Patents by Inventor Yasushi Nakazato

Yasushi Nakazato 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: 20070242992
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a movable body to be charged and a charger including a charging member that contacts or adjoins the body to be charged and applies a voltage, including an AC component, to the charging member for thereby charging the body. A protection substance for protecting the surface of the body from deterioration ascribable to charging is caused to exist on the body. The number of particular elements, contained in the protection substance and detected by an X-ray photon spectral analyzer (XPS) in a zone where the charging member charges the body, is held in a particular ratio to the total number of all elements constituting the outermost surface of the body and also detected by the XPS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Watanabe, Kenji Sugiura, Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuhito Watanabe, Masahiko Shakuto, Daichi Yamaguchi, Yasuo Suzuki, Nozomu Tamoto, Hiroshi Nakai, Takahiko Tokumasu, Kohichi Ohshima, Nekka Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7240071
    Abstract: A tree system diagram output method of correlating a plurality of objects and outputting the plurality of objects as a tree system diagram includes the steps of: (a) storing, in a first storing part, an identifier specific to each of the plurality of objects written on a first worksheet; (b) selecting at least one object among the plurality of objects written on the first worksheet; (c) pasting the object selected in the step (b) to a second worksheet; and (d) changing the identifier of the object to be pasted in the step (c) to a second identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7236720
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed that is able to improve transfer efficiency and image quality. The image forming apparatus includes an organic photo-conductor with latent images formed thereon, and a developing unit for developing the latent images. The organic photo-conductor has surface friction coefficient less than or equal to 0.3. The developing unit develops the latent images while transporting a two-composition developing agent including a toner T and a carrier C by a traveling wave electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Masanori Horike, Yohichiroh Miyaguchi, Nobuaki Kondoh, Katsuo Sakai
  • Publication number: 20070127934
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of specifying the type of an occurring abnormality to a certain extent while avoiding the increasingly complicated control that is caused when a plurality of abnormalities is detected individually according to the presence of their respective causes. A normal group data set, which is a collection of normal value combinations relating to grouped information constituted by a plurality of information of differing types, is stored in RAM or ROM serving as information storage device of a control unit. At least two or more sets of grouped information, including first grouped information constituted by a plurality of different types of information, and second grouped information constituted by a plurality of information in a different combination to that of the first grouped information, are obtained from the RAM, the ROM, various sensors, and an operation display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: HISASHI SHOJI, Osamu Satoh, Masaaki Yamada, Shuji Hirai, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Tomoko Takahashi, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Takashi Seto, Nekka Matsuura, Satoshi Ouchi, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7203431
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of specifying the type of an occurring abnormality to a certain extent while avoiding the increasingly complicated control that is cause when a plurality of abnormalities is detected individually according to the presence of their respective causes. A normal group data set, which is a collection of normal value combination relating to grouped information constituted by a plurality of information of differing types, is stored in RAM or ROM serving as information storage device of a control unit. At least two or more sets of grouped information, including first grouped information constituted by a plurality of different types of information, and second grouped information constituted by a plurality of information in a different combination to that of the first grouped information, are obtained from the RAM, the ROM, various sensors, and an operation display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Shoji, Osamu Satoh, Masaaki Yamada, Shuji Hirai, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Tomoko Takahashi, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Takashi Seto, Nekka Matsuura, Satoshi Ouchi, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Publication number: 20070036583
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted to an apparatus body one above the other is disclosed. Structural members each partition off a space between nearby image forming cartridges mounted to the apparatus body. The apparatus is capable of obviating banding ascribable to the vibration of the cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20060294252
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, computer program, and product, each capable of detecting a state of an apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of devices. When at least one of the plurality of devices is determined to be in a first state, a second state of at least one of the plurality of devices is determined. When a state of the apparatus is determined to be in the first state, the second state of another apparatus is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: Hisashi Shoji, Masaichi Sawada, Osamu Satoh, Yasushi Nakazato, Seiji Hoshino, Hitoshi Shimizu, Takenori Oku, Noboru Tsukude
  • Patent number: 7139509
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of cartridges disposed at intervals along an image transfer belt. A plurality of image writing devices is configured to write images. A partition member separates the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of image writing devices. The partition member defines slits configured to permit optical beams from the plurality of image writing devices to pass therethrough. The image transfer belt conveys the recording medium upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7110917
    Abstract: An abnormality determining apparatus includes an information storage unit for storing normal index information serving as an index of a normal state of the detection subject, an information obtaining unit for obtaining a plurality of types of information, and an abnormality determining unit for determining the presence of an abnormality in the detection subject on the basis of the normal index information stored in the information storage unit, and the information obtained by the information obtaining unit. The information storage unit stores a plurality of normal index information having different values. The abnormality determining unit selects, at a predetermined timing, normal index information to be used to determine the presence of an abnormality in the detection subject from the plurality of normal index information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nekka Matsuura, Hisashi Shoji, Satoshi Ouchi, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Osamu Satoh, Masaaki Yamada, Shuji Hirai, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Yasushi Nakazato, Tomoko Takahashi, Takashi Seto, Seiji Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20060195788
    Abstract: A tree system diagram output method of correlating a plurality of objects and outputting the plurality of objects as a tree system diagram includes the steps of: (a) storing, in a first storing part, an identifier specific to each of the plurality of objects written on a first worksheet; (b) selecting at least one object among the plurality of objects written on the first worksheet; (c) pasting the object selected in the step (b) to a second worksheet; and (d) changing the identifier of the object to be pasted in the step (c) to a second identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Publication number: 20060182451
    Abstract: A time point at which a predetermined period elapses since the start of use of a copying machine as a detection subject after factory shipment or repair is obtained. Pieces of set information, which are combinations of various types of information until the time point is reached are sequentially stored to construct a normal set information group. After the time point is reached, presence of abnormality in the copying machine is determined based on the normal set information group and the various types of information obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Hisashi Shoji, Osamu Satoh, Yasushi Nakazato, Hitoshi Shimizu, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Seiji Hoshino, Satoshi Ouchi, Nekka Matsuura, Shuji Hirai, Yoshinori Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20060167958
    Abstract: A tree system diagram output method of correlating a plurality of objects and outputting the plurality of objects as a tree system diagram includes the steps of: (a) storing, in a first storing part, an identifier specific to each of the plurality of objects written on a first worksheet; (b) selecting at least one object among the plurality of objects written on the first worksheet; (c) pasting the object selected in the step (b) to a second worksheet; and (d) changing the identifier of the object to be pasted in the step (c) to a second identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Publication number: 20060140667
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted to an apparatus body one above the other is disclosed. Structural members each partition off a space between nearby image forming cartridges mounted to the apparatus body. The apparatus is capable of obviating banding ascribable to the vibration of the cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20060143198
    Abstract: A tree system diagram output method of correlating a plurality of objects and outputting the plurality of objects as a tree system diagram includes the steps of: (a) storing, in a first storing part, an identifier specific to each of the plurality of objects written on a first worksheet; (b) selecting at least one object among the plurality of objects written on the first worksheet; (c) pasting the object selected in the step (b) to a second worksheet; and (d) changing the identifier of the object to be pasted in the step (c) to a second identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7058335
    Abstract: A charging device of the present invention includes a charging member and a body to be charged forming a nip therebetween. Charge-promoting conductive grains, frictionally charged to polarity opposite to the polarity of a voltage applied to the charging member, are held at the above nip. The charging device is operable in a cleaning mode for cleaning the body to be charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sugiura, Nekka Matsuura, Yasushi Nakazato, Takahiko Tokumasu, Kazuhito Watanabe, Noriyoshi Tarumi
  • Patent number: 7058653
    Abstract: A tree system diagram output method of correlating a plurality of objects and outputting the plurality of objects as a tree system diagram includes the steps of: (a) storing, in a first storing part, an identifier specific to each of the plurality of objects written on a first worksheet; (b) selecting at least one object among the plurality of objects written on the first worksheet; (c) pasting the object selected in the step (b) to a second worksheet; and (d) changing the identifier of the object to be pasted in the step (c) to a second identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Yasushi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7050739
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges and/or a plurality of light emitting members in a housing. Horizontal and/or vertical structural members attached to the housing separate the plurality of image forming cartridges and/or plurality of light emitting members. The horizontal and/or vertical structural members improves rigidity and reduces banding ascribable to the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20060088337
    Abstract: A color image forming apparatus of the present invention charges the surface of a photoconductive belt with a charger, exposes the charged surface with an exposing unit to form a latent image, develops the latent image with a developing unit to thereby form a corresponding toner image, repeats such a process a plurality of times to form toner images of different colors on the belt one above the other, and transfers the resulting composite color image to a recording medium with an image transferring unit. At least a second-color and successive developing units each are implemented as an electrostatic developing unit including an electrostatic toner conveying device having a number of electrodes arranged at preselected small intervals in a direction of toner conveyance and each extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the above direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Masaaki Yamada, Kazumi Suzuki, Takeo Yamaguchi, Nekka Matsuura, Akio Kutsuwada, Seiji Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7027751
    Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a photoconductive drum provided with a photoconductive layer on its surface. A charger uniformly charges the surface of the drum while an exposing unit exposes the charged surface of the drum to thereby form a latent image on the drum. A developing device develops the latent image with toner by feeding the toner to the drum to thereby produce a corresponding toner image and collects residual toner left on the drum after image transfer. An image transferring device transfer the toner image from the drum to an intermediate image transfer body. An air conditioning unit sends dehumidified, air-controlled air to a space around said photoconductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuroh Miura, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Takeshi Saitou, Takeo Suda, Yasushi Nakazato, Yasuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6987944
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a charging device that charges a surface of the image bearer, a latent image forming device that forms a latent image on the image bearer, a developing device that develops the latent image on the image bearer with a spherical toner into a toner image, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a transfer material, and a cleaning device that removes the spherical toner remaining on the image bearer after the toner image is transferred to the transfer material. The cleaning device including a cleaning roller that removes the spherical toner on the image bearer while rotating and contacting the image bearer and which has a greater coefficient of static friction than the surface of the image bearer. An electric field is formed between the cleaning member and the image bearer by applying a voltage to the cleaning member so that the spherical toner adhered onto the image bearer is electrostatically attracted to the cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Shakuto, Yasushi Nakazato, Osamu Naruse, Naomi Sugimoto, Takahiko Tokumasu, Kenji Sugiura, Tohru Nakano