Patents by Inventor Tomoji Murata

Tomoji Murata 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: 5115274
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for setting a copying magnification in an electrophotographic copying apparatus. The device comprises means for manually inputting a numerical value, a plurality of memory means, selection key means for selecting one from the plurality of memory means and control means for memorizing a numerical value input by the numerical value input means in said one of memory means selected by the selection key means, so that the copying apparatus operates to set a copying magnification by numerical value memorized in said one of memory means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 5023663
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that is capable of providing various copy ratios includes an original table that can receive an original document from an image carrier. The original is then illuminated, and a focusing lens system is capable of focusing reflected light from the original document onto a photosensitive member. The focusing lens system is movable. A drive assembly can cause relative movement of the original and a light system for illuminating the original, while a second drive member can vary the distance from the original to the focusing lens system whereby the image stays within the fixed focal length of the optical system while accommodating the speed necessary for a specified copy ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4972229
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for setting a copying magnification in an electrophotographic copying apapratus. The device comprises means for manually inputting a numerical value, a plurality of memory means, selection key means for selecting one from the plurality of memory means and control means for memorizing a numerical value input by the numerical value input means in said one of memory means selected by the selection key means, so that the copying apparatus operates to set a copying magnification by a numerical value memorized in said one of memory means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4956672
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for setting a copying magnification in an electrophotographic copying apparatus. The device comprises means for manually inputting a numerical value, a plurality of memory means, selection key means for selecting one from the plurality of memory means and control means for memorizing a numerical value input by the numerical value input means in said one of memory means selected by the selection key means, so that the copying apparatus operates to set a copying magnification by a numerical value memorized in said one of memory means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4924274
    Abstract: A copy machine capable of storing and retrieving various combinations of copy mode parameters for performing various copy operations. The copy mode parameters may be retrieved from memory in sequential order by a single key and the retrieval sequence may be changed at the operator's discretion. Memory areas not containing copy mode parameters are inhibited from being changed or included in the retrieval sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4920377
    Abstract: A copying apparatus capable of automatically reproducing an image at different magnifications without operator's paper selections as well as automatically making a copy of a selected area of a document with an optimum size. The apparatus comprises an image forming device having a plurality of copying modes; paper feeding devices accommodating copy paper sheets of different size; a copying mode selecting mechanism; and a paper feeder selecting mechanism, wherein the selection is effected in response to the selection of the copying mode, regardless of a size of a document.A control method capable of automatically reproducing an image at different magnifications without operator's paper selection as well as automatically making a copy of selected area of a document with an optimum size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4912504
    Abstract: A copying apparatus capable of divisional copy mode for sheets in which two sheet documents are respectively positioned along two reference edges on a document platen and copy operations for each of documents are conducted on the basis of each of reference edges in response to one copy start instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4868610
    Abstract: A copying apparatus including a numeric value input device, a numeric memory, a numeric display unit, an arithmetic device, an operating device for actuating the arithmetic device, a control device for causing the numeric memory to store an arithmetic result obtained by an arithmetic operation of the arithmetic device, and a magnification control device for controlling operations of the copying apparatus on the basis of the arithmetic result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata, Kenji Shibazaki
  • Patent number: 4864364
    Abstract: An improved charger eraser assembly for an electrophotographic copying machine is provided. In a first mode of operation selected by the user, a uniform erasure of a predetermined area of the photoreceptor drum can be accomplished. In a second mode of operation, an imprinting of alphanumeric information on the photoreceptor drum can be achieved. The illumination emitting unit includes a plurality of individual controllable light emitting elements. The illumination emitting unit can be controlled to be moved relative to the photoreceptor drum to permit the light rays of adjacent light emitting elements to either overlap or to abut each other on the photoreceptor drum. Alternatively, a lens array can be inserted in the optical path for controlling the position of the light rays of the adjacent elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Ogino, Keiji Nakatani, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4827310
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for setting a copying magnification in an electrophotographic copying apparatus. The device comprises means for manually inputting a numerical value, a plurality of memory means, selection key means for selecting one from the plurality of memory means and control means for memorizing a numerical value input by the numerical value input means in said one of memory means selected by the selection key means, so that the copying apparatus operates to set a copying magnification by a numerical value memorized in said one of memory means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4644499
    Abstract: An improved copying magnification capacity is provided to an electrophotographic copying apparatus. The copier has a numeric data display that can disclose numeric data that can be manually input into the machine. The numeric data can be stored in a memory as a predetermined copying magnification value. The copier has the capability of establishing a copying magnification value that can be easily adjusted when the magnification of an actually obtained copy deviates from an established desired value. The stored numeric value can be used in the control for setting a magnification value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4609283
    Abstract: An improved copying apparatus is provided having a control panel that can be enabled for subjectively programming of copying functions while displaying the same to the user. The user can then store his composed program in correlation with a specific code indicia. The coded indicia can then be placed on a document and inserted into the copying machine with the code indicia sensed. Upon sensing the code indicia, the prestored copier function program is enabled to provide the desired copying operation. Self-correction of magnification ratios in the program data and control of a paper sorter bin can be used with the copier apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoji Murata, Masazumi Ito
  • Patent number: 4576472
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a copying machine to which an automatic document feeder is attachable. A control apparatus therefor according to the present invention operates in the following control modes: When a document is placed on a document support table at the time a print key is depressed, a copying cycle is started without operating an automatic document feeder. When there is no document on the document support table and a document is set in the ADF, the ADF is operated to start a copying cycle in an ADF mode. When no document is placed on the document support table and no document is set in the ADF, no copying cycle is commenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4543643
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for setting a copying magnification in an electrophotographic copying apparatus. The device comprises means for manually inputting a numerical value, a memory means having a plurality of memory locations, selection key means for selecting one from the plurality of memory locations and control means for storing a numerical value input by the numerical value input means in said one of the memory locations selected by the selection key means, so that the copying apparatus operates to set a copying magnification by a numerical value stored in said one of the memory locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Minolta Camera
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Yutaka Irie, Masazumi Ito, Tomoji Murata
  • Patent number: 4518249
    Abstract: The present invention concerns with a slit illumination system for use in a copying machine or the like, which includes a light source, a first and second elliptical mirrors, a third plane mirror, and a supplemental mirror positioned behind the light source and between the first and second mirrors. The supplemental mirror directs the light which does not contribute to the illumination by the first and second mirror to the original through a light path extending directly to the original and/or a light path extending to the original through the third mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoji Murata, Masamichi Hayashi, Yasuo Goto, Seiichi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 4344696
    Abstract: There is provided an arrangement for driving reciprocating members, which is for use in the optical system of an electrophotographic copying machine of the scanning exposure type. The optical system is actuated to have an initial velocity through the resilient force caused by each of spring members subsequent to alternate arrivals to respective end positions of scanning and returning movements. After having obtained the predetermined velocity either for the scanning, or the return operation, the optical system is actuated to be electrically driven for the purpose through the actuation of a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoji Murata, Yasuo Goto, Masamichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4307957
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a paper jam detecting device for use in an electrophotographic copying machine which comprises a plurality of paper detector located along the passage of the copy paper transported during copying process, first timer adapted to count the first period of time so as to detect the leading edge of the copy paper by any one of the paper detector and second timer adapted to count the second period of time so as to detect the trailing edge of the copy paper by said one of the paper detector, whereby paper jam can be detected in case where no paper is detected on the first period of time or in case where a paper is detected on the second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneo Kitagawa, Kenichi Arai, Kenji Shibazaki, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata
  • Patent number: 4280763
    Abstract: Sequential control circuit for sequentially controlling the operation of mechanical equipment, for example, an electrophotographic copying apparatus including various devices having respective smaller devices is characterized in that a first train of clock pulses having a fixed predetermined frequency is converted into a third train of clock pulses whose respective pulses are in synchronism with respective pulses of a second train of clock pulses sequentially generated in accordance with respective driven rates of the sequentially driven devices, so that a respective digital timer circuit which is preset with operational time data of its respective device is capable of successively performing the decrement of the predetermined time in response to the respective pulses of the respective third train of clock pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Arai, Kenji Shibazaki, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata
  • Patent number: 4281244
    Abstract: In an electrophotographic copying apparatus of a powder image transfer type, apparatus for detecting a transparent copy sheet passing along a predetermined transporting path including a light source provided with a first polarizing filter, and a photoresponsive element provided with a second polarizing filter; the relative spacing relationship between a plane of polarization of the first polarizing filter and a plane of polarization of the second polarizing filter is so arranged that the amount of a light received by the photoresponsive element is increased when the transparent copy sheet is passed across a light path originating from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoji Murata, Masazumi Ito
  • Patent number: 4265440
    Abstract: A computer-controlled paper feeder comprises at least first and second supply units from which respective recording materials are supplied one at a time towards a processing station. There is provided a size detector for detecting the size of the recording material contained in respective cassettes inserted in the associated first and second supply units and an emptiness detector for detecting the presence and absence of the recording material in any one of the cassettes in the first and second supply units. These detectors are so correlated with micro-computer that, when the recording material in one of the cassettes has been consumed and the size of the recording material in the other of the cassettes has been found equal to that in the one of the cassettes, the corresponding supply unit is brought into operation to feed the recording material out of the other of the cassettes towards the processing station until the recording material in the other of the cassettes is completely consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shibazaki, Kenichi Arai, Tsuneo Kitagawa, Tomoji Murata, Kenzo Nagata