Patents by Inventor Takashi Yokoya

Takashi Yokoya 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).

  • Publication number: 20200189868
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet being conveyed on a horizontal path; and a double feed sensor configured to execute double feed detection processing of detecting a state in which a plurality of sheets being conveyed on the horizontal path are conveyed in a duplicate manner. The image forming apparatus includes a double feed detection function table, in which whether to enable or disable the double feed detection processing is set according to a type of a sheet. The image forming apparatus determines whether to execute the double feed detection processing at a time of image formation in accordance with sheet setting information including information on a characteristic of a sheet to be used for the image formation and setting information on whether to execute the double feed detection processing, and the double feed detection function table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Koji Yumoto, Riki Fukuhara, Akihiro Kawakita, Yutaka Ando
  • Patent number: 10625970
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to start feeding a sheet from a feeding unit without confirming a presence or absence of an insert sheet to be inserted before the sheet when an amount of insert sheets stacked on a stacking tray as a feed source is higher than a predetermined amount. In a case in which the amount of the insert sheets on the stacking tray is lower than the predetermined amount, the controller starts feeding a sheet from the feeding unit without confirming a presence or absence of the insert sheet when another stacking tray on which an amount of insert sheets is higher than the predetermined amount is present, and the controller starts feeding the sheet from the feeding unit after confirming the presence or absence of the insert sheet when the other stacking tray is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Yamamoto, Koji Yumoto, Takashi Yokoya, Akihiro Kawakita, Akinobu Nishikata
  • Patent number: 10556768
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus connectable to an image forming apparatus which performs a post-processing on a sheet of a first type in a first post-processing mode, and performs the post-processing on a sheet of a second type having a light transmittance higher than the first type in a second post-processing mode, wherein, in a case where a job for performing the post-processing on a sheet of a third type is executed, the post-processing apparatus determines whether the sheet of the third type is detectable by the sheet detecting unit, operates in the first post-processing mode when the sheet of the third type is determined to be detectable by the sheet detecting unit, and operates in the second post-processing mode when the sheet of the third type is determined to be undetectable by the sheet detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Arai, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Yutaka Ando
  • Patent number: 10384895
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a first feeding device which does not notify abnormal sheet feeding or a second feeding device which notifies the abnormal sheet feeding is connectable includes a sheet receiving portion, a sheet detector, an image forming unit, and a controller. In a case that the first feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller discriminates that the abnormal sheet feeding occurs in the first feeding device when the detector does not detect the sheet at first timing. In a case that the second feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller discriminates that the abnormal sheet feeding occurs at the sheet receiving portion when the detector does not detect the sheet at second timing and notification of the abnormal sheet feeding is not provided from the second feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Akinobu Nishikata, Satoru Yamamoto, Koji Yumoto, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Patent number: 10370216
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet, an intermediate processing tray where sheets conveyed through a first conveyance path are stacked as a sheet bundle, a sensor disposed at a second conveyance path to detect a conveyed sheet bundle, and a stacking tray in which sheets discharged through a discharging path diverging from the first conveyance path are stacked. In response to a sensor detected paper jam, a control unit determines the intermediate processing tray as the discharging destination for a sheet among the remaining sheets, and determines the stacking tray as the discharging destination for a sheet among the remaining sheets. After the paper jam is cleared, the control unit causes execution of bookbinding and cutting for a sheet bundle including the remaining sheets stacked in the intermediate processing tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Ando, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Akihiro Arai
  • Patent number: 10362182
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus transmits a sheet feeding request to the sheet feeding device, obtains a sheet through a receiving device and performs image formation on the sheet. The receiving device comprises an inlet sensor for detecting a sheet fed from the sheet feeding device. The image forming apparatus transmits the sheet feeding request to the sheet feeding device again in a case where the inlet sensor does not detect a sheet within a predetermined time after the sheet feeding device starts to feed a sheet and no signal indicating an abnormality with regard to a sheet is received from the sheet feeding device. If the number of times the sheet feeding request is transmitted exceeds a predetermined number of times, the image forming apparatus stops operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Yumoto, Satoru Yamamoto, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20190185286
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus connectable to an image forming apparatus which performs a post-processing on a sheet of a first type in a first post-processing mode, and performs the post-processing on a sheet of a second type having a light transmittance higher than the first type in a second post-processing mode, wherein, in a case where a job for performing the post-processing on a sheet of a third type is executed, the post-processing apparatus determines whether the sheet of the third type is detectable by the sheet detecting unit, operates in the first post-processing mode when the sheet of the third type is determined to be detectable by the sheet detecting unit, and operates in the second post-processing mode when the sheet of the third type is determined to be undetectable by the sheet detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Akihiro Arai, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Yutaka Ando
  • Publication number: 20190168982
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a controller configured to start feeding a sheet from a feeding unit without confirming a presence or absence of an insert sheet to be inserted before the sheet when an amount of insert sheets stacked on a stacking tray as a feed source is higher than a predetermined amount, wherein in a case in which the amount of the insert sheets on the stacking tray is lower than the predetermined amount, the controller starts feeding a sheet from the feeding unit without confirming a presence or absence of the insert sheet when an other stacking tray on which an amount of insert sheets is higher than the predetermined amount is present, and the controller starts feeding the sheet from the feeding unit after confirming the presence or absence of the insert sheet when the other stacking tray is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Satoru Yamamoto, Koji Yumoto, Takashi Yokoya, Akihiro Kawakita, Akinobu Nishikata
  • Patent number: 10281852
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion that detachably mounts either one of a fixing portion and another fixing portion. Each fixing portion includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member that, together, form a nip for fixing a toner image on a sheet, and a memory. A rubbing rotatable member executes a rubbing process of rubbing a surface of the first rotatable member, and a moving mechanism moves the rubbing rotatable member between a rubbing position, in which the rubbing rotatable member is in contact with the first rotatable member, and a stand-by position, in which the rubbing rotatable member is separated from the first rotatable member. In addition, a controller stores information corresponding to an execution frequency of the rubbing process designated by an operator through an operating panel, in the memory of the fixing portion that has been mounted in the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Satoru Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Miyake, Katsuya Nakama, Koji Yumoto, Riki Fukuhara, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20190049892
    Abstract: An image forming system comprises: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; a feeding unit on which the recording medium is placed and configured to convey the recording medium toward the image forming unit on a conveyance path; an insert unit on which an insert sheet is placed and configured to convey the insert sheet so as to insert the insert sheet between a plurality of recording mediums conveyed from the image forming unit; a storage unit configured to store information concerning feeding of the recording medium; and a control unit configured to control a feeding timing of the insert sheet by the insert unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Akinobu Nishikata, Yutaka Ando, Akihiro Arai
  • Patent number: 10189669
    Abstract: Provided is a puncher having activating/inactivating switch for post-processing function. The puncher prevents undesirable post processing even if the switch indicates activation of the post processing. When a puncher which is registered in the image forming apparatus is attached to the puncher, the puncher obtains information indicating whether or not to the post processing using a punch die is activated or not. When the obtained information indicates that the post processing using the punch die is inactivated, even if the switch indicates activation of the post processing, the post processing is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Yutaka Ando, Akihiro Arai
  • Patent number: 10171689
    Abstract: The image forming system comprises an accessory device and an image forming apparatus, the accessory device for storing device identification information for identifying its own device, and the image forming apparatus to which the accessory device is connected. The image forming apparatus stores the device identification information of the accessory device included in the image forming system. Further, the image forming apparatus receives a participation notification which requires participating in the image forming system from a new accessory device including the device identification information. If the device identification information included in the received participation notification is not stored, the image forming apparatus stores the information. If already stored, the image forming apparatus discards the participation notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Arai, Mitsuhiko Sato, Toshiyuki Miyake, Takashi Yokoya, Hiromasa Maenishi, Yutaka Ando
  • Publication number: 20180346270
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a first feeding device which does not notify abnormal sheet feeding or a second feeding device which notifies the abnormal sheet feeding is connectable includes a sheet receiving portion, a sheet detector, an image forming unit, and a controller. In a case that the first feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller discriminates that the abnormal sheet feeding occurs in the first feeding device when the detector does not detect the sheet at first timing. In a case that the second feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller discriminates that the abnormal sheet feeding occurs at the sheet receiving portion when the detector does not detect the sheet at second timing and notification of the abnormal sheet feeding is not provided from the second feeding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Akinobu Nishikata, Satoru Yamamoto, Koji Yumoto, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20180352096
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus transmits a sheet feeding request to the sheet feeding device, obtains a sheet through a receiving device and performs image formation on the sheet. The receiving device comprises an inlet sensor for detecting a sheet fed from the sheet feeding device. The image forming apparatus transmits the sheet feeding request to the sheet feeding device again in a case where the inlet sensor does not detect a sheet within a predetermined time after the sheet feeding device starts to feed a sheet and no signal indicating an abnormality with regard to a sheet is received from the sheet feeding device. If the number of times the sheet feeding request is transmitted exceeds a predetermined number of times, the image forming apparatus stops operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Koji Yumoto, Satoru Yamamoto, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20180341210
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to execute a print job for printing on a sheet supplied from a sheet supplying mechanism constructed by a first sheet feeding apparatus configured to temporarily stop conveyance of the sheet within a conveyance path thereof or a second sheet feeding apparatus configured not to temporarily stop conveyance of the sheet within a conveyance path thereof, the image forming apparatus including: an image former configured to form an image on the sheet; an obtaining device configured to obtain apparatus information representing a type of an apparatus constructing the sheet supplying mechanism; and a controller configured to determine, based on the apparatus information and the sheet supplying mechanism instructed to feed the sheet by the print job, timings to send, to the sheet supplying mechanism, a feed request for starting to feed the sheet and a delivery request for instructing to deliver the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Akihiro Kawakita, Satoru Yamamoto, Koji Yumoto, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya
  • Patent number: 10114328
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable regulation member that regulates a trailing edge side position of a sheet stack stored in a storage portion in a sheet feeding direction, a trailing edge detection portion, movable together with the regulation member, that detects a sheet surface on the trailing edge side of the sheet stack, and a control unit that detects whether the regulation member is positioned to an end surface on the trailing edge side of the sheet stack based on a detection result by the trailing edge detection portion, and that causes a display unit to provide a warning if the regulation member is not positioned to the end surface, wherein, if a predetermined sheet with thicknesses different between leading edge and trailing edge sides thereof in the sheet feeding direction is set by a setting unit, the control unit does not cause the display unit to provide the warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Miyake, Satoru Yamamoto, Takashi Yokoya, Katsuya Nakama, Koji Yumoto, Riki Fukuhara, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20180307164
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rubbing rotatable member capable of executing a rubbing treatment of rubbing a surface of a first rotatable member, a counter to count a number corresponding to a number of recording materials on that toner images are formed, an obtaining portion to obtain information that corresponds to an instruction of an operator and that corresponds to whether to permit the execution of the rubbing treatment, that is based on the number counted by the counter, a writing portion to write the information obtained by the obtaining portion in the storing portion of the fixing portion mounted in the mounting portion, and a controller to control whether to execute the rubbing treatment, that is based on the number counted by the counter, in accordance with the information stored in the storing portion of the fixing portion mounted in the mounting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Satoru Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Miyake, Katsuya Nakama, Koji Yumoto, Riki Fukuhara, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Patent number: 10088782
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image fixing portion detachably mountable to a main assembly and including first and second rollers forming an image fixing nip therebetween; a rubbing roller for rubbing treatment of the first roller; a setting portion for setting whether to permit the execution of the treatment when a number of the recording materials fed to the fixing portion exceeds a predetermined number; a storing portion, provided in the fixing portion, for storing set information corresponding to the setting relating to permission of the treatment set through the setting portion; and a controller for controlling execution of the treatment. If the set information in the storing portion indicates the permission of the treatment, the controller executes the treatment. If not, the controller does not execute the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Satoru Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Miyake, Katsuya Nakama, Koji Yumoto, Riki Fukuhara, Akihiro Kawakita
  • Patent number: 10059557
    Abstract: To prevent sheets from being allowed to be delivered after activation of a system when over-stacking has been detected before the activation of the system, a post-processing apparatus includes a stacking tray configured to allow sheets subjected to predetermined processing to be stacked thereon. The post-processing apparatus determines whether or not additional sheets are allowed to be stacked onto the stacking tray based on the number of sheets stacked on the stacking tray. The determination result indicating that the additional sheets are prohibited to be stacked onto the stacking tray is stored in a nonvolatile RAM. The post-processing apparatus determines, after being activated, whether or not the determination result is stored in the nonvolatile RAM, and determines that the additional sheets are prohibited to be stacked onto the stacking tray when the determination result is stored in the nonvolatile RAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yokoya, Akinobu Nishikata, Yutaka Ando, Akihiro Arai
  • Publication number: 20180044129
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet, an intermediate processing tray where sheets conveyed through a first conveyance path are stacked as a sheet bundle, a sensor disposed at a second conveyance path to detect a conveyed sheet bundle, and a stacking tray in which sheets discharged through a discharging path diverging from the first conveyance path are stacked. In response to a sensor detected paper jam, a control unit determines the intermediate processing tray as the discharging destination for a sheet among the remaining sheets, and determines the stacking tray as the discharging destination for a sheet among the remaining sheets. After the paper jam is cleared, the control unit causes execution of bookbinding and cutting for a sheet bundle including the remaining sheets stacked in the intermediate processing tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Yutaka Ando, Akinobu Nishikata, Takashi Yokoya, Akihiro Arai