Patents by Inventor Hiroshi Takarada
Hiroshi Takarada 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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Publication number: 20240427262Abstract: A toner container includes a storage portion configured to store toner and a communicating member including a receiving port, a discharge port, and a passage. The passage includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface connecting the first inclined surface and the discharge port to each other. When viewed in a third direction perpendicularly intersecting with both of a first direction and a second direction, the first inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction such that a more downstream portion of the first inclined surface in the first direction is closer to the discharge port in the second direction, and the second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction such that a more downstream portion of the second inclined surface in the first direction is closer to the discharge port in the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2024Publication date: December 26, 2024Inventors: HIROYUKI MUNETSUGU, HIROSHI TAKARADA, MITSUHIRO SATO
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Publication number: 20240427281Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer container to and from which a replenishment container is attachable and detachable, the developer container including an accommodating portion, and a supporting portion, wherein the developer container includes a projection portion that is provided at one end portion thereof in the rotation axis direction of the developer bearing member and projects toward the supporting portion more than a center portion of the developer container in a crossing direction crossing the rotation axis direction, the projection portion communicates with the accommodating portion and includes, at a distal end portion thereof, an attachment portion configured such that the replenishment container is attachable thereto in a state of being exposed to the outside of the apparatus, and a replenishment port for replenishing the accommodating portion with developer from the replenishment container is defined in the attachment portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2024Publication date: December 26, 2024Inventors: Koji Wada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Hiroshi Takarada, Kenji Matsuzaka, Takao Sameshima, Tomio Noguchi, Yuichiro Inaba, Kenichi Iida, Masaaki Sato
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Patent number: 12169374Abstract: An accommodating container includes a flexible pouch including a bottom portion and a side portion extending from the bottom portion so as to form an opening and a communicating member disposed inside the side portion on a side of the opening and provided with a communicating portion communicating between inside and outside of the pouch. The communicating member includes an opposite surface opposing the bottom portion, and the side portion includes a fold forming portion forming a folding shape along an edge portion of the opposite surface of the communicating member.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2023Date of Patent: December 17, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Hiroshi Takarada, Norihiko Ochi
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Publication number: 20240337966Abstract: A toner container includes a toner storage unit, a container base portion including a discharge port provided on an outer surface of the container base portion, the outer surface extending in a first direction, the discharge port communicating with the toner storage unit, and a container shutter configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction along the first direction between a shielding position and an open position. The container base portion includes an engaging portion configured to be engaged with an engaged portion of the image forming apparatus so that rotation of the container base portion with respect to the image forming apparatus about the rotation axis is restricted. At least a part of the engaging portion of the container base portion is exposed from the container shutter in a case where the container shutter is in the shielding position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Inventors: Masaaki Sato, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Isao Koishi, Hiroshi Takarada, Shohei Katsuya, Shunsuke Hijikata, Goshi Ozaki, Mitsuhiro Sato
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Patent number: 12111601Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer container to and from which a replenishment container is attachable and detachable, the developer container including an accommodating portion, and a supporting portion, wherein the developer container includes a projection portion that is provided at one end portion thereof in the rotation axis direction of the developer bearing member and projects toward the supporting portion more than a center portion of the developer container in a crossing direction crossing the rotation axis direction, the projection portion communicates with the accommodating portion and includes, at a distal end portion thereof, an attachment portion configured such that the replenishment container is attachable thereto in a state of being exposed to the outside of the apparatus, and a replenishment port for replenishing the accommodating portion with developer from the replenishment container is defined in the attachment portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koji Wada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Hiroshi Takarada, Kenji Matsuzaka, Takao Sameshima, Tomio Noguchi, Yuichiro Inaba, Kenichi Iida, Masaaki Sato
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Patent number: 12105441Abstract: A toner container includes a storage portion configured to store toner and a communicating member including a receiving port, a discharge port, and a passage. The passage includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface connecting the first inclined surface and the discharge port to each other. When viewed in a third direction perpendicularly intersecting with both of a first direction and a second direction, the first inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction such that a more downstream portion of the first inclined surface in the first direction is closer to the discharge port in the second direction, and the second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction such that a more downstream portion of the second inclined surface in the first direction is closer to the discharge port in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2023Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Hiroshi Takarada, Mitsuhiro Sato
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Publication number: 20240319634Abstract: A developer container includes a container member, a connector member attached to the container member, and a discharge path forming member connected to the container member and to discharge a developer from the container member. The connector member includes an inserted portion, and an engaged portion. The discharge path forming member includes an insertion portion inserted into the inserted portion, and an engaging portion provided correspondingly to the engaged portion. The engaged portion and engaging portion come to a state of mutual engagement by a relative rotation between the connector member and the discharge path forming member about a predetermined rotation axis, in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the inserted portion. In the engaged state, the engaged portion and engaging portion restrict a relative movement of the connector member and the discharge path forming member in the direction of the rotation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: SHINJIRO TOBA, HIROSHI TAKARADA
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Patent number: 12066769Abstract: A toner container includes a toner storage unit, a container base portion including a discharge port provided on an outer surface of the container base portion, the outer surface extending in a first direction, the discharge port communicating with the toner storage unit, and a container shutter configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction along the first direction between a shielding position and an open position. The container base portion includes an engaging portion configured to be engaged with an engaged portion of the image forming apparatus so that rotation of the container base portion with respect to the image forming apparatus about the rotation axis is restricted. At least a part of the engaging portion of the container base portion is exposed from the container shutter in a case where the container shutter is in the shielding position.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Sato, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Isao Koishi, Hiroshi Takarada, Shohei Katsuya, Shunsuke Hijikata, Goshi Ozaki, Mitsuhiro Sato
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Publication number: 20240255866Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a toner container is detachably mountable includes a mounting portion to which the toner container is detachably mountable and which includes a receiving port for receiving toner supplied from the toner container, a passage for permitting passing of the toner received through the receiving port and provided with a through hole, and a filter portion provided so as to cover the through hole and for permitting passing of air; and an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the toner received through the receiving port. At least a part of the through hole overlaps with the receiving port as viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of gravitation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: Shinjiro Toba, Hiroshi Takarada, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Goshi Ozaki, Sohta Sugimoto, Mitsuhiro Sato, Shinichi Nishida, Yuichi Fukui, Yukio Kubo
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Patent number: 11977344Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a toner container is detachably mountable includes a mounting portion to which the toner container is detachably mountable and which includes a receiving port for receiving toner supplied from the toner container, a passage for permitting passing of the toner received through the receiving port and provided with a through hole, and a filter portion provided so as to cover the through hole and for permitting passing of air; and an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the toner received through the receiving port. At least a part of the through hole overlaps with the receiving port as viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of gravitation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinjiro Toba, Hiroshi Takarada, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Goshi Ozaki, Sohta Sugimoto, Mitsuhiro Sato, Shinichi Nishida, Yuichi Fukui, Yukio Kubo
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Publication number: 20240085823Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be attachable to a main body of an image forming apparatus and configured to receive toner supplied from a supply container. The cartridge includes a supply port configured to receive the toner supplied from the supply container, a shutter member configured to cover the supply port, and a locking member. The locking member is moved from a lock position to an unlock position to allow movement of the shutter member by using electric power supplied from the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Koji Wada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Hiroshi Takarada, Masaaki Sato
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Publication number: 20240036497Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer container to and from which a replenishment container is attachable and detachable and which includes an accommodating portion that accommodates developer and a replenishment port, an agitation member, an opening/closing member configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position, a drive source for driving the agitation member, and a control portion configured to control the drive source. The apparatus is configured such that image formation is not possible when the opening/closing member is at the open position, and the agitation member is capable of driving in a case where the opening/closing member is at the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Masaaki Sato, Hiroshi Takarada, Koji Fujinaka, Akitoshi Toyota, Yuichiro Inaba, Kenichi Iida, Susumu Nittani
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Patent number: 11846895Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be attachable to a main body of an image forming apparatus and configured to receive toner supplied from a supply container. The cartridge includes a supply port configured to receive the toner supplied from the supply container, a shutter member configured to cover the supply port, and a locking member. The locking member is moved from a lock position to an unlock position to allow movement of the shutter member by using electric power supplied from the main body.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Wada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Hiroshi Takarada, Masaaki Sato
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Publication number: 20230400792Abstract: A toner container for use with an image forming apparatus is provided with a toner accommodating portion in which toner is accommodated; a base portion including a receiving opening for receiving the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion, a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the toner, received through the receiving opening, to an outside of the toner container, and a passage which is a passage extending from the receiving opening to the discharge opening and which is for permitting passing of the toner; and a shutter constituted so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the base between an open position where the discharge opening is exposed to the outside and a closed position where the shutter covers the discharge opening, wherein the passage extends in a direction in which the passage is inclined relative to the rotational axis so that the receiving opening is in a position where the receiving opening crosses the rotational axis and so that the discharge openingType: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Masaaki Sato, Koji Wada, Hiroshi Takarada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa
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Patent number: 11809095Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer container to and from which a replenishment container is attachable and detachable and which includes an accommodating portion that accommodates developer and a replenishment port, an agitation member, an opening/closing member configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position, a drive source for driving the agitation member, and a control portion configured to control the drive source. The apparatus is configured such that image formation is not possible when the opening/closing member is at the open position, and the agitation member is capable of driving in a case where the opening/closing member is at the open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Masaaki Sato, Hiroshi Takarada, Koji Fujinaka, Akitoshi Toyota, Yuichiro Inaba, Kenichi Iida, Susumu Nittani
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Publication number: 20230324829Abstract: A toner container includes a storage portion configured to store toner and a communicating member including a receiving port, a discharge port, and a passage. The passage includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface connecting the first inclined surface and the discharge port to each other. When viewed in a third direction perpendicularly intersecting with both of a first direction and a second direction, the first inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction such that a more downstream portion of the first inclined surface in the first direction is closer to the discharge port in the second direction, and the second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction such that a more downstream portion of the second inclined surface in the first direction is closer to the discharge port in the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: HIROYUKI MUNETSUGU, HIROSHI TAKARADA, MITSUHIRO SATO
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Patent number: 11774881Abstract: A toner container for use with an image forming apparatus is provided with a toner accommodating portion in which toner is accommodated; a base portion including a receiving opening for receiving the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion, a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the toner, received through the receiving opening, to an outside of the toner container, and a passage which is a passage extending from the receiving opening to the discharge opening and which is for permitting passing of the toner; and a shutter constituted so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the base between an open position where the discharge opening is exposed to the outside and a closed position where the shutter covers the discharge opening, wherein the passage extends in a direction in which the passage is inclined relative to the rotational axis so that the receiving opening is in a position where the receiving opening crosses the rotational axis and so that the discharge openingType: GrantFiled: February 2, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Sato, Koji Wada, Hiroshi Takarada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa
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Publication number: 20230266695Abstract: An accommodating container includes a flexible pouch including a bottom portion and a side portion extending from the bottom portion so as to form an opening and a communicating member disposed inside the side portion on a side of the opening and provided with a communicating portion communicating between inside and outside of the pouch. The communicating member includes an opposite surface opposing the bottom portion, and the side portion includes a fold forming portion forming a folding shape along an edge portion of the opposite surface of the communicating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: HIROYUKI MUNETSUGU, HIROSHI TAKARADA, NORIHIKO OCHI
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Publication number: 20230134527Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer container to and from which a replenishment container is attachable and detachable, the developer container including an accommodating portion, and a supporting portion, wherein the developer container includes a projection portion that is provided at one end portion thereof in the rotation axis direction of the developer bearing member and projects toward the supporting portion more than a center portion of the developer container in a crossing direction crossing the rotation axis direction, the projection portion communicates with the accommodating portion and includes, at a distal end portion thereof, an attachment portion configured such that the replenishment container is attachable thereto in a state of being exposed to the outside of the apparatus, and a replenishment port for replenishing the accommodating portion with developer from the replenishment container is defined in the attachment portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2023Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Koji Wada, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Hiroshi Takarada, Kenji Matsuzaka, Takao Sameshima, Tomio Noguchi, Yuichiro Inaba, Kenichi Iida, Masaaki Sato
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Publication number: 20230096202Abstract: A toner container includes a toner storage unit, a container base portion including a discharge port provided on an outer surface of the container base portion, the outer surface extending in a first direction, the discharge port communicating with the toner storage unit, and a container shutter configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction along the first direction between a shielding position and an open position. The container base portion includes an engaging portion configured to be engaged with an engaged portion of the image forming apparatus so that rotation of the container base portion with respect to the image forming apparatus about the rotation axis is restricted. At least a part of the engaging portion of the container base portion is exposed from the container shutter in a case where the container shutter is in the shielding position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Masaaki Sato, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Isao Koishi, Hiroshi Takarada, Shoei Katsuya, Shunsuke Hijinkata, Goshi Ozaki, Mitsuhiro Sato