Patents by Inventor Katsuji Watabe

Katsuji Watabe 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: 5640645
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, toner images of respective colors are sequentially formed on an image carrier. A primary image transfer unit sequentially transfers the toner images from the image carrier to an intermediate image transfer belt one above the other, thereby producing a composite color image on the belt. A secondary image transfer unit transfers the composite color image from the belt to a sheet or similar transfer material. When the belt makes a turn without image transfer, i.e., idles, an electric field output lower than an electric field output preselected for image formation is applied to the primary image transfer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Namekata, Katsuji Watabe, Yoshiyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 5384628
    Abstract: A developing device for image forming equipment capable of agitating and mixing a fresh toner and a developer sufficiently is disclosed. The device eliminates a change in image density among individual copies, irregularity in density corresponding to the spiral pitch of, for example, a toner transport screw, and irregularity in density in the front-and-rear direction (axial direction of a developing sleeve) ascribable to defective agitation. To replace or clean a desire part or parts built in a developing device, the device is divided into two such that the desired parts are freely accessible. This facilitates the cleaning and replacement of such parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Takami, Kazuyuki Sugihara, Takayuki Maruta, Kazuo Nojima, Noboru Sawayama, Kaoru Yoshimatsu, Katsuji Watabe, Takuji Yoneda
  • Patent number: 5128110
    Abstract: A device disposed in an exhaust section of image forming equipment for removing ozone generated in the equipment. An ozone filter and an agent container containing an ozone decomposing agent therein are constructed into a single unit. The agent contained in the body of the container is prevented from blocking small openings which allow the volatile matter of the agent to pass therethrough. A seal member and flanges surrounding the open end of the container body are adhered to each other by a layer of adhesive and a two-sided adhesive tape, whereby the open end is closed before the device is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Setsuo Soga, Katsuji Watabe