Patents by Inventor Mikio Ishibashi
Mikio Ishibashi 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: 9606469Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer to rotate, an image forming unit including a charger and a developing device, a charge power supply to output a charging bias applied to a charger, a transfer device, a toner adhesion amount, and a controller. The controller causes the image forming unit to form a background fog pattern in a background area of the latent image bearer while changing a background potential, acquires toner adhesion amount values detected at different positions of the background fog pattern, having different potentials, sorts the toner adhesion amount values in an order of the background potential, determines a relation between the background potential and background fog amount based the toner adhesion amount values except any toner adhesion amount value out of monotonicity, and adjust the charging bias to an optimum value computed based on the determined relation.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Saki Izumi, Hiroyuki Sugiyama, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Mikio Ishibashi, Kayoko Tanaka, Kohta Fujimori
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Publication number: 20160349658Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer to rotate, an image forming unit including a charger and a developing device, a charge power supply to output a charging bias applied to a charger, a transfer device, a toner adhesion amount, and a controller. The controller causes the image forming unit to form a background fog pattern in a background area of the latent image bearer while changing a background potential, acquires toner adhesion amount values detected at different positions of the background fog pattern, having different potentials, sorts the toner adhesion amount values in an order of the background potential, determines a relation between the background potential and background fog amount based the toner adhesion amount values except any toner adhesion amount value out of monotonicity, and adjust the charging bias to an optimum value computed based on the determined relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Saki IZUMI, Hiroyuki SUGIYAMA, Shunichi HASHIMOTO, Naoyuki OZAKI, Mikio ISHIBASHI, Kayoko TANAKA, Kohta FUJIMORI
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Patent number: 9316950Abstract: A development device is operable in multiple different speed modes and includes a developer bearer to carry developer, a developer regulator to adjust an amount of developer carried on the developer bearer, and multiple developer conveyance members disposed facing the developer bearer to transport developer in a longitudinal direction to circulate developer inside the development device. The multiple developer conveyance members including a first developer conveyance member to supply developer to the developer bearer and a second developer conveyance member to transport developer collected from the developer bearer. The development device executes developer amount balance adjustment in which a driving velocity of at least the multiple developer conveyance members is increased from a driving velocity in a lower-speed mode for a predetermined period after image development in the lower speed mode is completed and before image development in a higher speed mode is started.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tomoko Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Fukuda, Yoshio Hattori, Sho Akiyama, Takamasa Ozeki, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Mikio Ishibashi, Ryuji Yoshida, Taichi Urayama
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Publication number: 20160041494Abstract: A development device is operable in multiple different speed modes and includes a developer bearer to carry developer, a developer regulator to adjust an amount of developer carried on the developer bearer, and multiple developer conveyance members disposed facing the developer bearer to transport developer in a longitudinal direction to circulate developer inside the development device. The multiple developer conveyance members including a first developer conveyance member to supply developer to the developer bearer and a second developer conveyance member to transport developer collected from the developer bearer. The development device executes developer amount balance adjustment in which a driving velocity of at least the multiple developer conveyance members is increased from a driving velocity in a lower-speed mode for a predetermined period after image development in the lower speed mode is completed and before image development in a higher speed mode is started.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tomoko TAKAHASHI, Yoshiyuki FUKUDA, Yoshio HATTORI, Sho AKIYAMA, Takamasa OZEKI, Yoshinori NAKAGAWA, Mikio ISHIBASHI, Ryuji YOSHIDA, Taichi URAYAMA
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Patent number: 8970858Abstract: An operator guidance system includes a detection unit, a control unit, and an operation indicator. The detection unit is disposed in an image forming apparatus to output a combination of detection signals, and includes one or more media sensors, and one or more opening sensors. The one or more media sensors are disposed along a media conveyance path to output a media detection signal. The one or more opening sensors are disposed adjacent to an openable structure to output an opening detection signal. The control unit is connected to the detection unit to determine guidance to be provided to an operator based on the combination of detection signals, and includes a memory and a controller. The operation indicator is connected to the control unit to indicate the identified operation to the operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mami Akiyama, Yasuhiro Sagawa, Masaharu Furuya, Manabu Izumikawa, Mikio Ishibashi, Yoshio Hattori, So Ohta, Ryo Takenaka, Hiroaki Murakami
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Patent number: 8909112Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a conveyance unit to convey a transfer medium, a first image forming unit to form a monochrome image transferred at a first transfer position onto the transfer medium, and a second image forming unit disposed downstream from the first image forming unit in a direction of conveyance of the transfer medium, including an intermediate transfer body to form a multi-colored toner image on the intermediate transfer body. The multi-colored toner image is transferred onto the transfer medium at a second transfer position. The conveyance unit is separated from the intermediate transfer body at the second transfer position in a monochrome mode to form the monochrome image using only the first image forming unit, and contacts the intermediate transfer body at the second transfer position in a full-color mode to form a full-color image using both the first and second image forming units.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Tomoko Takahashi, Naoyuki Ozaki, Ryuji Yoshida, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Hiroaki Maeda, Shunichi Hashimoto, Mugijirou Uno, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Mikio Ishibashi, Hideki Zemba
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Publication number: 20140301747Abstract: A development device is operable in multiple different speed modes and includes a developer bearer to carry developer, a developer regulator to adjust an amount of developer carried on the developer bearer, and multiple developer conveyance members disposed facing the developer bearer to transport developer in a longitudinal direction to circulate developer inside the development device. The multiple developer conveyance members including a first developer conveyance member to supply developer to the developer bearer and a second developer conveyance member to transport developer collected from the developer bearer. The development device executes developer amount balance adjustment in which a driving velocity of at least the multiple developer conveyance members is increased from a driving velocity in a lower-speed mode for a predetermined period after image development in the lower speed mode is completed and before image development in a higher speed mode is started.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tomoko TAKAHASHI, Yoshiyuki FUKUDA, Yoshio HATTORI, Sho AKIYAMA, Takamasa OZEKI, Yoshinori NAKAGAWA, Mikio ISHIBASHI, Ryuji YOSHIDA, Taichi URAYAMA
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Patent number: 8818255Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a fixing liquid applicator to apply a fixing liquid to a recording medium, a transfer device to transfer a toner image from a toner image bearing member onto the recording medium to which the fixing liquid is applied while the toner image is in contact with the fixing liquid, and a fixing device to fix the toner image on the recording medium by heating the toner image and the fixing liquid. The fixing liquid comprises a plasticizer having a function to swell and soften a toner.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuji Yoshida, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Tomoko Takahashi, Mugijirou Uno, Mikio Ishibashi, Hideki Zemba, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Hideaki Kanaya
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Patent number: 8774694Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing liquid applicator to apply a fixing liquid to a recording medium before a toner image is transferred on the recording medium, a transfer device to transfer a toner image from a toner image bearing member onto the recording medium applied with the fixing liquid, and a fixing device to fix the toner image on the recording medium by heating. The fixing liquid applicator includes an application member disposed opposing a face of the recording medium on which the toner image is transferred to apply to the recording medium the fixing liquid borne on a surface of the application member, a supply unit to supply the fixing liquid to the application member, and a sealing device to form along with the application member a sealed space in which the supply unit and the fixing liquid to be supplied to the application member are sealed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuji Yoshida, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Tomoko Takahashi, Hideaki Kanaya, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Mugijirou Uno, Hideki Zemba, Mikio Ishibashi
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Patent number: 8761651Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a fixing liquid applicator applying a fixing liquid including a plasticizer swelling and softening a toner forming a toner image to fix on a recording medium thereto before bearing the toner image; a transferer transferring the toner image on a toner image bearer onto the recording medium while contacting the toner image to the fixing liquid thereon; and a fixing device heating the toner image and the fixing liquid to fix the toner image thereon, wherein the fixing liquid applicator comprises an application member bearing the fixing liquid on its surface and apply the liquid on a surface of the recording medium the toner image is transferred onto; a feeder feeding the fixing liquid to the application member; and an inducement mechanism inducing the fixing liquid pooling at a delivery point where the feeder feeds the fixing liquid to the application member out of the point.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuji Yoshida, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Mugijirou Uno, Tomoko Takahashi, Mikio Ishibashi, Hideki Zemba, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Hideaki Kanaya
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Publication number: 20130135646Abstract: An operator guidance system includes a detection unit, a control unit, and an operation indicator. The detection unit is disposed in an image forming apparatus to output a combination of detection signals, and includes one or more media sensors, and one or more opening sensors. The one or more media sensors are disposed along a media conveyance path to output a media detection signal. The one or more opening sensors are disposed adjacent to an openable structure to output an opening detection signal. The control unit is connected to the detection unit to determine guidance to be provided to an operator based on the combination of detection signals, and includes a memory and a controller. The operation indicator is connected to the control unit to indicate the identified operation to the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Mami AKIYAMA, Yasuhiro SAGAWA, Masaharu FURUYA, Manabu IZUMIKAWA, Mikio ISHIBASHI, Yoshio HATTORI, So OHTA, Ryo TAKENAKA, Hiroaki MURAKAMI
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Patent number: 8320799Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first image formation unit that forms a black toner image, and a detachable second image formation unit that forms a color toner image. A first toner supply unit is provided to supply the black toner to the first image formation unit. A second toner supply unit is provided to supply one of a black and component color toner to the first and second image formation units in accordance with a color mode. A first conveyance path is provided to convey the black toner to the first image formation unit. A second conveyance path is also provided to convey the component color toner stored in the second toner container section to the second image formation unit. The second toner supply unit is selectively connected to one of the first and second conveyance paths in accordance with the color mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuji Yoshida, Mikio Ishibashi, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Hideki Zenba, Naoyuki Ozaki, Hiroaki Maeda, Mugijirou Uno, Shunichi Hashimoto, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Tomoko Takahashi
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Patent number: 8199381Abstract: A pasting apparatus includes a pasting member operative to paste a non-transparent medium onto an image-formed surface of a transparent medium; and a conveying member that conveys the non-transparent medium to the pasting member by electrostatic adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Kazuhisa Sudo, Mikio Ishibashi, Reki Nakamura, Megumi Ohtoshi, Yukiko Iwasaki, Kazuhiko Yuki, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Takashi Sakamaki, Ryuji Yoshida
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Publication number: 20120045262Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a fixing liquid applicator applying a fixing liquid including a plasticizer swelling and softening a toner forming a toner image to fix on a recording medium thereto before bearing the toner image; a transferer transferring the toner image on a toner image bearer onto the recording medium while contacting the toner image to the fixing liquid thereon; and a fixing device heating the toner image and the fixing liquid to fix the toner image thereon, wherein the fixing liquid applicator comprises an application member bearing the fixing liquid on its surface and apply the liquid on a surface of the recording medium the toner image is transferred onto; a feeder feeding the fixing liquid to the application member; and an inducement mechanism inducing the fixing liquid pooling at a delivery point where the feeder feeds the fixing liquid to the application member out of the point.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuji Yoshida, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Mugijirou Uno, Tomoko Takahashi, Mikio Ishibashi, Hideki Zemba, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Hideaki Kanaya
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Publication number: 20120020706Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing liquid applicator to apply a fixing liquid to a recording medium before a toner image is transferred on the recording medium, a transfer device to transfer a toner image from a toner image bearing member onto the recording medium applied with the fixing liquid, and a fixing device to fixe the toner image on the recording medium by heating. The fixing liquid applicator includes an application member disposed opposing a face of the recording medium on which the toner image is transferred to apply to the recording medium the fixing liquid borne on a surface of the application member, a supply unit to supply the fixing liquid to the application member, and a sealing device to form along with the application member a sealed space in which the supply unit and the fixing liquid to be supplied to the application member are sealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuji YOSHIDA, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Tomoko Takahashi, Hideaki Kanaya, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Mugijirou Uno, Hideki Zemba, Mikio Ishibashi
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Publication number: 20110229179Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a fixing liquid applicator to apply a fixing liquid to a recording medium, a transfer device to transfer a toner image from a toner image bearing member onto the recording medium to which the fixing liquid is applied while the toner image is in contact with the fixing liquid, and a fixing device to fix the toner image on the recording medium by heating the toner image and the fixing liquid. The fixing liquid comprises a plasticizer having a function to swell and soften a toner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Ryuji YOSHIDA, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Tomoko Takahashi, Mugijirou Uno, Mikio Ishibashi, Hideki Zemba, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Shunichi Hashimoto, Naoyuki Ozaki, Hideaki Kanaya
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Patent number: 8023877Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of using a recording medium having a transparent portion includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, and an applicator. The image forming unit forms an image on a face of the recording medium. The fixing unit fixes the image, formed by the image forming unit, on the face of the recording medium. The applicator applies a non-transparent liquid to at least the fixed image on the face of the recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company LimitedInventors: Kazuhisa Sudo, Mikio Ishibashi, Yukiko Iwasaki, Megumi Ohtoshi, Reki Nakamura, Masafumi Yamada, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Takashi Sakamaki
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Patent number: 7997320Abstract: A sheet cutter cuts an adhesion sheet and includes a pair of blades including a first blade including a blade edge and a second blade opposing the first blade and including a blade edge. The pair of blades cuts a border of the adhesion sheet. The adhesion sheet is formed by adhering a first sheet, at least a part of which is transparent and bears a mirror image, to a non-transparent second sheet including an adhesive layer, to oppose the mirror image on the first sheet against the adhesive layer of the second sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kohsuke Yamamoto, Kazuhisa Sudo, Reki Nakamura, Takehide Mizutani, Mikio Ishibashi, Yukiko Iwasaki, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Takashi Sakamaki, Kazuhiko Yuki, Ryuji Yoshida, Megumi Ohtoshi
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Patent number: 7960084Abstract: An information recording medium includes a transparent recording member and a substantially non-transparent member. The transparent recording member has at least one transparent area and a concavo-convex pattern on a first surface thereof while bearing a reverse toner image on a second surface thereof. The substantially non-transparent member is formed on the second surface of the transparent recording member.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Koinuma, Mikio Ishibashi, Kazuhisa Sudo, Megumi Ohtoshi, Reki Nakamura, Masafumi Yamada, Yukiko Iwasaki, Takashi Sakamaki
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Patent number: 7909081Abstract: A sheet laminator includes a bonding unit and a restricting unit. The bonding unit bonds a first sheet to a second sheet that includes an adhesive layer. The restricting unit restricts movement of any one of the first sheet and the second sheet thereby preventing bonding between the first sheet and the second sheet before the first sheet and the second sheet reach the bonding unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Kazuhisa Sudo, Mikio Ishibashi, Reki Nakamura, Megumi Ohtoshi, Yukiko Iwasaki, Kazuhiko Yuki, Nobuyuki Koinuma, Takashi Sakamaki, Ryuji Yoshida, Takehide Mizutani, Kohsuke Yamamoto