation in a rotational, circumferential direction thereof. The elongated stationary pad is stationarily disposed inside the loop of the belt. The rotary pressure member is disposed parallel to the belt. The rotary pressure member presses against the stationary pad via the belt to form a nip therebetween, through which a recording medium is conveyed in a conveyance direction. The low-friction sheet of lubricant-impregnated material covers the stationary pad to supply a lubricant between the stationary pad and the belt across the nip. The low-friction sheet has one or more flow channels defined therein. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195524 | FIXING DEVICE AND ENDLESS BELT ASSEMBLY - A fixing device includes an endless flexible belt, an elongated stationary pad, a rotary pressure member, a low-friction sheet of lubricant-impregnated material, a first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer. The endless flexible belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction thereof for rotation in a rotational, circumferential direction thereof. The elongated stationary pad is stationarily disposed inside the loop of the belt. The rotary pressure member is disposed parallel to the belt. The rotary pressure member presses against the stationary pad via the belt to form a nip therebetween. The low-friction sheet of lubricant-impregnated material covers the stationary pad to supply lubricant between the stationary pad and the belt across the nip. The first adhesive layer is disposed between the low-friction sheet and the stationary pad. The second adhesive layer is disposed between the low-friction sheet and the stationary pad. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195525 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes: a rotatable endless fixing belt; a nip forming member arranged inside the fixing belt; a facing rotating body that abuts the nip forming member via the fixing belt to form a nip portion with the fixing belt; a heat source that directly heats up the fixing belt at a portion other than the nip portion; and a supporting member that supports the nip forming member. The fixing device conveys a recording medium carrying an unfixed image to the nip portion to fix the unfixed image to the recording medium, and the supporting member includes a rising portion extending in an abutting direction of the facing rotating body against the fixing belt and having a tip close to an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt, and is set to have a section modulus of 200 mm | 08-01-2013 |
20130202320 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A fixing device including a fixing member, an opposing member, a plurality of heat sources, and a voltage detector. The opposing member is disposed opposite the fixing member to contact the fixing member to form a nip portion at which an unfixed image on a recording medium is fixed. The plurality of heat sources heats the fixing member. The voltage detector detects an applied voltage of at least one of the plurality of heat sources. Upon detection of the applied voltage of the heat sources by the voltage detector, a voltage is applied to at least one of the heat sources. | 08-08-2013 |
20130209115 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device. The fixing device includes a rotatable endless fixing member, a nip forming member arranged inside the fixing member, a pressing member in contact with the nip forming member via the fixing member, and a heating source configured to heat the fixing member. When an abnormality occurs in at least one of the fixing device and other devices included in the image forming apparatus, a rotation of the fixing member is stopped prior to stopping a rotation driving of a discharging unit and, after stopping, the fixing member is controlled to rotate. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209119 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME, AND FIXING METHOD - A fixing device includes a controller connected to a heater and at least one of a pressing rotary body and an endless rotary body. The controller performs a first fixing operation, a first transition operation, a second fixing operation, and a second transition operation. The first fixing operation fixes a toner image on a first recording medium after the fixing device is powered on. The first transition operation rotates the pressing rotary body and the endless rotary body while controlling the heater to maintain the endless rotary body at a predetermined temperature for a first duration time. The second fixing operation fixes a toner image on a second recording medium. The second transition operation rotates the pressing rotary body and the endless rotary body while controlling the heater to maintain the endless rotary body at the predetermined temperature for a second duration time smaller than the first duration time. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209121 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A fixing device includes a heat source; a fixing member looped into a generally cylindrical shape to rotate in a circumferential direction thereof and partially heated by the heat source and to heat a surface of a recording medium bearing an unfixed toner image to fix the unfixed toner image thereon in a fixing process; a rotary pressing member disposed facing the fixing member to form a nip therebetween, through which the recording medium is transported in a transport direction; and a rotation driver to rotate one of the fixing member and the pressing member. In a case in which the fixing member is halted for a reason other than the fixing process while power of the fixing device is on, electric power is not supplied to the heat source and the fixing member is rotated by a predetermined amount or more after the fixing member is halted. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209125 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A fixing device for fixing an unfixed image onto a recording medium includes a fixing belt, a nip forming member, an opposing rotary member, a heater, and a temperature detector. The fixing belt is formed into a loop to move endlessly and fix the unfixed image on the recording medium. The nip forming member is disposed inside the loop formed by the fixing belt. The opposing rotary member contacts the nip forming member via the fixing belt to form a nip portion therebetween while rotating. The heater heats the fixing belt at a place other than the nip portion. The temperature detector detects a temperature of the surface of the fixing belt. The temperature detector detects the temperature near a place of the fixing belt that easily deforms as the fixing belt is heated by the heater. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209131 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device capable of shifting to a sleep state includes a heat source; a rotatable fixing member that is partly heated by the heat source to heat an unfixed image carrying surface of a recording medium; a rotatable pressing member that is in pressure contact with the fixing member to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member; a rotation drive unit that directly or indirectly rotates the fixing member; a temperature detecting unit that detects a temperature of the fixing member; and a controller configured to prohibit the fixing device from shifting to the sleep state when the temperature of the fixing member in a region facing the heat source is equal to or more than a predetermined temperature T | 08-15-2013 |
20130209139 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device capable of incorporating in an image forming apparatus includes a belt unit including a rotatable elastic endless belt having a sleeve shape without a driving shaft and a nip forming member disposed contactable against an inner surface of the endless belt, and a pressing member to form a nip contact portion through which a recording medium passes by pressing against the nip forming member via the endless belt. The endless belt is configured to be removable from the fixing device without contacting the endless belt. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209146 | FIXING DEVICE CAPABLE OF MINIMIZING DAMAGE OF ENDLESS BELT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes an endless belt and a belt holder contacting and rotatably supporting each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. A first protection ring and a second protection ring are interposed between the endless belt and the belt holder in the axial direction of the endless belt and rotatable in accordance with rotation of the endless belt to protect each lateral end of the endless belt as the endless belt is skewed in the axial direction thereof and brought into contact with the first protection ring. A friction coefficient between the first protection ring and the second protection ring is smaller than a friction coefficient between the first protection ring and the endless belt. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209147 | FIXING DEVICE CAPABLE OF MINIMIZING DAMAGE OF ENDLESS ROTARY BODY AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes at least one heater disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of an endless rotary body to heat the endless rotary body and a shield interposed between the endless rotary body and the at least one heater to shield the endless rotary body from heat radiated from the at least one heater. A first size recording medium passes over a first passage region of the endless rotary body and a second size recording medium passes over a second passage region of the endless rotary body. The shield includes a notch disposed opposite a lateral end of the second passage region of the endless rotary body in an axial direction thereof. The lateral end of the second passage region overlaps a non-passage region of the endless rotary body in the axial direction thereof where the first size recording medium does not pass. | 08-15-2013 |
20130236225 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes an endless belt and a pressing body pressed against the endless belt to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium is conveyed. A separator contacts and separates the recording medium discharged from the fixing nip from the endless belt. The separator includes a center plate disposed opposite a center of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof to contact the recording medium and a lateral end plate disposed opposite each lateral end of the endless belt in the axial direction thereof and including a contact portion projecting beyond the center plate toward the endless belt and contacting the endless belt to produce a given interval between the center plate and the endless belt. | 09-12-2013 |
20130251390 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME, AND FIXING METHOD - A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a heater disposed opposite and heating a heating span of the fixing rotary body. A controller is operatively connected to a power supply that supplies power to the heater and a driver that rotates the fixing rotary body to control the power supply and the driver. The controller performs at least one of a rotation speed control that controls the driver to rotate the fixing rotary body at an increased rotation speed and a power supply control that controls the power supply to supply an increased amount of power to the heater. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251422 | FIXING DEVICE AND GUIDE MECHANISM INCLUDED THEREIN - A fixing device includes a rotatable, endless flexible belt, an elongated stationary pad, a rotatable pressure member, a rotary driver, a releasable biasing mechanism, a first guide member, and a second guide member. The endless flexible belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration. The elongated stationary pad is stationarily disposed inside the loop of the belt. The rotatable pressure member is disposed parallel to the stationary pad with the belt interposed between the pressure member and the stationary pad. The rotary driver is operatively connected with the pressure member to impart torque to the pressure member. The releasable biasing mechanism is operatively connected with the pressure member to apply a releasable pressure to the pressure member against the belt in a load direction. The first guide member defines a first elongated opening. The second guide member defines a second elongated opening. | 09-26-2013 |
20140016971 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body rotatable in a given direction of rotation and a pressing rotary body pressed against the fixing rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heater is disposed inside the fixing rotary body to heat the fixing rotary body. A reflector, disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body via the heater, reflects light emitted from the heater onto the fixing rotary body. The reflector includes a movable portion movable relative to the heater to direct the light emitted from the heater onto a variable heating span of the fixing rotary body spanning in an axial direction thereof. The variable heating span varies depending on a width of the recording medium in the axial direction of the fixing rotary body. | 01-16-2014 |
20140064804 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A fixing device includes a rotary fixing member, a heater, a pressing member, a nip formation member, a reinforcement member, a sliding sheet, and a holding member. The nip formation member is disposed at an inner circumferential side of the fixing member and pressed by the pressing member via the fixing member to form a nipping portion. The reinforcement member is stationarily disposed in an internal diameter area of the fixing member to support the nip formation member. The sliding sheet is disposed between the nip formation member and an inner circumferential face of the fixing member. The holding member is disposed at a member differing from the nip formation member to hold the sliding sheet in a state in which the sliding sheet is in close contact with a nipping face of the nip formation member facing the nipping portion. | 03-06-2014 |
20140079453 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body and a heater disposed opposite the fixing rotary body. A heat shield is movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotary body and interposed between the heater and the fixing rotary body to shield the fixing rotary body from the heater. An overheating suppressor is interposed between the heater and the heat shield to shield the heat shield from the heater. The heat shield includes an intermediate portion spanning in the circumferential direction of the fixing rotary body and movable between a shield position where the intermediate portion is disposed opposite the heater directly and a retracted position where the intermediate portion is disposed opposite the heater via the overheating suppressor. | 03-20-2014 |
20140084751 | DRIVING APPARATUS - A driving apparatus capable of suppressing operation noise, the apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element expanding and contracting in accordance with a driving signal; a supporting shaft connected to said piezoelectric element; a movable body frictionally engaged with said supporting shaft and capable of moving along said supporting shaft; and a driving portion applying said driving signal including a first driving signal which moves said movable body towards a first direction to said piezoelectric element, wherein said driving portion can repeatedly apply said first driving signal against said piezoelectric element by taking a first time in between, and said first driving signal comprises a main driving waveform group which moves said movable body to said first direction, and a sub driving waveform group which is placed after said main driving waveform group by having the a second rest time shorter than said first time in between. | 03-27-2014 |
20140133879 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In the present invention, upon return from a standby mode or sleep mode, image data is acquired as warming-up time estimate information for estimating the warming-up time to increase the temperature of a fixing belt to a target fixing temperature and, if the acquired image data is the data on a black-and-white image, control is performed to delay the heating start timing of the fixing belt. | 05-15-2014 |
20140255064 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device to fix an unfixed image carried on a recording medium includes an endless, rotary fixing member; a heat source to heat the fixing member; an opposed member disposed opposite the fixing member and to form a fixing nip in combination with the fixing member; and a biasing member disposed opposite the opposed member with the fixing member interposed therebetween, to press the fixing member from a back side of the fixing member against the opposed member at the fixing nip; grip portions at which the fixing member and the opposed member contact each other in areas through which the recording medium does not pass, among the fixing nip along a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the recording medium; and a cleaning member to clean an outer circumference of at least one of the grip portions of the fixing member and the opposed member. | 09-11-2014 |
20140270834 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A fixing device in an image forming apparatus includes a rotatable fixing member; a plurality of heat sources to heat each area of the fixing member in a longitudinal direction thereof; a pressure member configured to contact the fixing member and forming a nip in association with the fixing member; a nip forming member disposed inside the fixing member and opposite the pressure member to form a fixing nip; a temperature controller to detect temperature at each area of the fixing member and control the temperature via lighting control performed by the heat sources; and a plurality of temperature sensors to detect temperature of the fixing member or the pressure member in each heating area heated by the plurality of heat sources. When a sheet size set by the image forming apparatus and an actually conveyed sheet size are different, operating speed of the device is adjusted. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270865 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body rotatable in a given direction of rotation and a heater disposed opposite the fixing rotary body to heat the fixing rotary body. A pressing rotary body contacts the fixing rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium is conveyed. A separator is disposed downstream from the fixing nip in a recording medium conveyance direction to separate the recording medium from one of the fixing rotary body and the pressing rotary body. The separator includes a separation plate including an upstream portion disposed opposite the fixing nip and at least one slot disposed downstream from the upstream portion in the recording medium conveyance direction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140321722 | FACIAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS, FACIAL IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, AND FACIAL IMAGE DISPLAY PROGRAM - The present invention provides a facial image display apparatus that can display moving images concentrated on the face when images of people's faces are displayed. A facial image display apparatus is provided wherein a facial area detecting unit ( | 10-30-2014 |
20140341623 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a fixing rotator rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation, a heater disposed opposite the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator, and an opposed rotator contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. A heat shield interposed between the heater and the fixing rotator shields the fixing rotator from the heater. A support supports the heat shield. The heat shield includes a first section supported by the support and having a decreased thermal conductivity and a second section abutting the first section in an axial direction of the heat shield and having an increased thermal conductivity greater than the decreased thermal conductivity of the first section. | 11-20-2014 |
20140341624 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body and a heater disposed opposite and heating the fixing rotary body. A nip formation assembly presses against an opposed body via the fixing rotary body to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotary body and the opposed body, through which a recording medium is conveyed. A movable heat shield movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotary body is interposed between the heater and the fixing rotary body to shield the fixing rotary body from the heater in a variable axial span of the fixing rotary body. A stationary heat shield, interposed between the heater and the fixing rotary body to shield the fixing rotary body from the heater, is disposed outboard from a lateral edge of a heat generator of the heater in an axial direction of the fixing rotary body. | 11-20-2014 |
20140341625 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND FIXING METHOD - A fixing device includes a fixing rotator heated by a heater and a pressing rotator pressed against the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween, through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heat shield interposed between the heater and the fixing rotator is movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotator to shield the fixing rotator from the heater in a variable axial shield span of the fixing rotator. The fixing rotator performs fixing rotation to convey the recording medium through the fixing nip while heating the recording medium and supplemental rotation other than fixing rotation. The heat shield moves to a decreased shield span position where the heat shield shields the fixing rotator from the heater in a decreased axial shield span of the fixing rotator during supplemental rotation thereof. | 11-20-2014 |
20140341626 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND FIXING METHOD - A fixing device includes a fixing rotator heated by a heater and a pressing rotator to press against the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween. A heating span adjuster, interposed between the heater and the fixing rotator, is movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotator. The heating span adjuster moves to a retracted position where the heating span adjuster allows the heater to heat the fixing rotator in an increased axial heating span of the fixing rotator after the heater starts heating the fixing rotator until the fixing rotator and the pressing rotator start conveying the recording medium through the fixing nip. The heating span adjuster at the retracted position is outboard from a circumferential, direct heating span of the fixing rotator where the heater heats the fixing rotator directly. | 11-20-2014 |
20140341627 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a fixing rotator rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly contacting an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. An opposed rotator presses against the nip formation assembly via the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the opposed rotator, through which a recording medium is conveyed. A support, disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, supports the nip formation assembly. A heater, disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, heats the fixing rotator. A reflector, disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, reflects heat radiated from the fixing rotator onto the fixing rotator. The reflector spans a circumferential span of the fixing rotator where the fixing rotator is spaced apart from the support with a decreased interval therebetween. | 11-20-2014 |
20140356036 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a first heat generator and a second heat generator that heat a fixing rotator. A support is disposed inside the fixing rotator. A reflector is mounted on the support and interposed between the support and each of the first heat generator and the second heat generator to reflect light radiated from the first heat generator and the second heat generator toward the fixing rotator. The reflector includes a body mounted on the support and a shield portion projecting from the body toward the first heat generator and the second heat generator to shield the fixing rotator from the first heat generator and the second heat generator. The shield portion includes a wing disposed opposite a non-conveyance span of the fixing rotator in the axial direction thereof where a recording medium is not conveyed over the fixing rotator. | 12-04-2014 |
20140356037 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a first heat generator and a second heat generator that heat the fixing rotator, and a support disposed inside the fixing rotator. A reflector, interposed between the support and each of the first heat generator and the second heat generator, reflects light radiated from the first heat generator and the second heat generator toward the fixing rotator. The reflector includes a body mounted on the support and a shield portion projecting from the body toward the first heat generator and the second heat generator to shield the fixing rotator from the first heat generator and the second heat generator. An electric circuit is connected to the first heat generator and the second heat generator. A heat generation restrainer is provided in the electric circuit to restrict heat generation in the electric circuit. | 12-04-2014 |
20140369703 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device. The fixing device includes a rotatable endless fixing member, a nip forming member arranged inside the fixing member, a pressing member in contact with the nip forming member via the fixing member, and a heating source configured to heat the fixing member. When an abnormality occurs in at least one of the fixing device and other devices included in the image forming apparatus, a rotation of the fixing member is stopped prior to stopping a rotation driving of a discharging unit and, after stopping, the fixing member is controlled to rotate. | 12-18-2014 |
20150023705 | FIXING DEVICE CAPABLE OF ENHANCING DURABILITY OF ENDLESS BELT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING THE SAME - A fixing device includes an endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt. An opposed rotary body is pressed against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A belt holder contacts and supports each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. The belt holder is isolated from the opposed rotary body with a first interval interposed therebetween in the axial direction of the endless belt. | 01-22-2015 |
20150063884 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device that fixes an image on a recording medium includes a rotatable endless belt, deployed in a loop supported by rollers, a nip forming member provided inside the loop formed by the belt, a support member that supports the nip forming member, a counter rotation body disposed outside the loop formed by the belt and configured to form a nip with the belt by being in contact with the nip forming member through the belt, and a heat source configured to heat the belt directly by a radiant heat except at the nip. The support member includes a base portion that contacts the nip forming member and two arms extending from the base portion in a direction away from the nip forming member to partially surround a part of heat generating portion of the heat source. | 03-05-2015 |