Housing Patents (Class 347/108)
  • Publication number: 20120249709
    Abstract: A recording apparatus, including: a support portion; a recording portion; a first casing; a second casing; a positioning mechanism: a restricting mechanism configured to be selectively placed in one of: a restricted state in which a pivotal movement of the second housing is restricted; and a non-restricted state in which the pivotal movement of the second housing is not restricted, and an interlocking mechanism configured to move one of a guide pin and a guide hole in conjunction with the restricting mechanism, such that the guide pin and the guide hole are selectively placed at one of: an engaged state in which the guide pin and the guide hole engage each other when the restricting mechanism is in the restricted state; and a non-engaged state in which the guide pin and the guide hole do not engage when the restricting mechanism is in the non-restricted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki OKUMURA
  • Publication number: 20120249708
    Abstract: A recording apparatus, including: a support portion; a recording portion; a first casing; a second casing; a positioning mechanism including a guide pin and a guide hole, for defining a relative position of the recording portion and the support portion by engagement of the guide pin and the guide hole when the second casing is positioned at a close position; and a movable member disposed at one end of the guide hole for moving in a direction away from the other end of the guide hole, so as to be retracted from a moving region of the guide pin that moves relative to the guide hole in association a pivotal movement of the second casing, wherein the movable member is for biasing the guide pin engaging the guide hole in a direction toward the other end of the guide hole such that the guide pin contacts the other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yutaka KAKIGAHARA
  • Patent number: 8273418
    Abstract: Provided herein is a head unit arrangement method for arranging a plurality of head units in a liquid droplet ejection device that plots an image in a matrix form with functional liquid droplets in a number n of colors by performing the number n of primary scans and a number (n?1) of secondary scans. The head unit arrangement method includes evaluating liquid droplet ejection performance of each of the head units based on an inspection result of a volume of liquid droplet ejection from each of the functional liquid droplet ejection heads to arrange two of the head units that exhibit the lowest liquid droplet ejection performance at both ends in the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Katagami, Hirofumi Kobayashi, Sadaharu Komori
  • Patent number: 8262218
    Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical disc drive unit for recording/reproducing information with respect to a recording surface of an optical disc, a label printer module for printing a label on a label surface of the optical disc, and an optical disc support apparatus separated from the optical disc during recording/reproduction of the information, and supporting the optical disc to allow the label surface of the optical disc to be located at a printable position with respect to the label printer module during printing of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation
    Inventors: Myung-Ryul Choi, Yong-Bom Jon, Chang-Gi Ahn, Byung-Hoon Chung, Nag-Eui Choi
  • Patent number: 8256881
    Abstract: An ink cartridge used in a color printer, comprises at the surface, a convexity or convexities (identifying section) that correspond to a color of an ink, and that can be identified by tactile sense. A cartridge setting section of the color printer comprises at the surface, a convexity or convexities (identifying section) that correspond to the color of the ink of the ink cartridge that is to be set, and that can be identified by tactile sense. The user can identify the color of the ink of the ink cartridge, by touching the ink cartridge with his/her hand, and obtain information of the position where that ink cartridge should be set, by touching the cartridge setting section with his/her hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanae Amemiya
  • Patent number: 8251507
    Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an ink ejection head having ink ejection openings; a conveyance mechanism which is disposed below the ink ejection head and conveys a recording medium facing the ink ejection openings; a recording medium feeder which is disposed below the conveyance mechanism, is capable of stocking therein a recording medium, and feeds a recording medium to the conveyance mechanism; a refeeder which is partially disposed below the recording medium feeder and which refeeds, to the conveyance mechanism, a recording medium having conveyed by the conveyance mechanism; and an ink reservoir which is disposed below the refeeder and reserves therein ink to be fed to the ink ejection head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sugimoto, Shinya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120212541
    Abstract: An image processing device allows for easy removal of a process medium stuck in the conveyance path while protecting the image processing unit from the outside. In many embodiments, the device includes a conveyance path for conveying process media in a specific conveyance direction, an image processing unit having an ejection surface (process surface) disposed facing the conveyance path, and a first cover and a second cover disposed along the conveyance path and covering the conveyance path. Typically, the first and second covers open and close by pivoting on first and second pivot pins disposed in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, and the first and second pivot pins are disposed adjacent the conveyance path upstream and downstream of the portion of the conveyance path facing the ejection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8246163
    Abstract: A support rod is mounted to maintain straightness of a support surface of a printer. The support rod is used to preload the support surface in a direction opposite of an expected transverse load upon the support surface. The preloading supplied by the support rod counteracts a bending force on the support surface resulting from the expected transverse loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Ruhe, Geoffrey C. Mayne
  • Patent number: 8246164
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method that includes moving a handheld device over a print medium, depositing a tagging substance with the handheld device in a tagging pattern on the print medium, further moving the handheld device over the print medium such that at least one sensor of the handheld device senses at least part of the tagging pattern, and determining at least one of a position and/or a velocity of the handheld device based upon the sensing at least part of the tagging pattern. The tagging pattern is configured to provide absolute position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: James Mealy, James D. Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 8246159
    Abstract: An ink-jet printing platen provided in an ink-jet printing device operable to eject droplets of an ink toward a surface of a recording medium for thereby performing a printing operation on the recording medium, the ink-jet printing platen being disposed to support the recording medium in an upward direction, the ink-jet printing platen including a main body having at least one groove through which the ink can flow, and at least one elongate member each accommodated in the corresponding groove and extending along the corresponding groove, wherein the main body has an inner surface which defines the corresponding groove and cooperates with the corresponding elongate member, to define therebetween a gap extending in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhira Ota
  • Publication number: 20120206552
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a flexible cover member, and a support member. The main body has a bottom face opposing a surface on which the image forming apparatus rests. The cover member is at least partially flexible, has a bottom opening, and is dimensioned to entirely cover the image forming apparatus except for the bottom face of the image forming apparatus. The support member is pivotably supported on the main body. The support member has base end portions supported on the main body and a front end portion to support a portion of the cover member. With a pivotal movement of the support member, the cover member displaces and deforms and an end of the bottom opening of the cover member moves upward to expose a portion of the image forming apparatus to be accessed by a user operating the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori UCHINO
  • Patent number: 8235499
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which air or dust does not enter a recording liquid tube when an ink cartridge is changed is disclosed. An engine unit, in which an image forming section and a sub scanning direction paper carrying section are integrated as one unit, is removably attached to an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, an ink cartridge storing section, in which an ink cartridge is removably stored, is integrated into the engine unit, and is changed together with the engine unit. In addition, a carriage, the recording liquid tube, and the ink cartridge storing section are removed as one unit from the engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8235501
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting head unit includes: a plurality of liquid ejecting heads, each of which has a nozzle array in which nozzles ejecting liquid droplets are arrayed; a base plate to which the plurality of liquid ejecting heads are fixed in a state being positioned at predetermined positions thereof; and positioning pins which are fixed to the base plate and engaged with positioning holes formed in the liquid ejecting heads. Each of the positioning pins is held in a holding hole provided in a fixing plate fixed to the base plate. A reference plate is joined to a surface of each of the fixing plates. Further, in each of the reference plates, there are provided: an insertion hole in which the positioning pin is substantially inscribed; and a minute hole that serves as a reference for positioning the positioning pin to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Oguchi
  • Patent number: 8233018
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a first casing and a second casing above the first casing. The second casing is provided with an upper surface including a generally horizontal surface, a lower surface extending beyond the upper surface in a generally horizontal direction and a side surface connecting an end edge of the upper surface and an end edge of the lower surface with each other over the whole area. The first casing is provided with an upper surface coming into contact with the lower surface of the second casing over the whole area and a side surface including a generally vertical surface. An inclined surface connecting the generally vertical surface of the first casing and the generally horizontal surface of the second casing with each other, is provided continuously along the first casing and the second casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shougo Sato, Keiichiro Egami, Yosuke Mase, Yusuke Nakata, Kayo Hasui
  • Patent number: 8226215
    Abstract: A printer includes a plurality of jetting modules each including a first alignment feature, a plurality of nozzles through which fluid may be jetted and fluid and electrical connections; a printhead frame having a plurality of jetting-module receiving receptacles each of which receives one of the jetting modules, each receiving receptacle having a second alignment feature corresponding to the first alignment feature of a jetting module: a jetting module installation device having a pocket for receiving a jetting module, wherein the jetting module installation device includes a latch mechanism that, in a first position, is latched to the printhead frame securing the jetting module in a jetting module receiving receptacle with the first alignment feature engaging a corresponding second alignment feature of the printhead frame; the latch mechanism that, in a second position, is unlatched from the printhead frame so that the jetting module is not secured in the jetting module receiving receptacle; and wherein the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Russell A. Bechler, Douglas E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8215765
    Abstract: To print an excellent image formed without distortion or image failure by mitigating irregularities, inclination, or the like of an installation floor surface. In an ink jet recording apparatus including an ink jet recording apparatus main body and a leg portion, a deformation absorbing member is interposed in a joint portion between the ink jet recording apparatus main body and the leg portion. Therefore, even if there are the irregularities, the inclination, or the like on a floor surface to which the ink jet recording apparatus is installed, it is possible to ensure leveling of a print surface in the ink jet recording apparatus main body, thereby being capable of obtaining the excellent image without the distortion or the image failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko I Infotech Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Murase
  • Patent number: 8201937
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: an opening and closing mechanism that opens or closes an opening section of the apparatus; a first movable body that is moved in accordance with the operation of opening and closing the opening section by the opening and closing mechanism; a movement detector that detects the movement amount of the first movable body; a controller that determines whether or not the opening section is closed, on the basis of the detected movement amount; a second movable body disposed in the apparatus and movable; and a movement transmitting mechanism which moves the first movable body in accordance with the movement of the second movable body in a state in which the opening section is closed, and does not move the first movable body in accordance with the movement of the second movable body in a state in which the opening section is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kosaku Nobuta, Osamu Hanamura, Yoshiaki Shibasaki
  • Patent number: 8197060
    Abstract: A roll paper printer enables opening the cover and platen using a 4-part parallel linkage mechanism without interfering with the inkjet head. The cover unit for the roll paper compartment of the roll paper printer opens and closes by means of the parallel linkage mechanism. The back end part of the platen frame part of this linkage mechanism is connected to the top end part of the rear parallel links and so that the can move down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Maekawa
  • Patent number: 8197059
    Abstract: A media storage is adapted to store a plate-shaped medium. A media drive is operable to write data in the medium. A label printer is operable to print on the medium. A media conveyer is operable to convey the medium between the media storage, the media drive and the label printer. A casing defines an interior space of the media processor. A plate-shaped frame divides the interior space into a first space located in a rear upper portion of the interior space, a second space located in a rear lower portion of the interior space and a front space located in a front portion of the interior space. The media drive is disposed in the first space. The label printer is disposed in the second space. The media storage and the media conveyer are disposed in the front space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Oshida, Hideki Kawakami, Kenichiro Arai
  • Patent number: 8182083
    Abstract: A print module for printing mailpieces comprises a print head assembly operative to deposit ink on each mailpiece and a registration plate for registering a first surface of each of the mailpieces during print operations. The print module includes a conveyor belt opposing the registration plate and engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along a feed path. Disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, is a continuous compliant deck operative to urge the conveyor belt and mailpieces toward the registration plate during printing. The compliant deck is also operative to print consecutive mailpieces of variable thickness dimension. The print module also includes a pivotable support rack for mounting the print head assembly to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Williams, Russell W. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 8177340
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for retrofitting a printer which has a cartridge receiving device for holding interchangeable consumable material cartridges. In order to reduce the cost of production, transport and storage, the device has an insert which has fastening means for attachment in the cartridge receiving device of a printer, on the insert a locking means being made which blocks the fastening means in the fastening position when a consumable material insert cartridge is connected in the cartridge receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Artech GmbH Design + Production In Plastic
    Inventor: Eugen Harazim
  • Patent number: 8172384
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a carriage on which a head is removably mounted, a cover on the carriage configured to be movable to a first position where the head is fixed to the carriage and to a second position where the head can be removed from the carriage, and a lever configured to press the head mounted on the carriage by rotating with the cover pushed by a part of the cover when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein a rotational axis of the lever and a rotational axis of the cover are coaxial with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koya Iwakura
  • Patent number: 8172392
    Abstract: A printer is disclosed which determines whether or not an opening of the printer is open or closed. The printer includes an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening of the printer housing. The printer includes a controller configured to determine whether the opening is open or closed based on a light receiving state of a light receiving portion. The light receiving portion receives light from a light sending portion. A first movable body with a plurality of openings is moveable between the light sending and receiving portions. A movement transmission mechanism moves the first moveable body according to movement of a second moveable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kosaku Nobuta, Osamu Hanamura, Yoshiaki Shibasaki
  • Publication number: 20120098915
    Abstract: Printer module includes a media processing member and a bumper that is arranged to be adjusted in height to provide for a parallel arrangement of the media processing member with respect to a printer roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Inigo Oraa, Felix Ruiz, Jonathan Negro
  • Patent number: 8164911
    Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The major components and subassemblies self-interconnect by integral guide and connection features effecting “slide lock” and “snap lock” self-interconnection. The major components and subassemblies self-ground by establishing an interference fit with exposed, resilient, embossed portions of wire mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgar Glenn Hassler
  • Patent number: 8152294
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a substantially flat top face and a slanted front face, the bottom side of which recedes backward. The image forming apparatus may includes a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the slanted front face, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The paper discharge tray may be tiltable upward and downward. Because the bottom side of the slanted front face recedes backward, the flat top face can be provided, and simultaneously, enough space for the feeding and discharging of paper can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Goro Katsuyama, Masaaki Kabumoto, Kanae Amemiya, Osamu Miki, Hideo Aoki, Akiyoshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120081491
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting device includes first and second housings. The first housing is movable between a proximity position and a separated position with respect to the second housing, and accommodates a liquid ejecting head. The first housing includes a cover attached to the first housing and movable with respect to the head between a protection position for the head and a retreat position, and a movement mechanism which causes the cover to move with the movement of the first housing. The movement mechanism includes a hole formed in the second housing, and an intermediate member including a protrusion movable along the hole with the movement of the cover. In the separated position, the protrusion abuts the hole in both directions in which force to move the cover between the retreat position and the protection position is applied so that the side walls restrict movement of the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki OKUMURA
  • Patent number: 8149424
    Abstract: A disclosed image processing device includes: a media connecting portion including a first surface and a second surface forming a space for housing a protrusion type storage medium whose body protrudes from the media connecting portion and an insertion type storage medium whose body is inserted into the media connecting portion; a protrusion type slot portion for protrusion type storage media formed on the first surface; and an insertion type slot portion for insertion type storage media formed on the second surface. An insertion direction in the protrusion type slot portion is substantially orthogonal to an insertion direction in the insertion type slot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Yomogida, Yoichi Utaka
  • Patent number: 8147061
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a housing which constitutes an appearance of a recording apparatus body; and an electronic substrate which is vertically disposed along an inner side surface of the housing. Here, an air supply hole and an air exhaust hole are formed on a side surface portion of the housing corresponding to a lower portion and an upper portion of the electronic substrate so that an air-flow path for external air is formed in an installation region in which the electronic substrate is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Utsugi, Hiroto Miyauchi, Yutaka Matsui, Takashi Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 8147157
    Abstract: A cartridge, detachably attached to a recording apparatus, includes a recording sheet container. The recording apparatus includes a sheet turning device. When a recording sheet is conveyed from the cartridge to an image forming section, the sheet turning device turns the recording sheet around an axis parallel to a normal line to the recording surface of the recording sheet. The longitudinal direction of the recording sheets contained in the recording sheet container is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording sheet being subjected to recording in the image forming section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabishiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kawashima, Kenji Ito, Hitoshi Nishitani, Gen Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20120075396
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion having a connector to which an interface cable is connected, a case for accommodating the circuit portion and having a wiring route for the interface cable leading from the connector to an external space and a connection opening for exposing the wiring route, and a cover for opening or dosing the connection opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi KARASAWA, Satoshi IWAYA, Shinsuke KOGI
  • Patent number: 8136939
    Abstract: An integrated device enables a customer replaceable unit used within an ink jet printer to be enclosed within an enclosing structure as the unit is removed from the printer. The enclosing structure traps debris that may disburse from the customer replaceable unit as it is removed from the printer. The integrated device includes an extendable cover that encloses the customer replaceable unit in response to one end of the cover being moved away from the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Noel Reid
  • Patent number: 8132905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recording device that includes a casing and a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium, and the conveying unit is positioned in the casing. The recording device also includes a recording unit that performs recording on the recording medium that is being conveyed by the conveying unit, and the recording unit opposing the conveying unit in the casing. The recording device may also include a cassette that is removably mountable to the casing and that is positioned in an area adjacent to the conveying unit when the cassette is mounted to the casing. The recording device may also include a movement mechanism that moves a portion of the conveying unit to the area adjacent to the conveying unit when a portion of the cassette is removed from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120056960
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a two piece hinged housing and frame for a printer. The two housing members are pivotally hinged together. The first housing member is statically attached to the frame and the base of the printer while the second housing member can be fully removed from the printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Larri B. Williams
  • Patent number: 8109616
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a cradle unit of an inkjet printer having a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing. The cover assembly has at least one port formed therein through which a refill unit is received for refilling the ink supply of the cartridge; and an actuator member arranged within the cover assembly which operates said refill unit to facilitate refilling of the ink supply of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
  • Patent number: 8104882
    Abstract: A duplex printer includes a pair of pagewidth printheads. Each printhead includes a casing assembly defining a channel. At least one elongate support member is received within the channel and defines longitudinally extending fluid passages. The support member further defines spaced apart groups of holes extending from the passages. A fluid distribution arrangement is mounted in fluid communication with the support member. A plurality of ink ejection integrated circuits (ICs) is mounted in fluid communication with the fluid distribution arrangement so that the ICs can be supplied with ink from respective groups via the fluid distribution arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Norman Micheal Berry, Akira Nakazawa, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8091995
    Abstract: A liquid container that has a container body storing a liquid to be supplied to a liquid consuming apparatus and that is detachably mounted on a container mounting portion of the liquid consuming apparatus, wherein a liquid supply port for sending out the liquid to be supplied to the liquid consuming apparatus is formed on a front end surface in an insertion direction of the container body having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein a circuit board having a contact point with the liquid consuming apparatus is formed on one side surface perpendicular to one corresponding short side of the front end surface in the insertion direction, and wherein a container fixation structure for releasably regulating a movement of the container body in a direction opposite to the insertion direction thereof in cooperation with an apparatus fixation structure formed on the container mounting portion is formed on the other side surface perpendicular to the other corresponding short side of the front end surface in the ins
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Shimizu, Izumi Nozawa, Hitotoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8092005
    Abstract: A printing system is provided having a support structure, a print media drive mechanism mounted to the support structure and a media cartridge removably received by the support structure. The media cartridge has a casing housing a roll of print media and a print media delivery arrangement. The casing has a door which is arranged to be opened to enable the print media delivery arrangement to couple with the print media drive mechanism for feeding the print media from the roll. The print media drive mechanism has a pivotal carrier, a first drive motor arranged to impart pivotal drive to the carrier, a primary drive roller mounted to the carrier to engage the roll of print media when the door in the cartridge is open, a second drive motor arranged to impart rotary drive to the primary drive roller, and a third drive motor which engages a drive roller of the print media delivery arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
  • Publication number: 20120001993
    Abstract: An image forming device, including: a housing having an opening; an opening and closing member rotatably supported by the housing between an opened state and a closed state, a pair of shaft parts respectively provided at lower portions of side walls of the opening and closing member; space formed under a lower edge of the opening and closing member; and a pair of shaft support members respectively provided on the housing, and wherein the pair of shaft support members respectively have shaft holes into which the pair of shaft parts are respectively inserted; each shaft support member has a fixed part and a deformable part having the shaft hole; and the deformable part is formed such that the lower edge part of the deformable part is positioned on a center side of the opening and closing member with respect to a position of the fixed part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuro MIURA
  • Publication number: 20110310209
    Abstract: A printing cartridge includes a roll of print media; a tubular former around which the roll of print media is wound, the tubular former being internally separated into two or more sections along a longitudinal axis of the tubular former and adapted to store supplies of fluid therein; a casing comprising a pair of molded covers, the pair of molded covers being configured to releasably fasten together to encase the roll of print media; and an ink collar for sealing an end of the tubular former, the ink collar defining two or more slits adapted to receive therethrough fluid communication pins, whereby access to the supplies of fluid in the tubular former is effected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110310208
    Abstract: A support rod is mounted to maintain straightness of a support surface of a printer. The support rod is used to preload the support surface in a direction opposite of an expected transverse load upon the support surface. The preloading supplied by the support rod counteracts a bending force on the support surface resulting from the expected transverse loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas W. Ruhe, Geoffrey C. Mayne
  • Patent number: 8079700
    Abstract: A printer is provided having a body shaped for nesting with an image reader, and a printhead for printing of print media. The body is configured so that the nested image reader extends outwardly therefrom such that printed media from the printhead is collected on a surface of the image reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Tobin Allen King, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8075130
    Abstract: A work device, including: a reciprocable movable member; a lengthy member connected to the movable member at its first-end-side portion, so as to extend in a first direction, and is elastically curved toward a second direction different from the first direction so that its second-end-side portion is fixed at a prescribed position, the lengthy member being operable to follow a reciprocating movement of the movable member; and a guide member having a first guide surface extending along the second direction, a second guide surface extending in a third direction intersecting the second direction, and a third guide surface contiguous to the first and second guide surfaces, wherein the third guide surface is configured such that a boundary point in the lengthy member transits on the third guide surface from the first guide surface toward the second guide surface when the lengthy member contacting the first guide surface moves so as to come into contact with the second guide surface following the movable member, the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kumiko Kuriki
  • Patent number: 8066368
    Abstract: The invention provides, as an aspect thereof, an inkjet printer that connects a vacuum fan on the printer case side and a vacuum platen on the cover side through a short vacuum path. The platen moves in conjunction with the cover of the roll paper compartment. The platen is a vacuum platen having vacuum regions, suction holes and a platen-side air path on the platen side, and a vacuum fan and a vacuum duct that connects the vacuum fan to the suction unit of the platen on the printer case side. The vacuum duct is disconnected from the suction unit of the platen when the platen moves in conjunction with the cover, and the length of the vacuum duct can therefore be short, corresponding to the distance between the intake opening of the vacuum fan and the suction unit of the platen when the cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Maekawa, Shun Oya
  • Patent number: 8061805
    Abstract: A first ink absorption member recovering the waste ink produced by the recovery operation of a record head is disposed on the top surface of the bottom surface portion of an inkjet recording apparatus. The top surface of the first ink absorption member is covered by a cover member, which is a member other than the member constituting the outer-casing portion of the apparatus and is installed in the bottom surface portion in the state of being detachably attached. At least a part of the first ink absorption member is made to be exchangeable by the attaching/the detaching of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Suzuki, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8061828
    Abstract: A print media cartridge is configured to be received within a camera in fluid communication with a printhead of the camera. The print media cartridge comprises a cartridge shell having an ejection slot, and housing a print media dispenser including a supply of print media, the print media dispenser further including a cavity; an ink reservoir located within the cavity of the print media dispenser, the ink reservoir divided into a plurality of ink reservoir sections each for storing ink of a different type; and a plurality of bladders each provided in one of the plurality of ink reservoir sections, the bladders containing therein the inks. At least one of the ink reservoir sections has a volumetric dimension different to the other ink reservoir sections, and each of the ink reservoir sections have the same volumetric size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110279620
    Abstract: A system for aligning driven and idler rollers in a printer is provided having a housing of the printer which has a first housing portion hingedly mounted to a second housing portion such that the second housing portion is movable with respect to the first housing portion between open and closed positions, a driven roller rotatably mounted to the first housing portion for transporting media through the printer, an idler roller rotatably supported within the second housing portion for contact with the driven roller so as to provide pinched contact on the transported media, and an alignment adjustment mechanism for aligning the idler roller with the driven roller as the second housing portion is hinged into the closed position with the first housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: John Bailey, Bob Yraceburu
  • Publication number: 20110279621
    Abstract: A printer having a media width printhead; a media path from a media input area to the printhead; a door hingedly mounted to a body of the printer which can be opened to expose the media path a media diverter mounted to the door such that when the door is in a closed position the door and the diverter define guiding portions of the path, the diverter being pivotally mounted to the door so that the diverter pivots out of the way upon opening of the door; and a displacement mechanism configured to retract the diverter with the opening movement of the door and to reposition the diverter for media guiding with the closing movement of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Ian Mackey, Arnold Peregrino, Dan Baterna, JR., David William Jensen, Attila Bertok, Makomo Tsubono
  • Patent number: 8057011
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device and method to wick fluid, to be ejected or expelled by a fluid ejecting device, along a capillary slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Gilbert G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8059308
    Abstract: A printing and display device for use with an external computer. The printing and display device includes a flat panel display for displaying images from the external computer; a printer including a printhead for printing onto paper; a display data connection for selectively connecting to the external computer to receive display data used to provide the images displayed; a print data connection for selective connection to the external computer to receive print data from the external computer; and a rear cover molding enclosing therein the flat panel display. The rear cover molding includes an aperture for receiving therein an external ink cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook