Patents by Inventor Naoya Okazaki

Naoya Okazaki 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).

  • Publication number: 20170326885
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber with a liquid outlet configured to supply the liquid from an interior of the chamber to an exterior of the chamber. An actuator is movable between a first position in which the liquid outlet is closed, and a second position in which the liquid outlet is open. A detector is positioned in the chamber, and is movable from a restricted position to a released position in response to movement of the actuator from the first to the second position. The detector is movable from the released position to the restricted position in response to movement of the actuator from the second to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kosuke NUKUI, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Tetsuro KOBAYASHI, Naoya OKAZAKI, Hiroaki TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 9802419
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a first surface and a second surface facing a particular direction, with a liquid outlet through the first surface. A circuit board is mounted on the second surface, and a liquid detection mechanism including a light access portion extends above the second surface further than the circuit board in the particular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoya Okazaki, Tetsuro Kobayshi, Hiroaki Takahashi, Kosuke Nukui, Akihito Ono, Mikio Hirano, Suguru Tomoguchi, Yutao Wang, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20170282580
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes: a casing including a liquid chamber; a liquid supply portion; a deformable member; a movable member; and an urging member. An internal pressure of the chamber is reduced as liquid flows out of the chamber. The deformable member protrudes from the casing in a cross direction crossing forward and rearward directions and has an internal space in communication with the chamber. The deformable member has such an elasticity that a dimension thereof in the cross direction becomes smaller as the internal pressure of the chamber is reduced. The movable member includes a detection portion, and a contact portion contacting the deformable member. The contact portion is in contact with the deformable member and disposed at one of positions further forward and further rearward relative to the deformable member. The urging member urges the movable member to move the contact portion toward the deformable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroaki TAKAHASHI, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Tetsuro KOBAYASHI, Naoya OKAZAKI, Akihito ONO, Yuki TAKAGI, Kosuke NUKUI, Mikio HIRANO
  • Publication number: 20170282583
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes: a casing including a liquid chamber; a liquid supply portion; a deformable member; a movable member; and a support member. The liquid chamber is configured such that an internal pressure of the liquid chamber is reduced as liquid flows out of the liquid chamber. The liquid supply portion allows liquid in the liquid chamber to flow out of the liquid chamber. The deformable member protrudes further upward relative to an upper surface of the casing. The deformable member has an internal space in communication with the liquid chamber. The deformable member is elastically deformable such that a volume of the internal space is reduced as the internal pressure of the liquid chamber is reduced. The movable member includes a detection portion movable in upward and downward directions in accordance with the elastic deformation of the deformable member. The support member supports the movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoya OKAZAKI, Tetsuro KOBAYASHI, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Akihito ONO, Kosuke NUKUI, Hiroaki TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20170282585
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes: a cartridge body accommodating a reservoir; a liquid-supply part; a movable member movably supported by the cartridge body; an urging member provided on the movable member; and a contact member provided at a surface of the reservoir. The movable member includes a detected part movable from a first position, to a second position rearward of the first position, and to a third position rearward of the second position, the detected part at the first position and at the second position being positioned higher relative to the cartridge body. The urging member is resiliently deformable, the urging member in a deformed state being deformed to urge the detected part toward the third position. The contact member can contact the movable member, the contact member in contact with the movable member restricting the detected part at the second position from moving to the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuro KOBAYASHI, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Akihito ONO, Kosuke NUKUI, Hiroaki TAKAHASHI, Naoya OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170282569
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid supply port configured to provide communication between an interior and an exterior of the liquid cartridge, a first wall having the liquid supply port, and a second wall spaced from the first wall. A first storage chamber is between the first and second walls, and a second storage chamber is between the first and second walls communicating with both the liquid supply port and the first storage chamber. A prism is in the second storage chamber, and the prism has an inclined surface configured to change the state of received light in response to a level of liquid contained in the second storage chamber. The prism is positioned between the first and second walls and above the first storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuro KOBAYASHI, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Akihito ONO, Kosuke NUKUI, Hiroaki TAKAHASHI, Naoya Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9738083
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge is configured to be inserted into a liquid consuming apparatus in a first direction along a horizontal direction against an urging force directed in a second direction opposite the first direction, and thereby to be mounted to the liquid consuming apparatus. The liquid cartridge is configured to pivot about a pivot center in the liquid consuming apparatus. The liquid cartridge includes a lower face, and the lower face includes a first portion and a second portion which are positioned further in the second direction than the pivot center. The second portion is positioned further in the second direction than the first portion and is positioned further in the upward direction than the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutao Wang, Naoya Okazaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20170173967
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, with a liquid outlet through the first surface. A circuit board is mounted on the third surface. A locking mechanism includes a locking surface that extends above the third surface, and a liquid detection mechanism includes a light access portion. The light access portion is disposed between the circuit board and the locking surface, and the circuit board is disposed between the first surface and the light access portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoya OKAZAKI, Tetsuro KOBAYSHI, Hiroaki TAKAHASHI, Kosuke NUKUI, Akihito ONO, Mikio HIRANO, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Yutao WANG, Tomohiro KANBE
  • Patent number: 9676200
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber with a liquid outlet configured to supply the liquid from an interior of the chamber to an exterior of the chamber. An actuator is movable between a first position in which the liquid outlet is closed, and a second position in which the liquid outlet is open. A detector is positioned in the chamber, and is movable from a restricted position to a released position in response to movement of the actuator from the first to the second position. The detector is movable from the released position to the restricted position in response to movement of the actuator from the second to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kosuke Nukui, Suguru Tomoguchi, Tetsuro Kobayashi, Naoya Okazaki, Hiroaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9656472
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge is configured to be inserted into a liquid consuming apparatus in a first direction along a horizontal direction against an urging force directed in a second direction opposite the first direction, and thereby to be mounted to the liquid consuming apparatus. The liquid cartridge is configured to pivot about a pivot center in the liquid consuming apparatus. The liquid cartridge includes a rear face, and the rear face includes a first portion and a second portion positioned further in an upward direction than the first portion. The first portion includes a portion positioned further in a downward direction than the pivot center, and the first portion is positioned further in the first direction than the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutao Wang, Naoya Okazaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20170066249
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes: a storage element; an adhesive agent; and a cartridge body. The storage element includes: a substrate having a first surface; and a protrusion protruding from the first surface. The cartridge body includes a support portion supporting the storage element. The support portion has: a first support surface in contact with the first surface and supporting the first surface; a second support surface in contact with the first surface and supporting the first surface; and a recessed surface positioned between the first support surface and the second support surface in a first direction. The recessed surface defines a chamber configured to store the adhesive agent to fix the protrusion of the storage element to the recessed surface. The chamber is exposed to an outside through an opening in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihito ONO, Naoya OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170021635
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a resin frame, a valve and a wall member. The frame defines a portion of a liquid chamber configured to store liquid and a portion of a valve chamber in communication with the liquid chamber, the valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber and having one end in the first direction at which a liquid outlet is provided to provide communication between the valve chamber and an outside of the liquid cartridge, the frame having a wall portion defining a portion of the valve chamber. The valve is disposed within the valve chamber and movable in a second direction opposite the first direction, the valve having a closing part configured to open and close the liquid outlet in accordance with movement of the valve. The wall member defines the valve chamber together with the wall portion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuro KOBAYASHI, Akihito ONO, Naoya OKAZAKI
  • Patent number: 9550366
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, with a liquid outlet through the first surface. A circuit board is mounted on the third surface. A locking mechanism includes a locking surface that extends above the third surface, and a liquid detection mechanism includes a light access portion. The light access portion is disposed between the circuit board and the locking surface, and the circuit board is disposed between the first surface and the light access portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoya Okazaki, Tetsuro Kobayshi, Hiroaki Takahashi, Kosuke Nukui, Akihito Ono, Mikio Hirano, Suguru Tomoguchi, Yutao Wang, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20160368272
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes: a liquid container including a liquid storage chamber; a liquid supply portion including a liquid supply chamber and first and second openings; a movable member; a sealing member; and a connecting channel. The first opening provides communication between the supply chamber and an exterior of the cartridge. The second opening provides communication between the supply chamber and the storage chamber. The movable member extends in the storage chamber and the supply chamber. The sealing member intimately contacts the movable member and the liquid supply portion continuously in a circumferential direction. The connecting channel is formed in the movable member and provides communication between a space in the supply chamber and the storage chamber so that liquid can flow therebetween. The connecting channel opens into the storage chamber at a position further downward than the second opening when the cartridge is in an attached posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihito ONO, Tomohiro KANBE, Naoya OKAZAKI, Tetsuro KOBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 9481182
    Abstract: A liquid supplying device includes a liquid cartridge and a cartridge mounting unit having a liquid extraction tube. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber, a valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber, first and second air channels, a seal member having a through-hole, a valve element having a closing part, first and second sealing parts and a liquid channel. A third sealing part is provided on the closing part or the liquid extraction tube. The liquid extraction tube entering into the valve chamber through the through-hole contacts the closing part, moving the valve element in a second direction opposite to the first direction from a first state where the closing part closes the through-hole, to a second state where the third sealing part closes the through-hole, and to a third state where the valve chamber is communicated with inside of the liquid extraction tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoya Okazaki, Tetsuro Kobayashi, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20160279960
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, with a liquid outlet through the first surface. A circuit board is mounted on the third surface. A locking mechanism includes a locking surface that extends above the third surface, and a liquid detection mechanism includes a light access portion. The light access portion is disposed between the circuit board and the locking surface, and the circuit board is disposed between the first surface and the light access portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoya OKAZAKI, Tetsuro KOBAYSHI, Hiroaki TAKAHASHI, Kosuke NUKUI, Akihito ONO, Mikio HIRANO, Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Yutao WANG, Tomohiro KANBE
  • Patent number: D783089
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Okazaki
  • Patent number: D783090
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Okazaki
  • Patent number: D783091
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Okazaki
  • Patent number: D786347
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Okazaki