Patents by Inventor Susumu Sakuma
Susumu Sakuma 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: 10518533Abstract: A head module includes a head, a driver IC, a heat spreader, a holder and a heat insulator. The head ejects liquid in response to the driver IC. The heat spreader is in thermal communication with the driver IC. The holder supports the head. The heat insulator is located to thermally isolate the heat spreader and the holder.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Publication number: 20180178516Abstract: A head module includes a head, a driver IC, a heat spreader, a holder and a heat insulator. The head ejects liquid in response to the driver IC. The heat spreader is in thermal communication with the driver IC. The holder supports the head. The heat insulator is located to thermally isolate the heat spreader and the holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2017Publication date: June 28, 2018Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Susumu SAKUMA
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Patent number: 9829848Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma
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Publication number: 20170010575Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9500993Abstract: A developing device includes: a first conveying unit provided within a developing agent storage chamber and that is configured to convey developing agent from one end of the developing agent storage chamber to another end of the developing agent storage chamber in a longitudinal direction of a developing agent carrier that is disposed with in a developing chamber and to supply the developing agent from the developing agent storage chamber to the developing chamber; a second conveying unit provided within the developing chamber and that is configured to convey the developing agent from the other end of the developing chamber to the one end of the developing chamber in the longitudinal direction and to supply the developing agent toward a developing agent carrier; and a third conveying unit provided between the one end of the developing agent storage chamber and the one end of the developing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9454127Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9298157Abstract: A cartridge includes a first frame, an image-carrying member, a transfer member, and a second frame. The image-carrying member is rotatably supported by the first frame and is configured to carry a developer image thereon. The transfer member is rotatably supported by the first frame and faces the image-carrying member. The transfer member is configured to transfer the developer image from the image-carrying member to a recording medium. The image-carrying member and the transfer member define a nip portion therebetween. The second frame is attached to the first frame and is disposed downstream from the nip portion in a passage direction in which a recording medium passes. The second frame defines at least part of a first opening. The first opening allows a recording medium that has passed through the nip portion to pass therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9268301Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a housing; and a process cartridge. The housing is formed with a first opening through which recording medium is to be introduced into an inside of the housing. The process cartridge is configured to be mounted in the inside of the housing and is provided with a photosensitive body. The process cartridge is provided with a process cartridge holding part configured to be held by a user so as to remove the process cartridge from the housing. The process cartridge holding part is configured such that in a state where the process cartridge is mounted in the inside of the housing, the process cartridge holding part prevents at least part of light that has entered the inside of the housing through the first opening from reaching the photosensitive body.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Susumu Sakuma, Yasumasa Fujii, Hiroki Mori, Saya Minoshima
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Publication number: 20150362887Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9170552Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; a conveyor belt arranged opposite to the plurality of photoconductor drums and configured to convey a recording sheet; a cleaning unit having a cleaning member positioned in contact with the conveyor belt to collect substance adhering to the conveyor belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the conveyor belt; and a positioning member configured to cause the cleaning member to be positioned at a contacting position where the cleaning member contacts with the conveyor belt and at a spaced-apart position where the cleaning member is away from the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9122209Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma
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Publication number: 20150220022Abstract: A developing device includes: a first conveying unit provided within a developing agent storage chamber and that is configured to convey developing agent from one end of the developing agent storage chamber to another end of the developing agent storage chamber in a longitudinal direction of a developing agent carrier that is disposed with in a developing chamber and to supply the developing agent from the developing agent storage chamber to the developing chamber; a second conveying unit provided within the developing chamber and that is configured to convey the developing agent from the other end of the developing chamber to the one end of the developing chamber in the longitudinal direction and to supply the developing agent toward a developing agent carrier; and a third conveying unit provided between the one end of the developing agent storage chamber and the one end of the developing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9052642Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit including a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; a conveyor belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to convey a recording sheet; and a cleaning unit including a cleaning member positioned in contact with the conveyor belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the conveyor belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member. The cleaning member is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the conveyor belt and upstream from the image forming unit as viewed in a sheet conveyance direction along which the recording sheet is conveyed on the conveyor belt, and the image forming unit and the cleaning unit are pulled out together from a main body of the image forming apparatus toward an upstream side of the sheet conveyance direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 9046867Abstract: A developing unit includes a developer casing, a developer carrying member, and a receptacle. The developer carrying member is mounted on the developer casing. The receptacle is supported on the developer casing to be slidable linearly with respect to the developing casing, and is configured to accommodate a waste developer.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kensuke Miyahara, Hikaru Yoshizumi, Susumu Sakuma, Shougo Sato
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Patent number: 9031476Abstract: A developing device includes: a first conveying unit provided within a developing agent storage chamber and that is configured to convey a developing agent from one end of the developing agent storage chamber to another end of the developing agent storage chamber in a longitudinal direction of a developing agent carrier that is disposed with in a developing chamber and to supply the developing agent from the developing agent storage chamber to the developing chamber; a second conveying unit provided within the developing chamber and that is configured to convey the developing agent from the other end of the developing chamber to the one end of the developing chamber in the longitudinal direction and to supply the developing agent toward a developing agent carrier; and a third conveying unit provided between the one end of the developing agent storage chamber and the one end of the developing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Publication number: 20150125178Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a housing; and a process cartridge. The housing is formed with a first opening through which recording medium is to be introduced into an inside of the housing. The process cartridge is configured to be mounted in the inside of the housing and is provided with a photosensitive body. The process cartridge is provided with a process cartridge holding part configured to be held by a user so as to remove the process cartridge from the housing. The process cartridge holding part is configured such that in a state where the process cartridge is mounted in the inside of the housing, the process cartridge holding part prevents at least part of light that has entered the inside of the housing through the first opening from reaching the photosensitive body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Susumu Sakuma, Yasumasa Fujii, Hiroki Mori, Saya Minoshima
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Publication number: 20150125179Abstract: A cartridge includes a first frame, an image-carrying member, a transfer member, and a second frame. The image-carrying member is rotatably supported by the first frame and is configured to carry a developer image thereon. The transfer member is rotatably supported by the first frame and faces the image-carrying member. The transfer member is configured to transfer the developer image from the image-carrying member to a recording medium. The image-carrying member and the transfer member define a nip portion therebetween. The second frame is attached to the first frame and is disposed downstream from the nip portion in a passage direction in which a recording medium passes. The second frame defines at least part of a first opening. The first opening allows a recording medium that has passed through the nip portion to pass therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Susumu Sakuma
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Patent number: 8989622Abstract: A toner cartridge is mountable on a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a supply roller. The toner cartridge includes a first accommodating unit and an agitating member. The first toner accommodating unit has a peripheral surface in which an inner hollow space for accommodating a toner is formed. The agitating member is disposed in the first toner accommodating unit and rotates in a rotating direction to agitate the toner. The peripheral surface has a wall portion formed with a first supply-hole at an upstream side in the rotating direction. The wall portion is curved about a reference line as a center of curvature and depressed inward the first toner accommodating unit. The reference line is outside of the first toner accommodating unit in a radial direction of the agitating member and extending in a prescribed direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma, Ryuya Yamazaki, Shunsuke Ishii
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Publication number: 20150003861Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shougo Sato, Susumu Sakuma
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Publication number: 20140348554Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit including a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; a conveyor belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to convey a recording sheet; and a cleaning unit including a cleaning member positioned in contact with the conveyor belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the conveyor belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member. The cleaning member is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the conveyor belt and upstream from the image forming unit as viewed in a sheet conveyance direction along which the recording sheet is conveyed on the conveyor belt, and the image forming unit and the cleaning unit are pulled out together from a main body of the image forming apparatus toward an upstream side of the sheet conveyance direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Sakuma