Patents by Inventor Nobutoshi Otsuka
Nobutoshi Otsuka 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: 11148433Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid supply path through which liquid is supplied to a liquid ejecting head, a liquid discharge path through which the liquid is discharged from the liquid ejecting head, a supply-side pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts a pressure in a supply-side liquid chamber provided in the liquid supply path to a first pressure at which a gas-liquid interface formed at a nozzle of the liquid ejecting head is maintained, a discharge-side pressure adjustment valve that introduces fluid into a discharge-side liquid chamber when a pressure in the discharge-side liquid chamber provided in the liquid discharge path becomes a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure and at which the gas-liquid interface formed at the nozzle is maintained, and a flow mechanism that discharges the liquid in the liquid ejecting head toward the liquid discharge path via the discharge-side liquid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Hitotoshi Kimura
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Publication number: 20200254778Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid supply path through which liquid is supplied to a liquid ejecting head, a liquid discharge path through which the liquid is discharged from the liquid ejecting head, a supply-side pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts a pressure in a supply-side liquid chamber provided in the liquid supply path to a first pressure at which a gas-liquid interface formed at a nozzle of the liquid ejecting head is maintained, a discharge-side pressure adjustment valve that introduces fluid into a discharge-side liquid chamber when a pressure in the discharge-side liquid chamber provided in the liquid discharge path becomes a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure and at which the gas-liquid interface formed at the nozzle is maintained, and a flow mechanism that discharges the liquid in the liquid ejecting head toward the liquid discharge path via the discharge-side liquid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Nobutoshi OTSUKA, Hitotoshi KIMURA
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Patent number: 9242475Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles which eject liquid; a common liquid chamber which supplies liquid to the plurality of nozzles; a liquid flow path for supplying liquid which is accommodated in a liquid accommodation unit to the common liquid chamber; a deaeration unit which deaerates liquid in the liquid flow path; a liquid flow unit which causes liquid in the liquid flow path to flow; a return flow path which connects the common liquid chamber and the liquid accommodation unit; and an on-off valve which closes the return flow path by being in a closed state.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Jun Shimazaki
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Publication number: 20150224786Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles which eject liquid; a common liquid chamber which supplies liquid to the plurality of nozzles; a liquid flow path for supplying liquid which is accommodated in a liquid accommodation unit to the common liquid chamber; a deaeration unit which deaerates liquid in the liquid flow path; a liquid flow unit which causes liquid in the liquid flow path to flow; a return flow path which connects the common liquid chamber and the liquid accommodation unit; and an on-off valve which closes the return flow path by being in a closed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Jun Shimazaki
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Patent number: 9004658Abstract: An ink storing container (liquid storing container) includes a memory device configured to store electronic data, an ink containing body (liquid containing body) configured to contain ink, an inner lid configured to cover an ink inlet and outlet formed in the ink containing body, and an outer lid configured to cover the ink inlet and outlet from outside of the inner lid. The memory device is configured to be stored in a storage space formed between the inner lid and the outer lid. Accordingly, without any special additional work to the ink containing body, the memory device can be held by the ink containing body. Also, the memory device is easily removed from the storage space by opening the outer lid.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Taeko Nishimura
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Publication number: 20140253647Abstract: An ink storing container (liquid storing container) includes a memory device configured to store electronic data, an ink containing body (liquid containing body) configured to contain ink, an inner lid configured to cover an ink inlet and outlet formed in the ink containing body, and an outer lid configured to cover the ink inlet and outlet from outside of the inner lid. The memory device is configured to be stored in a storage space formed between the inner lid and the outer lid. Accordingly, without any special additional work to the ink containing body, the memory device can be held by the ink containing body. Also, the memory device is easily removed from the storage space by opening the outer lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Nobutoshi OTSUKA, Taeko NISHIMURA
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Publication number: 20110090274Abstract: The driving signal generation section is able to generate a first ejection drive pulse for ejecting the first liquid and a second ejection drive pulse for ejecting the second liquid. The control section forms a pre-dot group in advance on a landing target area of the first liquid in the ejection target by ejecting the second liquid on the basis of the second ejection drive pulse, and subsequently forms a pattern dot on the landing target area, on which the pre-dot group is formed, by ejecting the first liquid on the basis of the first ejection drive pulse. In the apparatus, a total length of the pre-dot group in a direction of the relative movement is longer than a total length of the pattern dot in the direction of the relative movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Hiroyuki Matsuo
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Patent number: 7883175Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention includes a liquid ejecting head capable of ejecting liquid from nozzle openings provided in a nozzle-forming surface, a nozzle-forming-surface visual-inspection unit for enabling a visual inspection of the nozzle-forming surface, and a liquid receptacle for receiving liquid discharged as waste liquid from the nozzle openings in the liquid ejecting head. The liquid receptacle is movable between a receiving position, where the liquid receptacle is positioned adjacent to the nozzle-forming surface, and a non-receiving position, where the liquid receptacle is positioned away from the receiving position. The liquid receptacle covers the nozzle-forming-surface visual-inspection unit when the liquid receptacle is positioned at the receiving position. The nozzle-forming-surface visual-inspection unit allows the nozzle-forming surface to be visually inspected when the liquid receptacle is positioned at the non-receiving position.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Nobuhito Takahashi
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Publication number: 20080259118Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention includes a liquid ejecting head capable of ejecting liquid from nozzle openings provided in a nozzle-forming surface, a nozzle-forming-surface visual-inspection unit for enabling a visual inspection of the nozzle-forming surface, and a liquid receptacle for receiving liquid discharged as waste liquid from the nozzle openings in the liquid ejecting head. The liquid receptacle is movable between a receiving position, where the liquid receptacle is positioned adjacent to the nozzle-forming surface, and a non-receiving position, where the liquid receptacle is positioned away from the receiving position. The liquid receptacle covers the nozzle-forming-surface visual-inspection unit when the liquid receptacle is positioned at the receiving position. The nozzle-forming-surface visual-inspection unit allows the nozzle-forming surface to be visually inspected when the liquid receptacle is positioned at the non-receiving position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Nobutoshi OTSUKA, Nobuhito TAKAHASHI
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Patent number: 7407244Abstract: A timing signal generator generates an ejection timing signal each time a printing paper travels a predetermined distance relative to a head, and a driving signal generator inputs a driving signal based on writing data to the head each time an ejection timing signal is generated. In the course of printing, when an interval between two continuous ejection timing signals is equal to or longer than twice a basic time period of input of driving signal which is fixed for a head, a non-ejection driving signal which is a driving signal indicating a non-ejecting operation is input to the head between two driving signals respectively associated the two continuous ejection timing signals. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably and properly perform ejection of ink based on writing data with a time period equal to or longer than the basic time period.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignees: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kiyoomi Mitsuki, Seiji Mochizuki, Masahiro Nakamura, Nobutoshi Otsuka
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Patent number: 7188956Abstract: A heat-conductive frame (448) is provided extending between a holder frame (446) and a fixing member (447) of an optical device (44). Additionally, a heat-conductive member (450) is provided, which abuts on a dust-proof glass on the light-irradiation side of a liquid crystal panel (440) and the fixing member (447). The holder frame (446) and the fixing member (447) are fixed by a heat-conductive agglutinate. Besides, a heat-conductive member (452) is attached extending between a light-irradiation surface of a transparent member (443A) of an irradiation-side polarization plate (443) and the fixing member (447). A heat-radiation fin (449) having a plurality of fin members (449B) is attached to an upper plate body (447C) of the fixing member (447).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Zenta Kosaka
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Publication number: 20070052744Abstract: A timing signal generator generates an ejection timing signal each time a printing paper travels a predetermined distance relative to a head, and a driving signal generator inputs a driving signal based on writing data to the head each time an ejection timing signal is generated. In the course of printing, when an interval between two continuous ejection timing signals is equal to or longer than twice a basic time period of input of driving signal which is fixed for a head, a non-ejection driving signal which is a driving signal indicating a non-ejecting operation is input to the head between two driving signals respectively associated the two continuous ejection timing signals. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably and properly perform ejection of ink based on writing data with a time period equal to or longer than the basic time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Inventors: Kiyoomi Mitsuki, Seiji Mochizuki, Masahiro Nakamura, Nobutoshi Otsuka
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Publication number: 20050094105Abstract: A heat-conductive frame (448) is provided extending between a holder frame (446) and a fixing member (447) of an optical device (44). Additionally, a heat-conductive member (450) is provided, which abuts on a dust-proof glass on the light-irradiation side of a liquid crystal panel (440) and the fixing member (447). The holder frame (446) and the fixing member (447) are fixed by a heat-conductive agglutinate. Besides, a heat-conductive member (452) is attached extending between a light-irradiation surface of a transparent member (443A) of an irradiation-side polarization plate (443) and the fixing member (447). A heat-radiation fin (449) having a plurality of fin members (449B) is attached to an upper plate body (447C) of the fixing member (447).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2004Publication date: May 5, 2005Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Zenta Kosaka
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Patent number: 6776467Abstract: A method of controlling an ink jet recording apparatus ensures safety in replacing main tanks or the like and at the same time enables stable supply of ink from main tanks to sub-tanks. The apparatus includes a main tank having an information storage section and accommodated in a pressure tank, a sub-tank communicating with an ink jet head for storing ink, a tank-accommodating block for accommodating the main tank, and a control section capable of storing ink information. Valve control is performed in response to respective signals indicative of an ink shortage condition and an ink fill-up condition of the sub-tank, to thereby supply ink to the sub-tank. During operation of the apparatus, in response to a signal indication of opening of a door of the tank-accommodating block, the driving of a pressure source for pressurizing the pressure tank is stopped and the inside of the pressure tank is opened to the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Atsushi Yamazaki, Nobutoshi Otsuka
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Patent number: 6682171Abstract: There are provided an ink jet head unit which is capable of incorporating a large number of ink jet heads with ease and precision, and an ink jet printing apparatus incorporating the ink jet head unit. The ink jet head unit performs printing color printing by using a plurality of ink nozzle arrays each for use in printing one line, the plurality of ink nozzle arrays corresponding to a plurality of basic colors. A plurality of head groups are each formed by a plurality of ink jet heads, and have the plurality of ink nozzle arrays arranged therein such that the plurality of ink nozzle arrays are divided among the plurality of head groups. A plurality of sub-carriages have respective ones of the plurality of head groups mounted thereon. A unitizing carriage has the plurality of sub-carriages mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Nobutoshi Otsuka
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Patent number: 6607317Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus which is capable of increasing the printing speed by employing a multi-head structure while maintaining or enhancing print quality. The printing apparatus prints on a print medium by using N print heads, where N is an integer equal to or larger than 2, assuming that two axes orthogonal to each other on a two-dimensional rectangular coordinate system are set to an X axis and a Y axis, each of the print heads being capable of printing M dots in a direction along the Y axis simultaneously, where M is an integer equal to or larger than 3, and at the same capable of printing M dot lines each extending in a direction along the X axis, by relative scan on the print medium in the direction along the X axis, the M dot lines being arranged side by side in the direction along the Y axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazuaki Morozumi, Kiyoshi Suyama, Nobutoshi Otsuka, Atsushi Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20030132980Abstract: A method of controlling an ink jet recording apparatus ensures safety in replacing main tanks or the like and at the same time enables stable supply of ink from main tanks to sub-tanks. The apparatus includes a main tank having an information storage section and accommodated in a pressure tank, a sub-tank communicating with an ink jet head for storing ink, a tank-accommodating block for accommodating the main tank, and a control section capable of storing ink information. Valve control is performed in response to respective signals indicative of an ink shortage condition and an ink fill-up condition of the sub-tank, to thereby supply ink to the sub-tank. During operation of the apparatus, in response to a signal indication of opening of a door of the tank-accommodating block, the driving of a pressure source for pressurizing the pressure tank is stopped and the inside of the pressure tank is opened to the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi Yamazaki, Nobutoshi Otsuka
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Publication number: 20020122093Abstract: There are provided an ink jet head unit which is capable of incorporating a large number of ink jet heads with ease and precision, and an ink jet printing apparatus incorporating the ink jet head unit. The ink jet head unit performs printing color printing by using a plurality of ink nozzle arrays each for use in printing one line, the plurality of ink nozzle arrays corresponding to a plurality of basic colors. A plurality of head groups are each formed by a plurality of ink jet heads, and have the plurality of ink nozzle arrays arranged therein such that the plurality of ink nozzle arrays are divided among the plurality of head groups. A plurality of sub-carriages have respective ones of the plurality of head groups mounted thereon. A unitizing carriage has the plurality of sub-carriages mounted thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventor: Nobutoshi Otsuka
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Patent number: D551289Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Seiji Mochizuki
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Patent number: D570405Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Nobutoshi Otsuka, Seiji Mochizuki