Patents by Inventor Kazuosa Kuma
Kazuosa Kuma 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: 7848692Abstract: A neutralization unit for use in an image forming apparatus includes a support member made of an insulating material, an electric-charge removing member made of an electric conductive material, and a rib made of an insulating material. The electric-charge removing member, fixed on the support member, removes electric charge from a back face of the recording medium after a toner image is transferred to a front face of a recording medium at a transfer nip. The electric-charge removing member includes a plurality of exposed areas along a longitudinal direction of the electric-charge removing member. The rib, provided on the support member, has a curved peripheral side and protrudes from a surface of the electric-charge removing member. The back face of the recording medium is contactable at the curved peripheral side of the rib when the recording medium is transported from the transfer nip.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuchika Saeki, Mitsuru Takahashi, Tsutomu Katoh, Takeshi Fukao, Yoshiharu Kishi, Kazuosa Kuma
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Patent number: 7835673Abstract: A method of installing a toner container and a container. The container includes a body for storing toner, a handle attached to an end of the container, an opening for discharging the toner to an image forming device, and a shutter which selectively opens and closes the opening due to rotation of the handle. There is a gear which protrudes through the end of the container, and rotation of the gear causes toner in the body to be moved from the body of the container into the end of the container and subsequently out through the opening of the end of the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hosokawa, Kiyonori Tsuda, Satoshi Narumi, Ryuta Takeichi, Yuji Arai, Masanori Kawasumi, Kazuhiko Umemura, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura
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Patent number: 7831161Abstract: An image forming apparatus and corresponding method, the image forming apparatus including a belt member supported by at least two rollers, an image forming member configured to form a patch pattern of image data on a surface of the belt member, a belt supporting member configured to support the belt member on a contact area thereof with respect to the belt member at a position higher than a tangent line of the at least two rollers, and a sensor configured to detect the patch pattern formed on the surface of the belt member at the contact area of the belt supporting member and the belt member.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuushi Hirayama, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuosa Kuma
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Patent number: 7706727Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a toner container, an image development mechanism, and a toner container holder. The toner container has a longitudinal length with first and second longitudinal ends, is driven for rotation to move the toner. The image development mechanism develops an electrostatic latent image into a toner image. The toner container holder includes a base plate onto which the toner container is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner container. The toner container holder further includes first and second supporters. The first and second supporters are mounted in traversal edge sides of the base plate and support the first and second longitudinal ends of the toner container, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuosa Kuma, Yuusuke Noguchi, Hiroshi Ishii, Makoto Kikura, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7697870Abstract: A developer container has a main part accommodating a developer therein and is detachably attached to a main part of an image forming apparatus. The developer container comprises an outlet provided at a side of the developer container to discharge the developer from the developer container. An input unit is provided adjacent to the outlet and has a small-diameter portion an inside diameter of which is smaller than a diameter of the container main part wherein, when the developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the input unit is engaged with a drive motor of the image forming apparatus to receive a rotating force of the drive motor. A developer guiding unit causes the developer inside the developer container to be moved to the outlet beyond the small-diameter portion of the input unit by rotation of the developer container.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hosokawa, Kiyonori Tsuda, Satoshi Narumi, Ryuta Takeichi, Yuji Arai, Masanori Kawasumi, Kazuhiko Umemura, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura
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Publication number: 20100061752Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes first and second belt members, at least one color image carrier, a separate image carrier, a primary transfer member, a secondary transfer mechanism, a direct transfer member, a first image detector to detect positional deviation of transferred images from reference pattern images, and a controller to transfer the reference pattern images formed on the at least one color image carrier and the separate image carrier onto the first belt member or onto the second belt member, convey the reference pattern images to the first image detector, cause the first image detector to detect the reference pattern images, and adjust one or more image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus to prevent positional deviation of the transferred images from the reference pattern images based on detection results obtained by the first image detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Kazuhisa SUDO, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuosa Kuma, Tsutomu Katoh, Takeshi Fukao, Shinichi Kawahara
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Publication number: 20090317104Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism, a transfer mechanism including a first endless belt receiving a toner image formed on an image carrier and a second endless belt receiving the toner image formed on the first endless belt, a first detector to detect a speed of movement of the first endless belt or a toner image transferred at a predetermined position on the first endless belt, a belt speed adjustment unit to adjust a speed of movement of the first endless belt based on results obtained by the first detector, a second detector to detect the toner image transferred at a predetermined position on the second endless belt, and a transfer adjustment unit to adjust a speed of movement of the second endless belt based on results obtained by the second detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Tsutomu Katoh, Kazuosa Kuma, Takeshi Fukao, Yoshiharu Kishi
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Patent number: 7627268Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit having a support roller, a tension roller, a pair of side frames, a belt, and a guiding mechanism. The pair of side frames are configured to support the support roller and the tension roller. The belt extends across the support roller and the tension roller. The guiding mechanism are configured to guide the tension roller of the belt unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Katoh, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuchika Saeki, Kazuosa Kuma, Nobuto Yokokawa, Takeshi Fukao
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Patent number: 7620345Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed, that includes multiple imaging units, a loading unit formed on the top face of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a discharging unit disposed at the operation side of the main body. The image forming apparatus further includes multiple developer containing members disposed in the main body for providing the corresponding imaging units with developer, the developer containing members being arranged in a direction extending from the operation side of the main body. The developer containing members are detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and can be handled in a space above the image forming apparatus, the space being limited to the width of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Tomohiko Sasaki
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Publication number: 20090279906Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one image carrier and a recording medium conveyor forming a transfer nip therebetween, a conveyance member disposed closest to the transfer nip on an upstream side of the transfer nip to convey the recording medium to the transfer nip, and a conveyance control mechanism to deactivate the conveyance member to stop providing a conveyance force to the recording medium after the leading edge of the recording medium has entered the transfer nip and before the trailing edge of the recording medium passes a point of force application and remaining in the inactive state until the recording medium passes the point of force application. The conveyance force remains unapplied to the recording medium from when the conveyance control mechanism deactivates the conveyance member to when the trailing edge of the recording medium passes the transfer nip.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Kazuosa KUMA, Shinichi KAWAHARA, Mitsuru TAKAHASHI, Tsutomu KATOH, Takeshi FUKAO, Kazuhisa SUDO
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Patent number: 7609998Abstract: A transfer belt is driven by a plurality of supporting rollers. A unit frame supports the supporting rollers in a rotatable manner. At least one of the supporting rollers includes a cylindrical member having a substantially same outer diameter over an entire length thereof. Each end portion of the cylindrical member in a longitudinal direction is supported by the unit frame via a bearing in a rotatable manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Katoh, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuchika Saeki, Nobuto Yokokawa, Kazuosa Kuma, Takeshi Fukao
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Patent number: 7606521Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus using a tandem-drum development, an indirect image-transfer method, and a vertical sheet supply path. An intermediate image-transfer member is angled relative to a horizontal line such that a rear side of the intermediate image-transfer member away from a recording sheet is lifted and a front side of the intermediate image-transfer member closer to the recording sheet is lowered. Further, image creating mechanisms of the tandem-drum development are aligned and arranged in parallel to a moving image transfer bed of the intermediate image-transfer member, such that one of the image creating mechanisms firstly forming an image faces the rear side of the moving image transfer bed and another one of the image creating mechanisms lastly forming an image faces the front side.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuusuke Noguchi, Hiromichi Ema, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Kazuki Suzuki, Makoto Kikura, Masumi Sato, Hiroyasu Shijo, Tomotoshi Nakahara, Motokazu Yasui
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Publication number: 20090175660Abstract: A developer container has a main part accommodating a developer therein and is detachably attached to a main part of an image forming apparatus. The developer container comprises an outlet provided at a side of the developer container to discharge the developer from the developer container. An input unit is provided adjacent to the outlet and has a small-diameter portion an inside diameter of which is smaller than a diameter of the container main part wherein, when the developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the input unit is engaged with a drive motor of the image forming apparatus to receive a rotating force of the drive motor. A developer guiding unit causes the developer inside the developer container to be moved to the outlet beyond the small-diameter portion of the input unit by rotation of the developer container.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Hiroshi HOSOKAWA, Kiyonori Tsuda, Satoshi Narumi, Ryuta Takeichi, Yuji Arai, Masanori Kawasumi, Kazuhiko Umemura, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura
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Publication number: 20090169236Abstract: In a lubricant applying device, a position adjusting member adjusts relative positions of a lubricant and a rotating member. The rotating member rotates while in contact with the lubricant, receives the lubricant, and applies the lubricant to an image carrier in an image forming apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Takeshi Fukao, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuchika Saeki, Kazuosa Kuma, Tsutomu Katoh, Nobuto Yokokawa
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Patent number: 7519317Abstract: A developer container has a main part accommodating a developer therein and is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus. The developer container comprises a rotation unit which is rotatable to the developer container main part and having an outlet to discharge developer from the developer container, a shutter provided on the rotation unit to open and close the outlet by rotation of the rotation unit, and an engagement unit provided on the periphery side portion of the rotation unit in order to prevent rotation of the rotation unit when attached to the image forming apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hosokawa, Kiyonori Tsuda, Satoshi Narumi, Ryuta Takeichi, Yuji Arai, Masanori Kawasumi, Kazuhiko Umemura, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura
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Patent number: 7509073Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism for forming an image, at least one guide member arranged in parallel, and a belt unit to be inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus. The belt unit includes a belt, at least two rotating supports, a supporting frame, a cover, and at least one guided member. The belt is formed in an endless belt shape and transfers the image formed by the image forming mechanism. The belt is looped over the rotating supports which are rotatably supported by the supporting frame. The cover covers an outer circumferential surface of the belt. The guided member is disposed on an outer surface of the cover, engages with the guide member, and is slidably moved along the guide member when the belt unit is inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Katoh, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuchika Saeki, Kazuosa Kuma, Takeshi Fukao, Yoshiharu Kishi
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Patent number: 7499665Abstract: One end of a rotational shaft of a supporting rotational body attached with a rotational member is rotatably supported. The rotational member is sandwiched by a supporting frame that rotatably supports supporting rotational bodies spanned with an annular belt and fixing members fixed to the supporting frame. Thus, the one end of the rotational shaft is supported by the supporting frame and the fixing members at, at least two points. A mark detector is fixed to the fixing members, and the fixing members are fixed to the supporting frame at, at least two points. Accordingly, erroneous detection of a rotational angular speed or a rotational angular displacement of a supporting rotational body due to vibration of the supporting rotational body can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuosa Kuma, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuchika Saeki, Tsutomu Katoh, Takeshi Fukao, Yoshiharu Kishi
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Patent number: 7480476Abstract: A toner bottle has a main body, an opening, a gear, and an intermediate area. The main body includes a guide used to guide the toner. The intermediate area is located between the main body and the opening. Both the main body and the intermediate area include a guide for guiding toner. An angle of the guide of the main body relative to the axis of rotation of the toner bottle is larger than an angle of the guide of the intermediate area.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hosokawa, Kiyonori Tsuda, Satoshi Narumi, Ryuta Takeichi, Yuji Arai, Masanori Kawasumi, Kazuhiko Umemura, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura
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Publication number: 20080286013Abstract: A developer container has a main part accommodating a developer therein and is detachably attached to a main part of an image forming apparatus. The developer container comprises an outlet provided at a side of the developer container to discharge the developer from the developer container. An input unit is provided adjacent to the outlet and has a small-diameter portion an inside diameter of which is smaller than a diameter of the container main part wherein, when the developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the input unit is engaged with a drive motor of the image forming apparatus to receive a rotating force of the drive motor. A developer guiding unit causes the developer inside the developer container to be moved to the outlet beyond the small-diameter portion of the input unit by rotation of the developer container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Hiroshi Hosokawa, Kiyonori Tsuda, Satoshi Narumi, Ryuta Takeichi, Yuji Arai, Masanori Kawasumi, Kazuhiko Umemura, Hiroshi Ishii, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki, Yuusuke Noguchi, Kazuosa Kuma, Makoto Kikura
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Patent number: 7447469Abstract: A toner container mounting member comprises mounted thereon a plurality of toner containers that perform supply of toner by being themselves rotated. The toner containers are laid in the same direction to be mounted/released from above; a plurality of guiding members that rotatably support the toner containers are integrally formed.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Misaki Uchiyama, Kazuosa Kuma, Kiyonori Tsuda, Hiroshi Ishii, Yuusuke Noguchi, Makoto Kikura, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki