Patents by Inventor Tsuneo Kitagawa

Tsuneo Kitagawa 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).

  • Patent number: 5253020
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a developing unit which develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrostatic latent image holding body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsushita, Shoji Kashiwagi, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 5220389
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus maintaining the fixing temperature at a fixed level, by detecting the surface temperature of a heating roller provided internally with a heater in a fixing unit, and by controlling an on-time which starts upon the surface temperature reaching a predetermined temperature and ends when the heater is switched on and an off-time which starts upon the surface temperature reaching the predetermined temperature and ends when the heater is switched off. The on-time and off-time data are stored in a memory corresponding to use conditions such as ambient temperature and the type of paper to be used. Initially, an image fixing operation is executed in accordance with the data prestored in the memory, and transition of the surface temperature of the heating roller is detected which results from the image fixing operation. Data concerning new on-time and off-time are calculated on the basis of the detection result, and the calculation result is used as feedback for a next image fixing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kishimoto, Shoji Imaizumi, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 5218407
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a developing unit for making a visible image out of an electrostatic latent image with use of developer. The apparatus has a determination unit for making a determination as to whether the developer is stored or not in the developing unit, a supply unit for supplying the developer from a bottle detachably provided to body of the apparatus to the developing unit, and a control unit for actuating supply operation by the supply unit when it is determined by the determination unit that no developer is stored in the developing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsushita, Shoji Kashiwagi, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Hiromitsu Saijo
  • Patent number: 5073794
    Abstract: An image duplicating apparatus in which data representative of operational conditions in accordance with which a document sheet is to be duplicated are entered by the user and the natures of document sheets to be duplicated are detected. The data are stored in memory areas of a memory which are respectively assigned to the natures of document sheets. Any one of the memory areas is selected from the memory for the data representative of the operational condition for one of the natures of document sheets written into a selected one of the memory areas and is then read from the storage device for the individual detected natures of document sheets. The copying operation is performed in accordance with the operational conditions represented by the data read by the data read arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneo Kitagawa, Kazuhiro Araki
  • Patent number: 5029315
    Abstract: A copying apparatus operating either in a first image scan mode wherein a scan of an original at a standstill on an original table is performed by the movement of an optical system and the image is projected onto a photosensitive member, or in a second image scan mode wherein the optical system standing by a specified position scans an original being transported by an original transport unit and the image is projected onto the photosensitive member. Distance between a position where the optical system actually stops and a standard position where the optical system is supposed to stop is measured, and in an operation in the second image scan mode, the transport of an original and the supply of a copy sheet are adjusted in order to be synchronized with each other, according to the measured distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Morikawa, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4933720
    Abstract: A paper size selecting device for use in a recording apparatus loadable with paper of different sizes selectively, which includes a detector for detecting the size of paper loaded in the apparatus, selecting key for selecting a desired size and a plurality of display members provided for the respective sizes of paper loadable in the apparatus. Each of the display members indicates that the paper of the size concerned is loaded in the apparatus as well as that the paper of the size concerned has been selected by the selecting key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4922295
    Abstract: A copying apparatus reduces the possibility of copying error by displaying the copying parameters in different modes. The copying parameters include, for example, the number of copies, the paper size, and the magnification. Since the copying parameters may vary from one copying job to the next, the copying apparatus includes a standard set of copying parameters which are preferably displayed by using continuous lights. After the completion of a copying job, the copying parameters are displayed using intermittent lights, if the copying parameters are different from the set of standard parameters. The intermittent lights provide the next operator of the copying apparatus with an indication that the copying parameters are different from the set of standard parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4796055
    Abstract: An recording apparatus of the present invention has a manual paper feed mechanism which includes a paper inlet, a timing roller and a paper outlet. When a paper is inserted into the paper inlet at a proper timing, the paper is recorded images thereon and then discharged out of the paper outlet. When the paper is inserted at an improper timing, for example, during the rotation of the timing roller, however, the paper is discharged out of the paper outlet without image recording thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Masakazu Sogame, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4646330
    Abstract: A preset counter apparatus is provided for copying machines having a plurality of key inputs for increasing or decreasing the number of copies to be made. The timer is used to measure a predetermined increment of time for changing the numerical value upon the continuation of a key input. The rate of change of the number of copies to be reproduced can be progressively increased, at least across a predetermined number of increments of values, by the continued activation key member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamichi Sugiura, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4491827
    Abstract: The present invention provides a preset counter apparatus for a copying machine wherein input keys are capable of independently controlling the numerical value of the number of copies to be made and displayed. Thus, an operator can activate one key to change the digit positions of units and another key to change the digit position of tens. The control of the number of copies to be made is specifically designed to facilitate operator use and to avoid operator errors. Simultaneous activation of more than one key prevents any change in any values in both the units and tens positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamichi Sugiura, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4455080
    Abstract: A copying apparatus equipped with an improved control device for controlling a copying operation, and including a device for generating a start signal for starting the copying operation, a paper feeding device for starting feeding of copy paper sheets in response to the starting of the copying operation. The control device comprises a device for generating a stop signal for stopping the copying operation and a device for preventing starting of operation of at least the paper feeding device when the stop signal is generated after the start signal has been generated and before the paper feeding device is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamichi Sugiura, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Keiji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 4386769
    Abstract: An automatic paper feeding arrangement for use in a copying machine and the like having a plurality of stages of paper feeding sections for feeding the paper at a selected one of the paper feeding sections. The automatic paper feeding arrangement includes a circuitry for detecting the presence of the paper at each of the paper feeding sections, and a control circuit for cancelling the designation of the paper feeding section previously effected, based on the signal from the detecting circuit when the paper becomes absent in each of the paper feeding sections, and also for designating the paper feeding section in which the paper is initially loaded, based on the signal from the detecting circuit when the paper is loaded in any of the paper feeding sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Kenji Shibazaki, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4307957
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a paper jam detecting device for use in an electrophotographic copying machine which comprises a plurality of paper detector located along the passage of the copy paper transported during copying process, first timer adapted to count the first period of time so as to detect the leading edge of the copy paper by any one of the paper detector and second timer adapted to count the second period of time so as to detect the trailing edge of the copy paper by said one of the paper detector, whereby paper jam can be detected in case where no paper is detected on the first period of time or in case where a paper is detected on the second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneo Kitagawa, Kenichi Arai, Kenji Shibazaki, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata
  • Patent number: 4280763
    Abstract: Sequential control circuit for sequentially controlling the operation of mechanical equipment, for example, an electrophotographic copying apparatus including various devices having respective smaller devices is characterized in that a first train of clock pulses having a fixed predetermined frequency is converted into a third train of clock pulses whose respective pulses are in synchronism with respective pulses of a second train of clock pulses sequentially generated in accordance with respective driven rates of the sequentially driven devices, so that a respective digital timer circuit which is preset with operational time data of its respective device is capable of successively performing the decrement of the predetermined time in response to the respective pulses of the respective third train of clock pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Arai, Kenji Shibazaki, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata
  • Patent number: 4269500
    Abstract: A trouble detecting system is incorporated in an copying machine having an illumination lamp for projecting light beams onto an original, optical path for transmitting the reflected light beams from the original onto a photoreceptor surface and a scanning device for scanning the original. The trouble detecting system includes a first detector which is disposed along the scanning path of the lamp for detecting the scanning movement of the lamp and a second detector which is coupled with a driving motor for driving the scanning device for detecting the actuation of the driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Kenji Shibazaki, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4265440
    Abstract: A computer-controlled paper feeder comprises at least first and second supply units from which respective recording materials are supplied one at a time towards a processing station. There is provided a size detector for detecting the size of the recording material contained in respective cassettes inserted in the associated first and second supply units and an emptiness detector for detecting the presence and absence of the recording material in any one of the cassettes in the first and second supply units. These detectors are so correlated with micro-computer that, when the recording material in one of the cassettes has been consumed and the size of the recording material in the other of the cassettes has been found equal to that in the one of the cassettes, the corresponding supply unit is brought into operation to feed the recording material out of the other of the cassettes towards the processing station until the recording material in the other of the cassettes is completely consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Kenichi Arai, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata
  • Patent number: 4260248
    Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus is equipped with an indication device for the maximum area to be covered by copying, i.e. the area available for copying or copying coverage. The copying coverage indication device which includes a micro-computer is arranged to indicate the area to be covered by copying according to the sizes of copy paper sheets and copying magnifications for preventing use of copy paper sheets of unnecessarily large or small sizes, and is capable of warning an operator of the necessity for exchanging sizes of copy paper sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoji Murata, Kenji Shibazaki, Kenichi Arai, Tsuneo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4211482
    Abstract: A copying apparatus which is equipped with a scanning system control device including means for judging sizes of copy paper sheets employed, means for detecting copying magnifications, and means for controlling movement of the scanning system of the copying apparatus so as to correspond to the area available for copying or copying coverage to be determined by the judged size and detected copying magnification. The movement of the scanning system is not controlled by the size of the original or copy paper sheet itself, but is regulated to correspond to the area available for the copying on an original platform to be determined by the copy paper size and copying magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Arai, Kenji Shibazaki, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata