By Staple Patents (Class 399/410)
  • Patent number: 7826788
    Abstract: Based on the image size and folding setting, a recording medium storing device is selected among a plurality of the recording medium storing devices, an image is formed on a recording medium in the selected recording medium storing device based on image information, and the recording medium on which the images is formed is folded by a folding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Akio Ueda, Junji Sato, Shoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7814430
    Abstract: A method and system for applying user-specified finishing options to a printed output document. A finishing window is displayed showing a document mimic in the finishing window, and displaying finishing tool selection regions in the finishing window which enable the user to activate selective finishing tools. Finishing location identifiers are displayed on portions of the document mimic, each displayed location identifier being associated with the currently activated finishing tool, and each displayed location identifier identifying a region of the printed output document by its location on the document mimic. WYSIWYG representations of user-selected finishing tool operations are performed in the portion of the document mimic identified by the selected finishing location identifier. The WYSIWYG operations include, but are not limited to, stapling, hole-punching, V-folding, C-folding, Z-folding, and binding. Also included are WYSIWYG operations for undoing each of the aforementioned operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Brandon S. McComber
  • Publication number: 20100221032
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, an image forming unit configured to fix a developer image on a sheet medium and output the sheet medium, and an output-image storing unit configured to store, on the inner side of a door involving a lock mechanism, the sheet medium on which the developer image is fixed by the image forming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: HISAYA ISHIO, KEIICHIRO TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20100221031
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, an image forming unit configured to fix a developer image on a sheet medium and output the sheet medium, and an output-image storing unit configured to store, on the inner side of a door involving a lock mechanism, the sheet medium on which the developer image is fixed by the image forming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: HISAYA ISHIO, KEIICHIRO TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20100158567
    Abstract: A sheet processing device including a safety unit to prevent accidental operation of the sheet processing device. The sheet processing device can include a body to receive a processing unit to process a sheet of paper and a door provided at the body to be opened from or closed to the body. The sheet processing device can further include a sensing unit to sense the presence of the sheet of paper fed into the body, and a safety unit linked with the door, the safety unit being adapted to restrict the sensing unit or release the restricted sensing unit to control operation of the sheet processing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suk Kyu JEON
  • Publication number: 20100158543
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a host apparatus and a stapling control method thereof, the method including displaying a plurality of selectable jobs; selecting a plurality of the selectable jobs to be stapled together; and stapling the selected jobs together while maintaining printing properties of each of the respective selected jobs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok-heon CHAE
  • Patent number: 7742716
    Abstract: An image forming system includes: an image forming mechanism configured to form an image on a sheet of a transfer material; a post-processor configured to perform post-processing on a plurality of sheets of transfer materials, respectively, there being on at least one of which a respective image has been formed by the image forming mechanism; a transporter to transport the sheets through the post-processor along one or more transport paths; and a controller operable to do the following including, determine a first stopping condition of whether the number of sheets exceeds a reference number, and detect a second stopping condition of whether a cumulative thickness of the sheets loaded in the post-processor exceeds a reference thickness, and stop further image formation by the image forming mechanism when at least one of the first and second stopping conditions is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Kenji Yamada, Hiroshi Kubo, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7738809
    Abstract: An image forming system is given, in advance, unique setting as a behavior to be performed when an error occurs regarding postprocessing. In a case where the postprocessing becomes inexecutable during the operation of the system, the system either cancels the postprocessing to continue printing (Steps S20, S22) or stops printing to generate an error (Step S18), based on the unique setting. A user arbitrarily decides the unique setting, which enables optimum control of the operation that the system should perform when the postprocessing becomes inexecutable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Kozo Tao, Kyoichiro Hayashi, Naoki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7693480
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus, e.g., that is included in an image forming system, includes: a sheet stacking unit configured to stack a plurality of sheets of one or more printable media; a sheet alignment unit configured to align the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit; a pressing mechanism configured to press and hold the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit; and a stapling unit configured to staple the plurality of sheets aligned by the sheet alignment unit, the stapling unit being displaceable to a given position that avoids interference with the pressing mechanism while the sheet alignment unit performs a sheet alignment with respect to the plurality of sheets in the sheet stacking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoichi Nomura, Masahiro Tamura, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Shuuya Nagasako, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Shohichi Satoh, Akira Kunieda, Hiroshi Maeda
  • Patent number: 7684750
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which an original reading portion is disposed in an upper portion of the apparatus main body, a feed portion is disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus main body, and a printing portion is disposed between the original reading portion and the feed portion as an image forming system, is configured as follows. A paper post-processing portion that can perform a plurality of types of paper post-processing for recording paper transported from the apparatus main body after printing by the printing portion is finished, and a discharge portion to which recording paper is discharged after paper post-processing by the paper post-processing portion is finished, are disposed in a space of the apparatus main body formed by the original reading portion, the printing portion, and the feed portion. The paper post-processing portion is provided such that it can slide relative to the apparatus main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, NISCA Corporation
    Inventors: Jinichi Nagata, Naofumi Okada, Kouzou Yamaguchi, Susumu Hashimoto, Toshiki Ohgita, Yoshitaka Matsumoto, Hideo Yoshikawa, Yasunobu Ohkawa, Kazuhito Shimura, Tomohisa Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20100008708
    Abstract: This is a marking system, either electrostatic or non-electrostatic marking system that directs both single and sets of media to a common stacker. This invention provides a way or path 1 to send media sheets directly to the stacker without going through the compiler. Compiling stations do not stack unfinished sheets well. An additional media path 2 is added to send sheets directly to the compiler for making into sets, and then to the stacker to be stacked with the single media sheets of path 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: NICHOLAS W. CZEBINIAK, GREGORY D. GERBASI, JEFFREY M. GRAMOWSKI, WILLIAM D. MILILLO, ARTHUR H. KAHN
  • Patent number: 7630681
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first intermediate stacking portion which stacks a conveyed sheet and which performs process to the sheet, a stapler which performs process to the sheet on the first intermediate stacking portion, a second intermediate stacking portion which is located on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the stapler and which is capable of temporarily storing the conveyed sheet, and an intermediate roller pair which conveys the sheet on the second intermediate stacking portion to the first intermediate stacking portion. The sheet stacked on the first intermediate stacking portion and the sheet temporarily stored in the second intermediate stacking portion overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kuwata, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Kenichiro Isobe, Hironobu Ata, Yasuyoshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7627282
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a stapling device which applies staple processing to a portion assuming a trailing end of a sheet with respect to a transport direction of the sheet; a first punch device which applies punch processing to a portion assuming a leading end of the sheet in the transport direction of the sheet; and a second punch device which applies the punch processing to the portion assuming the trailing end of the sheet in the transport direction of the sheet, in which a setting of both a staple mode for performing the staple processing by the stapling device and a first punch mode for performing the punch processing by the first punch device is inhibited, and a setting of both the staple mode and a second punch mode for performing the punch processing by the second punch device is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yushi Oka, Manabu Yamauchi, Naoto Watanabe, Takayuki Fujii, Shunsuke Nishimura, Toshiyuki Miyake, Takashi Yokoya
  • Patent number: 7620341
    Abstract: An image forming device having a printing unit, an intermediate tray, and a stapler fixed at a predetermined position, which stacks printed paper printed by the printing unit in the intermediate tray after either a face-down process or a face-up process when performing a normal operation and staples the printed paper when a number of sheets thereof reaches a predetermined number, the image forming device includes: an input unit allowing input of a choice of the face-down process or the face-up process and a choice of one-side printing or two-side printing; and a control unit controlling the image forming device so as to stack the printed paper in the intermediate tray after the printing unit performs two-side printing if a process selected using the input unit is different from one which is performed in the normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Tao
  • Publication number: 20090252545
    Abstract: An image forming system that binds sheets into a booklet inhibits Z-folding of a sheet and mixing of a sheet of a different size when a binding mode corresponding to a binding process other than a stapling process is selected by a user. When the Z-folding of a sheet and the mixing of a sheet of a different size are inhibited, the image forming system can release an inhibition of the Z-folding of a sheet and the mixing of a sheet of a different size depending on an instruction from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Takeshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20090226231
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which simultaneously processes a plurality of modes of image formation and reliably prevents post-processed recording sheets from falling off a tray. An image processing apparatus 1 is provided with a post-processing section 5 that performs stapling processing based on an input condition. The post-processing apparatus is provided with a tray 8 on which processed recording sheets are loaded. The tray 8 is provided downstream of the post-processing apparatus. The input conditions include printing conditions and stapling conditions. A control section 90 judges whether or not a maximum load capacity of the tray 8 is exceeded based on the input conditions. When the maximum load capacity is exceeded, the control section 90 stores a plurality of different input conditions in a list and informs the user of the list. The control section starts processing based on the input conditions selected by the user and loads printed recording sheets on the tray 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Yasunobu OHKAWA
  • Publication number: 20090175667
    Abstract: Based on the image size and folding setting, a recording medium storing device is selected among a plurality of the recording medium storing devices, an image is formed on a recording medium in the selected recording medium storing device based on image information, and the recording medium on which the images is formed is folded by a folding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Akio UEDA, Junji Sato, Shoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7552917
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a buffer unit which stores plural supplied sheets with upstream edges in a conveying direction thereof aligned; a processing tray on which sheets discharged from the buffer unit are stacked; and an oscillation roller pair and a return roller which convey the sheet stacked on the processing tray to bring the sheet into abutment against a stopper for receiving the upstream edge of the sheet. The buffer unit is adapted to align the upstream edges of only sheets to be stored before a sheet to be supplied last among the sheets to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Canon Finetech Inc., Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Hayashi, Tomokazu Nakamura, Naoto Watanabe, Yusuke Obuchi, Hitoshi Kato, Shunsuke Nishimura, Tetsuya Terada, Yasutaka Iwasa, Daisuke Matsukura, Norio Motoi, Masayoshi Kubo
  • Publication number: 20090148216
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the invention, a punching unit bores a first hole and a second hole, which are parted from each other by a predetermined distance, in a sheet conveyed from a main body having an image forming unit which forms an image on the sheet; a wire guide feeding/rewinding unit inserts a hollow wire guide into the first hole and the second hole punched in the sheet; a wire feeding unit inserts a wire into the wire guide which is inserted into the first hole and the second hole; a wire holding unit holds the wire inserted into the wire guide; a wire cutting unit cuts the wire; and a wire bending unit bends the wire. Therefore, it is possible to preferably bind a sheet bundle regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle or the number of sheets in the sheet bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto ODANI
  • Patent number: 7546081
    Abstract: A paper perforating apparatus which can securely prevent a paper end portion from being caught in a punch hole, without having an assist member, such as mylar, in a paper finisher which comprises a perforating device capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction, the paper perforating apparatus, comprising: a paper conveyance device for conveying a paper; a perforating device for perforating the paper; a paper end portion detecting device for detecting an end portion parallel to the conveyance direction of the paper; and a device for moving the perforating device in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, wherein the paper perforating apparatus offsets a standby position of the perforating device, which is in the direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction, from a position in which holes are punched out on the paper by a predetermined distance, and the perforating device starts operation of perforation preparation from the standby position after
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Tokita, Kenji Yamada, Junichi Iida, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Naohiro Kikkawa, Shingo Matsushita, Hiromoto Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7543806
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a processing tray on which sheets are to be stacked and subjected to a processing, a stack tray provided in the downstream of the processing tray with respect to the sheet conveying direction on which sheets are to be stacked, an oscillation roller pair for conveying the sheets stacked on the processing tray to the stack tray, and a trailing edge assist for conveying the sheet stacked on the processing tray toward the stack tray. The sheets stacked on the processing tray are discharged to the stack tray by the oscillation roller pair and the trailing edge assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignees: Canon Finetech, Inc., Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomokazu Nakamura, Yoshinori Isobe, Toshimasa Suzuki, Masatoshi Yaginuma, Masahiro Yonenuma, Atsushi Takada, Norio Motoi
  • Patent number: 7539433
    Abstract: In a case where a display unit displays a setting screen having a first display area to display a draft graphical image in accordance with draft setting and a second display area to display a finished graphical image in accordance with sheet setting, and a user designates a position to be stapled, a staple region mark is superimposed and displayed on a region corresponding to the position to be stapled in the draft graphical image in accordance with the draft setting, and a staple position mark is superimposed and displayed on a position corresponding to the position to be stapled in the finished graphical image in accordance with the sheet setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Hoshino, Yuko Kimoto
  • Patent number: 7523593
    Abstract: A sheet processing device is provided which is adapted to process bundles of sheets, each bundle defined by opposing first and second bundle edges, each bundle including a sealing sheet having a larger size than the sheets which form the bundle, the sealing sheet including a sealing portion which projects away from the second bundle edge. The device includes an abutting member adapted to abut against the first bundle edge; a folding unit adapted to fold the bundle between the first and second bundle edges; and a processing unit adapted to seal the bundle using the sealing portion of the sealing sheet, wherein the sealing portion is overlapped over the second and first bundle edges to form a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Aoyagi, Akinobu Nishikata, Takayuki Fujii, Shigeru Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20090097875
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a sheet post-processing apparatus includes an ejection path that successively feed sheets each with an image found thereon from an ejection outlet. A processing tray is disposed under the ejection outlet to temporarily store sheets fed from the ejection path. A port processing unit performs post processing such as binding and punching. The post processing unit is located under the ejection path and is provided with a cooling fan that sends air toward the post processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicants: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Jinichi Nagata, Hidetoshi Kaneko, Hideo Yoshikawa, Sei Takahashi, Mamoru Akiyama, Tomohisa Shimizu, Shin Tsugane
  • Patent number: 7519321
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus in which a scanner portion is disposed in an upper portion of the apparatus, a paper cassette is disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus, and a print portion is disposed between the scanner portion and the paper cassette, in one embodiment, a paper post-processing portion that performs paper post-processing for paper transported from the apparatus main body after printing is disposed in a space of the apparatus main body formed by the scanner portion, the print portion, and the paper cassette. Provided in a discharge roller portion that discharges paper from the paper post-processing portion to a discharge tray are a drive roller, and a first idler roller and second idler roller that form a pair with the drive roller and can be selectively used when discharging paper to the discharge tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Matsutomo
  • Patent number: 7497424
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet includes a reading unit that reads a plurality of original document sheets, a supply unit that supplies a sheet for a cover and a sheet for an inner page, a designating unit for designating an arbitrary one from original document sheets read by the reading unit, an image forming unit that forms an image based on information on a read original document, and a control unit that controls selection of a sheet, wherein, the control unit performs control to supply a sheet for a cover from the supply unit when an image is formed based on an original document sheet designated by the designating unit, and to supply a sheet for an inner page from the supply unit when an image is formed based on an original document sheet not designated by the designating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Nakajima, Teruhiko Toyoizumi
  • Publication number: 20090035006
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing toner fusion between recording sheets to thereby offer high usability, with a construction that does not cause increase in cost and size of the apparatus and an undue reduction in productivity. In the image forming apparatus, a toner use amount in a partial region of an toner image transferred from an intermediate transfer belt to a recording sheet is detected. When it is determined that the toner use amount detected for the partial region is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a recording sheet conveyance interval is widened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tomiyasu, Ryo Hanashi, Masahiro Komoto
  • Publication number: 20090035005
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing toner fusion between recording sheets, with a construction that does not require increase in cost and size of the apparatus and does not unduly lower productivity, to thereby offer high usability. For image formation on plural pieces of recording sheets, a CPU controls a recording sheet conveyance interval for a first set based on a detected amount of toner used for the image formation on each page, stores the toner use amounts for respective pages of the first set into a RAM, and controls the recording sheet conveyance interval for second and subsequent sets based on the toner use amount stored in the RAM for each page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tomiyasu, Ryo Hanashi, Masahiro Komoto
  • Patent number: 7486410
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording medium, a post-processing unit which performs a post-processing on the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and a post-processing controller which controls the post-processing unit according to whether an image requested by a user or a test image is formed on the recording medium. An image forming method includes, in a case where the requested image and the test image are formed on plural recording media, controlling the post-processing according to whether the requested image or the test image is formed on the recording medium, and according to the control, performing the post-processing on the recording medium on which the requested image or the test image is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Hisamura
  • Publication number: 20080308255
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a warming-up device including a first duct connected to a fan to lead warm exhaust air sucked from an image forming apparatus into an apparatus, a second duct provided to lead the warm exhaust air discharged by a fan or ambient Air in a housing to the fan, and a control valve that performs switching control to lead, when a temperature sensor measures temperature equal to or higher than proper operation temperature, high-temperature Air in the housing and the warm exhaust air such that the fan discharges the high-temperature Air and the warm exhaust air to the outside and lead, when the temperature sensor measures temperature lower than the proper operation temperature, the warm exhaust air to the mechanical members of the sheet post-processing apparatus and the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuya Sasahara, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Katsuhiko Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20080286022
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus (1) includes a first stapler (4) and a second stapler (5) for stapling the stack of sheets on a stack tray (61), a first moving frame member (10) on which the first stapler (4) is mounted rotatably, a second moving frame member (11) on which the second stapler (5) is mounted, a rotating member (20) rotatably mounted on the first moving frame member (10), the rotating member (20) so held in engagement with the first moving frame member (10) as to move linearly the first moving frame member (10) by rotation of the rotating member (20), and also rotating the first stapler (4) by rotation of the rotating member (20), and a single drive power source (16) for driving the rotating member (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7446910
    Abstract: A laser-control circuit board is mounted in a scanner to extend substantially parallel to a base plate, a bottom cover, and a top cover of the scanner. A synchronization detection element is attached to the under surface of the laser-control circuit board. A light beam is emitted from a light source, deflected by a polygon mirror, and is guided below the laser-control circuit board by various optical elements including a condenser lens, thereby being finally detected by the synchronization detection element. A through-hole is formed through the laser-control circuit board to check whether the synchronization detection element is in alignment with the condenser lens and other optical elements below the laser-control circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Tamaru
  • Publication number: 20080253820
    Abstract: A sheet hold flap 18 is arranged on an upper side of a vicinity of a rear end portion of a sheet table 7 to which a sheet is continuously supplied from a copier or the like. The sheet hold flap is switched to an upper initial position and a sheet holding position by a solenoid 17. There is carried out a control of holding a rear end portion of a sheet P by driving the sheet hold flap to the sheet holding position after taking in a street to the sheet table and returning the sheet hold flap to the initial position to escape from a sheet path in taking in a successive sheet. Sheet jamming by floating up the sheet is prevented by holding a sheet on the sheet table until immediately before taking in the successive sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuaki Baba, Atsushi Kurabayashi, Toru Yoshie
  • Patent number: 7426367
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises that a plurality of sheet processing potions that perform a sheet process on a sheet; and a plurality of conveying paths which transport the sheet to connect to the plurality of sheet processing potions, respectively, wherein while one of the plurality of sheet processing potions executes the sheet process on a preceding sheet or a preceding sheet bundle, a subsequent sheet is conveyed to the conveying path connecting to the other one of the plurality of sheet processing potions and held on standby on the conveying path connecting to the other sheet processing potion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuaki Hirai
  • Patent number: 7412201
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus which has a trimming apparatus for trimming an edge of sheets to make booklets, wherein the trimming apparatus has an inserting means for insertion of sheets into trimming process section of the trimming apparatus, an edge sustaining member and an edge holding member for pinching the vicinity of the edge of the sheet during the trimming process and a shifting means to make the opening size variable for receiving sheets by changing the relative position between the edge holding member and the edge sustaining member and a controller for controlling the shifting means to change the opening size between the edge holding member and the edge sustaining member according to the number of the sheets to be trimmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, Toshio Shida, Masaaki Uchiyama, Masato Hattori, Norishige Kato, Kenji Kawatsu
  • Publication number: 20080187383
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus of the invention includes a post-processing unit that applies post-processing to sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus, a vertical aligning unit that conveys the sheets to the post-processing unit and brings an edge of the sheets into contact with a movable stopper arranged in a conveying path for the sheets to align the sheets in a conveying direction, and a horizontal aligning unit that holds the sheets with a pair of movable aligning plates from both sides along the conveying direction to align the sheets in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The sheet processing apparatus further includes a control unit that switches a position of the stopper according to a size of the sheets and controls the aligning plates to be located on both sides close to the center of the sheets when the sheets are brought into contact with the stopper. The post-processing unit applies the post-processing to the sheets aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mikio Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080181701
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus for transferring sheets from a sheet carry-in port to a first post-processing section and a second post-processing section to execute post-processing such as stapling and sheet folding on the sheets, includes a sheet carry-in path located in a substantially horizontal direction. The sheets fed to the carry-in port are sequentially transferred to a predetermined sheet discharging port. A first switchback conveying path branches off from the sheet carry-in path so as to reverse a sheet conveying direction. The first post-processing section connected to the first switchback conveying path executes the post-processing on the sheets. A second switchback conveying path branching off from between the carry-in port and sheet discharging port of the sheet carry-in path is upstream of the first switchback conveying path so as to reverse the sheet conveying direction. The second post-processing section is located downstream of the second switchback conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: NISCA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Fukasawa, Ichitaro Kubota, Kenichi Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20080181700
    Abstract: An image processing system has a post-processing apparatus that can perform a stapling process. The post-processing apparatus is provided with: a processing tray on which a sheet of paper to be subjected to the stapling process is temporarily placed; a stapler performing the stapling process for the sheet of paper placed on the processing tray; an ejection tray on which an ejected sheet of paper is placed; and a switcher switching a destination of the sheet of paper ejected from an image forming apparatus between the processing tray and the ejection tray. If a number of sheets of paper fed from the image forming apparatus and a paper inserting apparatus is one, the switcher switches the destination of the sheet of paper to the ejection tray and the image processing system speedily ejects the sheet of paper without performing the stapling process, even when the stapling process is selected and inputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Keiji Okumura
  • Patent number: 7398030
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an output processing device determining an output process time in accordance with reservation information of a sheet of paper to be outputted, and a controller adjusting a paper transport interval in accordance with the output process time determined by the output processing device. Upon canceling the reservation information, the controller adjusts the paper transport interval of reservation information to be processed right after the canceled reservation information on the basis of an output process time of reservation information to be processed right before the canceled reservation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakamura, Kaoru Sato, Ryuichi Yoshizawa, Kazuhisa Maruyama, Atsuya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7386271
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first intermediate stacking portion which stacks a conveyed sheet and which performs process to the sheet, a stapler which performs process to the sheet on the first intermediate stacking portion, a second intermediate stacking portion which is located on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the stapler and which is capable of temporarily storing the conveyed sheet, and an intermediate roller pair which conveys the sheet on the second intermediate stacking portion to the first intermediate stacking portion. The sheet stacked on the first intermediate stacking portion and the sheet temporarily stored in the second intermediate stacking portion overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kuwata, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Kenichiro Isobe, Hironobu Ata, Yasuyoshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7362461
    Abstract: A computer network may include a plurality of computers connected together in a network and generating printer control data, and at least one printer connected to the network for printing the printer control data. The at least one designated computer may generate printer usage information from the printer control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Pharos Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul James Reddy, Kevin Pickhardt
  • Patent number: 7354037
    Abstract: A stapler is incorporated in a finishing device associated with a document creating apparatus. The stapler has a control circuit with a memory and is driven by a variably powered motor. An end user inputs the job parameter information at the control panel of the document creating apparatus for each different set of documents to be reproduced and stapled. In response thereto, the control panel sends a particular variable start pulse signal to the stapler control circuit. The control circuit senses the duration of the variable start pulse. Based upon the duration of the variable start pulse signal, the control circuit selects the motion control profile to be provided to the stapler motor from the various profiles stored in the memory of the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Olson, Raymond C. Bassett, Charles A. Gerace
  • Patent number: 7354034
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a processing tray on which sheets are to be stacked and subjected to a processing, a stack tray provided in the downstream of the processing tray with respect to the sheet conveying direction on which sheets are to be stacked, an oscillation roller pair for conveying the sheets stacked on the processing tray to the stack tray, and a trailing edge assist for conveying the sheet stacked on the processing tray toward the stack tray. The sheets stacked on the processing tray are discharged to the stack tray by the oscillation roller pair and the trailing edge assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignees: Canon Finetech Inc., Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomokazu Nakamura, Yoshinori Isobe, Toshimasa Suzuki, Masatoshi Yaginuma, Masahiro Yonenuma, Atsushi Takada, Norio Motoi
  • Patent number: 7354036
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a buffer unit which stores plural supplied sheets with upstream edges in a conveying direction thereof aligned; a processing tray on which sheets discharged from the buffer unit are stacked; and an oscillation roller pair and a return roller which convey the sheet stacked on the processing tray to bring the sheet into abutment against a stopper for receiving the upstream edge of the sheet. The buffer unit is adapted to align the upstream edges of only sheets to be stored before a sheet to be supplied last among the sheets to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignees: Canon Finetech Inc., Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Hayashi, Tomokazu Nakamura, Naoto Watanabe, Yusuke Obuchi, Hitoshi Kato, Shunsuke Nishimura, Tetsuya Terada, Yasutaka Iwasa, Daisuke Matsukura, Norio Motoi, Masayoshi Kubo
  • Patent number: 7344131
    Abstract: Above a processing tray, a standby tray for making sheets of paper P stand by is installed. The sheets of paper P on the standby tray are dropped, fed, and moved to the processing tray, thus the conveying path from the standby tray to the processing tray is shortened. Furthermore, a Z-folding mechanism is arranged above the standby tray, and the sheets of paper P folded in a Z shape are dropped, and are mixed and stapled on the standby tray or processing tray, and even when performing a plurality of post processes for sheets, miniaturization of a sheet post-process system is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Mikio Yamamoto, Tomomi Iijima, Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 7341248
    Abstract: This invention provides a sheet processing apparatus for passing sheets between an upper jaw and a lower jaw of a binder fixed on an intermediate stacking portion and for binding the ends of the sheets, wherein binding processing is possible for a large number of sheets and the problems of paper jams due to inclining or poor alignment are solved. The apparatus has a small size, is low in cost, and is highly reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kuwata, Kenichiro Isobe, Yasuyoshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7331573
    Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus for treating a sheet having an image formed thereon is provided, which includes a pair of transport rollers for transporting the sheet upward, a sheet post-treating portion having an intermediate treatment tray, provided to execute post-treatment such as sheet stitching or punching while holding the sheet in a substantially vertical state, and a sheet delivery portion arranged above the sheet post-treating portion. Also, an image forming apparatus is provided, which includes an image reading portion for reading an image, an image forming portion arranged below the image reading portion to form an image on a sheet, a delivery space portion provided in an apparatus housing between the image reading portion and the image forming portion to deliver the sheet, sheet treating portion for treating the sheet while holding it in a substantially vertical state, and an in-body transportation path for transporting the sheet treated by the sheet treating means to the delivery space portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimi Mizuta, Toshimasa Suzuki, Masaaki Inoo, Daisaku Kamiya, Hiromichi Tsujino, Junichi Moteki, Shunsuke Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7328894
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus of the present invention has a gate for taking in sheets of paper ejected from an image forming apparatus through a taking-in port and switching to either of a conveying path for post processing or a conveying path for non-post processing to convey the sheets of paper and a tray attached to the upper part of the sheet finishing apparatus by a link mechanism, and the tray can rotate between the height position for storing sheets of paper and the height position away from the upper part and keeps the angle of inclination thereof constant at either of the height positions, and furthermore, sheets of paper taken in from the taking-in port are clamped and conveyed by a pair of rollers, and one of the pair of rollers is supported by a sheet guidance member, and the sheet guidance member rotates in connection with the link mechanism and can cope with paper jamming, if any.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Tomomi Iijima, Mikio Yamamoto, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 7306213
    Abstract: Above a processing tray, a standby tray for making sheets of paper P stand by is installed. The sheets of paper P on the standby tray are dropped, fed, and moved to the processing tray, thus the conveying path from the standby tray to the processing tray is shortened. A conveyor belt is arranged at an angle with the processing tray so that the front end side of the sheets is positioned higher than the rear end side thereof and the conveyor belt on the front end side of the sheets is projected from the processing tray. By doing this, frictional force of the conveyor belt with the sheets of paper P on the rear end side is made smaller, and frictional force with the sheets of paper P on the front end side is made larger, and the ejectability of sheets from the processing tray after ending of the post process is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Mikio Yamamoto, Tomomi Iijima, Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 7300045
    Abstract: A sheet post-process apparatus includes a waiting tray and a processing tray. The waiting tray is provided in the middle of a conveying path and makes standby sheets in the case where a post-process is required. The processing tray has a function which causes the sheets made standby on the waiting sheet to be dropped by self-weight. With this function, the processing tray receives the sheets moved to be dropped and the sheets conveyed from the conveying path without intervening the waiting tray, before carrying out the post-process. Sheet bundles formed on the processing tray are stacked on a storage tray by a sheet conveying mechanism after they have been post-processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Mikio Yamamoto, Tomomi Iijima, Reiji Murakami, Hiroyuki Taki, Tokihiko Ise, Hajime Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Katsuya Sasahara, Chiaki Iizuka