Patents by Inventor Toshihiro Imae

Toshihiro Imae 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: 20180141355
    Abstract: A printer includes an apparatus body having a recording head for performing recording onto a sheet of paper. The printer also includes a unit body that is accommodated inside the apparatus body and has a path-forming surface formed at least on a portion of the periphery of the unit body. The path-forming surface forms a medium transport path. The unit body includes a plurality of openings that are in communication with a sound absorber disposed inside the unit body. The plurality of the openings are provided at least on a portion of the path-forming surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Akira NAKAZAWA, Toshihiro IMAE
  • Patent number: 9834019
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a recording mechanism unit; an opening/closing unit that opens and closes the top portion of the recording mechanism unit; and a support member that holds the opening/closing unit in an opening state. The support member includes a first link portion that is rotatably connected to the opening/closing unit, a second link portion that is rotatably connected to the first link portion and that is rotatably connected to the recording mechanism unit, a first locking mechanism that holds the opening/closing unit in the opening state at a first angle, and a second locking mechanism that does not hold the opening/closing unit in the opening state at a second angle which is smaller than the first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Migita, Masaki Shimomura, Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20170190193
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a recording mechanism unit; an opening/closing unit that opens and closes the top portion of the recording mechanism unit; and a support member that holds the opening/closing unit in an opening state. The support member includes a first link portion that is rotatably connected to the opening/closing unit, a second link portion that is rotatably connected to the first link portion and that is rotatably connected to the recording mechanism unit, a first locking mechanism that holds the opening/closing unit in the opening state at a first angle, and a second locking mechanism that does not hold the opening/closing unit in the opening state at a second angle which is smaller than the first angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Koji MIGITA, Masaki SHIMOMURA, Toshihiro IMAE
  • Patent number: 9189696
    Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Imae, Masashi Fujikawa, Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Morimichi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 9126803
    Abstract: A mechanism for installing a media separation roller 16 includes a roller holder unit 90 and a unit installation part 70 on the conveyance path side. The roller holder unit 90 includes a first holder 100 that supports the retard roller 16, a second holder 110 connected to the first holder 100 pivotably on an axis of holder rotation, and an urging member 130 that urges the first holder 100 to the second holder 110 around the axis of holder rotation. The retard roller 16 and tension spring 130 are removably installable to the unit installation part 70 as a unit. Replacing the retard roller 16 is therefore simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masubuchi, Toshihiro Imae
  • Patent number: 9050839
    Abstract: A small, compactly configured reference position detection device 170 for a rotary transfer mechanism includes a rotary member 130 that can rotate through a rotational angle less than one revolution from a first rotational position past a second rotational position and reference position to a third rotational position; a detection flag disc 151 that can move in a range from a first position past a detection position to a second position; a detector 162 that detects the detection flag passing the detection position, and a flag moving mechanism. The flag moving mechanism can move the detection flag disc 151 tracking the rotary member 130. The position of detection flag disc 151 movement when passing the reference position of the rotary member 130 is the detection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Aruga, Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20150125062
    Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Toshihiro IMAE, Masashi FUJIKAWA, Yoshiaki KINOSHITA, Morimichi MIZUNO
  • Patent number: 8973913
    Abstract: To easily replace a retard roller (that is a media separation roller) while minimizing the required installation space, a printer 1 has a first media conveyance path 12 that conveys sheet media; a second media conveyance path 29 that conveys media and can open and close; a media conveyance roller 17 and a retard roller 16 disposed opposite each other with the first media conveyance path 12 therebetween; and a roller installation unit 70 to which the retard roller 16 is installed removably from the second media conveyance path 29 side. The retard roller 16 can be easily replaced from the open second media conveyance path 29. Compared with a configuration having a dedicated opening, a smaller opening and space for replacing the media separation roller are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masubuchi, Toshihiro Imae
  • Patent number: 8953867
    Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Imae, Masashi Fujikawa, Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Morimichi Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20140292847
    Abstract: A small, compactly configured reference position detection device 170 for a rotary transfer mechanism includes a rotary member 130 that can rotate through a rotational angle less than one revolution from a first rotational position past a second rotational position and reference position to a third rotational position; a detection flag disc 151 that can move in a range from a first position past a detection position to a second position; a detector 162 that detects the detection flag passing the detection position, and a flag moving mechanism. The flag moving mechanism can move the detection flag disc 151 tracking the rotary member 130. The position of detection flag disc 151 movement when passing the reference position of the rotary member 130 is the detection position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Aruga, Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20140252712
    Abstract: To easily replace a retard roller (that is a media separation roller) while minimizing the required installation space, a printer 1 has a first media conveyance path 12 that conveys sheet media; a second media conveyance path 29 that conveys media and can open and close; a media conveyance roller 17 and a retard roller 16 disposed opposite each other with the first media conveyance path 12 therebetween; and a roller installation unit 70 to which the retard roller 16 is installed removably from the second media conveyance path 29 side. The retard roller 16 can be easily replaced from the open second media conveyance path 29. Compared with a configuration having a dedicated opening, a smaller opening and space for replacing the media separation roller are required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masubuchi, Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20140252713
    Abstract: A mechanism for installing a media separation roller 16 includes a roller holder unit 90 and a unit installation part 70 on the conveyance path side. The roller holder unit 90 includes a first holder 100 that supports the retard roller 16, a second holder 110 connected to the first holder 100 pivotably on an axis of holder rotation, and an urging member 130 that urges the first holder 100 to the second holder 110 around the axis of holder rotation. The retard roller 16 and tension spring 130 are removably installable to the unit installation part 70 as a unit. Replacing the retard roller 16 is therefore simple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masubuchi, Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20130243303
    Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Imae, Masashi FUJIKAWA, Yoshiaki KINOSHITA, Morimichi MIZUNO
  • Patent number: 8457383
    Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Imae, Masashi Fujikawa, Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Morimichi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8382102
    Abstract: A transportation alignment device, a control method for a transportation alignment device, and a recording device determine the alignment of media having a transparent part with high transmittance at its leading end with a simple configuration, and prevent idling of processes downstream from the alignment member. A plurality of optical media detection sensors arranged across the width of the transportation path on the upstream side of the alignment plates each detect a medium touching the alignment plates. If all of the media detection sensors do not detect the medium when the medium has been advanced sufficiently to contact the alignment plate and align the medium, a medium, such as a laminated medium, having a high transmittance part at the leading end thereof is determined to be aligned, the alignment plate is retracted from the transportation path, and the medium is conveyed to the downstream side of the transportation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20110024976
    Abstract: A transportation alignment device, a control method for a transportation alignment device, and a recording device determine the alignment of media having a transparent part with high transmittance at its leading end with a simple configuration, and prevent idling of processes downstream from the alignment member. A plurality of optical media detection sensors arranged across the width of the transportation path on the upstream side of the alignment plates each detect a medium touching the alignment plates. If all of the media detection sensors do not detect the medium when the medium has been advanced sufficiently to contact the alignment plate and align the medium, a medium, such as a laminated medium, having a high transmittance part at the leading end thereof is determined to be aligned, the alignment plate is retracted from the transportation path, and the medium is conveyed to the downstream side of the transportation path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20100208977
    Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Imae, Masashi Fujikawa, Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Morimichi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7735822
    Abstract: A sheet cassette is adapted to be detachably attached to a cassette receiver of an information processing apparatus. A cassette body is formed with an opened space adapted to contain sheets therein. A stopper is operable to prevent a sheet from moving in a first direction to enter the opened space when a volume of the sheets contained in the opened space reaches a maximum containing capacity, while allowing the sheets contained in the opened space to move in a second direction to be fed to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Aruga, Toshihiro Imae
  • Publication number: 20090121413
    Abstract: A sheet cassette is adapted to be detachably attached to a cassette receiver of an information processing apparatus. A cassette body is formed with an opened space adapted to contain sheets therein. A stopper is operable to prevent a sheet from moving in a first direction to enter the opened space when a volume of the sheets contained in the opened space reaches a maximum containing capacity, while allowing the sheets contained in the opened space to move in a second direction to be fed to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi Aruga, Toshihiro Imae
  • Patent number: 7487961
    Abstract: A sheet cassette is adapted to be detachably attached to a cassette receiver of an information processing apparatus. A cassette body is formed with an opened space adapted to contain sheets therein. A stopper is operable to prevent a sheet from moving in a first direction to enter the opened space when a volume of the sheets contained in the opened space reaches a maximum containing capacity, while allowing the sheets contained in the opened space to move in a second direction to be fed to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Aruga, Toshihiro Imae