Patents by Inventor Shota Iijima
Shota Iijima 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: 9790043Abstract: A slider moving in a sliding direction between first and second positions shifts a second path-defining member, relative to a first path-defining member, between first and second states. A pair of movable members each disposed on a corresponding side of a slider in a width direction is movable individually in the sliding direction to shift between third and fourth states. The movable members, when both in the third state, position the slider to the first position and, when both in the fourth state, position the slider to the second position. Each movable member supports a corresponding widthwise end of the slider immovably in the sliding direction and movably in the width direction. A support frame supporting the second path-defining member supports a widthwise central portion of the slider movably in the sliding direction and rotatably on a plane parallel to the sliding direction and the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota Iijima, Masao Mimoto
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Patent number: 9731519Abstract: In a conveying device, a cover member includes a guide portion and is configured to move relative to a casing between a first position at which the guide portion defines a first conveying path, and a second position at which the guide portion exposes the first conveying path to an exterior of the conveying device. A conveying unit is configured to convey a medium along a second conveying path. A flap is supported by the cover member and pivotable about a pivot axis between a third position and a fourth position. The flap is configured to guide the medium toward the conveying unit. A restricting mechanism is configured to selectively allow and restrict pivoting of the flap to the fourth position.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shota Iijima, Iwane Sano
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Publication number: 20170120633Abstract: An image reading device includes a tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the tray unit, an outer guide defining a curved path extending from the tray unit to the recording unit, a sheet feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit to the curved path, and a return guide disposed between the recording unit and the tray unit. The return guide pivots about a shaft and guides the sheet having an image recorded thereon back to the curved path. The tray unit includes at least one supporting portion. The return guide includes at least one supported portion. The at least one supporting portion of the tray unit engages the at least one supported portion of the return guide such that the return guide takes a guiding position in which the return guide defines a return path extending to the curved path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Tetsuo ASADA, Hirotaka AOKI, Satoru NAKAKITA, Shota IIJIMA
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Patent number: 9580265Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including a tray configured to support a sheet; a chassis defining a first conveyer path, in which the sheet on the tray is conveyed in a first conveying direction, and a second conveyer path, through which the sheet is conveyed in a second conveying direction through a branch point to be inverted to reenter the first conveyer path through a merging point; a base member integrally formed of resin and including a guiding section to define a form of a part of the second conveyer path; a recording unit to record an image on the sheet conveyed in the first conveyer path; a drive shaft supported by the base member; and a return-conveyer roller disposed in the second conveyer path and configured to convey the sheet to be guided on the guiding section in the second conveying direction by rotation of the drive shaft, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Iwane Sano, Shota Iijima
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Patent number: 9545798Abstract: An image reading device includes a tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the tray unit, an outer guide defining a curved path extending from the tray unit to the recording unit, a sheet feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit to the curved path, and a return guide disposed between the recording unit and the tray unit. The return guide pivots about a shaft and guides the sheet having an image recorded thereon back to the curved path. The tray unit includes at least one supporting portion. The return guide includes at least one supported portion. The at least one supporting portion of the tray unit engages the at least one supported portion of the return guide such that the return guide takes a guiding position in which the return guide defines a return path extending to the curved path.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuo Asada, Hirotaka Aoki, Satoru Nakakita, Shota Iijima
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Publication number: 20170008314Abstract: An image recording device is provided, having a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, and a tray disposed below the recording unit. The tray includes a sheet holding surface configured to hold the sheet. Additionally, the image recording device includes a sheet feeder disposed between the recording unit and the tray. The sheet feeder includes a roller for feeding the sheet from the tray. The roller is configured to move between a first roller position in which the roller contacts the sheet holding surface of the tray and a second roller position in which the roller is separated from the sheet holding surface. A return guide, disposed between the recording unit and the sheet feeder, defines a second conveying path to guide the sheet having an image recorded on one side thereof back to the feed guide. The return guide has a first opening configured to accommodate the roller of the sheet feeder when the roller is in the second roller position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Tetsuo ASADA, Hirotaka AOKI, Satoru NAKAKITA, Shota IIJIMA, Kenji SAMOTO, Yuji KOGA
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Publication number: 20160376115Abstract: A slider moving in a sliding direction between first and second positions shifts a second path-defining member, relative to a first path-defining member, between first and second states. A pair of movable members each disposed on a corresponding side of a slider in a width direction is movable individually in the sliding direction to shift between third and fourth states. The movable members, when both in the third state, position the slider to the first position and, when both in the fourth state, position the slider to the second position. Each movable member supports a corresponding widthwise end of the slider immovably in the sliding direction and movably in the width direction. A support frame supporting the second path-defining member supports a widthwise central portion of the slider movably in the sliding direction and rotatably on a plane parallel to the sliding direction and the width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota IIJIMA, Masao MIMOTO
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Patent number: 9517645Abstract: A conveyer device, including a chassis defining a first conveyer path and a second conveyer path; a pair of path members opposing to each other to form a part of the first conveyer path; a flapper configured to be pivotable among a first condition, wherein the flapper blocks the first conveyer path, a second condition, wherein the flapper allows the sheet conveyed in the conveying direction to pass thereby, and a third condition, wherein the flapper is separated from an opposing member; an urging member to urge the flapper; and a movable member movable between a first position, wherein the flapper in the first condition is contactless from the movable member, and a second condition, wherein the movable member contacts the flapper, is provided. The movable member separates one of the pair of path members from the other when moving from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota Iijima, Masao Mimoto
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Publication number: 20160279971Abstract: In a conveying device, a cover member includes a guide portion and is configured to move relative to a casing between a first position at which the guide portion defines a first conveying path, and a second position at which the guide portion exposes the first conveying path to an exterior of the conveying device. A conveying unit is configured to convey a medium along a second conveying path. A flap is supported by the cover member and pivotable about a pivot axis between a third position and a fourth position. The flap is configured to guide the medium toward the conveying unit. A restricting mechanism is configured to selectively allow and restrict pivoting of the flap to the fourth position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Shota Iijima, Iwane Sano
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Patent number: 9452619Abstract: An image recording device is provided, having a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, and a tray disposed below the recording unit. The tray includes a sheet holding surface configured to hold the sheet. Additionally, the image recording device includes a sheet feeder disposed between the recording unit and the tray. The sheet feeder includes a roller for feeding the sheet from the tray. The roller is configured to move between a first roller position in which the roller contacts the sheet holding surface of the tray and a second roller position in which the roller is separated from the sheet holding surface. A return guide, disposed between the recording unit and the sheet feeder, defines a second conveying path to guide the sheet having an image recorded on one side thereof back to the feed guide. The return guide has a first opening configured to accommodate the roller of the sheet feeder when the roller is in the second roller position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuo Asada, Hirotaka Aoki, Satoru Nakakita, Shota Iijima, Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
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Patent number: 9446920Abstract: A slider moving in a sliding direction between first and second positions shifts a second path-defining member, relative to a first path-defining member, between first and second states. A pair of movable members each disposed on a corresponding side of a slider in a width direction is movable individually in the sliding direction to shift between third and fourth states. The movable members, when both in the third state, position the slider to the first position and, when both in the fourth state, position the slider to the second position. Each movable member supports a corresponding widthwise end of the slider immovably in the sliding direction and movably in the width direction. A support frame supporting the second path-defining member supports a widthwise central portion of the slider movably in the sliding direction and rotatably on a plane parallel to the sliding direction and the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota Iijima, Masao Mimoto
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Patent number: 9440460Abstract: An image recording device is provided, having a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, and a tray disposed below the recording unit. The tray includes a sheet holding surface configured to hold the sheet. Additionally, the image recording device includes a sheet feeder disposed between the recording unit and the tray. The sheet feeder includes a roller for feeding the sheet from the tray. The roller is configured to move between a first roller position in which the roller contacts the sheet holding surface of the tray and a second roller position in which the roller is separated from the sheet holding surface. A return guide, disposed between the recording unit and the sheet feeder, defines a second conveying path to guide the sheet having an image recorded on one side thereof back to the feed guide. The return guide has a first opening configured to accommodate the roller of the sheet feeder when the roller is in the second roller position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuo Asada, Hirotaka Aoki, Satoru Nakakita, Shota Iijima, Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
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Patent number: 9421801Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus and method of operation are disclosed. One such apparatus includes a carriage configured to support a recording head that is configured to eject ink from nozzles onto a recording medium to be conveyed, and a first support member supporting the carriage. The carriage is movable in a scanning direction orthogonal to a transporting direction of the recording medium. The apparatus further includes a second support member configured to support the first support member and a transporting roller extending in the scanning direction and rotatable to transport the recording medium in the transporting direction. The apparatus also includes a bearing disposed at the second support member and supporting the transporting roller rotatably, the bearing comprising a contact portion that contacts the first support member.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masao Mimoto, Shota Iijima
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Patent number: 9409736Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a flap pivoting between a first state to contact a first path-defining member and a second state to be separated from a first path-defining member. The first path-defining member, which faces a second path-defining member in a facing direction, includes a guide surface for guiding a sheet conveyed along a first conveying path, a contact surface positioned farther from the second path-defining member in the facing direction than the guide surface and configured to contact the flap in the first state, and an inclined surface positioned downstream of the contact surface in a conveying direction and inclined such that an upstream end thereof in the conveying direction is closer to the second path-defining member in the facing direction than a downstream end thereof. The upstream end of the inclined surface is closer to the second path-defining member in the facing direction than the contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota Iijima, Masao Mimoto, Takashi Omura
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Publication number: 20160185133Abstract: An image reading device includes a tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the tray unit, an outer guide defining a curved path extending from the tray unit to the recording unit, a sheet feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit to the curved path, and a return guide disposed between the recording unit and the tray unit. The return guide pivots about a shaft and guides the sheet having an image recorded thereon back to the curved path. The tray unit includes at least one supporting portion. The return guide includes at least one supported portion. The at least one supporting portion of the tray unit engages the at least one supported portion of the return guide such that the return guide takes a guiding position in which the return guide defines a return path extending to the curved path.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Tetsuo ASADA, Hirotaka AOKI, Satoru NAKAKITA, Shota IIJIMA
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Publication number: 20160090254Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a flap pivoting between a first state to contact a first path-defining member and a second state to be separated from a first path-defining member. The first path-defining member, which faces a second path-defining member in a facing direction, includes a guide surface for guiding a sheet conveyed along a first conveying path, a contact surface positioned farther from the second path-defining member in the facing direction than the guide surface and configured to contact the flap in the first state, and an inclined surface positioned downstream of the contact surface in a conveying direction and inclined such that an upstream end thereof in the conveying direction is closer to the second path-defining member in the facing direction than a downstream end thereof. The upstream end of the inclined surface is closer to the second path-defining member in the facing direction than the contact surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota IIJIMA, Masao MIMOTO, Takashi OMURA
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Publication number: 20160089910Abstract: A conveyer device, including a chassis defining a first conveyer path and a second conveyer path; a pair of path members opposing to each other to form a part of the first conveyer path; a flapper configured to be pivotable among a first condition, wherein the flapper blocks the first conveyer path, a second condition, wherein the flapper allows the sheet conveyed in the conveying direction to pass thereby, and a third condition, wherein the flapper is separated from an opposing member; an urging member to urge the flapper; and a movable member movable between a first position, wherein the flapper in the first condition is contactless from the movable member, and a second condition, wherein the movable member contacts the flapper, is provided. The movable member separates one of the pair of path members from the other when moving from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota IIJIMA, Masao MIMOTO
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Publication number: 20160090252Abstract: A slider moving in a sliding direction between first and second positions shifts a second path-defining member, relative to a first path-defining member, between first and second states. A pair of movable members each disposed on a corresponding side of a slider in a width direction is movable individually in the sliding direction to shift between third and fourth states. The movable members, when both in the third state, position the slider to the first position and, when both in the fourth state, position the slider to the second position. Each movable member supports a corresponding widthwise end of the slider immovably in the sliding direction and movably in the width direction. A support frame supporting the second path-defining member supports a widthwise central portion of the slider movably in the sliding direction and rotatably on a plane parallel to the sliding direction and the width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shota IIJIMA, Masao MIMOTO
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Publication number: 20160090258Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including a tray configured to support a sheet; a chassis defining a first conveyer path, in which the sheet on the tray is conveyed in a first conveying direction, and a second conveyer path, through which the sheet is conveyed in a second conveying direction through a branch point to be inverted to reenter the first conveyer path through a merging point; a base member integrally formed of resin and including a guiding section to define a form of a part of the second conveyer path; a recording unit to record an image on the sheet conveyed in the first conveyer path; a drive shaft supported by the base member; and a return-conveyer roller disposed in the second conveyer path and configured to convey the sheet to be guided on the guiding section in the second conveying direction by rotation of the drive shaft, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Iwane SANO, Shota IIJIMA
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Publication number: 20160075151Abstract: An image recording device is provided, having a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, and a tray disposed below the recording unit. The tray includes a sheet holding surface configured to hold the sheet. Additionally, the image recording device includes a sheet feeder disposed between the recording unit and the tray. The sheet feeder includes a roller for feeding the sheet from the tray. The roller is configured to move between a first roller position in which the roller contacts the sheet holding surface of the tray and a second roller position in which the roller is separated from the sheet holding surface. A return guide, disposed between the recording unit and the sheet feeder, defines a second conveying path to guide the sheet having an image recorded on one side thereof back to the feed guide. The return guide has a first opening configured to accommodate the roller of the sheet feeder when the roller is in the second roller position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Tetsuo ASADA, Hirotaka AOKI, Satoru NAKAKITA, Shota IIJIMA, Kenji SAMOTO, Yuji KOGA