Patents Examined by Carla J Therrien
  • Patent number: 11815825
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is used, which includes: a scanning unit that scans a surface of a photosensitive member with light and forms a latent image according to image data; a developing unit that supplies toner to the latent image to develop the latent image; a fixing unit that heats and fixes the toner image on a recording material; and a control unit that controls a fixing temperature based on the image data, wherein the control unit analyzes a printing ratio by dividing the image data into a plurality of regions in a main scanning direction when the scanning unit scans the surface of the photosensitive member with light, and determines the fixing temperature on the basis of the position in the main scanning direction and the printing ratio for each of the plurality of regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shingo Ito
  • Patent number: 11815837
    Abstract: A printing system includes a printing unit configured to print an image on a sheet, a receiving unit configured to receive an adjustment value from a user, first and second adjustment units, and a control unit. The first adjustment unit conveys the sheet on which the image is printed by the printing unit to a reading apparatus, and performs a first adjustment based on an image read by the reading apparatus. The second adjustment unit performs a second adjustment based on the adjustment value received by the receiving unit. The control unit prevents the first adjustment from being performed for a sheet of a size where the first adjustment is not properly performed among sheets for the printing unit to print an image on. The control unit does not prevent the second adjustment from being performed for the sheet of the size where the first adjustment is not properly performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Yano
  • Patent number: 11809092
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a charging member, an exposure unit, a developing unit including a developing member, a motor, a contact and separation unit, a controller, an acquiring portion for acquiring information on a switching time which is a time required for switching a state of the developing member from a separated state to a contact state by executing a contact operation by the contact and separation unit, and a setting portion for setting, on the basis of the information on the switching time acquired by the acquiring portion, a start timing which is a timing when the contact operation by the contact and separation unit is started in a preparation operation and which is a timing before a region on the photosensitive member exposed to light in a light emission period reaches a developing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Endo
  • Patent number: 11796949
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium based on an image forming condition; an image reader configured to read an image for adjustment of the image forming condition, the image for adjustment being formed on the recording medium; and a controller configured to control the image forming unit to form images for adjustment; control the image reader to read the images for adjustment; determine target data based on a reading result of a first image included in reading results of the images for adjustment; and adjust the image forming condition, during execution of a job in which the image forming unit forms a plurality of images on a plurality of recording mediums, based on the target data and a reading result of second image included in the reading results of the images for adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shin Iwasaki, Koji Yumoto, Riki Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 11789394
    Abstract: A print system having an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus configured to receive a print job from the information processing apparatus and execute printing. The information processing apparatus sets so as to insert a chart sheet on which patches for tone correction have been printed for the print job. In a case where the print job includes a setting to insert the chart sheet, the printing apparatus controls whether or not to insert the chart sheet based on a type of sheet to be used in the print job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiro Mutsuno
  • Patent number: 11789383
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearers, a plurality of rotation reference position detectors, and circuitry. Each of the plurality of rotation reference position detectors faces a corresponding image bearer of the plurality of image bearers to detect a rotation reference position of the corresponding image bearer. The circuitry performs, before an operation of rotating the plurality of image bearers, alignment control based on a result of detection performed by the plurality of rotation reference position detectors. The alignment control is control of driving of the plurality of image bearers to acquire a given relationship between the respective rotation reference positions of the plurality of image bearers. The circuitry determines whether to perform the alignment control based on whether the operation of rotating the plurality of image bearers is a function maintenance related operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jumpei Yamaguchi, Koji Kiryu, Masahiro Ashikawa, Masashi Kasamai, Kanji Ubukata, Nagisa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11774875
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a development roll for electrophotographic apparatuses. The development roll for electrophotographic apparatuses includes: a shaft; an elastic layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft; a surface layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the elastic layer; and an end protection layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the surface layer at both ends in an axial direction. The end protection layer contains a binder polymer and a surface modification agent that has a cyano group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sumitomo Riko Company Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Endo, Kengo Fujii, Kentaro Imai, Satoshi Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 11775789
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an exposure device configured to perform multiple exposure with a second light-emitting element array of a place exposed with a first light-emitting element array; and a controller configured to transmit a signal for controlling the exposure device. The exposure device sets a first pulse signal for light emission of the first light-emitting element array based on a first delay time and a first pulse width, sets a second pulse signal for light emission of the second light-emitting element array based on a second delay time, different from the first delay time, and a second pulse width, identical to the first pulse width, and starts and terminates light emission of each of the first light-emitting element array and the second light-emitting element array according to the set first pulse signal and second pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidefumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11774902
    Abstract: A drum unit includes: a frame; a first photosensitive drum; a second photosensitive drum; a charger; and a storage medium. The frame includes: a first frame plate; a second frame plate spaced apart from the first frame plate in a first direction; a third frame plate connecting one end of the first frame plate to one end of the second frame plate; and a fourth frame plate connecting another end of the first frame plate to another end of the second frame plate. The first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum are rotatably supported by the frame. The second photosensitive drum is spaced apart from the first photosensitive drum and positioned closer to the third frame plate than the first photosensitive drum to the third frame plate in a second direction. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface positioned at an outer surface of the fourth frame plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Isao Kishi
  • Patent number: 11774891
    Abstract: The heater including a substrate, a first heat generation member, a second heat generation member having a length substantially a same in a longitudinal direction as a length of the first heat generation member, a third heat generation member having a length shorter than lengths of the first heat generation member and the second heat generation member in the longitudinal direction, and a fourth heat generation member having a length shorter than length of the third heat generation member in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first heat generation member, the second heat generation member, the third heat generation member and the fourth heat generation member are arranged on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Doda, Ken Nakagawa, Tsuguhiro Yoshida, Yutaka Sato, Kohei Wakatsu
  • Patent number: 11768452
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming unit, an intermediate transfer belt, a power supply, a transfer member to transfer toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium, and a sensor to detect, as density information, a density of the recording medium toner image. In an adjustment mode, (i) a test recording medium is output as a test chart by applying multiple levels of test voltages to the transfer member to transfer test toner images to the test recording medium, (ii) the transferred test toner images are detected via the sensor, and (iii) a transfer voltage is adjusted based on the sensor detection. In the adjustment mode, test toner image groups are set, one test toner image group is extracted based on an index value, and the transfer voltage is adjusted based on the density information of the extracted test toner image group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 11768459
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a toner image former that forms a toner image on an outer peripheral surface of a photosensitive rotating body and that transfers the toner image having been formed onto a transfer receiving object; a detector that detects a grayscale abnormality of the toner image on the photosensitive rotating body or the transfer receiving object; a cleaner that cleans the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive rotating body; and a hardware processor that causes the cleaner to clean when the detector detects the grayscale abnormality at a same position in a main scanning direction per circumferential length of the photosensitive rotating body in a sub-scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Kunitomo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11762319
    Abstract: A print control apparatus that improves operability in readjusting a secondary transfer voltage that has been adjusted. The print control apparatus that communicates with an image forming apparatus. The print control apparatus includes an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute a process that prints a predetermined chart, reads the predetermined chart by the reading device, and sets a secondary transfer voltage, a reception unit that receives an adjustment value obtained by the process from the image forming apparatus, and a display control unit that controls a display unit to display an object that prompts a user to adjust at least the secondary transfer voltage based on reception of the adjustment value obtained by the process by the reception unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kawamura, Hiroya Igarashi, Hirotomo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11754939
    Abstract: An optical print head includes a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements is mounted; a lens configured to condense light emitted from the light emitting elements on a photoreceptor; a holding member configured to hold the substrate and the lens; and an attachment portion configured to be provided on the holding member, provided outside an end portion of the substrate in a longitudinal direction of the substrate, and provided with a moving mechanism that moves the holding member to an exposure position at which the photoreceptor is exposed and a separation position at which the holding member is separated from the photoreceptor with respect to the exposure position. A wall portion is provided between the end portion of the substrate and the attachment portion in the longitudinal direction, and a sealing material is applied so as to be in contact with the substrate and the wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Kojima
  • Patent number: 11747746
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having a housing; a cartridge including an image bearing member and capable of being attached/detached to/from the housing; a discharging exposure unit having a light source member and a light guide member, which forms a light guide path guiding light from the light source member so as to be emitted to the image bearing member, and exposing the image bearing member; and an opening/closing member capable of being opened/closed and provided on a surface on which an opening portion, through which the cartridge is inserted/removed in the housing, is provided so as to cover the opening portion, wherein the light source member is provided so as to be exposed to a surface of the housing opened/closed by the opening/closing member and be capable of being attached/detached to/from the light guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomomichi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 11726419
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, an image bearing member, a transfer member, a voltage source, a density detecting portion, a display portion, a controller, and an operating portion. The controller is capable of executing an operation in a mode in which a test chart for adjusting a transfer voltage is outputted, and setting information on the transfer voltage set for during transfer on the basis of a detection result when the test chart is detected by the detecting portion is displayed at the display portion and is checked by user. The controller causes the display portion to display setting information on the basis of a correcting value and causes the user to check the setting information in the operation in the mode executed after the correcting value is inputted from the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taisuke Matsuura
  • Patent number: 11726416
    Abstract: A hierarchical printhead design supports multiple print modes. A first print mode uses a first subset of light sources having a first spacing. A second print mode uses a second subset of light sources having a second spacing which is less than the first spacing. Image data for lines of image data are sequentially loaded into the printhead, wherein if the specified print mode is the first print mode, image data for a first group of light sources corresponding to the first subset are loaded, and if the specified print mode is the second print mode, image data for the first group of light sources are first loaded, and then image data for a second group of light sources corresponding to the light sources in the second subset that are not in the first subset are loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventor: Chung-Hui Kuo
  • Patent number: 11726422
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a controller performs processes in accordance with an operation mode settable to one of a first subscription mode and a second subscription mode. The first subscription mode corresponds to a first subscription in which a specific-color cartridge is a subscription subject and a non-specific-color cartridge is not the subscription subject. The second subscription mode corresponds to a second subscription in which both the specific-color cartridge and the non-specific-color cartridge are the subscription subject. The controller performs restricting usage of the non-specific-color cartridge in a case where the first subscription mode is set as the operation mode and the type information of the non-specific-color cartridge indicates the subscription type, compared to a case where the second subscription mode is set as the operation mode and the type information of the non-specific-color cartridge indicates the subscription type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Noriaki Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 11720037
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charging member to charge a surface of the image bearing member, an exposure unit, a developing member to form a toner image, a transfer member, an irradiation unit, and a blocking member. The irradiation unit includes a light source provided at one end of the irradiation unit in a rotation axial direction of the image bearing member and a guide that guides a light source emitted light in the rotation axial direction. The irradiation unit irradiates the surface of the image bearing member with the light after the transfer member transfers the toner image to a transfer-receiving member. The blocking member blocks the light irradiated from the irradiation unit in the rotation axial direction. The blocking member is configured so that a quantity of blocking the light irradiated from the irradiation unit is different in the rotation axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nogami, Akinori Mitsumata, Takeo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 11714368
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a heating rotary member, a pressure rotary member, a nip portion formed by the rotary members, a temperature adjustment control section controlling a temperature of the heating rotary member to a target temperature, a cleaning web removing toner adhering to the heating rotary member, and a controller selectively executing one of a cleaning mode and a non-cleaning mode. A first basis weight and a second basis weight greater than the first predetermined basis weight are set, in a job that mixedly uses recording media with the first and second basis weights. When the controller executes the non-cleaning mode, the temperature adjustment control section sets a target temperature of a recording medium with a basis weight less than or equal to the first basis weight to a temperature lower than a target temperature of the recording medium in the cleaning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Hasegawa, Hiroki Kawai, Ayano Ogata, Yasuharu Toratani, Suguru Takeuchi, Youichi Chikugo, Hidekazu Tatezawa, Yutaro Tsuno, Kenichi Tanaka, Rikiya Takemasa