38th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 28 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090232533 | Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method - An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image carrier, a charging section that electrically charges the image carrier, an exposure section that exposes the image carrier to light to form a latent image, a development section that develops the latent image by means of a liquid developer containing carrier and toner particles, a first squeezing roller that is held in contact with the image carrier carrying an image developed by the development section and adapted to bear a bias voltage Vs | 2009-09-17 |
20090232534 | FIXING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing apparatus includes a magnetic-field generating part that generates a magnetic field, a fixing rotating body having a heat generating layer that generates heat by an electromagnetic induction action of the magnetic field, a pressurizing member that applies pressure to an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotating body, a heating member that is arranged in contact with an inner side of the fixing rotating body so as be opposed to the magnetic-field generating part, and heats the fixing rotating body, and a temperature sensing part that is located within a region where the fixing rotating body is opposed to the magnetic-field generating part and where the fixing rotating body is in contact with the heating member, and senses a temperature of the fixing rotating body. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232535 | FIXING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a technique to make uniform a temperature distribution of a sheet heating temperature in a sheet widthwise direction, with no relation to sizes in a direction (sheet widthwise direction) orthogonal to a carrying direction of sheets to be fixed. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232536 | Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method - An image forming apparatus includes: a latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing section which develops the electrostatic latent image using a liquid developer, forming an image on the latent image carrier; a transfer medium to which the image on the latent image carrier is transferred; a first transfer member which transfers the image on the latent image carrier to the transfer medium; a second transfer member which transfers the image on the transfer medium to a recording material; a latent image carrier cleaning roller which, as well as making contact with the latent image carrier, forming a nip having a first nip width in a moving direction of the latent image carrier, has a latent image carrier cleaning bias applied thereto, cleaning the latent image carrier, the image of the latent image carrier on which has been transferred to the transfer medium; and a transfer medium cleaning roller which, as well as having a transfer medium cleaning bias applied thereto, cleaning the transfer medium, the image of the transfer medium on which has been transferred to the recording material, makes contact with the transfer medium, forming a second nip width, which is larger than the first nip width, in a moving direction of the transfer medium. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232537 | DISPLAY DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A display device and an image forming apparatus capable of reducing discomfort of a worker during maintenance work and improving the work efficiency, are provided. In a copier, an orientation of a display screen of a display device is detected and when the display screen changes its orientation, an image appearing on the display screen changes accordingly. It is determined how the copier is viewed from a worker, and then screen display is performed so that an image appearing on the display device looks the same as the copier which the worker directly sees. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232538 | Methods For Determining When To Transition Between Color Printing And Black-Only Printing In An Image Forming Device - The present application is directed to methods for determining when to transition between printing color images and printing black-only images in an image forming device. A variety of factors may be evaluated in order to select a trigger value. An examined portion of a print history and an examined portion of a print queue may be evaluated to determine one or more test values. Based on a comparison of the one or more test values with the trigger value, a determination may be made whether to transition between color printing and black-only printing. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232539 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH CONTACT/SEPARATION MECHANISM TO/FROM INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER BODY - In a printer, three toner patches are primary-transferred successively to an intermediate transfer belt. Here, after the first toner patch passes through a belt cleaner and before the second toner patch reaches the belt cleaner, and after the second toner patch passes through the belt cleaner and before the third patch reaches the belt cleaner, the belt cleaner is operated to change the state of contact to the intermediate transfer belt to a different state. A density sensor detects density of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt, and presence/absence of the toner patch is detected. When presence/absence of the first to third patches is detected alternately, it is determined that the belt cleaner is performing the operation described above. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232540 | LASER TONER CARTRIDGE TONER SCATTER PREVENTION SYSTEM AND PROCESS - Systems and methods for preventing and/or inhibiting toner scatter inside of laser printer toner cartridges including a shield that is adjacent to the toner regulating member, extends over and adjacent the developing roller, includes triboelectric material of a polarity corresponding to the polarity of the laser printer cartridge during operation and that functions as a physical barrier and as an electrical barrier to direct toner particles that scatter away from the developer roller back toward the developer roller. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232541 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, PROTECTANT APPLICATOR AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus, including an image bearer; and a protectant applicator applying a protectant including zinc stearate and zinc palmitate to the surface thereof, wherein an average amount of the protectant adhering thereto is from 0.4 to 2.0 μg/cm | 2009-09-17 |
20090232542 | TONER, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A toner containing a binder resin including a unit of a polyester resin I having an amino group and another unit of a polyester resin II having an anion functional group and a coloring agent, wherein the toner is manufactured by dissolving or dispersing the polyester resin I, the polyester resin II and the coloring agent in an organic solvent to obtain an oil phase, dispersing the oil phase in an aqueous medium and removing the organic solvent followed by drying. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232543 | DEVELOPING DEVICE OF IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An embodiment of the invention provides a magnet facing between a first separating magnetic pole and a second separating magnetic pole on an outer wall of a case. By the rotation of a developing sleeve, a blocking brush is formed between an inner wall of a supply part and the developing sleeve, and an air entering the case is prevented from entering a carrying part. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232544 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units arranged in parallel, each image forming unit having an image carrying member and a charging roller disposed face to face with the image carrying member for electrically charging the image carrying member, and a shifting mechanism for selectively shifting at least one charging roller between a first position where the charging roller is brought into contact with the corresponding image carrying member to electrically charge the image carrying member in contact manner and a second position where the charging roller is moved away from the corresponding image carrying member to electrically charge the image carrying member in non-contact manner. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232545 | Devices And Methods For Retracting A Cartridge In An Image Forming Device - The present application is directed to methods and devices for moving a cartridge between engaged and disengaged positions in an image forming device. The image forming device may include a bias control arm movable between first and second positions. When the bias control arm is in one of the first and second positions, a biasing force on the cartridge is reduced and the cartridge moves to the disengaged position. When the bias control arm is in the other of the first and second positions, a biasing force on the cartridge is increased and the cartridge is moved to the engaged position. In one embodiment, the bias control arm moves in a first direction, and the cartridge moves in a second direction different than the first direction. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232546 | DEVELOPER SUPPLYING APPARATUS AND DEVELOPER SUPPLYING SYSTEM - A developer supply system including a developer supply apparatus and a developer supply container which is detachably mountable to the apparatus, the system includes the developer supply container including a rotatable container body having an inner space configured and positioned to contain a developer; a feeding portion configured and positioned to feed the developer in the container body to discharge the developer out of the container body with a rotation of the container body; and a hooking portion configured and positioned to engage with the apparatus to receive a rotational force for rotating the container body; the apparatus including a driving member configured and positioned to apply the rotational force; a drive transmitting member configured and positioned to engage with the hooking portion to transmit the rotational force from the driving member to the hooking portion, the drive transmitting member, which has engaged with the hooking portion, being movable between a first position where the drive transmitting member and the driving member are engaged with each other and a second position where the drive transmitting member and the driving member are not engaged with each other; and a displacing member configured and positioned to displace the hooking portion to release an engagement between the hooking portion and the drive transmitting member which is in the second position. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232547 | TONER CARTRIDGE, AND SHUTTER STRUCTURE FOR THE SAME - A toner cartridge includes a container main body includes a toner outlet, a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the toner outlet, a lever for operating the shutter mechanism, a lever locking mechanism, a lock releasing mechanism, and a prevention mechanism. The lever locking mechanism locks the lever so as to be inoperative while the toner outlet is closed. The lock releasing mechanism unlocks the lever locked by the lever locking mechanism in conjunction with installment of the container main body into the image forming device. The prevention mechanism prevents the container main body from being taken out of the image forming device while the container main body is installed in the image forming device, and the lever operates to open the toner outlet. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232548 | WASTE TONER RECOVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A toner bottle for use in a marking device with a feed mechanism. The toner bottle includes first and second compartments for holding fresh and waste toner, respectively. The feed mechanism allows fresh toner to be delivered to the marking engine from the bottle and waste toner to be returned to the bottle from the marking engine. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232549 | Fuser Assembly Including A NIP Release Bias Spring - A fuser assembly includes first and second fuser structures, drive apparatus and nip engagement and release apparatus. The nip engagement and release apparatus includes nip-loading structure, a bias spring for engaging the nip-loading structure, a nip release cam for engaging the bias spring, a swing arm assembly and nip release structure. The nip engagement and release apparatus is adapted to cause a fuser nip to release during a reverse operation except when performing a duplex operation. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232550 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming apparatus main body; a fixing unit detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, the fixing unit including a unit-side connector that electrically connects with a main body-side connector of the image forming apparatus main body when the fixing unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body to receive electric power from the image forming apparatus main body; a first fixing unit attachment detection portion that is disposed at a position different from a position of the main body-side connector of the image forming apparatus main body in a longitudinal direction of the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus main body; and a second fixing unit attachment detection portion that is provided at a position different from a position of the main body-side connector of the image forming apparatus main body and a position of the first fixing unit attachment detection portion in the longitudinal direction of the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus main body. Thereby, an attachment failure of the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus can be suppressed. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232551 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTOSENSITIVE MEMBER, IMAGE FORMING DEVICE USING SAME, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTOSENSITIVE MEMBER CARTRIDGE - To realize an electrophotographic photoreceptor excellent in abrasion resistance, the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor comprises a polyester resin containing a repeating structural unit represented by the formula (1) and a hydrazone compound. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232552 | COATING LIQUID FOR FORMING UNDERCOAT LAYER, PHOTORECEPTOR HAVING UNDERCOAT LAYER FORMED OF THE COATING LIQUID, IMAGE-FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE PHOTORECEPTOR, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC CARTRIDGE INCLUDING THE PHOTORECEPTOR - Provided are a coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer exhibiting high stability, a process for forming the coating liquid, a high-performance electrophotographic photoreceptor that is capable of forming a high-quality image under various use environments and exhibiting reduced image defects such as black spots and color spots, and an image-forming apparatus and electrophotographic cartridge including the electrophotographic photoreceptor. In the coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor containing metal oxide particles and a binder resin, the metal oxide particles have a number average particle diameter of 0.10μm or less and a 10% cumulative particle diameter of 0.060 μm or less which are measured by a dynamic light-scattering method in the coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232553 | IMAGE READING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A copy machine is provided which includes: a fluorescent lamp; a mirror group having a plurality of mirrors that forms a light path by reflecting luminous flux from an original once on each of the plurality of mirrors, and is configured so that an imaging-side mirror, which is disposed most to an imaging side on the light path, has a shortest length in a main scanning direction; an imaging lens that forms an image from luminous flux reflected by the mirror group; a reading portion that reads an image on the original based on image formation by the imaging lens, disposed in an imaging position of the imaging lens; and a casing body that houses the fluorescent lamp, the mirror group, the imaging lens, and the reading portion, to be movable in a sub-scanning direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232554 | Methods To Control Transitions Between Color Printing And Black-Only Printing In An Image Forming Device - The present application is directed to methods for transitioning between color printing and black-only printing in an image forming device. A cartridge is moved between a first position in which color printing may occur and a second position in which black-only printing may occur. In the first position, a color developer unit may be in contact with a color photoconductor unit. The color developer unit may be spaced from the color photoconductor unit in the second position. During the transition, a voltage supplied to the cartridge and a speed of a drive motor driving the cartridge may be adjusted. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232555 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchronization. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232556 | COUNTING METHOD OF MIXING TIME OF DEVELOPER - A driving time count is obtained by accumulating a multiplication value which is obtained by multiplying a driving time of a mixer by a coefficient corresponding to an operation of a developing roller. When the driving time count reaches a life threshold for judgment of a life of a developer, it is judged that the developer reaches its end of life. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232557 | TONER, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TONER, DEVELOPER, TWO-COMPONENT DEVELOPER, DEVELOPING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - The toner includes a plurality of toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant. In toner particles, according to measurement by a flow particle image analyzer, the content of small size particles having a circle-equivalent diameter of 0.5 to 2.0 μm is 5% by number or less based on the entire toner particles, the content of medium size particles having a circle-equivalent diameter of more than 2.0 μm and 4.0 μm or less is 20% by number or more and 30% by number or less based on the entire toner particles, and the content of large size particles having a circle-equivalent diameter of more than 4.0 μm and 6.0 μm or less is 50% by number or more and 70% by number or less based on the entire toner particles, and the shape factor of the toner particles SF | 2009-09-17 |
20090232558 | DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME - A developing device including a developer container casing, a developer bearing member to supply toner to a latent image, a supply path to convey developer in an axial direction of the developer bearing member, a supply conveyance member to apply a force to the developer in the supply path to convey the developer, a recovery path to return the developer reaching a downstream end of the supply path to an upstream end of the supply path relative to a direction of conveyance of the developer, and a recovery conveyance member to apply a force to the developer in the recovery path to convey the developer. A bottom surface of the supply path is tilted such that the bottom surface at the downstream end of the supply path relative to the direction of conveyance of the developer is lower than the bottom surface at the upstream end of the supply path. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232559 | CLEANING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A cleaning device includes a cleaning member for removing developer attached to a developer attaching member; a rotation carrying member which is rotatably configured to carry the developer that is removed by the cleaning member; a housing member for housing the developer that is removed by the cleaning member and configured as a part of a developer housing part that surrounds the rotation carrying member; and an elastic member arranged to contact a periphery of the rotation carrying member. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232560 | Image Formation Device and Developer Supplying Device - There is provided an image formation device comprising an developer holding body having a holding surface parallel with a main scanning direction and holding thereon developer; an developer supplying unit to carry developer along a carrying path, wherein the developer supplying unit comprises first carrying electrodes arranged along the carrying path and serving to carry the developer in a carrying direction; second carrying electrodes arranged along the carrying path to face the first electrodes and serving to carry the developer in the carrying direction; a first voltage applying unit to apply a first carrying voltage having a first frequency to the first carrying electrodes; and a second voltage applying unit to apply, to the second carrying electrodes, a second carrying voltage having a second frequency different from the first frequency. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232561 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NON-CONTACT POWDER IMAGE DEVELOPMENT - An improved method and system for non-contact powder image development are provided. The present technique implements a 5-stage jumping development cycle where the initial stage is a momentary over-voltage condition to release the majority of the toner on a donor substrate and the final stage includes the implementation of a decelerating potential to minimize return impact on the donor and therefore toner abuse. It also uses a routine to directly determine improved (e.g. up to optimal) waveform amplitudes and pulse widths based on toner size and q/m, guided by physical insight. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232562 | Image Forming Apparatus - A toner supply apparatus | 2009-09-17 |
20090232563 | MAGNETIC ROLLER, DEVELOPER CARRIER, DEVELOPING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A magnetic roller includes a cylindrical magnetic field generation part ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232564 | METHOD OF PRODUCING OA APPARATUS ROLLER AND OA APPARATUS ROLLER - The invention offers a method of producing an OA apparatus roller that can increase the thermal conductivity of the surface layer composed of a fluororesin layer by decreasing its thickness, that has an excellent parting ability, that can prevent the rubber layer from deteriorating, and that is free from foreign matters adhering onto the inner surface of a hollow cylindrical mold even when the hollow cylindrical mold is used. The invention also offers an OA apparatus roller produced by the foregoing method. The method of producing an OA apparatus roller is provided with a step of forming an elastic layer and a surface layer in this order on a core metal. In this method, the surface layer is formed by using a fluororesin dispersion and the fluororesin dispersion contains a surfactant, a film-thickening agent, and a viscosity-increasing agent with a total content of 1.0 to 5.0 wt %. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232565 | HEATING APPARATUS - A heating apparatus which can increase the temperature of a heating element to a target temperature in a short time and ensures temperature uniformity of the heating element. In the heating apparatus, when the specific resistance of a material of a heat generating layer ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232566 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus to form an image on a recording sheet by transferring electrophotographic developer onto the recording sheet is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a heat roller to thermally fix the transferred developer onto the recording sheet, a rotating member to convey rotation force to the heat roller, a bearing to support the rotating member rotatably, a frame in which the bearing is assembled so that the rotating member is supported by the frame through the bearing. The bearing is made of a material having sliding resistance lower than sliding resistance of a material of the frame. The bearing is arranged on an opposite side of the heat roller with respect to the frame and receives the rotating member on the opposite side. The bearing and the frame are assembled to have clearance therebetween. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232567 | FIXING DEVICE, CYLINDRICAL HEAT FIXING ROLL AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A fixing device includes: a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field; a cylindrical fixing member that is disposed to face the magnetic field generating unit, generates heat due to electromagnetic induction of the magnetic field, and includes a heat generating layer that has a thickness thinner than a skin depth, and a temperature sensing layer which has a magnetic permeability change starting temperature, in a temperature range from a set fixing temperature to a heat resisting temperature, at which a magnetic permeability starts to decrease continuously, and which contacts with a face of the heat generating layer opposite to the magnetic field generating unit; and a pressure rotating body that is brought into pressure contact with an outer peripheral surface of the fixing member and deformed. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232568 | FIXING APPARATUS AND DEVELOPER FIXING METHOD FOR THE FIXING APPARATUS - A fixing apparatus includes: a pressing roller having a heating device therein; a metal roller having a core bar of metal; and a fixing roller that is set in contact with the pressing roller across a fixing belt wound around the fixing roller and the metal roller, has the width of the center portion formed in a cylindrical shape smaller than the width of the pressing roller, and has, at both ends, small-diameter rollers having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the center portion. Since stress is not applied to both ends of the fixing belt, the durable life of the fixing belt is extended. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232569 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, HEAT FIXING MEMBER FOR FIXING DEVICE, CYLINDRICAL ROATATING MEMBER AND MEDIUM TRANSPORTING DEVICE - A cylindrical rotating member rotatably supported in a device in state where it is configured to contact a medium and that is heated in state where it is supported in the device, including: an elastically deformable base body that is a metal cylinder extending in a width direction of the medium, the width direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium, the base body being configured such that: when the base body is rotated and a portion of the base body reaches a contact-portion at which the base body contacts the medium, the portion of the base body elastically deforms, applies pressure to the medium, increases the size of a contact-area with the medium and applies heat to the medium; and after the base body is further rotated and the portion of the base body has passed the contact-portion, the base body elastically recovers its original shape is provided. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232570 | Waste toner conveying device and image forming apparatus - A waste toner conveying device includes a first conveying path configured to convey waste toner having paper powder at a low mixed ratio, which is stored in a first cleaning device, outside the first cleaning device, a second conveying path configured to convey second waste toner having a paper powder at a high mixed ration, which is stored in a second cleaning device, outside the second cleaning device, and at least one forwarding path configured to convey the first waste toner conveyed from the first cleaning device through the first conveying path and the second waste toner conveyed from the second cleaning device through the second conveying path are conveyed to a waste toner storage device. The at least one forwarding path is configured to convey the first waste toner conveyed from the first cleaning device through the first conveying path to the waste toner storage device via the second conveying path. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232571 | Printing apparatus and printing method with respect to medium - A user operates the operation panel portion | 2009-09-17 |
20090232572 | ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD - An ergonomic keyboard having a mount and a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of unbroken adjacent rows is provided. Each row is comprised of an arcuate portion, a left portion, and a right portion. The left and right portions extend tangentially from the left and right sides of the arcuate portion, respectively. The arcuate portion, of each row is convex to the user side of the keyboard, and at least two keys in each arcuate portion are elongated. Alphanumeric indicia on the keys can be arranged in the QWERTY pattern. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232573 | FEEDER FOR A SURFACE MOUNT PLACEMENT SYSTEM - A feeder for a surface mount placement system includes a feeder body comprising a shaft, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover has one end pivotally installed on the feeder body via the shaft, a free end, and a pair of sidewalls respectively extending from two sides of the free end towards the feeder body. The rear cover pivotally installed on the feeder body, including a blocking portion, and the free end of the front cover overlap. The blocking portion is wider than the distance between the sidewalls of the front cover. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232574 | PRINTER - A printer, which prints by repeatedly reciprocating a rolled recording paper and ejects a printed recording paper, has therein a recording paper storage unit in which the recording paper is temporarily stored. The recording paper storage unit has a configuration formed by at least a part of the periphery of the rolled recording paper or a configuration provided in a space between the rolled paper holder and an ejection slot. This configuration eliminates the need for separately providing a configuration in which a recording paper is set aside when printing a long sheet of printed material and, at the same time, makes the printer smaller. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232575 | PRINTER - A printer having a printing mechanism unit and a body case. The printing mechanism unit transports a continuous form and to print data on the continuous form. The body case contains the printing mechanism unit. The body case has an inclined upper surface, a form-box support section, and a form-feeding port. The form-box support section supports, on the inclined upper surface, a form box containing the continuous form. The form-feeding port is located in front of an upper edge of the inclined surface and guides the continuous form to the printing mechanism unit. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232576 | Printer - A portion of a paper guide member ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232577 | CUTTER DEVICE AND RECORDING APPARATUS - A cutter device includes: a first cutter provided on a front surface side of a medium being fed to be cut; a second cutter that is provided on a back surface side opposite the front surface side and cuts the medium in cooperation with the first cutter; a carriage that retains the first and second cutters and moves in a width direction of the medium; a guide portion that guides the carriage in the width direction; and a post-cut guide portion that is provided on the carriage and comes into contact with the back surface to guide the medium on the downstream side of the first and second cutters in a medium feed direction after cutting to the front surface side. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232578 | Multi-Cosmetic, Extendable and Retractable Cosmetic Applicator - A cosmetic applicator for retaining a plurality of cosmetic members for selective extension and retraction with a housing, a revolver chamber rotatably retained within the housing, a plurality of cosmetic members disposed within longitudinal tubes circumferentially spaced relative to the revolver chamber, a slide button retained to slide along a longitudinal channel in the housing, and an end cap for selectively rotating the revolver chamber to induce one of the plurality of cosmetic members to become an active cosmetic member. The end cap can be rotatably retained relative to the housing and drivingly engaged with the revolver chamber with a key and keyhole combination. The housing can have has an eccentric aperture in the distal end thereof and the cosmetic members can be eccentrically disposed relative to the revolver chamber to align selectively with the aperture in the distal end of the housing. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232579 | LIPSTICK WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS - Apparatus ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232580 | Multi-Functional Applicator - A multifunctional multi-compartment applicator for the stable storage of solid ascorbic acid and topical application of ascorbic acid in solution to the skin, the applicator having an absorbent end and an abrasive end. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232581 | Squeeze to write ink highlighter - Squeeze to write ink highlighter comprises one cover and one ink bottle. The mechanism of squeezing to advance the ink bottle and releasing to retract the ink bottle is equipped inside the squeeze to write ink highlighter. User squeezes squeeze to write ink highlighter to write and releases squeeze to write ink highlighter to close the ink highlighter. Therefore user will never leave squeeze to write ink highlighter open and let ink dry out. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232582 | Method and Instrument for Removing Scratch-Off Coatings - An instrument and method for the removal of a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device utilizes a barrel having a hollow interior and an exterior configured for grasping in the hand. A solvent capable of dissolving the scratch-off coating upon contact therewith is contained within the interior of the barrel. A nib is coupled to and extending from the barrel and is in fluid communication with the solvent within the interior of the barrel. The nib is configured for delivering an amount of solvent to an exposed tip of the nib sufficient to dissolve the scratch-off coating when applied thereon. By contacting the nib of the instrument to a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device, the nib delivers an amount of solvent to the exposed tip of the nib to dissolve the scratch-off coating to reveal an underlying substrate of the card or device without forming numerous particles or loose portions of the removed coating. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232583 | WHITEBOARD-MARKER HAVING ARCH-SHAPED HOUSING - A whiteboard marker having an arch-shaped housing is disclosed. The whiteboard marker of the present invention includes an ink tube ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232584 | APPLICATOR DEVICE - The present invention generally relates to applicators. More particularly the invention relates to applicator devices to be used for consumer products such as cosmetics, skin care, hair care or paint products. The applicator device of the present invention provides for convenience in storing as well as applying consumer products wherein the handle of the applicator device acts as a reservoir for the products. Also disclosed is the usage of such an applicator device in a ready to use kit where the applicator handle stores an additional product. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232585 | Multi-port fluid connectors, systems and methods - A multi-port connector includes a plate employing a plurality of coupling retention mechanisms used to hold a plurality of fluid connectors in alignment for deployment with a respective plurality of fluid ports defined in a structure. The couplings may be loosely retained in the plate to facilitate alignment with the ports and ultimately insertion of the connectors into the ports. Each of the coupling retention mechanisms might be an opening through the plate with engagement mechanism defined within, or in conjunction with, the opening. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention a (central) fastener may pass through the plate to selectively draw and secure the plurality of fluid connectors into engagement with the respective plurality of ports. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232586 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A sterile connector assembly for mounting on a fluid system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a stem defining a fluid passage therethrough, a first housing surrounding the stem and defining a first aperture, and a first valve disposed over the first aperture. The second connector includes a second housing configured to matingly engage the first housing. The second housing defines a second aperture and defines a seal structure. The seal structure is configured to engage the stem. The second connector also includes a second valve disposed over the second aperture. The second valve is configured to engage the first valve when the first housing engages the second housing. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232587 | HANDGRIP MOUNTING METHOD - A handgrip mounting method for mounting a handgrip onto a handlebar includes the steps of a) applying a piece of releasable paper to one of a handlebar and a tubular handgrip, b) sleeving the tubular handgrip onto the handlebar to have the piece of releasable paper be sandwiched in between the handlebar and the tubular handgrip in such a manner that an end portion of the piece of releasable paper is exposed outside of the handlebar and the tubular handgrip, and c) pulling the end portion of the piece of releasable paper to remove the piece of releasable paper away from the handlebar and the tubular handgrip. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232588 | Fastening Mechanism - A fastening mechanism for connecting posts or other objects together is described. The mechanism consists of a housing ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232589 | Dust Boot Assemblies and Apparatus for Providing Grease Relief for a Dust Boot - Dust boot assemblies for providing grease relief while preventing or minimizing infiltration of contaminants into a cavity in the dust boot and between the surfaces of a greased joint coupled to the dust boot. Some such dust boot assemblies include two-piece grease relief inserts having a body and a shield, wherein the body includes grease relief route(s) and the shield prevents or minimizes infiltration of contaminants into the grease relief route(s). Other dust boot assemblies include one-piece grease relief inserts with integral body and shield components. Some grease relief routes include axial and radial channels. Grease relief inserts are inserted under an edge of a dust boot. A dust boot skirt covers grease relief ports through which excess grease is relieved to the external environment. The grease relief insert is located to in a portion of the dust boot experiencing limited or zero movement. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232590 | JOINT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A joint for a motor vehicle is provided with a housing ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232591 | Apparatus for Joining Members and Assembly Thereof - An apparatus for joining a first member and a second member includes means for joining the first member and the second member, means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member, and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between first member and the second member. An assembly includes a first member, a second member, and means for joining the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining a the first member and the second member and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232592 | CAST END CAP MOUNTING MODULE - An end cap mounting module comprises an end cap body that is cast as a single-piece component that has a first mount interface for connection to a catalytic converter and a second mount interface for connection to an exhaust pipe. In one example, the single-piece end cap body includes at least one integrally formed sensor boss and/or fastener boss. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232593 | BAMBOO FRAME STRUCTURE - A bamboo frame structure formed of female bamboo frame bars and male bamboo frame bars and reinforced with reinforcing bamboo strips is disclosed. Each female bamboo frame bar is formed of two parallel bamboo strips and a plurality of transverse bamboo blocks set in between the two parallel bamboo strips and kept apart from one another at a distance and kept spaced from the two distal ends each bamboo strip at a distance. Each male bamboo frame is formed of two parallel bamboo strips and a plurality of longitudinal bamboo blocks set in between the two bamboo strips and respectively protruding over the two distal ends of each bamboo strip in such a manner that the protruding part of each bamboo block at one end of each male bamboo frame bar is tightly insertable into the gap in between the two bamboo strips of each female bamboo frame bar and connectable thereto with a fastening member. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232594 | Cable and Connector Assembly Apparatus and Method of Use - A cable assembly apparatus for coupling a connector to a cable having a base supporting an interface pedestal dimensioned to receive the connector; an inductor coil coupled to an inductor coil actuator operable to move the inductor coil between a load position and an operation position proximate the interface pedestal; a grip clamp operable by a clamp actuator to move between an open position and a closed position above the interface pedestal; and a temperature sensor configured to read a temperature proximate the interface pedestal. A method for using the apparatus retains the pre-assembled connector and cable in an aligned orientation for controlled heating by the induction heater to heat a solder preform to solder the connector to an outer conductor of the cable. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232595 | Connector, Gasket and Method of Attaching The Same - A method of creating a connection between two connector fittings is described. The method includes the steps of engaging each appendage of at least one appendage pair of a gasket with a reciprocally shaped receiving component of a first connector fitting, such that the gasket is at least temporarily secured to the end of the first connector fitting, sterilizing the gasket and first connector fitting, placing the end of a second connector fitting adjacent to the gasket attached to the first connector fitting, such that the gasket is between the ends of the two connector fittings, and clamping the two connector fitting ends and gasket such that the gasket is compressed to form a seal and thereby create a connection between the two connector fittings. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232596 | TRAFFIC DEVICE, SUCH AS A ROADSIDE POST - A traffic device ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232597 | Edge restraint for water permeable pavement systems - A T-shaped edge restraint for use in water permeable pavement systems. The base (stem) of the T has a plurality of openings to facilitate the use of spikes or anchors or to facilitate curving the edge restraint to accommodate curved sections of the pavement system. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232598 | ADJUSTABLE PLANER SYSTEM - Certain embodiments of the disclosure include planers with side plates which may be adjusted independently or simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a planer with adjustable side plates is comprised of a planer housing enclosing a grinding drum with grinding tools to be moved over a surface to be ground in a direction of travel and a pair of side plates are arranged substantially parallel to the direction of travel and mounted substantially adjacent the housing. The side plates are mechanically linked to the housing and are hydraulically controlled to be adjustably raised and lowered relative to the housing. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232599 | SHORELINE STABILIZATION, RESTORATION, AND RUNOFF FILTRATION - Various embodiments described herein provide shoreline restoration modules which may be anchored together along a shoreline of a body of water, such as a lake or pond, to facilitate restoration of the shoreline. The shoreline restoration modules may include a photodegradable material selected to degrade over a period of years, such as four years or five years, while maintaining strength over the period of years to prevent breakdown of a media enclosed by the shoreline restoration modules. In some embodiments, the shoreline restoration modules also provide beneficial run off nutrient, silt, and other particulate matter trapping and filtering. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232600 | Leach line and chamber combined system - The ability to deliver wastewater that comes from septic tank efficiently throughout all connected chamber area through leach line that is attached inside top position of chambers. Delivered wastewater distribute through leach line holes, accommodate inside of bottomless chamber and infiltrate to ground. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232601 | Apparatus, System and Method for Remediation of Contamination - An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s). | 2009-09-17 |
20090232602 | MICROWAVE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE STERILIZATION AND INFESTATION OF CROP SOILS - The method and the system are applicable in farming activities, pest control, industry, agriculture, forestry, etc. for controlling insects and other plant pests from crops. The system performing the method comprises a source of lethal impact which is a microwave generator with a microwave guiding element directed so as to infested soil. The microwave energy is transferred from a microwave generator into the pests located in the desired soil location, killing the plant insects and pests. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232603 | In Situ Remediation Methods Using Electron Donors And Dispersant Gas - The present invention provides methods and systems for the in situ remediation of contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include one or more conduits for injection or coinjection of liquid electron donor compositions and dispersant gas compositions. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232604 | Expandable air bag construction for protection of an inflatable air cell in a diver's buoyancy compensator - In an air cell of a buoyancy compensator an outer protective bag has a section of double layer construction. In the double layer area, two panels of elastic material are each juxtaposed adjacent a panel of non-elastomeric material. The elastic panels are spaced at a distance of each other such that during expansion when the elastic panels are at their limit, there is still an adjacent layer of non-elastomeric protective material. If a sharp object penetrates the elastic panel, it will not puncture the inner air cell unless it can also pierce the protective bag non-elastic layer. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232605 | Method and assembly for installing oilfield equipment at the water bottom - Subsea oilfield equipment ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232606 | Concrete forming system - A lightweight forming system and the method of using same that can be used to construct concrete columns of various external shapes and sizes. The system includes a reusable, flexible securement jacket that can be wrapped around a concrete receiving component having a concrete receiving chamber into which the concrete is poured. Load is exerted on the concrete receiving component in a novel manner through the use of elongated load tubes that are affixed to the spaced apart edges of the securement jacket. A plurality of draw-latches of novel construction are affixed to the load tubes at vertically spaced apart locations and when closed by the workman function to forcefully pull the load tubes together to positively pre-load the concrete receiving component prior to pouring concrete. The securement jacket of the system can be quickly and easily removed as soon as the concrete has sufficiently cured and can then be immediately reused to pour another column. Following use, the securement jacket can be rolled into a tight bundle for transport and storage. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232607 | EARTH RETAINING SYSTEM SUCH AS A SHEET PILE WALL WITH INTEGRAL SOIL ANCHORS - A soil raining system combining flat sheet pile wails in an open cell configuration includes integral soil anchors providing an improved earth retaining system. Another aspect of the invention is a method of designing and installing a soil retaining system with an open sheet pile cell structure having integral soil anchors. The method includes, inter alia, calculating soil forces by taking into account material strength of sheet pile, soil friction against the sheet pile in combination with the strength of the integral soil anchor, selecting sheet pile size and length based on soil forces calculation; and installation of sheet pile to form a soil retaining system. The integral soil anchors serve to provide higher load resistance to the improved earth retaining system. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232608 | RETAINING WALL - A retaining wall or a counterfort retaining wall incorporates a vertical stem wall section, a base section having a toe, a heel, and a number of shallow piles at the bottom of the base section to improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall. To further improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall, an edge of the heel is slanted with a bevel or a batter with an angle to pick up more resisting load. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232609 | Cutting insert - The invention relates to a cutting insert, in particular for machining crankshafts, having two base surfaces ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232610 | END MILL - A plurality of chip discharge flutes are located on an outer periphery of a tip portion of the end mill body which rotates on its axis. Helix angles between the axis and the cutting edges in the chip discharge flutes, of which are at least one or more; are different from others. A cross-section perpendicular to the axis shows that a flute bottom face in a main flute portion forms a concavely curved shape from the rake face to a point where the flute bottom face, touches a web thickness circle of the end mill body, forms a linear shape, and goes toward the end mill rotating direction; and a flute bottom face in a sub-flute portion forms a linear shape, intersects with the flute bottom face in the main flute portion at an obtuse angle, goes further toward the end mill rotating direction. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232611 | INDEXABLE CUTTING INSERT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - An indexable cutting insert ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232612 | Method for machining Crankshafts and Device for Carrying Out This Method - The invention relates to a method for machining crankshafts during which the machining of the bearing width and of the oil collar should be carried out simultaneously. To this end, a disk-shaped outer milling cutter having a number of cutting tools ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232613 | Machine Tool Spindle Balancer - Provided is a machine tool spindle balancer that stably pulls and biases the spindle unit upward and thus reduces the load of the lift means for moving the spindle unit vertically, is easily applicable to existing machine tools, highly durable, downsizable, and has a simple structure advantageous in production cost. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232614 | Direct Tension Indicating Washer Having Enhanced Emission Of Indicating Material - A direct tension indicating washer including a first surface having a protuberance formed thereon; a second surface having an indentation formed opposite the protuberance; an indicating material positioned in the indentation; and a channel leading from the indentation to an outer diameter of the direct tension indicating washer; wherein the protuberance has four walls, each of the walls being substantially perpendicular to the first surface. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232615 | EXHAUST MANIFOLD CLAMP APPARATUS AND METHOD OF APPLYING - A clamp apparatus and method of using the apparatus that allows for successful restoration of the exhaust manifold attachment to the exhaust piping without damaging the exhaust manifold casting and avoiding the inherent need to remove the exhaust manifold from the motor to achieve the restoration, is described. In practicing exemplary embodiments of the method the existing damaged studs may be removed in whole or in part from the exhaust manifold. Some exemplary embodiments of the clamp may include a frame that includes an aperture that is adapted to be secured around a protrusion of an exhaust manifold. Additionally, the clamp may include a fastener secured to the frame that is adapted to join with an exhaust pipe flange having mating holes for receiving the fastener or each clamp. Two clamps are used in one exemplary embodiment. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232616 | Friction Lock Bolt - A fastening device is provided and includes an elongated fastener, a head, and an elastomeric element. The head is coupled to an end of the elongated fastener, and the elastomeric element is coupled to a surface of the head substantially opposite to the elongated fastener. Furthermore, a method of securing a device to a support structure is provided. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232617 | Fastener assembly retention and alignment element - A fastener assembly including a retention and alignment element used in combination with a first component having a cylindrical wall defining a bore and a second component having an elongated shaft for insertion into the bore of the first component. The retention and alignment element comprises a plurality of elongated polymeric protuberances, each having (i) a base fixed to the cylindrical wall of the first component, (ii) a height sufficient so that together the free ends of the protuberances define a passageway that creates an interference fit with the shaft of the second component, and (iii) a length sufficient to maintain the shaft of the second component generally collinear with the axis of the bore of the first component. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232618 | FASTENER ASSEMBLY - A fastener assembly includes a fastener having a head and a shank, with a necked portion, extending from the head. The fastener assembly also includes a retainer having an aperture through which the shank is inserted and at least one radially inwardly-projecting tang engaged with the necked portion of the shank to limit movement of the retainer along the shank to within the necked portion. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232619 | Self-drilling screw - A self-drilling screw ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232620 | Pneumatic fastener for metal studs and related method - A pneumatically drivable fastener secures drywall or other construction material to a metal stud. Each fastener comprises a driving head; and a one piece shank component, secured at one end to the driving head. Each shank component has an axial length extending perpendicularly and longitudinally from the driving head and is divided into two or three sections: (a) an optional, solid section closest to the driving head; (b) an intermediate section with grooves that define stud cutting edges; and (c) two or more forked ends opposite the driving head. A method for fastening drywall to a plurality of metal studs is also disclosed. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232621 | PAPER-SHEET HANDLING DEVICE - A paper-sheet handling device relating to the present invention has a configuration such that a binder paper alignment unit for temporarily reserving a plurality of paper-sheets perforated at predetermined positions, a movement mechanism for binding the bundle of paper-sheets thus aligned owing to the above by means of a binding component, and a binder cassette for storing the binding components for being transferred thereto, wherein the movement mechanism is arranged on the downstream side of the binder paper alignment unit and the binder cassette and also, the binder paper alignment unit and the binder cassette are arranges radially on the upstream side to form an approximately V-shape by making the aforesaid movement mechanism to be a reference. It is possible depending on this configuration to concentrate the necessary constructional elements at the periphery of the movement mechanism, so that the arrangement of the component members in the horizontal direction of the device can be restricted and the aforesaid device can be miniaturized. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232622 | Bookbinding system - A punching processing unit punches holes in a paper bundle delivered from a preprocessing device. A bookbinding unit includes a cartridge for stocking a plurality of rings, and performs a ring binding by binding the paper bundle with the rings. A detecting unit detects an abnormality of a ring in the cartridge. A control unit exchanges a signal with the preprocessing unit each time when detection information obtained by the detecting unit changes. When any one of the rings is determined as abnormal and an execution of ring binding is set, the control unit inhibits the ring binding. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232623 | ROOF HOIST - According to embodiments described in the specification, an apparatus and method for lifting a roof onto a dwelling. A roof hoist with hooks and a frame is provided. Each hook is configured to slide under a portion of a roof and thereby support a portion of the weight of the roof. The frame is provided with locomotion means to facilitate positioning over a roof. A portion of the frame may be removed and lifted with the roof by overhead lifting means. The hooks are attached to the removeable portion of the frame. The roof may be deposited on a dwelling, and the hooks may then be disengaged. The removeable portion of the frame, along with the hooks, may be then be lowered and recoupled with the remainder of the frame. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232624 | PIPE HANDLING APPARATUS WITH ARM STIFFENING - A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232625 | MOTION COMPENSATION SYSTEM - A heave or motion compensation system ( | 2009-09-17 |
20090232626 | COMPONENT TEST APPARATUS AND COMPONENT TRANSPORT METHOD - A component test apparatus performing a test on an electronic component is disclosed. The component test apparatus includes a component loading device, a transport hand, and a component unloading device. A plurality of functional stations have mutually different functions and are spaced apart at equal intervals along a movement direction of the transport hand. The transport hand has a plurality of index units that are capable of holding the electronic component independently from one another and operating independently from one another. The index units are spaced apart at intervals equal to the intervals at which the functional stations are spaced apart along a transport direction of the electronic component from a loading position toward a test position. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232627 | Device and method for positioning and blocking thin substrates on a cut substrate block - A device for positioning and blocking thin silicon wafers after wire-sawing a silicon wafer block. The device comprises a cassette that accommodates the wafer block and is provided with two contact strips whose sides facing the wafer block encompass elements which engage into narrow cutting gap between the wafers so as to maintain a distance and provide support. This allows the wafers to be fixed in the position thereof even after removing a supporting glass plate such that particularly the gap in the area of the former connecting point to the removed supporting glass plate is maintained and the subsequent singulation process is simplified. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232628 | Apparatus for mounting a motorcycle on a carrier - A capturing mechanism useful to retain a motorcycle on a variously inclined ramp includes an over-center spring loaded mechanism that is a self-triggered to deploy a hinged restraint compressing a motorcycle wheel against a conforming slip by the rolling translation thereof towards the forward end of the deployed ramp. Once thus temporarily fixed to the ramp the motorcycle and the ramp are then lifted onto the transport vehicle and then further restrained for transport by a rear bracket. At the destination the ramp, with the motorcycle fixed thereon, is lowered to the ground again and a detachable lever is then useful to fully release the spring loaded restraint. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232629 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOADING/UNLOADING CONTAINERS - A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232630 | TENDON ENHANCED END EFFECTOR - An end effector assembly for a substrate transfer robot is described. The end effector assembly includes a robot wrist. At least one end effector is secured to the robot wrist. The end effector has a fixed end, a free end, a load-supporting surface and a tension member. The fixed end is coupled with the robot wrist. The free end is disposed opposite to the fixed end. The load-supporting surface is coupled between the fixed end and the free end. The tension member is coupled with the load-supporting surface between the fixed end and the free end. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232631 | SUBSTRATE HOLDING APPARATUS, SUBSTRATE TRANSFERRING ROBOT EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME, AND SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTION APPARATUS - A substrate holding apparatus includes a base plate with a two-pronged portion, a holding plate arranged above the base plate, a driving portion provided therebetween, a holding portion formed by a tip end of the two-pronged portion and a tip end of the holding plate, and a guide portion provided at the tip end of the two-pronged portion for guiding a part of the substrate. The driving portion includes an urging means for always urging a basal end side of the holding plate upward, an electric magnetic portion for drawing the holding plate toward the base plate, and a bearing portion arranged at on the tip end side of the base plate. The guide portion has a guide groove which comes into contact with a part of a periphery of the substrate. | 2009-09-17 |
20090232632 | SUPPORT PLATFORM - A support platform for use in automated storage and retrieval systems is generally a planar board having an upper support surface. The board further includes opposing end edges and opposing side edges. The end edges each include first and second interlocking members formed therein. The support platform is placed on the racks in the automated storage and retrieval system with items or containers of items placed thereon. Several support platforms are placed on each rack, one behind the other. The end edges of each support platform are interlocked with each adjacent support platform, with each first interlocking member interlocked with one of the second interlocking members of an adjacent support platform. | 2009-09-17 |