Patents by Inventor Tetsuo Furukawa

Tetsuo Furukawa 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: 11543768
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge provided with a memory. The apparatus main body includes a frame, a movable electric contact unit including an electric contact portion contacting with the memory, and a holding member holding the electric contact portion and including an urging member urging the electric contact unit toward the memory in a mounted state of the cartridge, and a positioning portion positioning the electric contact unit in an unmounted state of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Ryota Shibuya
  • Publication number: 20210389719
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge provided with a memory. The apparatus main body includes a frame, a movable electric contact unit including an electric contact portion contacting with the memory, and a holding member holding the electric contact portion and including an urging member urging the electric contact unit toward the memory in a mounted state of the cartridge, and a positioning portion positioning the electric contact unit in an unmounted state of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Ryota Shibuya
  • Patent number: 10996614
    Abstract: The present invention is a part positioning mechanism configured to insert a protruding portion constituting a part of a second sheet metal part into an opening formed in a first sheet metal part. The first contact portion which contacts the first convex portion of the first sheet metal and the second contact portion which contacts the second convex portion of the first sheet metal are disposed to be shifted in an orthogonal direction which intersects orthogonally with the plate thickness direction and an insertion direction for the protruding portion. The edge of the opening of the first sheet metal part has a first edge which is distant from the protruding portion increases from the first convex portion to the second convex portion, and a second edge which is distant from the protruding portion increases from the second convex portion to the first convex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nishiyama, Tetsuo Furukawa, Shigeo Murayama, Kenji Ninomiya
  • Publication number: 20200183320
    Abstract: The present invention is a part positioning mechanism configured to insert a protruding portion constituting a part of a second sheet metal part into an opening formed in a first sheet metal part. The first contact portion which contacts the first convex portion of the first sheet metal and the second contact portion which contacts the second convex portion of the first sheet metal are disposed to be shifted in an orthogonal direction which intersects orthogonally with the plate thickness direction and an insertion direction for the protruding portion. The edge of the opening of the first sheet metal part has a first edge which is distant from the protruding portion increases from the first convex portion to the second convex portion, and a second edge which is distant from the protruding portion increases from the second convex portion to the first convex portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nishiyama, Tetsuo Furukawa, Shigeo Murayama, Kenji Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 10543999
    Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance portion, a reverse conveyance portion, and first and second conveyance regulating portions. An engagement portion contacts the first conveyance regulating portion so that it pivots in a first pivoting direction in an interlocked manner with the second conveyance regulating portion. The first and second conveyance regulating portions are arranged between the conveyance portion and the reverse conveyance portion in a first sheet conveyance direction, and an urging member urges the first and second conveyance regulating portions toward a position where the first and second conveyance regulating portions project to a first conveyance path through which the sheet conveyed from the conveyance portion toward the reverse conveyance portion is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Tatsuo Nishiyama, Shigeo Murayama, Kenji Ninomiya
  • Publication number: 20190071271
    Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes first and second conveyance regulating portions which are respectively supported pivotably at different positions in a width direction, and an engagement portion provided on one of the first and second conveyance regulating portions and configured to be engaged with the other of the first and second conveyance regulating portions. In a state where a sheet whose length in the width direction is a first width is conveyed through a conveyance path, the sheet abuts the first conveyance regulating portion and pivots only the first conveyance regulating portion. In a state where a sheet whose length in the width direction is a second width that is greater than the first width is conveyed through the conveyance path, the sheet abuts the second conveyance regulating portion and pivots the second conveyance regulating portion while also pivoting the first conveyance regulating portion through the engagement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Tatsuo Nishiyama, Shigeo Murayama, Kenji Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 10067466
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a plurality of cartridges; a belt configured to abut against the photosensitive drums of the plurality of cartridges; a frame configured to axially support a plurality of rollers around which the belt is extended; and a movable member configured to be movable while supporting the plurality of cartridges, the movable member being movable between a first position in which the plurality of cartridges are in an main body of the apparatus and a second position in which the plurality of cartridges are drawn out from the main body of the apparatus, wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of positioning portions configured to allow abutment of the plurality of cartridges and determine the positions of the plurality of cartridges in the main body of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fukase, Takeo Kawanami, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20170235276
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a plurality of cartridges; a belt configured to abut against the photosensitive drums of the plurality of cartridges; a frame configured to axially support a plurality of rollers around which the belt is extended; and a movable member configured to be movable while supporting the plurality of cartridges, the movable member being movable between a first position in which the plurality of cartridges are in an main body of the apparatus and a second position in which the plurality of cartridges are drawn out from the main body of the apparatus, wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of positioning portions configured to allow abutment of the plurality of cartridges and determine the positions of the plurality of cartridges in the main body of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fukase, Takeo Kawanami, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 9529318
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an opening, an openable member, and a movable member for supporting cartridges in a state in which the cartridges are arranged in an arranging direction, movable in the arranging direction while passing through the opening between an inside position and an outside position in a direction crossing the arranging direction and a longitudinal direction. When the movable member is positioned at the inside position, adjacent two cartridges of the cartridges are in an overlapping state as seen in a direction perpendicular to the arranging direction and the longitudinal direction. When the movable member is moved from the inside position to the outside position and then one of the adjacent two cartridges is dismounted from the movable member, the one of the adjacent two cartridges is moved relative to the movable member so as to be prevented from interfering with the other cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Sato, Isao Matsuoka, Osamu Sasaoka, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 9529300
    Abstract: In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kakuta, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20160070201
    Abstract: In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Hideki Kakuta, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 9158234
    Abstract: In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kakuta, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 9134695
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a detachably mountable cartridge and a pressing member movable between a pressing position for applying a pressing force to the cartridge to fix the cartridge to an image forming position and a non-pressing position. In addition, a limiting member moves between a limiting position and a non-limiting position. In the limiting position, the limiting member is close to the cartridge placed in the image forming position, with a gap therebetween to limit movement of the cartridge if the cartridge moves against the pressing force of the pressing member. The limiting member permits the cartridge to move from the image forming position to a retracted position, by moving from the limiting position to the non-limiting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Kenji Watanabe, Toshiharu Kawai
  • Publication number: 20150055975
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an opening; an openable member; and a movable member, supporting cartridges in a state in which the cartridges are arranged in an arranging direction, movable in the arranging direction while passing through the opening between an inside position and an outside position in a direction crossing the arranging direction and a longitudinal direction. When the movable member is positioned at the inside position, adjacent two cartridges of the cartridges are in an overlapping state as seen in a direction perpendicular to the arranging direction and the longitudinal direction. When the movable member is moved from the inside position to the outside position and then one of the adjacent two cartridges is dismounted from the movable member, the one of the adjacent two cartridges is moved relative to the movable member so as to be prevented from interfering with the other cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Masaki Sato, Isao Matsuoka, Osamu Sasaoka, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20140147167
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a plurality of cartridges; a belt configured to abut against the photosensitive drums of the plurality of cartridges; a frame configured to axially support a plurality of rollers around which the belt is extended; and a movable member configured to be movable while supporting the plurality of cartridges, the movable member being movable between a first position in which the plurality of cartridges are in an main body of the apparatus and a second position in which the plurality of cartridges are drawn out from the main body of the apparatus, wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of positioning portions configured to allow abutment of the plurality of cartridges and determine the positions of the plurality of cartridges in the main body of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fukase, Takeo Kawanami, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20140064782
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an opening; an door; a pressing member movable between a pressing position for fixing the cartridge to an image forming position, and a non-pressing position; an interrelating member for interrelations such that (i) with movement from the close position to the open position, the pressing member moves from the pressing position to the non-pressing position, and the cartridge moves from the image forming position to a retracted position, and (ii) with the inverse movement, the cartridge and the pressing member move inversely; and a limiter movable between a position for preventing the cartridge from moving against the pressing force, and a position for permitting the cartridge to move from the image forming position to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Kenji Watanabe, Toshiharu Kawai
  • Patent number: 8380105
    Abstract: In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kakuta, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20120251159
    Abstract: In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Kakuta, Tetsuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8218999
    Abstract: A winding member winds a seal member that seals an opening of a developer storage unit. The winding member includes a first holding portion having a first engaging portion, and a second holding portion having a second engaging portion to be engaged with the first engaging portion, configured to hold the sealing member between the first and second holding portions, wherein an end of the first holding portion and an end of the second holding portion are connected, so that the first holding portion and the second holding portion are relatively movable, and wherein the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion while the sealing member is held between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Hideki Nagae
  • Patent number: 8208838
    Abstract: In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kakuta, Tetsuo Furukawa