Patents by Inventor Satoru Nagata

Satoru Nagata 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: 10705464
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes the following. An image carrier forms an electrostatic latent image by exposure. A developing apparatus stores a developing agent including toner and which develops the image carrier. A collector collects in the developing apparatus the developing agent scattered from the developing apparatus. An input unit is used by a user to select a screen type relating to a fineness of a halftone image. An adjuster is able to change strength of an electric field between the collector and the image carrier. A hardware processor which controls the adjuster to change the strength of the electric field according to the selected screen type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Satoru Nagata
  • Publication number: 20200033780
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes the following. An image carrier forms an electrostatic latent image by exposure. A developing apparatus stores a developing agent including toner and which develops the image carrier. A collector collects in the developing apparatus the developing agent scattered from the developing apparatus. An input unit is used by a user to select a screen type relating to a fineness of a halftone image. An adjuster is able to change strength of an electric field between the collector and the image carrier. A hardware processor which controls the adjuster to change the strength of the electric field according to the selected screen type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Satoru NAGATA
  • Patent number: 10466614
    Abstract: A developing device includes a hardware processor that performs control not to cause an image to be formed on an image bearing member by a first developer bearing member and to cause a first image to be formed on the image beating member by a second developer bearing member, in which the hardware processor corrects developing conditions of the plural developer bearing members based on a developability detection result of the first image formed by the second developer bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Furuta, Hiroshi Morimoto, Keiki Katsumata, Satoru Nagata, Daiki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20190258189
    Abstract: A developing device includes a hardware processor that performs control not to cause an image to be formed on an image bearing member by a first developer bearing member and to cause a first image to be formed on the image beating member by a second developer bearing member, in which the hardware processor corrects developing conditions of the plural developer bearing members based on a developability detection result of the first image formed by the second developer bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Tatsuya FURUTA, Hiroshi MORIMOTO, Keiki KATSUMATA, Satoru NAGATA, Daiki WATANABE
  • Patent number: 9089034
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) includes a voltage converter (2) for generating a predetermined DC voltage, a detector (4) for obtaining a detection voltage corresponding to a predetermined DC voltage applied across a light source (20), a controller (3) for controlling the voltage converter (2) so that a current flowing through the light source (20) is constant, and a determination unit (5) for determining whether the detection voltage is a preset first reference voltage or higher. The first reference voltage is set higher by a specified voltage than the detection voltage, and is set to vary more slowly than the detection voltage. The controller (3) stops an operation of the voltage converter (2) when the detection voltage is determined to be the first reference voltage or higher through the determination unit (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masafumi Yamamoto, Satoru Nagata, Masato Himeda, Hisaya Takikita, Koki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20140152182
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) includes a voltage converter (2) for generating a predetermined DC voltage, a detector (4) for obtaining a detection voltage corresponding to a predetermined DC voltage applied across a light source (20), a controller (3) for controlling the voltage converter (2) so that a current flowing through the light source (20) is constant, and a determination unit (5) for determining whether the detection voltage is a preset first reference voltage or higher. The first reference voltage is set higher by a specified voltage than the detection voltage, and is set to vary more slowly than the detection voltage. The controller (3) stops an operation of the voltage converter (2) when the detection voltage is determined to be the first reference voltage or higher through the determination unit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masafumi YAMAMOTO, Satoru NAGATA, Masato HIMEDA, Hisaya TAKIKITA, Koki MATSUI
  • Patent number: 8604707
    Abstract: A power supply includes: a step-down chopper unit for stepping down a DC voltage from a DC power source to a voltage required for lighting; and a dimming control unit which dims the light source by alternately repeating a switching ON period during which a drive signal having a frequency higher than that of the dimming signal is supplied to the switching element and a switching OFF period during which the supply of the drive signal to the switching element is stopped. Further, the power supply includes an inrush current prevention unit for preventing an inrush current occurring when the DC power source is turned on, and a compensation unit which applies a drive voltage to the thyristor in the switching OFF period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kumada, Yosikazu Kado, Satoru Nagata, Kazuhiro Nisimoto
  • Patent number: 8502475
    Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast is provided with a feedback control operation to provide optimal lamp current flow during an electrode heating operation. A startup circuit coupled together with a discharge lamp between output terminals of a DC-AC power converter having a plurality of switches. The startup circuit generates a high voltage to ignite the lamp. A lamp current sensor detects an amplitude of an output current to the lamp. A control circuit controls the switches in accordance with each of a plurality of control operations including a startup operation to ignite the lamp using the high voltage generated by the startup circuit, an electrode heating operation wherein an operating frequency of the switches is controlled to set the amplitude of the detected output current to a predetermined target current amplitude, and a normal operation wherein the operating frequency is reduced to maintain stable lighting of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Jun Kumagai, Satoru Nagata
  • Patent number: 8395327
    Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device includes: a power converter circuit which includes a plurality of switching elements and an inductance element, converts an input from a DC power supply, and supplies a rectangular wave AC output to a high-pressure discharge lamp; and a control circuit which controls the switching elements of the power converter circuit. The control circuit performs first lighting control in which the switching elements of the power converter circuit are controlled in order to supply a current to a peak value for each switching cycle, and performs second lighting control in which desired power is supplied during steadily lighting state of the high-pressure discharge lamp; and the first lighting control and the second lighting control are switched over in response to a lighting state of the high-pressure discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kumagai, Satoru Nagata, Keisuke Sato, Naoki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8299723
    Abstract: An electronic ballast is provided for powering a discharge lamp and suppressing lamp flicker during startup transition. A power converter receives DC input power and converts it into an AC power output. A resonant circuit is coupled with the lamp and also between output terminals of the power converter. A controller controls the power converter with respect to particular modes of operation. The controller in a starting operation sets the output frequency of the power converter to a predetermined start frequency upon lamp startup to make the lamp begin discharging. The controller shifts from the starting operation to steady-state operation by setting the output frequency of the power converter at a predetermined steady-state frequency lower than the start frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nagata, Jun Kumagai, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20120268028
    Abstract: A power supply includes: a step-down chopper unit for stepping down a DC voltage from a DC power source to a voltage required for lighting; and a dimming control unit which dims the light source by alternately repeating a switching ON period during which a drive signal having a frequency higher than that of the dimming signal is supplied to the switching element and a switching OFF period during which the supply of the drive signal to the switching element is stopped. Further, the power supply includes an inrush current prevention unit for preventing an inrush current occurring when the DC power source is turned on, and a compensation unit which applies a drive voltage to the thyristor in the switching OFF period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro KUMADA, Yosikazu Kado, Satoru Nagata, Kazuhiro Nisimoto
  • Patent number: 8294385
    Abstract: An electronic ballast is provided for powering a high-pressure discharge lamp. A power supply circuit receives an AC input and provides a DC output in response to the AC input. An inverter circuit having a plurality of switching elements converts the DC output into an AC signal for the lamp. An LC resonant circuit is coupled between the inverter circuit and the lamp. A control circuit controls the switching operation of the switching elements, with the switching control associated with various operating modes. In an electrical breakdown mode the switching elements are controlled at a first switching frequency effective to provide a first resonant voltage and produce electrical breakdown of the lamp from an unlit state. In a high frequency preheat mode the switching elements after startup of the lamp are controlled at a second switching frequency lower than the first switching frequency to provide a current for preheating lamp electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kumagai, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Satoru Nagata
  • Patent number: 8232746
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device in this invention comprises a converter, an inverter, an igniter, a controller, and a pulse voltage detection circuit. The converter outputs the direct current voltage. The inverter converts the direct current voltage into the lighting voltage which is alternating current voltage, and applies the lighting voltage to the high pressure discharge lamp through an output terminal. The igniter is configured to output the pulse voltage superimposed on the lighting voltage, whereby the starting voltage is applied to the high pressure discharge lamp. The controller is configured to control the igniter to allow the igniter to superimpose the pulse voltage on the lighting voltage. The pulse voltage detection circuit detects the starting voltage to output the detection signal. The starting voltage regulation circuit regulates the starting voltage to the desired voltage value of the voltage on the basis of the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Yufuku, Hiroyasu Eriguchi, Takeshi Goriki, Takeshi Kamoi, Jun Kumagai, Naoki Komatsu, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Satoru Nagata, Daisuke Yamahara
  • Patent number: 8228006
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device comprising an inverter, an igniter, a controller, a pulse voltage detection circuit, and the starting pulse voltage regulation circuit. The inverter applies a lighting voltage to a high pressure discharge lamp. The controller applies the starting pulse voltage generated by the igniter to the high pressure discharge lamp. The pulse voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a voltage indicative of the starting pulse voltage to output a detection signal. The starting pulse voltage regulation circuit is configured to regulate the starting pulse voltage to a desired value of the starting pulse voltage on the basis of the detection signal. The pulse voltage detection circuit is configured to detect either one of the voltage developed in the specified circuit component of the igniter and the starting pulse voltage as the voltage indicative of the voltage indicative of the starting pulse voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Komatsu, Hiroyasu Eriguchi, Takeshi Goriki, Takeshi Kamoi, Jun Kumagai, Akira Yufuku, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Satoru Nagata, Daisuke Yamahara
  • Patent number: 8222830
    Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device includes: a direct current power supply circuit that outputs direct current power; an inverter circuit that converts the direct current power, which is outputted by the direct current power supply circuit, into alternating current power, and supplies the alternating current power to a discharge lamp; a control circuit that controls a frequency of an output of the inverter circuit (operation frequency); and a starting detection circuit that detects beginning (starting) of a discharge in the discharge lamp. The control circuit operates in a starting improvement mode, in which the operation frequency is lowered than an operation frequency in a lighting mode, during a predetermined time from when the starting of the discharge lamp is detected by the starting detection circuit 4 during a no-load mode. Thereafter, the control circuit shifts to the lighting mode in which lighting of the discharge lamp is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nagata, Jun Kumagai, Naoki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8115405
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device includes a DC power source circuit; a power supply circuit for converting an output from the DC power source circuit into a square wave AC output to be supplied to a high pressure discharge lamp; a starting circuit for applying a high voltage output for lamp startup to the high pressure discharge lamp; a control circuit; and a half-wave discharge detection circuit for detecting a half-wave discharge. The detection circuit detects the half-wave discharge at an initial stage of the lamp startup and the control circuit controls the magnitude of a voltage of a square wave half period of one polarity having a load voltage of a larger magnitude and that of a square wave half period of the other polarity having a load voltage of a smaller magnitude to approximate to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamahara, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Takeshi Kamoi, Satoru Nagata, Naoki Komatsu, Jun Kumagai
  • Patent number: 8044601
    Abstract: A high-voltage discharge lamp lighting device provides a starting pulse voltage sufficient to turn on a high-voltage discharge lamp having terminal wire connections of variable length. A power conversion circuit is coupled to a commercial AC power source input and rectifies the AC input into a predetermined DC voltage output. A charging capacitor is coupled to the power conversion circuit. A full bridge circuit is coupled to the power conversion circuit and the charging capacitor and provides a rectangular wave AC output signal to a transformer primary winding circuit of at least a capacitor, a single switching element and a primary winding of a transformer. A low pulse voltage is induced in the primary winding and a transformer secondary winding is connected on one end to the high-voltage discharge lamp, wherein the low pulse voltage is stepped up to a high pulse voltage and applied to the high-voltage discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Hiroyasu Eriguchi, Takeshi Goriki, Takeshi Kamoi, Naoki Komatu, Jun Kumagai, Satoru Nagata, Daisuke Yamahara, Akira Yufuku
  • Publication number: 20100327775
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device comprising an inverter, an igniter, a controller, a pulse voltage detection circuit, and the starting pulse voltage regulation circuit. The inverter applies a lighting voltage to a high pressure discharge lamp. The controller applies the starting pulse voltage generated by the igniter to the high pressure discharge lamp. The pulse voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a voltage indicative of the starting pulse voltage to output a detection signal. The starting pulse voltage regulation circuit is configured to regulate the starting pulse voltage to a desired value of the starting pulse voltage on the basis of the detection signal. The pulse voltage detection circuit is configured to detect either one of the voltage developed in the specified circuit component of the igniter and the starting pulse voltage as the voltage indicative of the voltage indicative of the starting pulse voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Naoki Komatsu, Hiroyasu Eriguchi, Takeshi Goriki, Takeshi Kamoi, Jun Kumagai, Akira Yufuku, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Satoru Nagata, Daisuke Yamahara
  • Publication number: 20100327776
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device in this invention comprises a converter, an inverter, an igniter, a controller, and a pulse voltage detection circuit. The converter outputs the direct current voltage. The inverter converts the direct current voltage into the lighting voltage which is alternating current voltage, and applies the lighting voltage to the high pressure discharge lamp through an output terminal. The igniter is configured to output the pulse voltage superimposed on the lighting voltage, whereby the starting voltage is applied to the high pressure discharge lamp. The controller is configured to control the igniter to allow the igniter to superimpose the pulse voltage on the lighting voltage. The pulse voltage detection circuit detects the starting voltage to output the detection signal. The starting voltage regulation circuit regulates the starting voltage to the desired voltage value of the voltage on the basis of the detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Akira Yufuku, Hiroyasu Eriguchi, Takeshi Goriki, Takeshi Kamoi, Jun Kumagai, Naoki Komatsu, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Satoru Nagata, Daisuke Yamahara
  • Publication number: 20100237794
    Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast is provided with a feedback control operation to provide optimal lamp current flow during an electrode heating operation. A startup circuit coupled together with a discharge lamp between output terminals of a DC-AC power converter having a plurality of switches. The startup circuit generates a high voltage to ignite the lamp. A lamp current sensor detects an amplitude of an output current to the lamp. A control circuit controls the switches in accordance with each of a plurality of control operations including a startup operation to ignite the lamp using the high voltage generated by the startup circuit, an electrode heating operation wherein an operating frequency of the switches is controlled to set the amplitude of the detected output current to a predetermined target current amplitude, and a normal operation wherein the operating frequency is reduced to maintain stable lighting of the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Jun Kumagai, Satoru Nagata