Patents by Inventor Sei Onuma
Sei Onuma 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: 9182719Abstract: A moving device assembly includes a moving device and a shield. The moving device is movable between a first position and a second position, to move a detector including a detection surface relative to an opposing member disposed opposite the detector. The shield shields the detection surface of the detector. As the moving device is at the first position, the detector is at a proximal position at which the detector is near the opposing member, and as the moving device is at the second position, the detector is at a shield position at which the detector is separated from the opposing member and the detection surface of the detector is shielded by the shield.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuki Shiga, Sei Onuma, Kozo Yamazaki, Kimihiro Tanaka
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Publication number: 20150220033Abstract: A moving device assembly includes a moving device and a shield. The moving device is movable between a first position and a second position, to move a detector including a detection surface relative to an opposing member disposed opposite the detector. The shield shields the detection surface of the detector. As the moving device is at the first position, the detector is at a proximal position at which the detector is near the opposing member, and as the moving device is at the second position, the detector is at a shield position at which the detector is separated from the opposing member and the detection surface of the detector is shielded by the shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Yuuki SHIGA, Sei Onuma, Kozo Yamazaki, Kimihiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 9025986Abstract: A moving device assembly includes a moving device and a shield. The moving device is movable between a first position and a second position, to move a detector including a detection surface relative to an opposing member disposed opposite the detector. The shield shields the detection surface of the detector. As the moving device is at the first position, the detector is at a proximal position at which the detector is near the opposing member, and as the moving device is at the second position, the detector is at a shield position at which the detector is separated from the opposing member and the detection surface of the detector is shielded by the shield.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuki Shiga, Sei Onuma, Kozo Yamazaki, Kimihiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 8611783Abstract: An interlock system includes first and second racks movable in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction between opening and closing positions in conjunction with opening and closing of the first cover, respectively. A housing is provided to slidably accommodate the first and second racks in the longitudinal direction. A pinion unit is provided and is sandwiched by the first and second racks. The first and second racks have meshing sections respectively meshing with the pinion unit at one side surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction facing each other. The pinion unit slides in the longitudinal direction by a prescribed length in conjunction with movement of at least one of the first and second racks. The interlock switch is turned on and off in accordance with a sliding length of the pinion unit in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sei Onuma, Nobuhiko Kita, Genta Hagiwara, Masafumi Takahira, Haruo Hashimoto
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Publication number: 20130322910Abstract: A moving device assembly includes a moving device and a shield. The moving device is movable between a first position and a second position, to move a detector including a detection surface relative to an opposing member disposed opposite the detector. The shield shields the detection surface of the detector. As the moving device is at the first position, the detector is at a proximal position at which the detector is near the opposing member, and as the moving device is at the second position, the detector is at a shield position at which the detector is separated from the opposing member and the detection surface of the detector is shielded by the shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Yuuki SHIGA, Sei Onuma, Kozo Yamazaki, Kimihiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 8526853Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a handle member that is held by an operator when an orientation of the image forming apparatus is changed from a predetermined use orientation to a different orientation; and a blocking unit that is caused to block a path between the inside and an opening of a toner container, without being powered, in association with an operator operation performed to the handle member upon changing the orientation of the image forming apparatus from the use orientation to the different orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Kaoru Tada, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Masafumi Takahira, Genta Hagiwara, Yuusuke Furuichi
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Patent number: 8424863Abstract: In a paper feeder, a signal switching unit switches a paper present signal output from a paper detector to a paper absent signal indicative of absence of a paper in the second paper cassette if a first paper cassette is pulled out from a specific position.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Ryoh Idehara, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Yuusuke Furuichi, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 8417155Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a high-speed mode and a low-speed mode and includes a speed switch unit configured to select the high-speed mode or the low-speed mode by switching a rotation direction of a drive source. The speed switch unit includes a drive gear attached to a rotating shaft of the drive source; a first drive gear series transmitting a rotating power of the drive source upon rotation in a first direction to an image carrier; and a second drive gear series transmitting a rotating power of the drive source upon rotation in a second direction to the image carrier, the second drive gear series having a larger reduction ratio than the first drive gear series. The speed switch unit causes the drive gear to be selectively connected to the first drive gear series or the second drive gear series depending on the rotating direction of the drive source.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company LimitedInventors: Tatsuo Fukushima, Katsumi Kumada, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma
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Patent number: 8417142Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image carrier, a latent image forming unit to form an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier, at least one developing device disposed to contact the latent image carrier to develop the latent image with developer stored therein, a cooling mechanism including at least one cooling device disposed close to the developing device to cool the developing device, a developer amount detector electrically connected to the developing device to detect an amount of the developer remaining in the developing device, and a cooling mechanism controller connected to the cooling mechanism to change a cooling power of the cooling mechanism according to a detection result generated by the developer amount detector. The developing device includes a rotary member whose shaft is rotationally supported by at least one bearing and is not to be supplied with new developer while any developer remains therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Yuusuke Furuichi, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Ryoh Idehara, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 8412056Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt that conveys a transfer material, and a photosensitive body that catches the transfer material between the photosensitive body and the transfer belt and that transfers a toner image to the transfer material. The transfer belt is driven in conjunction with the opening action of the front cover, and the photosensitive body is separated from the transfer belt in conjunction with the opening action of the front cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company LimitedInventors: Yuusuke Furuichi, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Tatsuo Fukushima, Haruo Hashimoto, Genta Hagiwara, Masafumi Takahira, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 8311438Abstract: In an interlock device for turning a switch on and off in accordance with closing and opening of a plurality of covers covering a body of an electronic apparatus, one striker protrudes from each of the covers. An engagement member is provided inside the body of the electronic apparatus to move in a predetermined direction to contact and separate from the switch to turn the switch on and off. All the strikers contact the engagement member to turn on the switch when all the covers are closed. At least one of the strikers separates from the engagement member to turn off the switch when the corresponding cover is opened.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sei Onuma, Nobuhiko Kita, Haruo Hashimoto, Masafumi Takahira, Kaoru Tada, Genta Hagiwara, Tatsuo Fukushima
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Patent number: 8169460Abstract: A holding unit turns, while holding a latent image writing unit, centered on a turning axis that is arranged on a main body of an image forming apparatus between an opening position and a closing position with respect to the main body. A positioning unit arranged on the main body positions the latent image writing unit with respect to the image carrier, when the holding unit is at the closing position. A biasing unit biases the latent image writing unit to make a contact with the positioning unit. A shock absorbing unit absorbs a shock received by the holding unit and the latent image writing unit when the holding unit is moved from the opening position to the closing position.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuusuke Furuichi, Nobuhiko Kita, Ryoh Idehara, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Sei Onuma, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Publication number: 20110298171Abstract: In a paper feeder, a signal switching unit switches a paper present signal output from a paper detector to a paper absent signal indicative of absence of a paper in the second paper cassette if a first paper cassette is pulled out from a specific position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Ryoh Idehara, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Yuusuke Furuichi, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 8050593Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of reliably positioning a process unit in a main image forming apparatus body, without impairing ease of mounting/dismounting of the process unit achieved by a simple structure. The image forming apparatus including a convex section, provided on the process unit, that projects towards the insertion side; an engagement section, provided on the main apparatus body, that positions the process unit in a width direction by engaging with the convex section; and a guidance section, provided on at least one of a tip end of the convex section and the main apparatus body, that guides the convex section towards the guidance section when mounting the process unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuusuke Furuichi, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Ryoh Idehara, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 8020848Abstract: In a paper feeder, a signal switching unit switches a paper present signal output from a paper detector to a paper absent signal indicative of absence of a paper in the second paper cassette if a first paper cassette is pulled out from a specific position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Ryoh Idehara, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Yuusuke Furuichi, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 8010012Abstract: A biasing unit biases an exposing unit with respect to a main unit in at least one direction in a direction approaching the main body, so that the exposing unit makes contact with the main body in at least one portion to determine a position of the exposing unit with respect to the main body. A buffer unit relieves an impact the exposing unit receives from the main body, provided at or near the portion where the exposing unit makes contact with the main body. An attachment forming portion is provided for attaching the buffer unit in switching a functional state of the buffer unit between a buffer functional state and a buffer non-functional state.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Ryoh Idehara, Nobuhiko Kita, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Yuusuke Furuichi, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada, Sei Onuma
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Publication number: 20110182614Abstract: An interlock system includes first and second racks movable in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction between opening and closing positions in conjunction with opening and closing of the first cover, respectively. A housing is provided to slidably accommodate the first and second racks in the longitudinal direction. A pinion unit is provided and is sandwiched by the first and second racks. The first and second racks have meshing sections respectively meshing with the pinion unit at one side surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction facing each other. The pinion unit slides in the longitudinal direction by a prescribed length in conjunction with movement of at least one of the first and second racks. The interlock switch is turned on and off in accordance with a sliding length of the pinion unit in the longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Sei Onuma, Nobuhiko Kita, Genta Hagiwara, Masafumi Takahira, Haruo Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7983596Abstract: A housing structure includes a first structure, which has body frames and a first shaft supported by the body frames, a second structure to be movably supported between an opened position and a closed position by the first shaft, and a positioning device to position the second structure in relation to the first structure in the closed position. The positioning device includes a first engagement portion provided on the first structure, a second engagement portion provided on the second structure and engaged with the first engagement portion in the closed position, a first biasing device to bias the second engagement portion toward the second structure, and a second biasing device to bias the second engagement portion toward the first structure. The positioning device positions the second structure in relation to the first structure by biasing forces of the first biasing device and the second biasing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Genta Hagiwara, Katsumi Kumada, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Haruo Hashimoto, Masafumi Takahira, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 7941069Abstract: A process cartridge includes a photoconductor driven by gears, a developing roller, an agitator. The process cartridge is mounted on an image forming apparatus that forms an image with toner. The process cartridge includes an air inlet and an air outlet on a side plate thereof. The gears are arranged along a path between the air inlet and the air outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Ryoh Idehara, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Yuusuke Furuichi, Tadashi Okano, Genta Hagiwara, Kaoru Tada
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Patent number: 7937015Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member carrying a latent image and a development device disposed along a surface of the image carrying member. The development device includes a developer storing case storing a developer, a developer carrying member carrying the developer to develop the latent image with the developer in an area in which the surface of the developer carrying member faces the surface of the image carrying member, a developer supplying member supplying the developer carrying member with the developer, a metal member extending in an axial direction of the developer carrying member to receive heat conducted from the developer, and a heat releasing device provided on at least one of the outer sides of the developer storing case in the axial direction of the developer carrying member and disposed in contact with the metal member to release the heat conducted from the metal member.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuusuke Furuichi, Nobuhiko Kita, Sei Onuma, Ryoh Idehara, Kaoru Tada, Genta Hagiwara