Patents by Inventor Hiromoto Saitoh

Hiromoto Saitoh has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7822378
    Abstract: A sheet finisher for performing preselected processing with a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a cutter unit configured to cut the sheet or the sheet stack in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance. A guide member is positioned upstream of the cutter unit in the direction of sheet conveyance for guiding the sheet or the sheet stack being conveyed. A moving device moves the guide member in a direction parallel to the direction of sheet conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Masahiro Tamura, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Junichi Iida, Hiroki Okada, Akihito Andoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Tokita
  • Patent number: 7762170
    Abstract: A perforator configured to perforate a sheet includes a first frame and a blade. The first frame includes a first main face having a first hole, and is provided under a transport path of the sheet. The blade is moved into the first hole to perforate the sheet transported in the transport path. A bending strength of the first main face in a vertical direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet is smaller than a bending strength of the first main face in a parallel direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7744076
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus is configured so as to be capable of preventing the misalignment of the end edge of sheets to be scooped and transported from an intermediate tray, and reliably preventing the so-called displacement of end edges in the post-processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon, and thereby preventing the inferior appearance during binding. A sheet folding apparatus enables a user to easily adjust the misalignment of the fold line of sheets that occurs during actual use, in the middle folding processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Masahiro Tamura, Shuuya Nagasako
  • 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: 7527254
    Abstract: A sheet finisher of the present invention includes a punching unit configured to punch a sheet handed over from an image forming apparatus to the sheet finisher. A scrap conveying unit conveys scraps produced from the sheet punched by the punching unit. A hopper stores scraps conveyed thereto by there scrap conveying unit. The hopper is mounted on the front side of the sheet finisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Tamura, Akihito Andoh, Junichi Iida, Shuuya Nagasako, Hiroki Okada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Junichi Tokita, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7487964
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus for an image forming apparatus includes a discharging member configured to discharge recording media. A tray is configured to receive the discharged recording media. A rotatable moving member is configured to contact the discharged recording media such that an angular position of the rotatable member changes in response to a number of the recording media on the tray. A detecting member is configured to detect a movement of the moving member. A controller is configured to control an output of the recording media to the tray based on an output of the detecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Masahiro Tamura, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7458567
    Abstract: A sheet finisher for performing preselected processing with a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a cutter unit configured to cut the sheet or the sheet stack in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance. A guide member is positioned upstream of the cutter unit in the direction of sheet conveyance for guiding the sheet or the sheet stack being conveyed. A moving device moves the guide member in a direction parallel to the direction of sheet conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Masahiro Tamura, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Junichi Iida, Hiroki Okada, Akihito Andoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Tokita
  • Publication number: 20080284092
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus is configured so as to be capable of preventing the misalignment of the end edge of sheets to be scooped and transported from an intermediate tray, and reliably preventing the so-called displacement of end edges in the post-processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon, and thereby preventing the inferior appearance during binding. A sheet folding apparatus enables a user to easily adjust the misalignment of the fold line of sheets that occurs during actual use, in the middle folding processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi SUZUKI, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Masahiro Tamura, Shuuya Nagasako
  • Patent number: 7416177
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus is configured so as to be capable of preventing the misalignment of the end edge of sheets to be scooped and transported from an intermediate tray, and reliably preventing the so-called displacement of end edges in the post-processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon, and thereby preventing the inferior appearance during binding. A sheet folding apparatus enables a user to easily adjust the misalignment of the fold line of sheets that occurs during actual use, in the middle folding processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Masahiro Tamura, Shuuya Nagasako
  • Patent number: 7413181
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a conveying member configured to convey recording media and a tray configured to receive the recording media conveyed by the conveying member. The tray includes a holding member configured to hold the recording media therein and to contact a first edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned, a rotatable moving member configured to contact the recording media such that the holding member abuts against the recording media, a discharging member configured to discharge the recording media stacked by the holding member, and a protruding member mounted on the discharging member and configured to contact a second edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned. One of the rotatable moving member and the protruding member positions the recording media stacked in the tray in a travel direction of the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7410158
    Abstract: A copy machine achieves a reduction in power consumption when performing a saddle-stitching operation. An image forming unit forms visible images on recording sheets in accordance with image data stored in a memory device. A post-processing unit collects the recording media on an individual copy basis to prepare a bundle of the recording sheets, and performs a saddle-stitching process and a center-folding process on the bundle of the recording sheets. The post-processing unit ejects the processed recording sheets onto a predetermined eject tray. A system control part determines whether or not a total number of the recording sheets corresponding to the image data is within a limit number for the saddle-stitching process. When the total number of the recording sheets exceeds the limit number for the saddle-stitching process, the recording sheets are ejected onto the at least one eject tray other than a predetermined eject tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Iida, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Tokita, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7407155
    Abstract: A sheet finisher of the present invention includes a punching unit configured to punch a sheet handed over from an image forming apparatus to the sheet finisher. A scrap conveying unit conveys scraps produced from the sheet punched by the punching unit. A hopper stores scraps conveyed thereto by there scrap conveying unit. The hopper is mounted on the front side of the sheet finisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Tamura, Akihito Andoh, Junichi Iida, Shuuya Nagasako, Hiroki Okada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Junichi Tokita, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7336921
    Abstract: A sheet folding device for folding a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a path along which the sheet or the sheet stack to be folded is conveyed. A fold plate is movable in a direction perpendicular to the above path for forming a fold in the sheet or the sheet stack. A pair of rotatable fold rollers face the fold plate and are positioned one above the other. Pressing members exerts, when the fold is to be formed, a pair of equal pressing forces on the fold rollers to thereby maintain the nip between the fold rollers on a line including the locus of movement of the fold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Tamura, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Iida, Kenji Yamada, Junichi Tokita, Rika Andoh, legal representative, Akihito Andoh
  • Patent number: 7331572
    Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a first processing tray configured to temporarily store the sheet and deliver it. A first and a second path are positioned downstream of the first processing tray in a direction of sheet conveyance and configured to convey a first and a second sheet stack, respectively. The first path conveys the first sheet stack upward over the downstream portion of the first processing tray while the second path conveys it downward over the same. A switching device selects either one of the first and second paths. The sheet finisher of the present invention is low cost and highly productive and space saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Tamura, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Iida, Akihito Andoh
  • Patent number: 7306214
    Abstract: A paper handling apparatus is disclosed, having a first path that guides paper to a processing tray; a second path in which the paper is set aside; and a transportation unit that transports the paper. The paper handling apparatus sets aside a preceding sheet of the paper in the second path, and transports the set-aside preceding sheet of the paper with a following sheet of the paper. The paper handling unit includes: a branching unit that, when the paper is transported in the second direction, leads the paper to the second path; a paper detection unit provided in a more upstream position than the branching unit; and a control unit that determines timing in which the paper is transported in the second direction based on an output of the paper detection unit, and causes the transportation unit to transport the paper to the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Iida, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Tokita, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Publication number: 20070147922
    Abstract: A copy machine achieves a reduction in power consumption when performing a saddle-stitching operation. An image forming unit forms visible images on recording sheets in accordance with image data stored in a memory device. A post-processing unit collects the recording media on an individual copy basis to prepare a bundle of the recording sheets, and performs a saddle-stitching process and a center-folding process on the bundle of the recording sheets. The post-processing unit ejects the processed recording sheets onto a predetermined eject tray. A system control part determines whether or not a total number of the recording sheets corresponding to the image data is within a limit number for the saddle-stitching process. When the total number of the recording sheets exceeds the limit number for the saddle-stitching process, the recording sheets are ejected onto the at least one eject tray other than a predetermined eject tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Junichi IIDA, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Tokita, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7207556
    Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet introduced thereinto from an image forming apparatus and then discharging the sheet is disclosed. The sheet finisher includes a stacking device configured to temporarily stack sheets sequentially delivered thereto. Jogger fences jog each sheet within the stacking device. A stapler staples the sheet stack jogged in the stacking device. The stapler is supported by a guide shaft such it is movable along the guide shaft in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and angularly movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromoto Saitoh, Kenji Yamada, Masahiro Tamura, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Hiroki Okada, Shuuya Nagasako, Akihito Andoh, Junichi Iida
  • Patent number: 7198268
    Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a first processing tray configured to temporarily store the sheet and deliver it. A first and a second path are positioned downstream of the first processing tray in a direction of sheet conveyance and configured to convey a first and a second sheet stack, respectively. The first path conveys the first sheet stack upward over the downstream portion of the first processing tray while the second path conveys it downward over the same. A switching device selects either one of the first and second paths. The sheet finisher of the present invention is low cost and highly productive and space saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Tamura, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Iida, Akihito Andoh
  • Publication number: 20070056423
    Abstract: A perforator configured to perforate a sheet includes a first frame and a blade. The first frame includes a first main face having a first hole, and is provided under a transport path of the sheet. The blade is moved into the first hole to perforate the sheet transported in the transport path. A bending strength of the first main face in a vertical direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet is smaller than a bending strength of the first main face in a parallel direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Ilda, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20070052147
    Abstract: A sheet finisher of the present invention includes a punching unit configured to punch a sheet handed over from an image forming apparatus to the sheet finisher. A scrap conveying unit conveys scraps produced from the sheet punched by the punching unit. A hopper stores scraps conveyed thereto by there scrap conveying unit. The hopper is mounted on the front side of the sheet finisher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Masahiro Tamura, Akihito Andoh, Junichi Iida, Shuuya Nagasako, Hiroki Okada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Junichi Tokita, Naohiro Kikkawa