Patents by Inventor Hiroshi Igarashi
Hiroshi Igarashi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20150055979Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a developing unit; a casing; and a supporting member. The developing unit includes a developing agent bearing member. The developing agent bearing member has an axis extending in an axial direction and defines a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the axial direction. The casing is configured to support the photosensitive drum and the developing unit. The casing has a sidewall at a position corresponding to the first side. The developing unit is detachable from and attachable to the casing along the axial direction. The supporting member is configured to guide a movement of the developing unit in the axial direction and protrudes outward from the sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Shougo Sato
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Publication number: 20150009259Abstract: Motor control devices and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, such a device includes a fluid ejection head configured to eject a fluid onto a sheet that is on a downstream side from a transport driving roller along a supply direction of the sheet. The device also includes a first motor that provides a driving force for rotating a roll on which the sheet is wound, and a second motor that provides a driving force for driving the transport driving roller. The transport driving roller is on a downstream side from the roll along the supply direction of the sheet. The device also includes a motor control unit that simultaneously drives the first and second motors, and the motor control unit is configured to control an interpolation output that is given to the first motor while subjected to a change in a driving speed of the second motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Kenji Hatada
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Publication number: 20140356025Abstract: Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Naoya Kamimura, Yoshiya Tomatsu
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Patent number: 8900058Abstract: An operating apparatus for game machine includes a depressing member. A main body of the depressing member is provided with three engaging protrusions and two depressing protrusions that downwardly protrude. For example, the two depressing protrusions are provided between the three engaging protrusions. In response to a beating operation, the right side of the depressing member is depressed, and an engaging portion of the engaging protrusion at the left side is engaged with a rear surface of an upper surface panel. Accordingly, the depressing member depressed at the right side without being upwardly actuated, and a rubber switch depressed by the depressing protrusion is brought into contact with a board. At this time, a contact provided on the board and a contact provided on the rubber switch are brought into contact with each other, and an operation signal according to the beating operation is output to the game machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai Namco GamesInventors: Noboru Wakitani, Junji Takamoto, Takeshi Nagareda, Kuniaki Ito, Hideo Nagata, Hiroshi Igarashi, Akio Onda
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Patent number: 8893753Abstract: The substrate storage pod includes a pod case for housing a substrate, and an opening, a lid member which closes and seals the opening, a buffer space which is defined in the lid member, an air-supply port for supplying a replacement gas into the buffer space; and multiple holes which are arranged so as to establish communication between the buffer space and an inner plate of the lid member in a state of being fit-inserted to the opening of the pod case, for sending out the replacement gas into the hollow inner space, the replacement gas having been supplied into the buffer space, the inner plate facing the hollow inner space of the pod case. With this, pressure variation of the replacement gas in supply pipes is blocked, and hence replacement-gas flow in a stable laminar state free from disturbance can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Okabe, Hiroshi Igarashi
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Publication number: 20140334849Abstract: A developing cartridge that maintains a pressing condition to press a developer carrier against the image carrier is described. The developing cartridge may include a coil spring that presses the developer carrier against the image carrier. The coil spring may include a handle that transmits a pressing force to the coil spring via the contacting member. By doing so, every time the developing cartridge is replaced, a new coil spring and handle can be provided for the color laser printer with the developing cartridge attached. Therefore, a constant pressure by the coil spring can be continuously maintained. Thus, a preferable pressure condition of the developer carrier against the image carrier can be continuously maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Naoya Kamimura
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Patent number: 8886083Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a developing unit; and a casing. The developing unit includes a developing agent bearing member having an axis defining a first side and a second side in an axial direction. The casing supports the photosensitive drum and the developing unit. The casing has an opening at a position corresponding to the first side. The developing unit is detachable from and attachable to the casing through the opening. The developing unit is movable selectively to one of a proximity position, a separated position, and a pivoted position where the developing agent bearing member is pivotally moved about a portion of the developing agent bearing member at the second side from the separated position in a direction away from the photosensitive drum. The developing unit is detachable from and attachable to the casing along the axial direction in a state where the developing unit is at the pivoted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Shougo Sato
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Patent number: 8882878Abstract: A method of producing ultra-fine metal particles of the present invention includes: blowing metal powders of raw materials into reducing flame formed by a burner 3 in a furnace 5, wherein the metal powders are melted in the flame and allowed to be in an evaporated state, to thereby obtain the spherical ultra-fine metal particles. In the present invention, the atmosphere in the furnace 5 is preferably prepared such that the CO/CO2 ratio is within a range from 0.15 to 1.2. Also, a spiral flow-forming gas is preferably blown into the furnace 5, and the oxygen ratio of the burner 3 is preferably within a range from 0.4 to 0.8. As raw materials, a metal oxide and/or a metal hydroxide which contain the same metal as the metal powders may be used together with the metal powders.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Takayuki Matsumura, Shinichi Miyake
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Patent number: 8876173Abstract: The substrate storage pod includes an engagement portion in an outer side surface of a lid of the pod, and an insertion slot through which the engagement portion can be accessed from an external space; the insertion slot is formed in a flange portion arranged around the periphery of an opening in the pod and into which the lid can be fitted, and a latch mechanism supported so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to a flange side wall in a pod main body-surface of the flange portion. An engaging portion of the latch mechanism reaches the engagement portion via the insertion slot. The engagement portion is switched between an engaged state and a non-engaged state in response to movement of the latch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Toshihiko Miyajima, Tsutomu Okabe
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Patent number: 8872877Abstract: Motor control devices and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, such a device includes a fluid ejection head configured to eject a fluid onto a sheet that is on a downstream side from a transport driving roller along a supply direction of the sheet. The device also includes a first motor that provides a driving force for rotating a roll on which the sheet is wound, and a second motor that provides a driving force for driving the transport driving roller. The transport driving roller is on a downstream side from the roll along the supply direction of the sheet. The device also includes a motor control unit that simultaneously drives the first and second motors, and the motor control unit is configured to control an interpolation output that is given to the first motor while subjected to a change in a driving speed of the second motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Kenji Hatada
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Publication number: 20140314441Abstract: An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Yasushi Okabe
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Publication number: 20140270848Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a drum supporting member integrally supports a plurality of photosensitive drums. A moving member detachably supports the drum support member. The moving member moves between a mounted position, in which the moving member is mounted in a main body of the image forming apparatus, and a pulled-out position, in which the moving member is pulled out of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A belt is disposed above the moving member and is capable of contacting with the plurality of photosensitive drums when the moving member is disposed in the mounted position. The drum supporting member is detached upward from the moving member when the moving member is in the pulled-out position. The drum supporting member rotatably supports each of the photosensitive drums.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shougo Sato, Hiroshi Igarashi
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Patent number: 8837981Abstract: Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Naoya Kamimura, Yoshiya Tomatsu
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Patent number: 8805235Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photosensitive members, an endless belt, and a separation mechanism. The photosensitive members are arranged in parallel with and spaced from one another and correspond to respective colors. The plurality of photosensitive members includes a first photosensitive member and at least one second photosensitive member. Each of the photosensitive members has a first end portion and second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion in a longitudinal direction of each of the photosensitive members. The endless belt contacts the photosensitive members. The separation mechanism is configured to swing the second photosensitive member around the first end portion of the second photosensitive member as a fulcrum between a contact position at which the second photosensitive member contacts the endless belt and a separated position at which the second photosensitive member is separated from the endless belt.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Igarashi
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Patent number: 8792807Abstract: A developing cartridge that maintains a pressing condition to press a developer carrier against the image carrier is described. The developing cartridge may include a coil spring that presses the developer carrier against the image carrier. The coil spring may include a handle that transmits a pressing force to the coil spring via the contacting member. By doing so, every time the developing cartridge is replaced, a new coil spring and handle can be provided for the color laser printer with the developing cartridge attached. Therefore, a constant pressure by the coil spring can be continuously maintained. Thus, a preferable pressure condition of the developer carrier against the image carrier can be continuously maintained.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Naoya Kamimura
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Patent number: 8768207Abstract: An image forming device is provided. The image forming device includes a main casing having a guide and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the main casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged along the first direction and an engagement portion disposed closer to a rear edge of the drawer than to a front edge of the drawer. The main casing may include a stopper disposed below the guide and closer to the front edge of the drawer than to the rear edge of the drawer. The stopper may include a hook which the engagement portion engages when the drawer is withdrawn from the main casing.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Yasushi Okabe
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Patent number: 8744311Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a moving member supports developing units and is movable between a mounted position and a pulled-out position. A drum supporting member integrally supports photosensitive drums. The drum supporting member is detachably supported by the moving member. An endless belt is disposed above the moving member when the moving member is disposed in the mounted position. The drum supporting member is configured so as to be detached upward from the moving member, while the moving member supports the developing units and the moving member is in the pulled-out position.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shougo Sato, Hiroshi Igarashi
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Publication number: 20140072337Abstract: Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Naoya Kamimura, Yoshiya Tomatsu
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Patent number: 8657346Abstract: The FIMS system is for use with a pod composed of a lid having an engaged portion provided on the outer surface thereof and a pod body having a latch mechanism including an engagement portion that engages the engaged portion as it moves along a predetermined axis to fix the lid to the pod. The FIMS system has a latch mechanism drive means for driving the latch mechanism along a certain axis and an engagement portion position sensor that can generate a signal indicating whether the engagement portion is at an engagement position or non-engagement position when the latch mechanism drive means drives the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism drive means and the engagement portion position sensor are provided in the vicinity of a first opening portion of the FIMS system.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Okabe, Toshihiko Miyajima, Hiroshi Igarashi
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Patent number: 8606145Abstract: Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Naoya Kamimura, Yoshiya Tomatsu