Patents by Inventor Tomohiro Kanbe

Tomohiro Kanbe 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: 7682004
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink chamber, an ink supply portion, and a supply chamber positioned adjacent to the ink supply portion. The supply chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber and the ink supply portion, and the ink supply portion is configured to dispense ink from an interior of the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber via the supply chamber. Moreover, the supply chamber has a central axis extending from an open end of the supply chamber to a closed end of the supply chamber, a wall defining a portion of the supply chamber has an opening formed therethrough, and the opening of the wall is offset from the central axis of the supply chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Patent number: 7669994
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a particular wall, a protruding member extending from the particular wall in a particular direction, a protrusion extending from the particular wall in the particular direction, and an ink chamber configured to store ink therein. The ink cartridge also includes a translucent portion defining an enclosure, an ink supply portion configured to supply ink from an interior of the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber, in which the ink supply portion and the translucent portion are each positioned between the protrusion and the protruding member. The ink cartridge further includes a signal blocking member positioned within the enclosure. Moreover, the signal blocking member is configured to move within the enclosure based at least on an amount of ink disposed within the ink chamber, and the signal blocking member is sandwiched between the at least one pair of wall surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Tomohiro Kanbe, Toyonori Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7669991
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; an ink supply path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge; an ink filling path extending from the ink chamber to an area outside of the ink chamber; and a plug member provided in the ink filling path, the plug member sealing the ink filling path. The ink filling path adjoins the area outside of the ink chamber at a location enclosed by the cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20090322836
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink tank defining an ink chamber therein, in which the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein, and an adapter configured to be coupled to the ink tank. The adapter and the ink tank are separate members, and the adapter includes a main body having a main body opening formed therein. The main body opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the ink tank therein. The ink cartridge also includes at least one resilient member coupled to the adapter. When the adapter is coupled to the ink tank, the ink tank extends from a first face of the main body in a first direction, and the at least one resilient member extends from a second face of the main body in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Hirotake Nakamura, Shingo Hattori, Akio Yoshinari
  • Publication number: 20090322835
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink tank defining an ink chamber therein, in which the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein, and an adapter configured to be coupled to the ink tank. The adapter and the ink tank are separate members, and the adapter includes a main body, and an operation portion extending from the main body in a particular direction. When the adapter is coupled to the ink tank, the operation portion extends toward the ink tank and extends further in the particular direction than the ink tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Hirotake Nakamura, Shingo Hattori, Akio Yoshinari
  • Publication number: 20090322834
    Abstract: A container arrangement includes a packaging arrangement including an ink tank defining an ink chamber therein, in which the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein, and a packaging bag enclosing the ink tank therein. A pressure of an interior of the packaging bag is less than a pressure of an exterior of the packaging bag. The container arrangement also includes an adapter configured to be coupled to the ink tank, and a container enclosing each of the packaging arrangement and the adapter. The adapter is positioned outside the packaging bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Hirotake Nakamura, Shingo Hattori
  • Patent number: 7635180
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge; a valve member provided in the path, the valve member having a first state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented; and an urging member provided on an ink chamber-side of the valve member in the path, the urging member being capable of urging the valve member along the path toward the exterior of the cartridge. The urging member is formed of a resin or rubber material having elasticity; and when the valve member is in the first state, the urging member is compressed in a direction of the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Patent number: 7591548
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; and a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge. The path varies in diameter at different locations along the path; a first diameter of the path in one or more narrow sections is smaller than diameters in all other sections of the path; and the path has a polygonal cross sectional shape in at least one of the narrow sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20090219355
    Abstract: An ink cartridge has a case having an ink chamber defined therein, and a pivotable member positioned in the ink chamber. The pivotable member has an opening formed therethrough, and the pivotable member pivots about the opening of the pivotable member. The ink cartridge also has a supporting shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The supporting shaft is positioned within the opening of the pivotable member. The ink cartridge further has a supporting member that supports at least one of the first end and the second end of the supporting shaft, and a projection extending from the supporting member toward the pivotable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro KANBE
  • Patent number: 7578584
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge; a valve member provided in the path, the valve member having a first state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented; and an extraction receiving member comprising an insertion port that forms a portion of the path, the extraction receiving member being capable of receiving a hollow ink extraction member of an inkjet recording device when the ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet recording device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Patent number: 7575311
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge; a valve member provided in the path, the valve member having a first state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented; an urging member provided in the path, the urging member being capable of urging the valve member; a path chamber at least partially enclosed by a path wall through which the path extends, at least a portion of the urging member being situated in the path chamber; and a sliding member at least partially interposed between the urging member and the path wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Patent number: 7553007
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink chamber comprising a first wall, and an ink dispensing portion disposed within the ink chamber. The ink dispensing portion has a dispensing chamber formed therein, and a first end of the dispensing chamber is positioned adjacent to the first wall. The ink dispensing portion includes a second wall which bounds the dispensing chamber, and the second wall has an opening formed therethrough adjacent to a second end of the dispensing chamber opposite the first end of the dispensing chamber. Moreover, the dispensing chamber is configured to communicate with the ink chamber via the opening of the second wall. The ink cartridge also includes a rib member extending from an exterior surface of the second wall. The rib member includes an open end and a closed end, and the closed end of the rib member surrounds the opening of the second wall. In addition, the open end of the rib member is positioned adjacent to the first wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Hattori, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20090141055
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a case including an ink chamber defined in the case and configured to store ink, and a first wall facing an exterior of the case. The first wall has a first opening formed therethrough, and a second opening formed therethrough. The first opening is configured to introduce air into an interior of the ink chamber, and the second opening is configured to supply ink from an interior of the case to the exterior of the case. The case also includes a second wall facing the exterior of the case and positioned opposite the first wall, and a third wall positioned in the case and defining a portion of the ink chamber. The third wall has a third opening formed therethrough, and the third opening is positioned closer to the second wall than to the first wall. Moreover, the case includes a particular ink path extending from the second opening to the third opening. The particular ink path is in fluid communication with the ink chamber via the third opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20090096848
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a frame and a movable member. At least the frame defines an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The movable member is configured to move within the ink chamber in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The movable member includes a plurality of projections, and each of the plurality of projections extend from a surface of the movable member in one of the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Shingo Hattori
  • Publication number: 20090096849
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink tank which includes an ink chamber formed in an interior of the ink tank, and a first wall separating the interior of the ink tank and an exterior of the ink tank, in which the first wall has a first opening formed therethrough. The ink tank also includes a partition wall connected to the first wall. The partition wall defines a first chamber formed therein, and the first chamber is continuous with the first opening. Moreover, the ink tank includes a divider. The first chamber and the ink chamber are in fluid communication via the divider, and when ink flows through the divider from the first chamber to the ink chamber, the divider is configured to divide a first air bubble contained in the ink into a plurality of second air bubbles. Specifically, a size of the first air bubble is greater than a size of each of the plurality of second air bubbles. The ink cartridge also includes a pump configured to selectively force ink into and out of the interior of the ink tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Shingo Hattori
  • Patent number: 7517069
    Abstract: An ink cartridge has an ink tank in which the ink is stored, and a shutter mechanism which is arranged in the ink tank. The shutter mechanism includes a lever which is supported swingably and which has one end provided with a shutter and the other end provided with a float. The mass and the volume of the float are set so that the first direction, in which the lever moves by the buoyancy and the gravity generated when the entire shutter mechanism is positioned in the ink, is opposite to the second direction in which the lever moves by the buoyancy and the gravity when a part of the float protrudes from the ink liquid surface. A residual amount of an ink is indicated without being excessively affected by any disturbance such as the surface tension of the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20090058962
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a frame, a first wall comprising a film connected to the frame, and a second wall opposite the first wall. The frame, the first wall, and the second wall define an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The ink cartridge also includes a movable member positioned within the ink chamber, and a shaft extending between the first wall and the second wall. The movable member is configured to pivot about the shaft. Moreover, the frame includes a first material, and the shaft includes a second material which is different than the first material. A rigidity of the second material is greater than a rigidity for the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Shingo Hattori
  • Publication number: 20090056128
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink cartridge includes the step of connecting a film or a pair of films to a frame. The films and the frame define an ink chamber therein, and the ink cartridge includes the films and the frame. The method also includes the step of positioning a patterned member adjacent to the films. The patterned member includes a first pattern, and the first pattern includes a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion. Moreover, the method includes the step of forming a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern on the films by generating a pressure differential between a pressure inside the ink chamber and a pressure outside the ink chamber, in which the pressure differential draws the films into contact with the first pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20090058960
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a frame, and a film connected to the frame. The frame and the film define an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The ink cartridge also includes a supporting member configured to support the film, and a movable member pivotably coupled to the supporting member. The movable member is configured to selectively move within the ink chamber in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction based on an amount of ink within the ink chamber, and the supporting member, the movable member, and the film are aligned in a particular direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe, Shingo Hattori, Hironobu Yamakita
  • Publication number: 20090058961
    Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a frame having an opening formed therethrough, and at least one film connected to the frame. The frame and the at least one film define an ink chamber therein. The film comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, and the second portion is positioned between the first portion and the third portion, and the first portion and the third portion are raised with respect to the second portion. A line intersecting a peak of a first end of the first portion and a peak of a second end of the first portion is slanted with respect to a center line of the opening, and a line intersecting a peak of a first end of the third portion and a peak of a second end of the third portion is slanted with respect to the center line of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kanbe