35th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 30 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120219230 | IMAGE CODING METHOD, IMAGE DECODING METHOD, IMAGE CODING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE DECODING APPARATUS - An image coding method for performing compression-coding on image data includes: binarizing a signal to be coded of the image data, to generate a binary signal; determining a low-order context which is a context associated with a type of the signal to be coded, and a high-order context that is common to the low-order context and a context associated with another type; calculating coding probability information to be used in arithmetic coding of the binary signal, using (i) high-order probability information corresponding to the determined high-order context and (ii) low-order probability information corresponding to the determined low-order context; performing the arithmetic coding on the binary signal using the coding probability information; and updating the high-order probability information and the low-order probability information based on the binary signal. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219231 | METHOD OF COMPRESSION OF DIGITAL IMAGES USING A FIXED NUMBER OF BITS PER BLOCK - A method of compression of digital images using a fixed number of bits per block is described. Intra-coding is used for lossless compression of digital images. The image is partitioned into blocks with the same size. The encoder generates a fixed and predetermined number of bits for each block. The encoding process includes gamma conversion applied to the input image to generate data. Additional stages include prediction, quantization, DPCM, entropy coding and refinement. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219232 | IMAGE ENCODING APPARATUS, IMAGE DECODING APPARATUS, AND DATA STRUCTURE OF ENCODED DATA - An image encoding apparatus of the present invention includes a TM prediction section ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219233 | Compression of Image Data - Image content may be compressed using a plurality of block truncation coding schemes resulting in a plurality of compressed versions of the image content. The plurality of compressed versions may be combined together into a single data structure. Prior to combining the plurality of compressed versions, each compressed version may be further compressed. In one embodiment, a data structure containing a plurality of block truncation encoded format versions of image content may be received. Rendering hardware-compatible block truncation encoded content from the plurality of compressed versions may be determined and provided to rendering hardware. The hardware may then decode the selected one block truncation encoded format for display. In one embodiment, each of the received plurality of block truncation encoded content versions may be further compressed. Before providing the selected version to the hardware for decoding, the further compression may be decompressed. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219234 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An image processing apparatus which re-encodes encoded data, encoded with a pixel block having a predetermined number of pixels as a coding unit, while suppressing degradation of image quality, with a higher compressibility. For this purpose, when an encoded-image-data input unit inputs JPEG encoded data with an 8×8 pixel block as a coding unit, a redundancy estimation unit performs encoding on the encoded data, and sets an encoded data amount obtained by the coding, as a target code amount for a recompressor to perform coding in accordance with JPEG 2000 coding. The inputted encoded data is decompressed by a decompressor, and the recompressor generates encoded data in the previously-determined target code amount. The code amount control is performed by deleting the encoded data in bit planes in an order from a least significant bit plane toward a high-order bit plane. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219235 | BLOOMING FILTER FOR MULTIPLE EXPOSURE HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE SENSORS - Multiple-exposure high dynamic range image processing may be performed that filters pixel values that are distorted by blooming from nearby saturated pixels. Pixel values that are near saturated pixels may be identified as pixels that may be affected by blooming. The contributions from those pixels may be minimized when producing a final image. Multiple-exposure images may be linearly combined to produce a final high dynamic range image. Pixel values that may be distorted by blooming may be given less weight in the linear combination. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219236 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING A BLUR RENDERING PROCESS ON AN IMAGE - A method and apparatus for performing a blur rendering process on an image is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of performing a blur rendering process includes accessing a filtered image and depth map information, determining a plurality of blending coefficients for computing a weighted sum for the image and filtered image, wherein the plurality of blending coefficients define a substantially smooth transition from at least one first depth class to at least one second depth class and a substantially sharp transition from the at least one second depth class and the at least one first depth class, wherein the at least one first depth class and the at least one second depth class form at least a portion of a plurality of depth classes and combining the image and the filtered image into a resulting image using the plurality of coefficients. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219237 | IMAGE DATA COMBINING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An image data combining apparatus combines m lines of image data that have been output from a reading unit. The reading unit outputs m lines of image data based upon the pixel data that has been output upon being divided into the plurality of lines, and stored then in a memory. An upper address for accessing the memory is decided based upon first data indicating position, along the sub-scan direction, of an image that has been read by the reading unit, and a lower address for accessing the memory is decided based upon second data indicating position of the image along the main-scan direction. For the lower address utilizes values in which the sequence of a plurality of bits constituting the first data is interchanged, so that p items of pixel data at a time are extracted successively from each of the m lines of image data. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219238 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing apparatus includes a geometric position obtaining unit, an image retrieving unit, and an image rectifying unit. The geometric position obtaining unit receives a geometric transformation parameter, a block size, and a tile size, obtains a plurality of base-point coordinates of the geometric transformation parameter according to the block size and the tile size, and builds a base-point coordinate table according to the base-point coordinates. The image retrieving unit reads the base-point coordinate table, scans the base-point coordinate table according a fixed block size to generate a plurality of reference image ranges, and respectively retrieves a plurality of partial image data of a to-be-processed image data according to each of the reference image ranges. The image rectifying unit rectifies each of the partial image data according to the geometric transformation parameter. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219239 | System, Method, and Devices for Searching for a Digital Image over a Communication Network - Systems, devices, and methods for searching using at least one digital image over a communication network are disclosed. Embodiments include a remote computer server receiving a digital image from a digital capturing device and the remote computer server processing the digital image to provide digital image processing information. Further, the remote computer server determines a list of search results based on the digital image and the digital image processing information and transmits the list of search results to the digital capture device. The list of search results includes links to websites, one or more search result images, and image identification information. In addition, a search engine software application implemented by the remote computer server receives the digital image and determines the list of search results. An image processing device and/or computer program identifies one or more objects within the digital image that may be used in a search. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219240 | TAMPER EVIDENT STRUCTURE, METHOD FOR MAKING SUCH A STRUCTURE, AND TAMPER EVIDENT PACKAGE COMPRISING SUCH A STRUCTURE - A tamper evident structure ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219241 | STORAGE BAG EXPANSION INSERT - An expandable insert to be used in flexible storage bags, and particularly to expand the flexible storage bag in such a manner as to hold the mouth of the bag open as well as provide a stable base so the bag is free-standing and self supporting to provide for hands-free filling of the bag with food or other materials by a user. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219242 | AUTO-CENTERING STRUCTURAL BEARING - An auto-centering structural bearing transfers vertical loads to a supporting structure while preventing transfer of lateral loads. In one embodiment, the structural bearing includes: parallel lower, middle, and upper bearing plates; a lower roller bed sandwiched between the lower and middle bearing plates and laterally displaceable in a first direction; an upper roller bed sandwiched between the middle and upper bearing plates and laterally displaceable in a second direction; lower centering means including springs compressible by lateral displacement of the middle bearing plate and the lower roller bed in the first direction; and upper centering means comprising springs compressible by lateral displacement of the upper bearing plate and the upper roller bed in the second direction. Upon removal of loads causing such lateral displacements, the springs will rebound to their unstressed states, thereby returning the displaced bearing plates and roller beds to their centered positions. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219243 | Synthetic Resin Bearing For Photovoltaic Tracking System - The present invention relates to a synthetic resin bearing for a photovoltaic tracking system including first and second bearing members coupled with each other for forming a bearing assembly, wherein each of the first and second bearing members comprises a pair of side plate members facing each other; a friction member positioned between outer peripheral portions of the pair of side plates and having an arc-shaped section; and a reinforcement member for connecting the pair of side plates and the friction member, and the first and second bearing members have a coupling protrusion and a concave portion for receiving the coupling protrusion at the coupling surfaces thereof. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219244 | RADIALLY ADJUSTABLE SHAFT BEARING ASSEMBLY - The invention relates to a shaft bearing assembly ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219245 | IMPROVED BEARING SYSTEM - The improved bearing system includes a pair of axially split and generally cylindrical cartridges having respective bearing units configured to be mountable to a common axial shaft. An annular channel is generally formed from one of the cartridges for selectively receiving a preload ring. An annular groove is formed from a portion of the other cartridge and sized to slidably receive the preload ring. A preload element is disposed within the annular groove and axially compressed between a preload surface of the annular groove and the preload ring. The preload element maintains a simultaneous axial preload thrust on the bearing cartridges and respective bearing units in inwardly opposite axial directions. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219246 | SEALED ROLLING BEARING - It is desired to prevent generation of negative pressure in the bearing space and to prevent entry of foreign matter such as water into the bearing. A bearing is provided which includes an inner race ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219247 | BEARING UNIT OF A SHAFT OF A PRESSURE GENERATING DEVICE - A bearing unit rotatably supports a shaft of a pressure generating device, such a boost pressure generating device of an internal combustion engine. The bearing unit includes at least a first rolling-element bearing and a second rolling-element bearing, each rolling-element bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring. An annular space is defined between the respective inner and outer rings and rolling elements are disposed in the annular space. At least one volume element is disposed in the annular space and at least partially fills the annular space in an axial area. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219248 | APPARATUS WITH ROLLING BEARING HAVING A SLEEVE - A rolling-bearing mounted apparatus includes a shaft, and at least one rolling bearing supporting the shaft in a section of the apparatus. The rolling bearing includes at least one inner ring arranged on the shaft, an outer ring arranged on the section, and rolling elements arranged between the inner and outer rings. A sleeve is provided between the outer ring and the section to permit an axial and/or radial displacement of the outer ring of the rolling bearing when exposed to an axially and/or radially directed force. The sleeve has at least two rows of recesses, with hollow-drilled rolling elements being arranged in the recesses of the sleeve. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219249 | OPTICAL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD, A METHOD OF MAKING AN OPTICAL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND AN OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE - An optical printed circuit board, including at least one optical waveguide for carrying optical signals on the optical printed circuit board; and a trench formed adjacent the at least one optical waveguide, wherein the trench contains a light absorptive material to absorb light that strays from the at least one waveguide. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219250 | Integration of optoelectronics with waveguides using interposer layer - Improved integration of optoelectronic devices is provided by a spacer layer laterally sandwiched between distinct regions that are monolithically fabricated onto the same substrate (e.g., by selective epitaxy). An optical waveguide in one of the regions can optically couple to an optoelectronic device in another of the regions through the spacer layer, thereby providing a monolithically integrated form of butt-coupling. Preferably, the spacer layer thickness is less than about 50 nm, and is more preferably less than about 20 nm, to reduce optical loss. The spacer layer is preferably electrically insulating, to prevent shorting of devices grown by selective epitaxy. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219251 | OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE SUBSTRATE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - According to a manufacturing method of an optical waveguide substrate including a core ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219252 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SWITCHING OPTICAL CHANNELS - An optical switching system is disclosed. The system comprises: input optics, for receiving light from at least one input optical port and separating the light into a plurality of optical channels to assign a separate optical path to each channel of each input optical port. The system further comprises an input steering array and an output steering array arranged such that the input steering array is imaged onto the output steering array, wherein the input steering array is configured to receive the separated light and steer each optical channel to an individual element of the output steering array. The system further comprises output optics, for receiving the optical channels from the output steering array and coupling the optical channels into at least one output optical port. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219253 | OPTICAL CONNECTOR PLUG - An optical connector plug to be inserted to an adapter, is arranged such that a pair of engaging parts for expanding an elastic locking piece provided on a side of the adapter by a taper part and locking it with a step part is provided on a tip part of a plug frame which is a body of the plug; a locking releasing piece movable along an insertion-extraction direction is provided between the pair of engaging parts; a taper part for releasing a locking action of the elastic locking piece when extracting the plug is provided at a rear end of the locking releasing piece; and the taper part of the engaging parts has such a shape that the connecting stress is not lowered before being locked when inserting the plug. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219254 | SINGLE-FIBER CONNECTORS FOR OPTICAL FIBER CABLES - An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule with a guide hole that is shaped to closely receive a multicore fiber having a flat side indicative of the rotational orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber. The ferrule includes a flat surface at one side of the guide hole, corresponding in position to the flat side of the multicore fiber. Installing the multicore fiber into the guide hole with its flat side abutting the flat surface along the side of the guide hole provides alignment of the cores with respect to an optical component to which the multicore fiber endface is to be connected. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219255 | CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH POLARIZATION-MAINTAINING AND MULTICORE OPTICAL FIBER CABLES - An optical fiber ferrule has a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers at an end of a multifiber optical fiber cable. The fibers' flat sides identify a particular rotational orientation of the fiber. Rotational alignment is achieved by urging the fibers' flat sides against a corresponding reference surface within the ferrule or within an alignment fixture. Also described is a fiber array block having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending across an outer surface and terminating at an endface. The V-shaped grooves are shaped to guide a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers. A lid is installable across the plurality of V-shaped grooves, over fibers that have been loaded therein. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219256 | OPTICAL BEAM SPLITTER FOR USE IN AN OPTOELECTRONIC MODULE, AND A METHOD FOR PERFORMING OPTICAL BEAM SPLITTING IN AN OPTOELECTRONIC MODULE - An apparatus and a method are provided for mechanically coupling an optics system holder of an optoelectronic module with an optical connector of the optoelectronic module. The apparatus comprises first and second retention features formed on opposite ends of the optics system holder and first and second latches formed on opposite ends of the optical connector. When a lower surface of the optical connector is pressed against an upper surface of the optics system holder, the first and second retention features engage the first and second latches, respectively, such that the first and second latches flex to a limited degree and exert a spring force on the optical connector that firmly presses the lower surface of the optical connector against the upper surface of the optics system holder. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219257 | LENS DEVICE ATTACHMENT TO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - An optical assembly can be formed by providing a frame made of a plastic material on a surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), mounting at least one opto-electronic element on the surface of the PCB within the frame, and laser-welding a lens device onto the frame. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219258 | Field Termination Optical Fiber Connectors and Splicers - The present disclosure provides for improved field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers for use in terminating or fusing optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost, accurate, and effective methods for terminating or fusing optical fibers utilizing advantageous field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers. Improved apparatus and methods are provided for use in terminating or fusing a broad variety of optical fibers. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219259 | Electrically Traceable and Identifiable Fiber Optic Cables and Connectors - Composite fiber optic cables having exposed, conductive traces external to the cable jacket enable non-invasive, wireless electrical tone tracing of fiber optic cables. The cross sectional geometry of the fiber optic cable prevents conductive traces from short circuiting when abutting other cables or grounded conductive elements. Moreover, the structure allows convenient electrical contact to the conductive traces at any location along the longitudinal extent of the cable without requiring penetration of the cable jacket or removal of fiber optic connectors. Traceable fiber optic cables of various types are disclosed, including simplex, duplex and ribbon cables. Systems of traceable cables utilizing connectors with integrated electrical antenna elements attached to the conductive elements of cable and RFID tags for remote connector port identification are further disclosed. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219260 | OPTICAL FIBER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SILICA GLASS - A method for manufacturing deuterium-treated silica glass includes exposing silica glass to a deuterium-containing atmosphere for a predetermined period of time to diffuse deuterium molecules within the silica glass, maintaining the silica glass at 40° C. or higher, and cooling the silica glass to room temperature. The silica glass is a silica glass-based optical fiber having a core made of silica glass, where the core is positioned at a center of the optical fiber and contains at least germanium, and a clad made of silica glass, where the clad surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core. A surface of the silica glass is covered with a resin coating. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219261 | MULTI-CORE OPTICAL FIBER AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME - A multi-core optical fiber according to the present invention includes plural single-core optical fibers, and comprises an intermediate portion in which a side surface of each single-core optical fiber is covered with a resin layer, and a terminal portion in which the each single-core optical fiber is exposed from the resin layer. In the terminal portion of the multi-core optical fiber, the single-core optical fibers are separated from each other. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219262 | Optical Fiber Management Drawer with Slack Management Features - A fiber management device includes a support member including a first connector for releasably securing a first sidewall portion of an optical fiber bundle to the support member at a first fixed location and a drawer mounted for sliding movement relative to the support member, the drawer including a mounting surface, a plurality of fiber guiding components mounted on the mounting surface, and a second connector for releasably securing a second sidewall portion of the optical fiber bundle to the drawer at a second fixed location. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219263 | MOUNTING DEVICES FOR OPTICAL DEVICES, AND RELATED SUB-ASSEMBLIES, APPARATUSES, AND METHODS - Mounting devices for optical devices, and related sub-assemblies, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed. The mounting devices may be employed to secure optical devices that are configured to convert optical signals to electrical signals, or electrical signals to optical signals. The mounting devices may be configured to secure optical devices to an electronics board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) as an example. To preserve signal integrity, the mounting devices may also be configured to align the optical devices with electrical lead connections on the electronics board. The mounting devices may also be configured to improve grounding of the optical devices to provide and improve radio frequency (RF) shielding to avoid degradation of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios from RF interference from electronic devices on the electronics board and other nearby electronic devices. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219264 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE - Image processing unit for executing, on movie images that have been recorded in a recording medium, image processing of at least one of imparting or removing an electronic zoom effect, or imparting or removing an electronic blurring effect; a first setting unit that sets, in the movie images, a processing section in which the image processing is to be executed by the image processing unit; a second setting unit that sets, for the processing section in the movie images, at least one of either the zoom factor processing or the amount of blurring having time-series changes to be imparted by the second image processing; and a movie image data creation unit that creates movie image data including the movie images on which the image processing has been performed by the image processing unit, on the basis of the content set by the first setting unit and the second setting unit. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219265 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE WITH VIDEO SEQUENCES - A video sequence is played and the video sequence may be displayed on a visual output device. A user attention level is calculated for a section of the video sequence, and the user attention level is associated with the section of the video sequence. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219266 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPOSITION OF SUBTITLES - Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219267 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPOSITION OF SUBTITLES - Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219268 | STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT INFORMATION, AND REPRODUCING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A storage medium storing program applications to provide additional functions using moving-images and management information needed to manage the program applications. The storage medium includes reproduction mode data reproducing moving-image data, program data including a plurality of program applications providing additional functions using the moving-image data, system data controlling the execution of the reproduction mode data and the program data, and management information managing the execution of the program applications in unit of title. The program applications providing additional functions can be managed in unit of title and loaded to a system memory in advance to be executed. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219269 | CONTENT RECEIVER APPARATUS - A content receiver comprises: an acceptance unit for accepting a designation of a recording medium to which contents are to be output; a license information acquiring unit for acquiring output license information describing the output requirements of the contents; and an output unit for outputting the contents to the designated recording medium. The output license information includes usage time limit information indicating the time limit of using the contents in an output destination. The output unit acquires the usage time limit information from the output license information for the contents, and sets the acquired usage time limit information to a management information storing area in the designated recording medium, thereby managing the time period of using the contents in the recording medium even if the copyright protection of the recording medium, which is an export destination, has a function to manage the time period of using the contents. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219270 | Content Playback Apparatus and Content Playback Method - According to one embodiment, a content playback apparatus includes a playback module, a decision module, and a management module. The playback module is configured to play back a content includes components selected from moving picture data, image data, sound data and text data, thereby to produce video data and audio data. The decision module is configured to determine, based on a state of the content playback apparatus, whether the components of the content can be viewed and listened to. The management module is configured to manage video-audio management data includes data items based on a decision result of the decision module, each data item representing whether a video or audio data item has been viewed or listened to. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219271 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEGMENTING AND TRANSMITTING ON-DEMAND LIVE-ACTION VIDEO IN REAL-TIME - A method and system for producing video-segments of a live-action event involving monitoring a live-action event for detection of event-segments, detecting one or more event-triggers with detectors, determining if an event-segment occurred based on the detected event-triggers, and editing one or more video feeds into a video-segment to encompass the event-segment. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219272 | MOVING PICTURE/STILL PICTURE PROCESSING SYSTEM, SERVER, MOVING PICTURE/STILL PICTURE PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A moving picture/still picture processing system includes a server and communication terminal communicating by network with the server. The communication terminal sends the server a request causing the server to decorate the picture according to a designated decoration method. When the server receives the request, the server generates request identification information (RII) identifying the request, stores the decoration method designated in the request and correlated with the RII, and transmits the RII to the communication terminal. When the communication terminal receives the RII, the communication terminal adds the RII to the picture and transmits it to the server. When the server receives the picture from the communication terminal, the server decorates the picture according to the decoration method corresponding to the RII that added to the picture, stores the decorated picture, and delivers the decorated picture that corresponds to a delivery request. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219273 | Digital video recording apparatus, system and method with catchup viewing feature - An apparatus, system and method for providing digital video recorder having an expedited viewing mode. The apparatus, system and method include at least one microprocessor, at least one storage element for storing at least one audiovisual program played at a first rate pursuant to an instruction from the at least one microprocessor, and computing code resident on the at least one microprocessor which, when the expedited viewing mode is executed by the microprocessor, plays from storage at least a portion of audio and video of the at least one audiovisual program at at least one of 1.25 times the first rate, 1.5 times the first rate, and 1.75 times the first rate. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219274 | UFO shaped vaporizer - A UFO shaped assembly comprised of a top housing and a bottom housing. A vaporizer, comprised of an elongate metal heating element surrounded by a glass cylinder and a metal tube, is retained by a support plate within the housing. The the edge of the metal tube protrudes slightly above the surface through an aperture in the top housing. A rheostat controls the heat output of the heating element. An optional light transmitting disk and attached LEDs can be sandwiched between the top housing and the bottom housing thereby increasing the UFO effect. The vaporizer is powered by a power cord and plugged into a standard wall socket. The top housing may be removed from the bottom housing and replaced with other themed housings such as a sports car or a dragon. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219275 | OPTICAL DEVICE HAVING AN IMAGE-STABILIZING INSERTABLE/REMOVABLE OPTICAL ELEMENT - An optical device includes an advancing/retracting member, an anti-shake frame supported by the advancing/retracting member, an insertable/removable frame which holds an image-stabilizing insertable/removable optical element and is rotatably supported by the anti-shake frame, a through-hole formed through the anti-shake frame to allow the insertable/removable frame to move between the insertion and removed positions, the through-hole including a circular arc groove about a rotational center of the insertable/removable frame and an outer end of the through-hole formed as an open end, and a bridge portion formed on the anti-shake frame to connect opposed inner walls of the through-hole at the outer end. The bridge portion is offset from the anti-shake frame and overlaps the clearance through-hole, as viewed in the optical axis direction. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219276 | POSITION CONTROLLER FOR IMAGE-STABILIZING INSERTABLE/REMOVABLE OPTICAL ELEMENT - A position controller for an image stabilizing optical element in an optical system includes an advancing/retracting frame which holds part of the optical system, a main actuator, an anti shake movable frame supported by the advancing/retracting frame, an anti shake drive actuator, an insertable/removable frame which holds the image stabilizing optical element and is supported by the anti shake movable frame, a removal drive mechanism which engages with the insertable/removable frame and moves the insertable/removable frame from an insertion position to a removed position, and a controller. Upon an inputter inputting a lens accommodating drive signal to the controller, the controller switches the anti shake drive actuator to a non driving state before moving the insertable/removable frame to the removed position by moving the advancing/retracting frame toward the accommodated position. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219277 | Luminaire, Camera or Camcorder Having Same and Optical Element for a Luminaire - A luminaire ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219278 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS - An image pickup apparatus which changes focal point adjustment by a focal point adjusting unit in accordance with the panning state detected by a panning detecting unit and a focal point state detected by a focal point detecting unit. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219279 | BIOMETRIC CAMERA MOUNT SYSTEM - A system for reducing the substantially vertical extent of a wide-area biometric system and for reducing the cost and complexity of installation while maintaining high biometric performance, using a substantially horizontally configuration of cameras, preferably with an attention mechanism, and using a precision calibration system that can be used by an unskilled technician and that does not require an accurate site survey or additional materials or equipment. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219280 | FOCAL PLANE SHUTTER FOR CAMERAS AND DIGITAL CAMERA PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A second blade group-driving mechanism includes second blade group-driving first member and second blade group-driving second member, only the second blade group-driving second member is rotated against elastic force of a blade group-driving spring while the second blade group-driving first member engages and is locked by a locking member at start of cocking operation of the cocking member to keep a second blade group covering an exposure opening, and the second blade group-driving first member is disengaged from locking member at final stage of cocking operation, so the second blade group-driving first member can be rotated by elastic force of a second blade group-cocking spring and the second blade group is made to open the exposure opening. Starting cocking operation of a focal plane shutter is possible irrespective of the length of time during which imaging information can be transferred from an image sensor to storage via an information-processing circuit. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219281 | CAMERA ACCESSORY, CAMERA BODY, AND CAMERA SYSTEM - A camera accessory is detachably mounted at a camera body that includes a first body contact point, a second body contact point, a third body contact point, a fourth body contact point and a fifth body contact point and detects disengagement of the camera accessory when the fifth body contact point sustains a signal level corresponding to a first truth value continuously over a length of time equal to or greater than a predetermined time length. In the camera accessory, the accessory-side communication control device executes control so as to ensure that the signal assuming a level corresponding to the first truth value is not continuously output from the fifth accessory contact point any longer than the predetermined time length while the operating voltage supply from the camera body is provided via the first accessory contact point. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219282 | OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION METHOD - An optical transmission system transmits an optical signal of multi-level modulation. In a transmitter module, a data string in a specified frame is rearranged into a plurality of logical lanes. A lane ID, which specifies in what logical lane out of the plurality of logical lanes a start of the data string is arranged, is assigned to a non-scrambled area in an overhead portion of the frame. The lane ID corresponding to one of the plurality of logical lanes is different from the lane IDs corresponding to the other remaining logical lanes. The optical signal is generated using the data string rearranged into the plurality of logical lanes. In a receiver, the lane ID is detected according to a majority method. The inversion of bits and the swapping of lanes are detected using the lane ID and compensated. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219283 | System And Method For Identifying A Length Of An Installed Fiber Cable - Current approaches for determining and identifying whether a correct length of fiber cable is installed between network elements configured to communicate using specific lengths of cable require manual inspection. Such manual inspection may include the use of markers used for visual inspection of cables matching corresponding network elements. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes identifiers unique to cables of various lengths to determine whether a correct length of cable has been installed. Further, embodiments of the present invention determine whether the unique identifier is received by a network device according to a channel mapping corresponding to a unique physical mapping associated with cables of various lengths. The use of the identifiers and channel mappings enable automatic discovery of lengths of cable that are installed between network devices. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219284 | Method and Apparatus for Processing Tandem Connection Monitoring Level - The disclosure discloses a method for processing a Tandem Connection Monitoring (TCM) level, which comprises: obtaining a route of a service which needs to be configured TCM, obtaining a TCM segment on the route of the service, determining a TCM segment which needs to be configured from the obtained TCM segment, and allocating a TCM level for the TCM segment which needs to be configured according to a segment relationship between the TCM segment which needs to be configured and a configured TCM segment. The disclosure further discloses an apparatus for processing a TCM level. By means of the disclosure, a TCM level can be automatically allocated for a TCM segment and environment of multiple network applications can be applicable. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219285 | IN-BAND OPTICAL SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO MONITORING TECHNIQUE - A monitor for monitoring OSNR of data being carried via an optical network link, the monitor obtains an optical signal from the link, comprises a loop of a non-linear optical medium capable of producing a back reflected signal to the optical signal and of looping the back reflected signal; and comprises a device for extracting a portion of the looped back reflected signal from said loop. The monitor further comprises a first photodetector for measuring power of the optical signal and a second photodetector for measuring power of the extracted portion of the looped signal. Finally, there is a processing unit for determining OSNR of the optical signal based at least on readings of the first and the second photodetectors. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219286 | Systems and Methods for Diagnostic Monitoring of Optical Modulation Amplitude at an Optical Receiver Using Automatic Gain Control - Optical receivers and a method for providing a diagnostic measurement of optical modulation amplitude at other than a signal output of an optical receiver are invented and disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying a representation of an output of an optical detector to a circuit that determines a difference between a first signal level and a second signal level that is different from the first signal level and buffering the difference between the first signal level and the second signal level received from the circuit. The optical receivers include an optical detector, a transimpedance amplifier that applies automatic gain control, a circuit that determines a difference between two signal values and a limiting post amplifier. The receivers provide a diagnostic measure that can be compared to certain thresholds relating to known bit error rates or applied in a calculation to generate an absolute optical modulation amplitude value. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219287 | Method and device for processing data in an optical network - A method and a device are provided for processing data in an optical network. The method includes the steps of events of a login scan are recorded by a first optical network element; the events are conveyed to a second optical network element; and the events are processed by the second optical network element. A communication system is described that includes the device. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219288 | TRAFFIC DRIVEN VARIABLE BANDWIDTH OPTICAL TRANSMISSION - Link bandwidth is varied based on the subscriber traffic load. Varying the link bandwidth has the effect of varying the actual noise margin of the link (in an inverse elation), so that the noise margin will vary inversely with the traffic load. A beneficial result is that, because the noise margin is increased during “off-peak” traffic periods, rapidly varying and burst impairments can be absorbed without causing data loss. In effect, the respective probability distributions of error bursts and traffic load are separated. Data loss only becomes a significant risk when peaks in both distributions coincide. However, the probability of that event occurring is comparatively low. This enables a lower noise margin allocation during design of the link, which dramatically reduces the link cost. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219289 | OPTICAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND OPTICAL NODE - An embodiment of the invention is an optical node configured to transmit/receive a wavelength-division-multiplexed signal. An optical monitoring unit monitors power levels of the wavelength-division-multiplexed signal on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis to acquire wavelength-by-wavelength power level values of the optical signals. A comparison arithmetic unit performs a comparison between each of the acquired wavelength-by-wavelength power level values of the optical signals, and a predetermined upper limit value and a predetermined lower limit value. A target value calculation unit determines target values of power levels at wavelengths whose acquired power level values exceed the upper limit value to be values between a center value and the upper limit value, and determines target values of power levels at wavelengths whose acquired power level values fall below the lower limit value to be values between the center value and the lower limit value. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219290 | OPTICAL LINEAR FEEDBACK CIRCUIT - An optical linear feedback circuit has an optical loop delay path ( | 2012-08-30 |
20120219291 | CROSS-CONNECT SYSTEM AND CROSS-CONNECT METHOD - A cross-connect system includes a mapping unit that maps second signal frames on which cross-connection is performed with a space switch, into third signal frames on which cross-connection is performed with the space switch and a time switch; a selection unit that selects either first signal frames on which cross-connection is performed with the space switch and the time switch and corresponding clock signals, or the third signal frames and corresponding clock signals; a cross-connection unit that receives either the first signal frames and corresponding clock signals or the third signal frames and corresponding clock signals selected by the selection unit and performs cross-connection for either the first signal frames or the third signal frames; and a demapping unit that demaps the third signal frames output from the cross-connection unit into the second signal frames and output the second signal frames. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219292 | OPTICAL SWITCH FOR IMPLEMENTING WAVE DIVISION MULTIPLEXING NETWORKS - Systems and methods for switching optical signals are disclosed. A switch may include a plurality of inputs, at least one coupling element operably connected to two or more of the plurality of inputs and a splitting element operably connected to the at least one coupling element. Each of the plurality of inputs may receive one of a plurality of input signals. The at least one coupling element may be configured to combine at least two of the input signals into a combined output signal. The splitting element may be configured to demultiplex the combined output signal to produce a plurality of demultiplexed output signals. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219293 | CONCATENATED OPTICAL SPECTRUM TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present disclosure relates to concatenated optical spectrum transmission systems and methods that allocate optical spectrum of groups of channels to reduce or eliminate deadbands or guardbands (i.e., unused optical spectrum) between channels. The concatenated optical spectrum transmission systems and methods include various techniques for using optical spectrum such as over the C-band or any other frequency bands. In particular, the concatenated optical spectrum transmission systems and methods provide a balance between fixed channel systems such as provided for by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and a more flexible system enabled by coherent optical detection. In an exemplary embodiment, the concatenated optical spectrum transmission systems and methods may utilize a Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) and a plurality of moderate Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) coherent receivers in combination to achieve a concatenated optical spectrum. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219294 | DIGITAL SIGNAL-TO-SIGNAL BEAT NOISE REDUCTION FOR FILTER-LESS COHERENT RECEIVING SYSTEM - Systems and methods are disclosed for a filter-less coherent receiving system with a filter-less coherent receiver frontend; a signal-signal beat-noise detector coupled to the filter-less coherent receiver frontend; and a real-time processor coupled to the filter-less coherent receiver frontend and the signal-signal beat-noise detector to reject signal-signal interference. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219295 | OPTICAL TRANSMISSION DEVICE AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION METHOD - An output control unit outputs data of bit rate A to a first header-attaching unit and data of bit rate B to a second header-attaching unit. An instructing unit instructs the first or the second header-attaching unit to attach a header of bit rate being the least bit rate to the data of bit rate A or B. The first header-attaching unit creates a header of bit rate A, including an ID of a destination ONU of the data of bit rate A and information concerning the data length, and attaches the header of bit rate A to the data of bit rate A. The second header-attaching unit creates a header of bit rate A, including an ID of the destination ONU of the data of bit rate B and information concerning the data length, and attaches the header of bit rate A to the data of bit rate B. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219296 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COHERENT MULTI-SUBCARRIER SOURCE GENERATION - A method of generating a multi-subcarrier optical signal is disclosed. A local oscillator oscillates one or more data signals to generate one or more oscillating data signals. A series of modulators phase modulate a lightwave to generate a phase modulated lightwave, wherein the series of modulators are driven by the one or more oscillating data signals. The intensity modulator modulates the phase modulated lightwave, the intensity modulator being driven by one of the oscillating data signals, to generate the multi-subcarrier optical signal. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219297 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING INFRARED SIGNALS AT A MEDIA DEVICE CONFIGURED TO BE POSITIONED IN DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS - Systems and methods are operable to detect infrared (IR) signals at a media device. Exemplary embodiments include a media device configured to receive media content; at least one IR detector residing in the media device, and configured to receive a portion of IR signals emitted from a remote control; and a cover lens disposed in a portion of an enclosure of the media device. The cover lens has a first cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signals emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a first portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is horizontally oriented, and has a second cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signal emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a second portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is vertically oriented. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219298 | REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING REDUCED VULNERABILITY TO NOISE - A remote control system and method having reduced vulnerability to noise. In an environment having noise at a frequency of infrared signals transmitted by a remote controller, errors and malfunctions in a remote control receiving device such as a set top box are controlled by selectively transmitting an entire code including header pulses and data pulses, or a repeat code including header pulses, data pulses and repeater pulses from the remote controller, and receiving and using the entire code or repeat code at the remote receiving device. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219299 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL COMMUNICATION - An optical transmission system is described. The transmission system comprises a plurality of modules that include signal repeaters at each end. Within each module, optical signals are propagated between the repeaters through free space. Adjacent modules are connected by optical fibers to enable optical transmission therebetween. Adjacent modules are mechanically coupled with a flexible joint. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219300 | SINGLE-WAVELENGTH BIDIRECTIONAL FIBER OPTICAL LINK WITH BEAM-SPLITTING ELEMENT - An optical transceiver and method for bidirectionally communicating optical signals in an optical transceiver involve an optical element that bidirectionally separates incoming and outgoing optical signals of the same wavelength. The optical element can be a diffractive element such as a grating or, alternatively, a partially reflective element such as a transparent block having a thin-film coating. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219301 | LOW-LOSS, LOW-LATENCY, HOLLOW CORE FIBER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An optical fiber communication system includes hollow core fiber coupled between a transmitter device and a receiver device. Both hollow core fiber and solid core fiber may be optically coupled between the transmitter and receiver devices, with the hollow core fiber preceding the solid core fiber. A Raman pump laser may be coupled to the solid core fiber to provide distributed Raman amplification in the solid core fiber. A plurality of series connected spans of hollow and solid core fiber may be employed. First and second transmission lines each having a hollow core fiber may be provided in a single cable. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219302 | PMD AND CHROMATIC DISPERSION TOLERANT CLOCK RECOVERY - Consistent with the present disclosure, a method and system for detecting a clock phase of an optical signal in a coherent receiver is provided that is insensitive to polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and other polarization effects in the optical communication system. The clock phase of the received signal is estimated by first calculating a phase shift between a pair of related frequency domain data outputs of a Fourier transform circuit. The calculated phase shift includes a phase component and a data spectrum component. The calculated phase shift is then averaged over a number of clock cycles to remove the data spectrum components thus enabling extraction of the phase component. A determinant function on the time averaged result is used to normalize any effects of PMD from the received signal and isolate the phase component. In this manner, the phase component is not dependent on the PMD effects in the optical communication system. The imaginary part of the phase component is then calculated to estimate the clock phase error which is used to tune an oscillator in the receiver to synchronize a sampling phase in the receiver with the received signal. An estimated value for the chromatic dispersion is determined from a resultant value of the determinant function and used to compensate for the effects of chromatic dispersion from the clock phase error estimate. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219303 | Efficient Computation And Compensation Of Linear And Nonlinear Distortion In Dispersion-Managed Fiber-Opic Transmission - In one embodiment, a method for performing nonlinearity compensation on a dispersion-managed optical signal that was transmitted over an optical communication link, the method including virtually dividing the communication link into a plurality of steps, performing lumped dispersion compensation on a received optical signal to obtain a waveform upon which digital backward propagation (DBP) can be performed, performing DBP by performing dispersion compensation and nonlinearity compensation for each step, and generating an estimate of the transmitted signal based upon the performed DBP. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219304 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a detachably replaceable image forming unit for forming an image on a medium, the image forming unit including a component for forming the image on the medium and a first storage section for storing life information, use amount information, and use purpose information of the component; a read-write section for reading and writing information in the first storage section; a life management section for managing life of the image forming unit; and a second storage section for storing the life information and the use amount information read from the first storage section by the read-write section; the life management section rewriting the life information stored in the first storage section by the first storage section in accordance with the use purpose information stored in the first storage section and the use amount information stored in the second storage section. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219305 | DEVELOPMENT UNIT DETERMINING METHOD AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - Disclosed are a method of determining whether a development unit is refilled with developer and an image forming device adopting the method. The method comprises a first step of reading a serial number and an amount of remaining developer from the development unit, and determining whether the amount of the remaining developer read from the development unit is greater than 0; and a second step of determining, in a case where the determination result of the first step is “YES”, that the development unit is not refilled with the developer; or determining, in a case where the determination result of the first step is “NO”, whether the development unit is refilled with the developer, based on information stored in the development unit. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219306 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT DETECTS TRANSITION BETWEEN PATCH IMAGES - An image forming apparatus includes a detection unit configured to irradiate a patch image formed on a recording material with light, and detect light intensities at a plurality of wavelengths in the light reflected from the patch image; and a determination unit configured to determine that a patch image for which the detection unit is detecting light intensities has transitioned from a first patch image to a second patch image, wherein the determination unit is further configured to determine that the patch image for which the detection unit is detecting has transitioned, in a case where a light intensity at a wavelength for identification of a patch image to be identified, has varied by an amount greater than a first threshold corresponding to that wavelength for identification. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219307 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - An image forming device includes a replaceable cartridge, a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, and a determining unit. The replaceable cartridge accommodates developer therein and includes an agitator and a developing roller rotatable together with the agitator. The light-emitting element is configured to emit a light toward the replaceable cartridge. The light-receiving element is configured to receive the light emitted by the light-emitting element through the replaceable cartridge to output a signal. The determination value is produced based on the signal. The determining unit is configured to determine whether or not the determination value is greater than a predetermined determination threshold upon the agitator having rotated continuously more than a first prescribed number of times. The determining unit determines that the replaceable cartridge should be replaced with a new one when the determination value is greater than the predetermined determination threshold. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219308 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device thermally fixes an unfixed image formed on a recording sheet that passes through a nip, the nip being formed by a pressing member pressing against a circumferential surface of a heating rotating body that includes a resistance heating layer. The fixing device includes a power supplier configured to supply power to the resistance heating layer, a driver configured to rotate the heating rotating body, a controller configured to control supply of the power by the power supplier, and an abnormal heat detector configured to detect whether abnormal heat occurs anywhere along an entire surface of a heat-producing region within the heating rotating body, detection being performed during rotation of the heating rotating body. The controller causes the power supplier to stop supplying power to the resistance heating layer when the abnormal heat detector detects abnormal heat. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219309 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - An image forming apparatus includes a toner image forming device that forms a toner image by using at least one of a plurality of toners that include a color toner and a first transparent toner; an intermediate transfer body to which the toner image is transferred; a second transfer unit that transfers the toner image to a recording medium; and a controller that acquires characteristic information that represents a characteristic of in-plane resistance variation of a currently-used recording medium before the toner image forming device forms the toner image, and if the characteristic information indicates that the in-plane resistance variation of the currently-used recording medium is larger than a predetermined value, controls the toner image forming device so that the toner image forming device forms a transparent toner image in such a way that a color toner image is superimposed on the transparent toner image on the intermediate transfer body. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219310 | TRANSFER BELT LATERAL POSITION CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an apparatus and method for controlling a position of a belt in a printing system. The apparatus including a roller assembly for engaging at least a portion of the belt. The roller assembly extending laterally across the belt. The apparatus including a pair of laterally spaced support arms each rotatably supporting opposed ends of the roller assembly. Each support arm being pivotally coupled to the printing system for movement about a pivot axis extending substantially in the lateral direction. The apparatus also including a pair of actuating assemblies each configured to pivot a different one of the support arms about the pivot axis. The pivotal movement of each of the pair of support arms by the respective actuating assemblies being independent of the other. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219311 | IMAGE-FORMING APPARATUS, AND CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM AND STORAGE MEDIUM THEREFOR - An image-forming apparatus capable of satisfactorily maintaining the durability of a separating mechanism while preventing deformation of rubber layers of parts of a fixing unit and at the same time achieving a power saving effect. The image-forming apparatus is shifted into a power saving state without a fixing part and a pressurizing part of the fixing unit being separated. The fixing part and the pressurizing part are separated, if a return condition from the power saving state is not satisfied even after elapse of a predetermined time period from when the apparatus has been shifted into the power saving state. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219312 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation to radiate infrared rays; a pressing rotary body, rotatable in a direction counter to the direction of rotation of the fixing 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 disposed opposite the fixing rotary body to heat the fixing rotary body; a temperature detector spaced apart from the fixing rotary body to detect a temperature of the fixing rotary body based on the infrared rays from the fixing rotary body and disposed below the fixing nip in a vertical direction; and a tube disposed between the fixing rotary body and the temperature detector, the tube through which the infrared rays from the fixing rotary body enter the temperature detector. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219313 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a unit, which is detachably attachable to a main body of the apparatus and has a portion to be detected, and a detecting device which detects the portion to be detected in the unit. It is determined that the unit is in an unused state since both of a first state in which the portion to be detected is detected by the detecting device and a second state in which the portion to be detected is not detected by the detecting device are confirmed, and thereafter, the first state or the second state is maintained. Furthermore, there is provided a restricting member which inhibits the first state or the second state from being maintained. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219314 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of process cartridges and a pair of frames. Each of the plurality of process cartridges includes a photosensitive drum, a charger and a charger supporting wall. One of the pair of frames has a plurality of first openings such that air outside the pair of frames is sucked between the pair of frames through the first openings. The other of the pair of frames has a plurality of second openings such that air between the pair of frames is discharged outside the pair of frames through the second openings. The first openings are positioned on an opposite side of the charger supporting wall from the photosensitive drum. The second openings are positioned on the same side of the charger supporting wall as the photosensitive drum. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219315 | CLEANING UNIT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USE THE SAME - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing drum for carrying a toner image; an intermediary transfer member; a primary transfer device for primary transfer of a toner image from the drum onto the intermediary member; a secondary transfer device for secondary transfer of the toner image from the intermediary member onto a sheet; and a cleaning unit for removing the toner on the intermediary member. The cleaning unit includes a scraping member for removing the toner deposited on the intermediary member, an accommodating portion for the removed toner, a discharging member, provided downstream of the scraping member with respect to a moving direction of the intermediary member, for moving the toner in the accommodating portion to the intermediary member by application of a voltage, and a regulating member contacted to the discharging member to regulate an amount of the toner deposited on the discharging member. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219316 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus is provided which includes an image forming unit, a main body having a pair of frames, a pair of rollers, a belt which is endless, and a reinforcing member. The frames are disposed to sandwich the image forming unit therebetween. The rollers are spaced apart from each other such that an axial direction of each of the rollers extends in a direction perpendicular to the frames. The belt extends around the rollers. The reinforcing member is disposed in an area enclosed by the belt. One end of the reinforcing member is fixed to one of the frames, and the other end of the reinforcing member is fixed to the other one of the frames. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219317 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes plural photosensitive drums; a belt which opposes the photosensitive drums; and a holder which collectively holds the photosensitive drums, and is movable between an outer position and an inner position. The holder includes a first handle unit which is provided at an upstream side, a second handle unit which is provided separately from the first handle unit at a downstream side, and an interfered portion which interferes with an apparatus main body. The second handle unit is movable between a protrusion position where the second handle unit protrudes from a top portion of the photosensitive drums and a retreat position where the second handle unit retreats therebelow. The interfered portion interferes with the apparatus main body to cause the second handle unit to be displaced from the protrusion position to the retreat position when the holder is mounted in the apparatus main body. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219318 | POWDER CONTAINER, TONER CARTRIDGE, DRAWER TRAY, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A powder container includes: a housing unit that is horizontally elongated, that contains powder, and that has at least part thereof being deformable; and a discharging unit that is attached to one end of the housing unit in a longitudinal direction. The discharging unit includes a discharge opening through which the powder in the housing unit is discharged outside and a rotary shutter that is provided inside the discharge opening and that opens and closes the discharge opening by rotating about a rotating shaft that is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing unit. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219319 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge detachably installable in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a main reference portion receiver to receive a main reference portion provided to the process cartridge, a sub-reference portion receiver to receive a sub-reference portion provided to the process cartridge, and a pressing mechanism to press the process cartridge to cause the main reference portion to contact the main reference portion receiver upon installation of the process cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The pressing mechanism presses the process cartridge in a direction angled with respect to a line connecting a center of the main reference portion with a contact position where the pressing mechanism contacts the process cartridge. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219320 | Image Forming Device and Process Unit - A process unit includes: a photosensitive drum defining a first direction parallel to an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and including: a tubular body having a first end portion containing a distal end; and a fitting member un-rotatably provided at the first end portion; a bearing member rotatably supporting the fitting member at a position inward from the distal end in the first direction; and a side plate configured to un-rotatably support the bearing portion. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219321 | TONER, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING METHOD AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - A toner including a binder resin, a colorant and protruding portions on a surface of the toner, wherein the average length of long sides of the protruding portions is 0.1 μm or greater, but less than 0.5 μm, wherein the standard deviation of the lengths of the long sides of the protruding portions is 0.2 or less, and wherein the protruding portions have a coverage of 30% to 90%. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219322 | BEARING DEVICE, DRUM UNIT, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A bearing device to hold a rotor in an opening formed in a frame is provided. Circumference of the opening is formed to have a first edge and a second edge, which linearly extend along different directions from each other. The bearing device includes a flange member to be attached to an axial end portion of the rotor, a bearing member to be externally attached to the flange member and inserted in the opening, and a presser member to press the flange member toward a section between the first edge and the second edge. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219323 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a main assembly; a movable member movable, while supporting a cartridge including at least one of an image bearing member on which a latent image is to be formed and developing means for developing with a developer the latent image formed on the image bearing member, between an outside position in which the cartridge is located outside the main assembly and an inside position in which the cartridge is located inside the main assembly; and a cartridge displacing member for displacing the cartridge with respect to the movable member in a demounting direction in which the cartridge is demountable from the movable member in a state in which the movable member is located at the outside position. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219324 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit having a heating member that heats a recording medium, a backup member that rotates and contacts the heating member, and a pressure mechanism that supports one of the heating member and the backup member such that the one of the heating member and the backup member moves relative to the other. The apparatus includes a main body including the fixing unit inside, and has a first opening on a downstream side of the fixing unit and a second opening on a side of the main body different from the first opening. Also the apparatus has first and second covers that open and close the first and second openings, respectively, and an interlocking mechanism that causes the pressure mechanism to move the one of the heating member and the backup member in conjunction with movement of the first cover and the second cover. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219325 | Developing Device, Image Forming Apparatus, and Recovery Device - In a developing device which supplies a liquid developer to a developer holder roller using a supply member and performs development using the liquid developer, and an image forming apparatus including the developing device, a developer holder cleaning unit which cleans the developer holder roller and recovers the liquid developer in order to prevent the liquid developer after development from being adhered to the supply member, a supply member cleaning unit which cleans the supply member and recovers the liquid developer, a recovery path member which is disposed above the supply member in a vertical direction and receives the liquid developer recovered by the developer holder cleaning unit, and a recovery unit which is disposed above the recovery path member in the vertical direction and stores the liquid developer moved to the recovery path member and the liquid developer recovered by the supply member cleaning unit are provided. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219326 | DEVELOPMENT DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE INCORPORATING SAME - A development device includes a developer container, a developer bearer to carry developer to a development range, a partition dividing at least partly the developer container into a supply compartment and a collecting compartment, with an end portion of the partition facing a circumferential surface of the developer bearer, a developer supply member in the supply compartment to supply the developer to the developer bearer, and a developer collecting member in the collecting compartment above the developer supply member, to receive the developer from the developer bearer. An opening is formed in a downstream end portion of the partition in a developer conveyance direction of the developer collecting member to cause the developer to fall to the supply compartment, and a width of the opening in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction increases toward downstream in the developer conveyance direction of the developer collecting member. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219327 | DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In a developing device including a developer tank and a developing roller, an internal space of the developer tank is divided into a first conveying path, a second conveying path, a first communication path and a second communication path, by a partition wall. A first developer conveying section which conveys a developer in the developer tank in a conveying direction X is disposed in the first conveying path. A second developer conveying section which conveys the developer in the developer tank in a conveying direction Y is disposed in the second conveying path. The first developer conveying section includes a plurality of inner spiral blade pieces, a rotation tube, an upstream spiral blade, a downstream spiral blade, support members, and a first gear. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219328 | DEVELOPER CARTRIDGE, DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developer cartridge is detachably mounted to a main apparatus, and includes a storage portion storing a developer, an ejection opening for ejecting the developer from the storage portion, and a first opening-and-closing member for opening and closing the ejection opening. The first opening-and-closing member is able to take a first position where the first opening-and-closing member opens the ejection opening and causes the developer cartridge to be fixed to the main apparatus, a second position where the first opening-and-closing member closes the ejection opening and makes the developer cartridge detachable from the main apparatus, and a third position where the first opening-and-closing member closes the ejection opening and causes the developer cartridge to be fixed to the main apparatus. | 2012-08-30 |
20120219329 | DEVELOPER SUPPLYING CARTRIDGE, DEVELOPER RECEIVING CARTRIDGE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developer supply cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus. The developer supply cartridge includes a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, and a discharging opening for discharging the developer to a developer receiving opening of a developer receiving cartridge provided with developing means for developing an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member with the developer. A shutter member is provided movable between an opening position for opening the discharging opening and a closing position for closing the discharging opening. An engaging portion for engagement with the developer receiving cartridge receives a force for moving the shutter member from the closing position to the opening position in interrelation with a relative movement between the developer supply cartridge and the developer receiving cartridge toward each other in a mounting-and-demounting direction of the developer supply cartridge. | 2012-08-30 |