Patents by Inventor Toru Takami

Toru Takami 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: 20090039596
    Abstract: A sheet media processing device has a storage pocket. A feed roller for conveying checks into the storage pocket is disposed beside the upstream-side end wall of the storage pocket. The feed roller has a main roller part and a small roller part that is smaller in diameter than the main roller part. A reverse feed prevention plate disposed to the end wall covers at least part of the gap between the end wall and the feed roller. The distal end of the reverse feed prevention plate extends to a position between the outside surface of the main roller part and the outside surface of the small roller part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Shigehiko Uehara
  • Publication number: 20090027733
    Abstract: A check processing device accurately detects if the check storage unit is full. The check storage unit 10 of a check processing device 1 has first and second storage pockets 13 and 14. A first vertical pressure plate 54, 64 and a second vertical pressure plate 55, 65 for holding the checks conveyed into the storage pockets 13 and 14 are disposed to the storage pockets 13 and 14. The first vertical pressure plates 54 and 64 are displaced according to the total thickness of the checks stored in the storage pockets 13 and 14. Using detection mechanisms 80 and 90 having an interrupter 81, 91 disposed to the corresponding first vertical pressure plate 54 and 64, and a photosensor 82, 92 for detecting the corresponding interrupter, the total thickness of the checks stored in the storage pockets 13 and 14 can be detected, and whether the storage unit is full can be detected from this total check thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehiko Uehara, Toru Takami
  • Publication number: 20080210760
    Abstract: A first in-feed roller (49) and a pressure roller (80) are disposed to the first check storage unit (11) of a check processing apparatus (1). A first pressure member (85) that is urged toward the first in-feed roller (49) is pivotably attached to the pressure roller (80). When a check (4) is conveyed and the check (4) moves completely passed the nipping position (49A) of the first in-feed roller (49), the trailing end (4d) part of the check (4) is pressed by the first pressure member (85) to the first in-feed roller (49). The check (4) is thus dependably fed into the check storage unit, the trailing end (4d) of the check is pushed sideways by the first pressure member (85), and the trailing end (4d) will not interfere with the next check (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigehiko Uehara, Toru Takami
  • Publication number: 20080156875
    Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiki Kinoshita, Hideki Furihata, Toru Takami, Akira Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7306385
    Abstract: A label printer can continue to print labels without causing a paper jam even when the label detector is not operating. During label printing by the label printer 1, this method confirms if the label detection operation of the optical sensor 14 disposed near the label dispensing slot 3 is normal or not (step ST2). If normal, the next label printing operation starts automatically after a label is printed and the optical sensor 14 detects that the label has been removed from the label dispensing slot 3 (steps ST3, 4, 5). If not normal, an error indicating LED flashes to inform the operator and operation switches to a manual label printing mode in which the optical sensor 14 is not used and starting the next label printing operation waits for manual input (steps ST6, 7, 8). Labels can still be printed when the optical sensor 14 is not operating normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Go Hiroike
  • Patent number: 7284922
    Abstract: A label printer has an on-board peeling mechanism that easily replaces label paper and removing paper jams with limited space for opening and closing the printer. The label printer has a printing mechanism for printing labels while conveying label paper having a plurality of label affixed to a continuous web liner, and a peeling unit for peeling printed labels from the web liner conveyed through a curved transport path by bending the printed label paper acutely from the back side of the web liner. The peeling unit is attached to a printer cover which is mounted openably and closably to the label paper compartment in the printer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Koji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20060171754
    Abstract: A label printer can continue to print labels without causing a paper jam even when the label detector is not operating. During label printing by the label printer 1, this method confirms if the label detection operation of the optical sensor 14 disposed near the label dispensing slot 3 is normal or not (step ST2). If normal, the next label printing operation starts automatically after a label is printed and the optical sensor 14 detects that the label has been removed from the label dispensing slot 3 (steps ST3, 4, 5). If not normal, an error indicating LED flashes to inform the operator and operation switches to a manual label printing mode in which the optical sensor 14 is not used and starting the next label printing operation waits for manual input (steps ST6, 7, 8). Labels can still be printed when the optical sensor 14 is not operating normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Go Hiroike
  • Patent number: 7083344
    Abstract: In a label printer in which either a peeling mode or non-peeling mode can be selected as the label dispensing mode, labels are printed and thus wasted when the operator loads the label paper into a transportation path that does not match the desired dispensing mode. This problem is solved by a label printer enabling selecting as the printing configuration either a peeling configuration for peeling printed labels from the web of label paper 11, or a non-peeling configuration in which the printed labels are not separated from the web of the label paper 11. A printing configuration selection unit 27 enables selecting which printing configuration to use. To operate in the non-peeling mode, the label paper 11 is loaded into a first paper transportation path A. To operate in the peeling mode, the label paper 11 is loaded to a second paper transportation path B. A cover unit 2 can be opened and closed to enable handling the label paper, and takes the label printer off-line when the cover unit 2 is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masayo Miyasaka, Go Hiroike, Kazuko Fukano, Toru Takami, Koji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20060162842
    Abstract: A label printing apparatus having a label peeling mechanism determines the appropriate time to run a process for setting the paper. Paper having a plurality of labels continuously affixed to a web liner is loaded inside the label printing apparatus when a main cover is open. A peeling mechanism cover is attached and openable from the main cover. When opened, the paper is routed through one path or another to exit the printer from one or another exit depending on whether or not the peeling mechanism is used. A control method for this printer has a step of waiting for a switch to be pressed by an operator after the operator puts the paper inside the label printer and closes the main cover, and a step of executing a paper setup process when the switch is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Go Hiroike, Toshihiro Tsukada, Toru Takami
  • Publication number: 20060039737
    Abstract: A label printer has an on-board peeling mechanism that easily replaces label paper and removing paper jams with limited space for opening and closing the printer. The label printer has a printing mechanism for printing labels while conveying label paper having a plurality of label affixed to a continuous web liner, and a peeling unit for peeling printed labels from the web liner conveyed through a curved transport path by bending the printed label paper acutely from the back side of the web liner. The peeling unit is attached to a printer cover which is mounted openably and closably to the label paper compartment in the printer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Koji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20060027333
    Abstract: A label peeling mechanism and a label printer having a label peeling mechanism reliably print and dispense labels without problems such as paper jams. The label peeling mechanism has a web-bending guide having a convex curved surface for bending a continuous web having labels affixed to the front surface thereof to an angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees with respect to the back side of the web; an upstream web pressure guide disposed upstream in the web transportation direction from the convex curved surface of the web-bending guide opposite a upstream guide surface of the web-bending guide; and a downstream web pressure guide disposed downstream in the web transportation direction from the curved surface of the web-bending guide opposite the downstream guide surface. A plurality of ribs is disposed to the upstream web pressure guide across the web width with a gap therebetween perpendicular to the web transportation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Koji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20060008311
    Abstract: In a label printer in which either a peeling mode or non-peeling mode can be selected as the label dispensing mode, labels are printed and thus wasted when the operator loads the label paper into a transportation path that does not match the desired dispensing mode. This problem is solved by a label printer enabling selecting as the printing configuration either a peeling configuration for peeling printed labels from the web of label paper 11, or a non-peeling configuration in which the printed labels are not separated from the web of the label paper 11. A printing configuration selection unit 27 enables selecting which printing configuration to use. To operate in the non-peeling mode, the label paper 11 is loaded into a first paper transportation path A. To operate in the peeling mode, the label paper 11 is loaded to a second paper transportation path B. A cover unit 2 can be opened and closed to enable handling the label paper, and takes the label printer off-line when the cover unit 2 is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: Masayo Miyasaka, Go Hiroike, Kazuko Fukano, Toru Takami, Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 6749352
    Abstract: A printer includes a cutting apparatus with a shield that protects the cutting part of a cutter blade in the apparatus. A fixed blade is supported so that the fixed blade can be moved by pressure by a compression coil spring upon a fixed blade supporting frame attached to a body frame so that the fixed blade supporting frame can be opened or closed. A blade cover for protecting the cutting part of the fixed blade is fixed to the fixed blade supporting frame. When each fitting between fitting parts of the fixed blade and touching parts of a cutter frame is released in a state in which the fixed blade supporting frame is open, a part or the whole of the cutting part of the fixed blade is shielded by the shielding part of the blade cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamada, Toru Takami
  • Patent number: 6505981
    Abstract: Setting plain paper in a printer which can print on plain paper and a label paper is facilitated using a printer capable of printing a recording medium including a base sheet and at least one label sheet detachably adhered thereon. The printer includes a print head and platen opposing to each other for printing the recording medium. A first printer housing houses the platen, and a second printer housing movably connected to the first housing houses the print head. The printer also includes an ejection port, defined at the border of the first and second printer housings, from which the recording medium is ejected after printed by the print head and platen, and a separator for curving the base sheet ejected from the ejection port to separate the leading edge of the label sheet from the base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Toshihiro Tsukada
  • Publication number: 20020006302
    Abstract: ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE A printer with the cutting apparatus with a shield that protects the cutting part of a cutter blade in the apparatus, and a printer with the cutting apparatus is disclosed. A fixed blade is supported so that the fixed blade can be moved by pressure by a compression coil spring upon a fixed blade supporting frame attached to a body frame so that the fixed blade supporting frame can be opened or closed. A blade cover for protecting the cutting part of the fixed blade is fixed to the fixed blade supporting frame. When each fitting between fitting parts of the fixed blade and touching parts of a cutter frame is released in a state in which the fixed blade supporting frame is open, a part or the whole of the cutting part of the fixed blade is shielded by the shielding part of the blade cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: KOJI YAMADA, TORU TAKAMI
  • Patent number: 6092945
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to facilitate setting plain paper in a printer which can print on plain paper and a label paper. To achieve the above object, a printer according to the present invention is constituted as follows: A printer capable of printing a recording medium including a base sheet and at least one label sheet detachably adhered thereon comprising: a print head and platen opposing to each other for printing the recording medium; a first printer housing for housing the platen; a second printer housing movably connected to the first housing for housing the print head; an ejection port, defined at the border of the first and second printer housings, from which the recording medium is ejected after printed by the print head and platen; and a separator for curving the base sheet ejected from the ejection port to separate the leading edge of the label sheet from the base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takami, Toshihiro Tsukada
  • Patent number: 5884861
    Abstract: A paper termination detecting apparatus for detecting an amount of a paper roll that is below a predetermined amount of paper, having: a detecting lever including a detecting piece being movable within a space of a core part of the paper roll, and a protruding piece spaced a predetermined distance apart from the detecting piece, the protruding piece being allowed to come in contact with a side of the paper roll; and a detecting switch for converting a motion of the detecting lever into an electrical signal when the detecting piece moves into the space of the core part of the paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hosomi, Toru Takami, Akio Nomura, Satoshi Nakajima, Yoshiharu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5833380
    Abstract: A printer comprising a cutting device for cutting the recording paper with a clean, straight edge is achieved. The printer comprises a pair of separable cutting blades, a fixed blade 14 and a movable blade 9, disposed with the cutting edges thereof mutually opposed in a substantially facing relationship on opposite sides of the paper exit 15 from which the recording paper is ejected. The movable blade 9 contacts fixed blade 14 at a point, and is driven with a scissors-like sliding action across fixed blade 14 by means of movable blade drive 10. Fixed blade 14 is supported on an openable cover frame 8 by support member 16 with a certain amount of play. Movable blade 9 is housed inside cutter unit frame 11. The cover frame supporting the fixed blade can be displaced between a cutting position wherein the fixed blade and the movable blade are disposed in an adjacent, substantially facing relationship and a non-cutting position wherein the fixed blade and movable blade are disposed at a distance from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hosomi, Akio Nomura, Toru Takami, Satoshi Nakajima, Yoshiharu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5820068
    Abstract: A printer in which a rolled recording paper is housed in a main unit, the printer includes: a housing unit which houses the recording paper, and which has plural guiding portions which cause the recording paper to be located at a predetermined position as a roll diameter of the recording paper becomes smaller; and paper end detecting unit having a detecting element, for, when the detecting element enters a space in a core portion of the recording paper, detecting that remaining amount of the recording paper is reduced to a fixed level or less, wherein the paper end detecting unit is rotatably attached to the housing unit such that the detecting element corresponds to one of the guiding portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hosomi, Toru Takami, Akio Nomura, Satoshi Nakajima, Yoshiharu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5674013
    Abstract: A thermal printer having a head carriage that includes: a head support member to which the thermal head is attached; a holding member for holding the head support member; and a connecting mechanism for connecting the head support member to the holding member so as to be rockable in forward and backward as well as leftward and rightward directions. The connecting mechanism includes: a shaft member fixed to the holding member; and an insertion hole for allowing the shaft member to be inserted thereinto, the insertion hole being formed in the head support member. The width of the insertion hole in the printing direction is substantially the same as the width of the shaft member, and the width of the insertion hole in a direction of the platen, the direction being orthogonal to the printing direction, is larger than the width of the shaft member as a whole but narrowed at a position in an axial direction thereof. The head support member is rotatable in the direction of the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hisayuki Koike, Toru Takami