Patents by Inventor Kenji Asuwa

Kenji Asuwa 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: 8194266
    Abstract: A positional error detection method forms, on a belt which is transported in a transport direction, positional error detection marks for detecting a positional error between image positions of first and second colors, detects the positional error detection marks on the belt, and computes the positional error based on the detected positional error detection marks. The positional error detection marks include first and second marks which are inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the transport direction, and third marks which are perpendicular to the transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Miyadera, Kenji Asuwa, Izumi Kinoshita, Hiroaki Ikeda, Tatsuya Ozaki, Yasuo Matsuyama, Hirokazu Iwata
  • Publication number: 20100302323
    Abstract: A fluid discharge head includes a fluid chamber filled with ink; a discharge opening configured to discharge a droplet of ink from the fluid chamber; a plurality of piezoelectric elements configured as displacement generating units to provide kinetic energy to the ink for the discharge of the ink droplet; and a vibrating plate forming a part of the fluid chamber and connected to the piezoelectric elements, the vibrating plate being configured to transmit a displacement generated by the piezoelectric elements to the ink in the fluid chamber. The vibrating plate includes vibrating portions for the respective the piezoelectric elements. The vibrating portions are configured to be independently displaced for the corresponding piezoelectric elements, and at least one of the piezoelectric elements is configured as a pressure detecting unit to detect an ink pressure in the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Masahiro YAGI, Kenji Asuwa, Dongsik Jang, Yoshikazu Akiyama, Eiichi Ohta, Yukitoshi Tajima, Takeshi Takemoto
  • Patent number: 7831182
    Abstract: A disclosed developing device includes a developing roller; a supply roller that is in contact with the developing roller and configured to supply toner to the developing roller; a current measuring unit configured to measure an electric current that flows from the developing roller to the supply roller when the toner is supplied from the supply roller to the developing roller; and an error determining unit configured to detect a development error of the developing roller based on the electric current measured by the current measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rumi Konishi, Kenji Asuwa, Yoshiko Ogawa, Shuuichi Nakagawa, Ryuji Inoue, Shin Murayama, Kazushige Oonishi, Shintaro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090161142
    Abstract: A positional error detection method forms, on a belt which is transported in a transport direction, positional error detection marks for detecting a positional error between image positions of first and second colors, detects the positional error detection marks on the belt, and computes the positional error based on the detected positional error detection marks. The positional error detection marks include first and second marks which are inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the transport direction, and third marks which are perpendicular to the transport direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Tatsuya Miyadera, Kenji Asuwa, Izumi Kinoshita, Hiroaki Ikeda, Tatsuya Ozaki, Yasuo Matsuyama, Hirokazu Iwata
  • Publication number: 20080267641
    Abstract: A disclosed developing device includes a developing roller; a supply roller that is in contact with the developing roller and configured to supply toner to the developing roller; a current measuring unit configured to measure an electric current that flows from the developing roller to the supply roller when the toner is supplied from the supply roller to the developing roller; and an error determining unit configured to detect a development error of the developing roller based on the electric current measured by the current measuring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Rumi Konishi, Kenji Asuwa, Yoshiko Ogawa, Shuuichi Nakagawa, Ryuji Inoue, Shin Murayama, Kazushige Oonishi, Shintaro Yamada
  • Patent number: 7227562
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized electrophotographic apparatus for which maintenance such as disposal of a jam of sheets, replacement of consumables including toner, or replacement of components to be periodically replaced can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Asuwa, Toru Miyasaka, Taichiro Yamashita, Masahiro Yagi, Shintaro Yamada
  • Patent number: 7224915
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section and a residual toner amount detection unit. The image forming section includes a photosensitive member, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a toner storage unit. The residual toner amount detection unit detects an amount of toner remaining in the developing unit. The residual toner amount detection unit includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. After the toner is deposited on the photosensitive member to form a toner image until electric charge is given onto a photosensitive layer of the photosensitive member by the charging unit again, the light-emitting element removes electric charge remaining on the photosensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shintaro Yamada, Kenji Asuwa, Susumu Tateyama, Hirobumi Ooyoshi, Tomofumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7209681
    Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus includes a plurality of image forming devices, wherein each image forming device includes a developing device having a tip end part and a toner storage part coupled to the tip end part. A thickness of the tip end part is smaller than a thickness of the toner storage part. An exposure device, which is an LED array, is arranged near the tip end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shintaro Yamada, Toru Miyasaka, Taichiro Yamashita, Kenji Asuwa, Masahiro Yagi
  • Patent number: 7167670
    Abstract: An electro-photographic apparatus for conducting printing includes a fixing member fixing an unfixed toner image on a surface of a recording medium onto the recording medium. The fixing member includes a heating roller and a pressurizing member, and a mounting member on which the pressurizing member is mounted. The pressurizing member is supported by the mounting member in a substantially center part in a longitudinal direction of the pressurizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Obata, Shunichi Oohara, Toshio Ogiso, Kenji Asuwa, Toru Hanashima, Chikara Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 7136615
    Abstract: A fixing unit that is provided in an image forming device and fixes a toner image transferred to paper is constructed of two belts, belt guides each of which guides the inner periphery of each of the belts, a heating member arranged in one of the belts or heating members arranged in both of the belts, a drive roller for driving the inner periphery of the belt, wherein the belts pinch paper on both surfaces thereof by the belt guides and carry the paper. This construction can realize a fixing unit reduced in size and capable of printing images at high speeds and shortening a rise time that elapses until the fixing unit reaches a fixable temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunjchi Oohara, Tetsuji Takegoshi, Toshio Ogiso, Shigeru Obata, Kenji Asuwa
  • Publication number: 20060198645
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section and a residual toner amount detection unit. The image forming section includes a photosensitive member, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a toner storage unit. The residual toner amount detection unit detects an amount of toner remaining in the developing unit. The residual toner amount detection unit includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. After the toner is deposited on the photosensitive member to form a toner image until electric charge is given onto a photosensitive layer of the photosensitive member by the charging unit again, the light-emitting element removes electric charge remaining on the photosensitive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: RICOH PRINTING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shintaro Yamada, Kenji Asuwa, Susumu Tateyama, Hirobumi Ooyoshi, Tomofumi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20050254866
    Abstract: An electro-photographic apparatus for conducting printing includes a fixing member fixing an unfixed toner image on a surface of a recording medium onto the recording medium. The fixing member includes a heating roller and a pressurizing member, and a mounting member on which the pressurizing member is mounted. The pressurizing member is supported by the mounting member in a substantially center part in a longitudinal direction of the pressurizing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Obata, Shunichi Oohara, Toshio Ogiso, Kenji Asuwa, Toru Hanashima, Chikara Hiraoka
  • Publication number: 20050129431
    Abstract: A fixing unit that is provided in an image forming device and fixes a toner image transferred to paper is constructed of two belts, belt guides each of which guides the inner periphery of each of the belts, a heating member arranged in one of the belts or heating members arranged in both of the belts, a drive roller for driving the inner periphery of the belt, wherein the belts pinch paper on both surfaces thereof by the belt guides and carry the paper. This construction can realize a fixing unit reduced in size and capable of printing images at high speeds and shortening a rise time that elapses until the fixing unit reaches a fixable temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Hitachi Printing Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Oohara, Tetsuji Takegoshi, Toshio Ogiso, Shigeru Obata, Kenji Asuwa
  • Patent number: 6895211
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized electrophotographic apparatus having a double face printing function, which can print at a high speed even during double face printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taichiro Yamashita, Toru Miyasaka, Masahiro Yagi, Shintaro Yamada, Kenji Asuwa
  • Patent number: 6882819
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having imaging units arranged alternately on both sides of a continuous paper web, is characterized by minimized image misregistration and reduced processing cost. In order to prevent possible color misregistration caused by changes in paper feed path length resulting from the eccentricity of each drive roller, the difference in the eccentric phases of the rollers on the front and back surfaces is controlled, thereby minimizing the difference in changes in paper feed path length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Printing Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yagi, Kazutaka Sato, Kenji Asuwa, Isao Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20050073572
    Abstract: A photo conductor and exposure integrally-formed type apparatus is of a drum type, and is rotated at a fixed speed in a clockwise direction. A residual toner attached to a surface of the photo conductor is removed by a cleaner, and a charging device applies a charge load uniformly to a surface of the photo conductor layer so as to charge the photo conductor layer. A light emitting layer exposes the photo conductor layer in a luminous area from an inner side, and forms a latent image on the photo conductor layer. The latent image formed on the photo conductor layer is developed by toner by a developing device, and forms an apparent image by the toner attached to the latent image. Further, the toner image appearing on the photo conductor layer is transferred on a recording medium by a transfer device. Accordingly, since no movement exists between an exposure point and an image forming point in the luminous area, an image deterioration caused by the movement is not generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yagi, Taichiro Yamashita, Toru Miyasaka, Kenji Asuwa, Shintaro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6871036
    Abstract: A belt driving apparatus which inhibits a belt meandering so as to improve a printing quality and rapidly starts a printing motion at a time of starting the apparatus such as a time of turning on power or the like, and an image forming apparatus using the same. The belt driving apparatus has an endless belt, a plurality of belt tension supports for supporting the belt in a tension manner, and a steering roller supported in a tiltable manner and compensating a meandering of the belt, and the belt driving apparatus is provided with a meandering compensation sensitivity adjuster for adjusting a belt meandering compensation sensitivity of the steering roller per an angle of incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Asuwa, Toru Miyasaka, Tomio Sugaya, Hiroyuki Mabuchi, Hui Cheng
  • Publication number: 20050025544
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized electrophotographic apparatus having a double face printing function, which can print at a high speed even during double face printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventors: Taichiro Yamashita, Toru Miyasaka, Masahiro Yagi, Shintaro Yamada, Kenji Asuwa
  • Publication number: 20040253019
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier having a photosensitive material on a surface thereof, a light scanning apparatus for irradiating scanning light on the image carrier in accordance with image information and a scanning light reflecting mirror for changing a traveling direction of the scanning light. The scanning light reflecting mirror and the image carrier are mounted on a common supporting member to constitute a first unit, and the light scanning apparatus is built into a second unit separate from the first unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Asuwa, Toru Miyasaka, Masahiro Yagi, Shintaro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040126151
    Abstract: The invention provides a belt driving apparatus which inhibits a belt meandering so as to improve a printing quality and rapidly starts a printing motion at a time of starting the apparatus such as a time of turning on power or the like, and an image forming apparatus using the same. The belt driving apparatus has an endless belt, a plurality of belt tension supporting means for supporting the belt in a tension manner, and a steering roller supported in a tiltable manner and compensating a meandering of the belt, and the belt driving apparatus is provided with a meandering compensation sensitivity adjusting means for adjusting a belt meandering compensation sensitivity of the steering roller per an angle of incline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Asuwa, Toru Miyasaka, Tomio Sugaya, Hiroyuki Mabuchi, Hui Cheng