Patents by Inventor Hiromichi Mitamura
Hiromichi Mitamura has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11507008Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming unit, a transfer unit, a detector, a controller, an edge detector, and an abnormality detector. The detector detects developer attached to an image carrying surface at a position between a position where an image is formed and a position where the image is transferred. The controller controls the image forming unit such that a check image including an edge that extends in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the image carrying surface is formed in a region of the image carrying surface that passes through the detection position. The edge detector determines a position of the edge based on a detection status of the developer. The abnormality detector determines whether or not the image former is abnormal based on the position of the edge.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takao Izumi, Suguru Kurita, Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20220253011Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming unit, a transfer unit, a detector, a controller, an edge detector, and an abnormality detector. The detector detects developer attached to an image carrying surface at a position between a position where an image is formed and a position where the image is transferred. The controller controls the image forming unit such that a check image including an edge that extends in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the image carrying surface is formed in a region of the image carrying surface that passes through the detection position. The edge detector determines a position of the edge based on a detection status of the developer. The abnormality detector determines whether or not the image former is abnormal based on the position of the edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takao IZUMI, Suguru KURITA, Hiromichi MITAMURA
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Patent number: 11009808Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus including a processor which forms a toner pattern image on a photoconductive member, transfers the toner pattern image on a medium, and changes an image forming condition based on a detection result obtained by optically detecting the toner pattern image transferred onto the medium, the toner cartridge including: a toner accommodating container accommodating a toner, and a memory. The memory stores reference data which is determined according to toner characteristics in the toner accommodating container, and is used for applying a reference value for an optical detection result of a toner pattern formed by the toner on the medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Itou, Kazuhisa Takeda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara, Hiromichi Mitamura, Shigeru Fujiwara, Hisanobu Ajima
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Publication number: 20210003939Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus including a processor which forms a toner pattern image on a photoconductive member, transfers the toner pattern image on a medium, and changes an image forming condition based on a detection result obtained by optically detecting the toner pattern image transferred onto the medium, the toner cartridge including: a toner accommodating container accommodating a toner, and a memory. The memory stores reference data which is determined according to toner characteristics in the toner accommodating container, and is used for applying a reference value for an optical detection result of a toner pattern formed by the toner on the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Tsuyoshi Itou, Kazuhisa Takeda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara, Hiromichi Mitamura, Shigeru Fujiwara, Hisanobu Ajima
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Patent number: 10816912Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus including a processor which forms a toner pattern image on a photoconductive member, transfers the toner pattern image on a medium, and changes an image forming condition based on a detection result obtained by optically detecting the toner pattern transferred onto the medium, the toner cartridge including: a toner accommodating container accommodating a toner, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of reference data which are determined according to toner characteristics in the toner accommodating container and a value indicating an image forming execution amount, and are used for applying reference values for an optical detection result of a toner pattern formed by the toner on the medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Itou, Kazuhisa Takeda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara, Hiromichi Mitamura, Shigeru Fujiwara, Hisanobu Ajima
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Patent number: 10809646Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus including a processor which forms a toner pattern image on a photoconductive member, transfers the toner pattern image on a medium, and changes an image forming condition based on a detection result obtained by optically detecting the toner pattern image transferred onto the medium, the toner cartridge including: a toner accommodating container accommodating a toner, and a memory. The memory stores reference data which is determined according to toner characteristics in the toner accommodating container, and is used for applying a reference value for an optical detection result of a toner pattern formed by the toner on the medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Itou, Kazuhisa Takeda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara, Hiromichi Mitamura, Shigeru Fujiwara, Hisanobu Ajima
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Publication number: 20200310285Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus including a processor which forms a toner pattern image on a photoconductive member, transfers the toner pattern image on a medium, and changes an image forming condition based on a detection result obtained by optically detecting the toner pattern transferred onto the medium, the toner cartridge including: a toner accommodating container accommodating a toner, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of reference data which are determined according to toner characteristics in the toner accommodating container and a value indicating an image forming execution amount, and are used for applying reference values for an optical detection result of a toner pattern formed by the toner on the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Tsuyoshi Itou, Kazuhisa Takeda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara, Hiromichi Mitamura, Shigeru Fujiwara, Hisanobu Ajima
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Publication number: 20190377281Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus including a processor which forms a toner pattern image on a photoconductive member, transfers the toner pattern image on a medium, and changes an image forming condition based on a detection result obtained by optically detecting the toner pattern image transferred onto the medium, the toner cartridge including: a toner accommodating container accommodating a toner, and a memory. The memory stores reference data which is determined according to toner characteristics in the toner accommodating container, and is used for applying a reference value for an optical detection result of a toner pattern formed by the toner on the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Tsuyoshi Itou, Kazuhisa Takeda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara, Hiromichi Mitamura, Shigeru Fujiwara, Hisanobu Ajima
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Patent number: 8892020Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Imamiya, Takayasu Aoki, Tsuyoshi Itou, Hiromichi Mitamura, Noboru Furuyama
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Patent number: 8818219Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer containing part, a developer mixer, a mixer drive motor, a magnetic sleeve, a sleeve drive motor, a mixer rotation speed determination part and a motor drive controller. The developer containing part contains a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier. The developer mixer is provided in the developer containing part, agitates the two-component developer, and charges the toner and the carrier. The mixer rotation speed determination part determines the mixer rotation speed of the mixer drive motor according to a supply amount of the toner supplied to the developer containing part from a toner cartridge by driving of a toner supply motor. The motor drive controller independently performs rotation control of the sleeve drive motor and the mixer drive motor, and rotates and controls the mixer drive motor at the mixer rotation speed determined by the mixer rotation speed determination part.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20140072322Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Koji Imamiya, Takayasu Aoki, Tsuyoshi Itou, Hiromichi Mitamura, Noboru Furuyama
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Patent number: 8615189Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Imamiya, Takayasu Aoki, Tsuyoshi Itou, Hiromichi Mitamura, Noboru Furuyama
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Patent number: 8121500Abstract: To provide a technology that can realize appropriate developer supply processing according to conditions within a developing unit by a simple method. In an image forming apparatus that visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor with a developing unit, information on an amount of consumption of a developer in the developing unit is acquired, first developer supply information indicating an amount of developer to be supplied to the developing unit is calculated based on the acquired information, information on concentration of the developer contained within the developing unit is acquired, second developer supply information indicating an amount of developer to be supplied to the developing unit is calculated based on the acquired information, and information indicating an amount of developer to be supplied to the developing unit is determined based on the calculated first and second developer supply information.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20120008969Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer containing part, a developer mixer, a mixer drive motor, a magnetic sleeve, a sleeve drive motor, a mixer rotation speed determination part and a motor drive controller. The developer containing part contains a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier. The developer mixer is provided in the developer containing part, agitates the two-component developer, and charges the toner and the carrier. The mixer rotation speed determination part determines the mixer rotation speed of the mixer drive motor according to a supply amount of the toner supplied to the developer containing part from a toner cartridge by driving of a toner supply motor. The motor drive controller independently performs rotation control of the sleeve drive motor and the mixer drive motor, and rotates and controls the mixer drive motor at the mixer rotation speed determined by the mixer rotation speed determination part.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20110311244Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image forming apparatus including: a photoreceptor; a latent image forming unit; a developing device; a sensor that detects concentration of toner in the developing device; a storage unit that stores a prescribed time period for supplying replenishment toner and a first variation when the replenishment toner is supplied to the developing device for a prescribed time length; a toner cartridge that includes the replenishment toner and a toner discharge member; a driving unit that drives discharge of the toner discharging member; a calculating unit that calculates a second variation based on output of the sensor when the driving unit drives the toner cartridge for the prescribed time length; and a control unit that corrects the prescribed time length in the storage unit on a basis of the first and the second variations and controls the driving unit for driving for corrected time length.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20110262197Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Koji Imamiya, Takayasu Aoki, Tsuyoshi Itou, Hiromichi Mitamura, Noboru Furuyama
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Patent number: 7995942Abstract: A developing unit that includes a stirring roller stirring a developer and a developing roller and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image; a drive source that rotationally drives the developing roller and the stirring roller; and a control unit that switches a rotational speed of the developing roller in modes of an image formation mode and an adjustment mode, and rotationally controls the stirring roller at a first speed in the modes are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Chie Tonohiro, Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20110064430Abstract: In an image forming method, an execution condition of forcible toner consumption is obtained based on an environmental value at a time of final image formation and a present environmental value, the forcible toner consumption is executed under the execution condition, and image formation is performed after calibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiromichi Mitamura, Hirotaka Fukuyama, Sunao Takenaka
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Publication number: 20090232531Abstract: A developing unit that includes a stirring roller stirring a developer and a developing roller and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image; a drive source that rotationally drives the developing roller and the stirring roller; and a control unit that switches a rotational speed of the developing roller in modes of an image formation mode and an adjustment mode, and rotationally controls the stirring roller at a first speed in the modes are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Chie Tonohiro, Hiromichi Mitamura
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Publication number: 20090226194Abstract: To provide a technology that can realize appropriate developer supply processing according to conditions within a developing unit by a simple method. In an image forming apparatus that visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor with a developing unit, information on an amount of consumption of a developer in the developing unit is acquired, first developer supply information indicating an amount of developer to be supplied to the developing unit is calculated based on the acquired information, information on concentration of the developer contained within the developing unit is acquired, second developer supply information indicating an amount of developer to be supplied to the developing unit is calculated based on the acquired information, and information indicating an amount of developer to be supplied to the developing unit is determined based on the calculated first and second developer supply information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiromichi Mitamura