Patents Issued in March 1, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070045894
    Abstract: Process for producing an oriented polyolefin film using a multi-component polymer composition provided by a primary polymer component comprising an isotactic propylene homopolymer produced by the polymerization of propylene in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and a secondary polymer component comprising a metallocene polymerized isotactic propylene polymer having a xylene solubles content which is less than that of the primary polymer component. The secondary polymer component is a propylene homopolymer or an ethylene-propylene random copolymer having an ethylene content of about 0.5 wt. % or less. The polymer components are separately co-extruded to form a multilayer co-extrudate in which the primary polymer component is present in an amount greater than the secondary polymer component. The multilayer co-extrudate is oriented in at least one direction to form an oriented film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Michael McLeod
  • Publication number: 20070045895
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable process for continuously producing a synthetic resin film oriented in the machine direction across the full width. The present invention provides a process for producing a synthetic resin film including step (A) of casting and applying a composition containing a polymer and an organic solvent onto a support to form a gel film; step (B) of stripping the gel film and heating the gel film with both ends being fixed; and step (C) of heating the film with both ends being released after step (B), wherein the thickness b of the film produced in step (B) and the thickness c of the film produced in step (C) satisfy the relationship: b>c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaaki Matsuwaki, Kazuhiro Ono, Kan Fujihara, Toshihisa Itoh, Kiyokazu Akahori
  • Publication number: 20070045896
    Abstract: A dope is produced from TAC and a mixture solvent whose main compound is dichloromethane. The dope is cast from a casting die onto a casting drum. In an upstream side from the casting die, a decompression chamber having air pipes is provided. The difference from the ordinate pressure to the pressure inside the decompression chamber is ?2000 Pa to ?10 Pa. An air is fed through the air pipes into the decompression chamber. Thus the pressure fluctuation in the decompression chamber is reduced, and the pressure becomes almost constant in the widthwise direction. Therefore, the entrained air and another air are prevented from entering into the decompression chamber, which makes the shape of the bead of the discharged casting dope stable. When having self-supporting properties, the casting film is peeled as a film from the casting drum and dried to be a TAC film without thickness unevenness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Akifumi Kato, Hidekazu Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20070045897
    Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a simulated stone product includes a flexible layer having a mold cavity in the shape of the simulated stone product. The flexible layer includes a first surface in which the mold cavity is formed and a second surface opposite the first surface. The mold also includes a structural foam that conforms to the shape of the second surface of the flexible layer and provides support to the second surface. The mold further includes a plastic tray holding the structural foam and the flexible layer. Also described are a plastic tray for constructing a mold to manufacture a simulated stone product, and a method of manufacturing a simulated stone product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Cliff Alexander, Robert Ugianskis, Donn Vermilion
  • Publication number: 20070045898
    Abstract: A method for making multicolored plastic mixed material of colored drawing comprises {circle around (1)} preparing a mold having at least two color areas, in each color area is formed an injection hole. {circle around (2)} injecting different colored plastic materials into the color areas of the mold via the injection holes during the same ejection molding process, and the different colored plastic materials will be mixed with each other in overlapping areas, the user can create different shaped color areas by changing position of the injection holes, time, speed and amount of plastic injection, and in the gradient lines will appear in the overlapping areas. {circle around (3)} unmolding a resultant multicolor plastic product from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Deng-Ren Yang
  • Publication number: 20070045899
    Abstract: An injection molded article with which a sheet-like material, such as a decorative sheet, is integrated is manufactured without causing damage to the sheet-like material. A molten resin injected into a mold cavity, passes smoothly a peripheral edge of the mold cavity, and flows into a groove portion without accumulating in the vicinity of the peripheral edge. When cooling the molten resin, the temperature of the molten resin in the groove decreases more quickly than the temperature of the molten resin in the mold cavity, because the volume of the groove portion is smaller. As a result, the viscosity of the molten resin in the groove portion and in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the mold cavity is increased rapidly, preventing a further volume of the molten resin from flowing into the groove portion. The sheet-like material in the vicinity of the peripheral edge is covered by the resinous material of diminished fluidity and protected against exposure to heat and/or pressure of the molten resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: MORIROKU COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki BABA, Koji AKASAKA, Daiju KAWAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20070045900
    Abstract: A color changing apparatus of an injection molding hot runner die which is simple in construction and easily capable of changing colors for molding products without removing and replacing a hot runner. In the apparatus, a passage for supplying a melted resin to a molding die, a divided type hot runner block is provided with hot runners each for exclusive use of each of molding colors, sprues and nozzles being in communication with the hot runners. A moving device is provided for moving the molding die, which is united with the divided type hot runner block, along with the divided type hot runner block. A positioning device is adapted to place the molding die in position in a state where either of the sprues of the divided type hot runner block is moved by the moving device to a position opposed to an injection nozzle for injecting the melted resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Isobe, Kouji Takamura, Masaaki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20070045901
    Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive element, particularly a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, comprises molding an element from a composite material comprising a polymer and an electrically conductive material to produce an element having a polymer-rich skin and removing at least a portion of the polymer-rich skin with a plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Reena Datta
  • Publication number: 20070045902
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biointerface membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel biointerface membranes, to devices and implantable devices including these membranes, methods for forming the biointerface membranes on or around the implantable devices, and to methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: James Brauker, Peter Simpson, Robert Boock, Monica Rixman, Mark Brister
  • Publication number: 20070045903
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioned blown film including a first blown film layer, a second blown film layer, and a plurality of cushioning cells defined between the first blown film layer and the second film layer. The cushioned blown films may be bonded to a fibrous web to make film nonwoven laminates. Processes for making the cushioned blown film and the film nonwoven laminates are also disclosed. Such laminates are highly useful for use in personal care products, protective wear garments, medical care products, mortuary and veterinary products and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Bryon Day, Ann McCormack
  • Publication number: 20070045904
    Abstract: An apparatus for the extrusion a multi-layer parison comprises an extrusion blow molding head having a bore passing through the head with a diverter sleeve located within the bore. There is a first manifold in fluid communication with a first die inlet, the first manifold substantially surrounds the diverter sleeve and is in fluid communication with a proximal end of a flow path formed by the diverter sleeve and the bore; wherein the flow path extends from the proximal end to a head exit and a first land that has a variable width is positioned between the first manifold and the flow path. A second manifold is in fluid communication with a second die inlet, the second manifold substantially surrounds the diverter sleeve and is in fluid communication with the flow path at a first location downstream from the proximal end of the flow path; wherein the flow path has a width that increases at the first location; and a second land that has a variable width positioned between the second manifold and the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: John Ulcej, Dale Pitsch, Timothy Callahan
  • Publication number: 20070045905
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a shaped fibrous nonwoven structure including a delivery system adapted to provide a high speed composite stream comprising thermoplastic polymer fibers and a secondary material. The apparatus also includes a movable collection device having a collection surface which intersects the composite stream, and at least one deflector to mechanically redirect at least a portion of the composite stream. Further the deflector moves in synchronization with the movable collection device, such that the composite stream is collected on the collection surface forming a fibrous nonwoven structure having at least one non-linear edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Venturino, Seth Newlin, Paul Olmstead, Susan Daniels, Sara Schewe
  • Publication number: 20070045906
    Abstract: A method and apparatus including means for delivery of at least one high speed composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material. The method and apparatus also includes a movable collection device which intersects in the composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material and at least one non-contact deflector to redirect at least a portion of the composite stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Susan Daniels, Sara Schewe, Randall Foss, David Hunter, Michael Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070045907
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacture that include a hollow tubular structure having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface being in contact with a fluid and the outer surface including a plurality of irregularly textured areas extending radially from that surface so that frictional engagement with the surface is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Valerie Salatino, Nancy Moran
  • Publication number: 20070045908
    Abstract: A ceramic article is formed from sugar, water, and a clay compound. The sugar, water, and a clay compound are combined to form a mixture. The mixture is shaped into an article. The article is fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Kathleen Baker
  • Publication number: 20070045909
    Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a porous ceramic structure, including: firing a formed body containing ceramic particles and a combustible powder functioning as a pore former, and burning off the combustible powder to obtain the porous ceramic structure. As the combustible powder, porous resin particles having an average particle diameter of 10 to 50 ?m and a porosity of 50 to 90% are used. The method for manufacturing a porous ceramic structure can inhibit the combustible powder functioning as a pore former from being smashed upon mixing/kneading a forming raw material and suppressing an excess heat generation upon firing and can manufacture a porous ceramic structure having a stable porosity with a good yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiko Watanabe, Hiroyuki Suenobu, Yasushi Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20070045910
    Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a porous ceramic structure, including: firing a formed body containing ceramic particles and a combustible powder functioning as a pore former, and burning off the combustible powder to obtain the porous ceramic structure. The combustible powder has an exothermic rate of 0 to 35 ?VĀ·min./mg, which is obtained from a differential thermal analysis. The method for manufacturing a porous ceramic structure can inhibit a crack from being generated during firing even without slowing down the temperature rise rate at the combustion range of the pore former or without lowering an oxygen content in the firing atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Noguchi, Hiroyuki Suenobu, Takehiko Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070045911
    Abstract: An organic additive is removed from a ceramic honeycomb by an improved method by contacting each end of the extruded honeycomb with a member that has a gas permeability no greater than the outer wall, the member essentially covering the ends and heating the honeycomb to a temperature sufficient to remove the organic additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: John Henley, Avani Patel, Arthur Prunier, Chan Han
  • Publication number: 20070045912
    Abstract: A production method of a dielectric ceramic composition having a main component containing a compound having a perovskite crystal structure of the general formula ABO3 (where, A is at least one type of element selected from Ba, Ca, Sr, and Mg, and B is at least one type of element selected from Ti, Zr, and Hf), having a step of synthesizing an ABO3 powder by a liquid phase method or solid phase method, a step of heat treating said synthesized ABO3 powder to remove gas ingredients contained in said ABO3 powder, and a step of firing a dielectric ceramic composition material including said ABO3 powder from which the gas ingredient has been removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sasaki, Tsutomu Odashima, Tomoaki Nonaka, Matsumi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070045913
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and characterizing contaminants in a high temperature metal melt. The apparatus includes provision for visually monitoring a bath of molten metal within a hearth or a mold to detect instantaneously entry of contaminants to the bath. In addition, the invention provides for characterizing size and location of contaminants in the bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Fiore, David Tripp, Fatai Odebisi
  • Publication number: 20070045914
    Abstract: Device for manufacturing a metal foam. The device includes at least two feed pipes for introducing gas. The at least two feed pipes are arranged next to one another. Each of the at least two feed pipes project into a foamable melt. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Huette Klein-Reichenbach Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Franz Dobesberger, Herbert Flankl, Dietmar Leitlmeier
  • Publication number: 20070045915
    Abstract: A leaf spring assembly includes a safety strap extending along the bottom of a plurality of stacked leaf springs that are held in a stacked relationship by a leaf fastener. The strap is attached to each leaf spring in the stack by fasteners at opposite ends of the spring such that adjacent leaf springs are connected on each side of the fastener. In the event that any one of the springs fails between the leaf fastener and one of the ends at which the strap is attached, the broken pieces of the spring remain connected to the other springs in the stack. This prevents pieces from breaking free of the assembly and creating road hazards in the event of spring failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Melvin Svendsen, Donald Stoesz, Simon Feng, Luc Jarry, Marty Boll
  • Publication number: 20070045916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas spring which uses a compensating medium acting on a compensating piston in order to compensate the dependence on temperature of its characteristic. According to a first aspect of the invention, a compensating medium (16M) is selected whereof the critical temperature (TK) is between the lower limit temperature (Tlower) and a temperature exceeding the upper limit temperature (Tupper) of the range of operating temperatures of the gas spring (50) by up to 100° C., and the gas spring (50) is designed such that, at an operating temperature (TB) of the gas spring (50) not exceeding the critical temperature (TK) of the compensating medium (16M), the point indicating the state of the compensating medium (16M) lies on or above the vapor pressure curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Ansel, Meik Broeder, Stefan Bonnekessel, Stephan Enders, Alexander Koehl, Rainer Massmann, Rolf Mintgen, Marc Nadler, Willi Nieratschker, Rainer Sauer
  • Publication number: 20070045917
    Abstract: A vibration absorber includes a support frame installed on a structure, and a damper block portion movably installed on the support frame to change a frequency of the structure while moving on the support frame. The vibration absorber and the light scanning unit having the vibration absorber are manufactured without a precision process because the frequency can be tuned by the movement of mass, not by changing the strength. Also, since the frequency of the vibration absorber can be tuned by manually moving the damper block portion, the vibration absorber may be used in mechanical structures operating under various working environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeonkyu Kim
  • Publication number: 20070045918
    Abstract: A hydraulic bushing assembly includes an inner tube, an elastomeric bushing disposed around the inner tube, an insert disposed around the elastomeric bushing and an outer tube disposed around the insert. The elastomeric bushing and the insert define a pair of chambers which are connected by a passageway defined by the insert. A pair of intermediate tubes are disposed in the elastomeric bushing at opposite axial ends of the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Jay Thornhill, Robert Goudie, Butch Brown, Mark Morman, Bill Burk, Hal Henry, Daniel Wittler, Robert Ferguson, David Stewart, Andrew Franzen, David Baker
  • Publication number: 20070045919
    Abstract: The sheet processing apparatus is provided with a second folding, conveying roller pair that discharges a folded sheet bundle with its folded portion being the leading edge and a folded bundle tray provided below the second folding, conveying roller pair on which the sheet bundle discharged by the second folding, conveying roller pair is to be stacked and that moves the stacked sheet bundle. Before a succeeding sheet bundle is discharged onto a preceding sheet bundle, the folded bundle tray moves the preceding sheet bundle in the upstream direction with respect to the sheet conveyance direction to place the trailing edge of the preceding sheet bundle at a position upstream of the leading edge of the succeeding sheet bundle. Thus, it is possible to provide a sheet processing apparatus that can stack folded sheet bundles with reliability and to improve the image forming efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenichi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20070045920
    Abstract: A bookbinding system wherein additional printing is conducted on a cover sheet which has been printed thereon outside an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is provided with an ejection-outlet through which the image forming apparatus accepts the cover sheet coming from a bookbinding apparatus and the cover sheet printed by a printing device of the image forming apparatus is fed out to the bookbinding apparatus for bookbinding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kohji Yoshie, Saburo Shimizu, Riichi Hama, Masahiro Kaneko, Kiyoshi Hata
  • Publication number: 20070045921
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet folding apparatus for folding a sheet stack, including a sheet stack support member for supporting a sheet stack by being abutted against a lower edge of the sheet stack, an abutting member for folding the sheet stack by making the sheet stack supported by the sheet stack support member abutted against a leading edge of the abutting member, and paired folding rollers for sandwiching the sheet stack folded by the abutting member to fold the sheet stack at a fold position, in which a position where the sheet stack is abutted against the leading edge of the abutting member with respect to the fold position is varied based on sheet stack information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshimasa Suzuki, Kenichi Hayashi, Atsuteru Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20070045922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet processor apparatus comprising: a sheet stack portion on which a sheet is stacked; a sheet conveyance path for conveying a sheet stacked on the sheet stack portion; a sheet conveyor for conveying to the sheet conveyance path the sheet stacked on the sheet stack portion; and a sheet folding device for folding a sheet in the sheet-set conveyance path. The sheet folding device is provided in the sheet conveyance path, and at least a portion of the sheet conveyance path at which the sheet folding device is positioned is formed into a curved shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisaku Kamiya, Masaharu Nemura, Junichi Moteki, Yuzo Matsumoto, Shunsuke Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20070045923
    Abstract: The present invention is characterized in a sheet processing apparatus comprising a sheet processing device which binds a sheet stack with a binder and cuts off an excess part of the binder; a first containing portion which contains at least one binder excess cut off by the sheet processing device; a second containing portion which can contain the at least one binder excess contained in the first containing portion; and a controller which controls movement of the at least one binder excess contained in the first containing portion to the second containing portion on the basis of the volume of the at least one binder excess in the first containing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi MORIYAMA, Takayuki FUJII
  • Publication number: 20070045924
    Abstract: The bundle of a plurality of sheets P are returned onto a processing tray 101 by reverse rotation of a bundle discharge roller pair 180a and 180b, and by separating operation of one of the bundle discharge roller pair from the other one and are made to run into the rear-end stopper 3 for aligning. The bundle discharge roller pair 180a and 180b are made to rotate backward in the A direction of the arrow shown in the drawing in a holding state in which the sheets P are held between the bundle discharge roller pair 180a and 180b, and, at the same time, the bundle discharge roller 180b at the upper side is separated from the bundle discharge roller 180a at the lower side. The bundle of sheets P are released from being held between the rollers; slide down on the inclined processing tray 101 at a return velocity Vb; and are made to run into the rear end stopper 3 for aligning. The return velocity Vb may be controlled according to the reverse-rotational speed of the bundle discharge roller pair 180a and 180b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: DAISAKU KAMIYA, Hideki Kushida
  • Publication number: 20070045925
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus, including: an intermediate process tray which receives sheets delivered from the image forming apparatus as a sheet stack; a process unit which applies a predetermined process for the sheet stack received on the intermediate process tray; a pair of rollers which nips and delivers the sheet stack subjected to the predetermined process by the process unit; a stack tray which receives the sheet stack delivered by the pair of rollers; and a controller moves one roller of the pair of rollers to a standby position corresponding to a thickness of the sheet stack to be delivered onto the stack tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Moriyama, Hitoshi Kato, Shunsuke Nishimura, Naoto Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070045926
    Abstract: This invention can improve the appearance quality of a pamphlet produced by suppressing a swell of a folded sheet bundle and prevent a drop in productivity without enlarging the size of a sheet processing apparatus. A sheet bundle receiving position is changed depending on a sheet size and the moving direction of the press unit is changed corresponding to the sheet size of a conveyed sheet bundle. As a consequence, the enlargement of the sheet processing apparatus can be avoided without deteriorating productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Fukatsu, Yushi Oka
  • Publication number: 20070045927
    Abstract: A booklet binding apparatus including a clamp mechanism for clamping a sheet bundle, a coating member for applying adhesive to the spine surface of the sheet bundle clamped by the clamp mechanism, and an attaching and detaching mechanism for moving the coating member to and from the spine surface of the sheet bundle, wherein the attaching and detaching mechanism includes a separation mechanism which makes the coating member to be detached from the spine surface of the sheet bundle when an abnormal incident has occurred during application of the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kohji Yoshie, Saburo Shimizu, Riichi Hama, Masahiro Kaneko, Kiyoshi Hata
  • Publication number: 20070045928
    Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus for providing wrapping-binding of a booklet by bonding a cover sheet on the spine portion of a sheet bundle to wrap the sheet bundle with the cover sheet, wherein the sheet conveyance path of the bookbinding apparatus includes a notch forming device to form notches on the end to be coated with adhesive when the sheet is subjected to bookbinding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kohji Yoshie, Saburo Shimizu, Riichi Hama, Masahiro Kaneko, Kiyoshi Hata
  • Publication number: 20070045929
    Abstract: Provided is a post-processing apparatus which sequentially receives sheets one by one from an image forming apparatus to execute a post-processing on the sheets, including: a first transport device which receives the sheets delivered from the image forming apparatus and transports the sheets; a sheet overlap device which stays the sheets transported by the first transport device and causes another sheet transported sequentially by the first transport device to overlap at least one stayed sheet; a second transport device which transports a plurality of sheets overlapping each other by the sheet overlap device; a plurality of stacking devices capable of stacking a plurality of sheets transported by the second transport device; and a controller which changes control of sheet overlapping caused by the sheet overlap device depending on which stacking device selected from among the plurality of stacking devices the sheets are to be transported to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki FUJII, Toshiyuki MIYAKE, Yasuo FUKATSU, Takako HANADA, Yusuke OBUCHI, Atsuteru OIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20070045930
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus; a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for out-sorting envelopes rejected in accordance with determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling, imaging and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: George Hayduchok, Robert DeWitt
  • Publication number: 20070045931
    Abstract: An imaging system comprises an imaging device having a manual feed mechanism integrated into a lid thereof. The manual feed mechanism is actuatable to feed a media object to a platen of the imaging device for imaging thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Tregoning
  • Publication number: 20070045932
    Abstract: A feeding unit is detachably attached to a sheet cassette in which sheets are loaded. The feeding unit includes a sheet tray on which sheets are loaded, and a fan for blowing air against the side surface of a stack of sheets loaded on the sheet tray, the sheet tray and the fan being held in a case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroto Koga, Yusuke Imai, Hiroshi Hiura
  • Publication number: 20070045933
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a sheet tray in which a plurality of sheets to be stacked; a sheet feeding section which vacuums a sheet from the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet tray and feeds the sheet to an image forming apparatus; a first sheet separator which has a member which separates each sheet from the plurality of sheets when the sheet feeding section feeds the plurality of sheets; and a second sheet separator which has a forward roller rotated in a sheet transport direction, which feeds the sheet to the image forming apparatus, and a parallel retard roller rotatable in an opposite direction so as to separate each sheet from the plurality of sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Shigeru Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20070045934
    Abstract: A card-feeding mechanism has two rollers positioned before a limiting device, and a roller and a sensor positioned after the limiting device. When a motor rotates clockwise, a transmission device drives the three rollers simultaneously to deliver a card from a front end toward a rear end. When the sensor detects an edge of the card, the motor rotates counterclockwise, and only drives the roller after the limiting device. Then, the card is only driven by the roller after the limiting device, and the rollers before the limiting device are driven by the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Tung-Ming Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20070045935
    Abstract: This invention relates to a feed roller apparatus, comprising; a feed roller centerpiece having first and second ends, a shaft operatively connected to the first and second ends of the centerpiece, and a textured metallic layer located substantially adjacent to an outer surface of the centerpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Louis Barinaga, Peter Thompson, Randall Krauter
  • Publication number: 20070045936
    Abstract: A sheet separating mechanism and a method of separating sheets that includes a retard surface carrier that causes a retard surface to apply an alternately higher and lower friction force against the edge of an underlying sheet. The alternation of the higher and lower friction force can be coupled to a vacuum sheet feeder. The retard surface can be translated to present a next portion of the retard surface to the edge of the next underlying sheet with the translation coupled to the vacuum sheet feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Youti Kuo, Kenneth Luff, Ernest DiNatale
  • Publication number: 20070045937
    Abstract: A printing media supply device for use in an image forming apparatus includes a printing media supply cassette adapted to receive a stack of printing media. A pick-up roller picks up the printing media stacked in the printing media supply cassette. The pick-up roller has a pick-up member for picking up the printing media, and a rotation member for supporting the pick-up member. The rotation member has a buffer surface formed by cutting a portion of a leading edge portion thereof away. The buffer surface may be formed so as to expose side surfaces of the pick-up member. The pick-up roller applies a substantially uniform pressure to the printing media even when there is a large quantity of printing media stacked in the printing media supply cassette, and thereby minimizes multifeeding of the printing media. Accordingly, the supply of printing media is stable, improving the printing media supply efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jin-soo Lee, Yu-man Kim
  • Publication number: 20070045938
    Abstract: In a sheet feeding mechanism wherein a spring can be used to properly regulate a sheet feeding position, sheets are not deformed in spite of the urging force of the spring, and a required conveying force is prevented from being increased after sheet feeding. Specifically, immediately before a sheet is fed, a driving mechanism is used to move a slide plate leftward. A driving portion of the slide plate pushes an arm of a lever to rotate the lever counterclockwise against a tension spring. Thus, a connecting portion of the lever pushes an interlocking portion of a biasing plate downward. That part of the biasing plate rotates clockwise against the force exerted as a set spring portion is urged counterclockwise. In conjunction with this rotation, a biasing portion rotates clockwise to urge printing sheets to press them against a reference surface of a case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: MASAKAZU TAKU
  • Publication number: 20070045939
    Abstract: In a belt driving mechanism, an endless belt is wrapped around a driving roller and a driven roller. The endless belt runs between the driving roller and the driven roller. The axis of the driven roller is placed so as to form a certain angle of torsion to a plane containing opposite ends of the driving roller and a middle point between opposite ends of the driven roller. Rotation of the driven roller is decelerated or stopped with the driving roller keeping on rotating to run the endless belt. Resistance is thus offered to between the endless belt and the driven roller while keeping the driving roller rotating to run the endless belt, so that the endless belt is slipped on the driven roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kiminori Toya, Hideki Nukada, Yuko Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070045940
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs for adjusting an output orientation of multi-thickness media input marking data, determine a number of sheets of the multi-thickness media that is to be alternated within an output stack, and adjust the output orientation of at least one sheet of multi-thickness media to be output based on the determined number of sheets of the multi-thickness media to be alternated
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Stenzel, Vincent Berardi, Cesar Marquez, Edward Imes, Ronald Edsall, Warren Brady, Liam Cummings, Norman Vanas, Christopher Delano, Michael Cook
  • Publication number: 20070045941
    Abstract: A paper sheet stacking apparatus comprises a conveying device which has first and second conveying members, wherein take-out ends of the second conveying members are positioned on a more upstream side in a paper sheet conveying direction than a take-out end of the first conveying member, and after a paper sheet is taken out from the second conveying members, the paper sheet is conveyed by only the first conveying member, an impeller which introduces the paper sheet conveyed by only the first conveying member into between vanes thereof to guide the paper sheet in a predetermined direction, and then discharges the paper sheet, and a stack housing which stacks the paper sheets discharged from the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Sakoguchi
  • Publication number: 20070045942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for laterally aligning sheets, said mechanism comprising a suction device that grips the sheets and guides them with the side edges against a side lay. The mechanism comprises at least one suction plate provided with suction holes. The invention modifies a mechanism for laterally aligning sheets in such a way that heavy and special print substrates can be gripped and aligned easily by the side edges. The mechanism of the present invention comprises suction openings (8.1) of the suction holes (8) open into grooves (9), which are open towards the sheets to be aligned (FIG. 1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Koenig & Bauer AG
    Inventors: Carsten Reinsch, Volkmar Schumann, Uwe Guhr
  • Publication number: 20070045943
    Abstract: In a sheet conveying device, a multi-function frame in which optional devices such as a stack bypass, an envelope supplying unit and the like are mountable is connected to on an upstream of a conveyance frame defining a bottom surface of a sheet conveyance passage. A registration guide is pivotably supported on a downstream end portion of the multi-function frame and selectively shiftable over a first position of defining an upper surface of the sheet conveyance passage and a second position of opening an upper portion of the sheet conveyance passage. As a result, a sheet jam processing in the vicinity of the registration roller can be easily conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Kouhei Shibayama