Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170371248
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that combine an amplitude modulation SLM with a phase modulating SLM in the same optical illumination system. The combination of the amplitude modulation SLM and the phase modulation SLM allows the optical illumination to compensate for the limitations of amplitude modulation SLM by using phase modulating SLM and conversely to compensate for the limitations of phase modulation SLM by using amplitude modulating SLM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Cha-Min TANG, Valentina EMILIANI, Peter PENNEFATHER
  • Publication number: 20170371249
    Abstract: A movable body apparatus moves an object and includes a measurement member in a cantilevered supported state; a moving member having a holding section of the object and a space section into which the measurement member can be inserted; a measurement system that measures positional information of the moving member by irradiating a grating member with a measurement beam via a head and receiving light of the measurement beam from the grating member, the head being provided at one of the measurement member and the moving member, and the grating member being provided at the other of the measurement member and the moving member; and a drive system that moves the moving member based on the positional information. The measurement member has a cross-sectional shape in which its fixed end is thicker than its free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi YODA
  • Publication number: 20170371250
    Abstract: Methods of inspecting photomasks are provided. A method of inspecting a photomask includes electronically inspecting a first mask pattern in a mask region of the photomask and refraining from electronically inspecting a separate second mask pattern in the mask region of the photomask. The first mask pattern includes a geometric feature that corresponds to at least a portion of the second mask pattern. Moreover, the mask region is outside of a scribe lane region of the photomask. Related methods of manufacturing photomasks and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeong-Lim KIM, Jong-Doo KIM, Joong-Won JEON
  • Publication number: 20170371251
    Abstract: A projection exposure tool for microlithography for imaging mask structures of an image-providing substrate onto a substrate to be structured includes a measuring apparatus configured to determine a relative position of measurement structures disposed on a surface of one of the substrates in relation to one another in at least one lateral direction with respect to the substrate surface and to thereby simultaneously measure a number of measurement structures disposed laterally offset in relation to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jochen Hetzler, Aksel Goehnermeier
  • Publication number: 20170371252
    Abstract: A controller of an exposure apparatus (1) controls a second drive system so that scanning exposure is performed via a projection optical system and liquid of a liquid immersion area, from an area located on one side in a first direction, of a plurality of areas of a substrate held by a second stage that is placed facing the projection optical system and (ii) controls the second drive system so that a third stage comes close to the second stage from the other side in the first direction, and the second and the third stages that have come close together move from the other side to the one side in the first direction in order to place the third stage to face the projection optical system instead of the second stage while substantially maintaining the liquid immersion area under the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichi SHIBAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170371253
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system having a last optical element via which an exposure beam is projected to a projection area, and a liquid supply system having a first supply port and a second supply port via which an immersion liquid is supplied to form a liquid immersion area. The first supply port is arranged on one side of the projection area in a scanning direction, and the second supply port is arranged on the other side of the projection area in the scanning direction, the first and second supply ports facing downwardly. A plurality of shot areas of a substrate are successively exposed with the exposure beam through the liquid immersion area covering only a portion of an upper surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki NAGASAKA
  • Publication number: 20170371254
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising at least a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate, wherein the photosensitive layer is a laminate having a charge transport layer and a charge generation layer, the charge transport layer contains four or more types of compounds each having a maximum absorption wavelength falling within a wavelength range of from 300 nm to 600 nm in a tetrahydrofuran solution at 25° C., and maximum absorption wavelengths falling within the wavelength range of at least four types of the compounds of said four or more types of the compounds are separated from each other by 10 nm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira ANDO
  • Publication number: 20170371255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a toner for development of electrostatic images, including step (1) of mixing a releasing agent and a water dispersion of resin particles (A) to obtain a water dispersion of releasing agent particles; step (2) of mixing the obtained water dispersion of the releasing agent particles and a water dispersion of resin particles (B) to aggregate the releasing agent particles and the resin particles (B), thereby obtaining aggregated particles; and step (3) of coalescing the obtained aggregated particles to obtain coalesced particles, in which the resin particles (A) include a composite resin including a segment (a1) constituted of a polyester resin and a vinyl-based resin segment (a2) containing a constitutional unit derived from a styrene-based compound; and a resin constituting the resin particles (B) includes a segment (b1) constituted of a polyester resin in an amount of not less than 50% by mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akitaka SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20170371256
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic latent image developing toner containing: a binder resin; and a releasing agent, wherein the binder resin contains a crystalline polyester resin; an endothermic peak top temperature of the electrostatic latent image developing toner is 70° C. or more measured with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in a heating-up period of the toner; and a heat value ?Hc(L) is 15% or less with respect to a heat value ?Hc, wherein the heat value ?Hc(L) is a heat value in the range of (an exothermic peak top temperature rc?7° C.) or less; and the heat value ?Hc is a heat value of the total exothermic peak measured with DSC in a heating-down period of the toner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Aya SHIRAI, Kouji SUGAMA, Shiro HIRANO, Noboru UEDA
  • Publication number: 20170371257
    Abstract: A layered inorganic mineral including a surface treated with a fluorine-containing compound, where the layered inoganic mineral that can be favorably used for a toner that is excellent in high charging ability, charging stability, and low temperature fixing ability, and that can exhibits high reliability during cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hideyuki SANTO, Tsuyoshi SUGIMOTO, Shinya NAKAYAMA, Suzuka AMEMORI, Hiroshi YAMADA, Ryuta CHIBA, Kohsuke NAGATA
  • Publication number: 20170371258
    Abstract: An electrostatic latent image developing toner includes toner particles each including a core and a shell layer. The shell layer is a collection of resin particles having the same composition (primary particle diameter of at least 90% by number of the resin particles: 20 nm-30 nm). The shell layer includes a first shell layer, which is a film including the resin particles in a non-aggregated state, and a second shell layer, which is a plurality of particle aggregates (secondary particle diameter of at least 90% by number of the particle aggregates: 100 nm-150 nm). The particle aggregates each include the resin particles in an aggregated state. The surface of the core is entirely covered with the shell layer. The second shell layer is present in a surface of the toner particle in a proportion of at least 5% by area and no greater than 15% by area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Sho SUMIOKA
  • Publication number: 20170371259
    Abstract: An electrostatic latent image developing toner includes toner particles each including a toner core (10) and a shell layer (20) covering a surface of the toner core (10). The shell layer (20) contains a hydrophilic thermosetting resin and a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin. The hydrophilic thermosetting resin is a resin having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of oxazoline groups, carbodiimide groups, and isocyanate groups. The hydrophobic thermoplastic resin is exposed at surfaces of the toner particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Jun HIOKI, Ryotaro KOMADA, Haruhiro NISHITERA, Yusuke WASHINO
  • Publication number: 20170371260
    Abstract: A liquid developer comprising a toner particle containing a binder resin and a carbon black, a toner particle dispersing agent, and a carrier liquid, wherein amounts of group 15 elements, group 16 elements, and group 17 elements on a surface of the carbon black are respectively 0.1 atomic percent or less with respect to a total amount of elements on the carbon black surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Naohiko Tsuchida, Yasutaka Akashi, Yuzo Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20170371261
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit, a transferring unit, and a fixing unit. The developing unit performs an attachment process in which the developing unit attaches a luminescent toner to a latent image that is formed on a basis of image data. The transferring unit performs a transfer process in which the transferring unit transfers, onto a medium, the luminescent toner attached to the latent image. The fixing unit performs a fixing process in which the fixing unit fixes, to the medium, the luminescent toner transferred onto the medium. The attachment process performed by the developing unit and the transfer process performed by the transferring unit are each performed plural times for the medium, on the basis of the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji TAKINO
  • Publication number: 20170371262
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a CPU configured to change a parameter value used to control a developer bearing amount and form a plurality of patches for different parameter values changed, and a color sensor configured to measure the plurality of patches thereby acquiring color information thereof. The CPU detects, from values of color information of the plurality of patches, a value of the color information at which a change greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value occurs, and the CPU sets a parameter used in forming an image based on the detected value of color information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Akihiko Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20170371263
    Abstract: A cylindrical shaft of a roller has facing surfaces which form a depression-protrusion-shaped portion of a joint of the cylindrical shaft and which face or make contact with each other and moreover which extend in a direction non-parallel to an axial direction of the cylindrical shaft, and the facing surfaces are inclined at a predetermined engagement angle with respect to a circumferential direction. A generating line of a circumferential surface of a coating layer that coats an outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft and a generating line of a circumferential surface of a photosensitive drum cross each other at a crossing angle smaller than the engagement angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Makoto Hayashida, Hiroomi Matsuzaki, Fumito Nonaka, Hiraku Sasaki, Issei Imamura, Koji Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20170371264
    Abstract: One end portion and the other end portion of a rotating member, which face each other and form a joint portion, have a shape with projections and recesses. Projections of one end portion fit in recesses of the other end portion, while projections of the other end portion fit in recesses of the one end portion, so that the one end portion and the other end portion are interlocked. The projections have a first corner portion rounded in an arc, while the recesses have a second corner portion rounded in an arc in which the first corner portion fits. The first corner portion has a larger radius of curvature than that of the second corner portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Fumito Nonaka, Makoto Hayashida, Hiroomi Matsuzaki, Hiraku Sasaki, Issei Imamura, Koji Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20170371265
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes: an engagement part to which a replacement unit with a first communication part is detachably attachable; a second communication part configured, in a state where the replacement unit is attached to the engagement part, to communicate wirelessly with the first communication part of the replacement unit; and a control unit programmed to control the second communication part. In a process of causing the second communication part to communicate wirelessly with the first communication part a plurality of times, the control unit detects a change in a response from the first communication part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi YAMAMOTO, Yoichi HAYAKAWA, Kentaro HASEGAWA, Masahiko HOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20170371266
    Abstract: An electrostatic printer comprises a charging unit, a photoconductor member, an imaging unit, a developer unit and a controller. The charging unit is to charge the photoconductor member to a charged voltage. The imaging unit is to generate a latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor member by discharging areas of the charged photoconductor member. The developer unit is to develop a toner image on the photoconductor member using a developer voltage. The controller is to change the developer voltage, and to change the charged voltage dependent on the change of the developer voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sasi Moalem, Dmitry Maister, Yossi Cohen, Kobi Shkuri, Michel Assenheimer
  • Publication number: 20170371267
    Abstract: A print head includes: a mounting board; a light source portion that includes a plurality of light emitting elements provided on one surface of the mounting board; a drive member that is provided on other surface of the mounting board so as to generate a lighting signal and drive the light source portion; and a first temperature detector that is provided on the mounting board, and at least one second temperature detector that is provided at a farther position on the mounting board from the drive member than the first temperature detector; and the drive member includes: a light emitting unit that generates the lighting signal based on a temperature detected by the first temperature detector and a temperature detected by the second temperature detector; and an optical unit that forms an image of light emitted from the light emitting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michio Taniwaki, Kenichi Ito
  • Publication number: 20170371268
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning unit including a rotatable polygonal mirror and a detecting portion; and a controller. A rotation center of the rotatable polygonal mirror is made eccentric with respect to a center of gravity of the rotatable polygonal mirror by 7.5 ?m or more. The controller identifies one of reflecting surfaces of the rotatable polygonal mirror as a reference surface by using a signal outputted from the detecting portion for each of the reflecting surfaces of the rotatable polygonal mirror and a period of signals from light beams reflected by consecutive two reflecting surfaces with respect to a rotational direction of the rotatable polygonal mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Chihiro Shirakawa
  • Publication number: 20170371269
    Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a cleaning member held to a holing member and reciprocally moving on a surface of a transparent cover according to reciprocal movement of the holing member, thereby cleaning the surface. The cleaning member is configured such that a front side surface of the cleaning member in a progress direction during the reciprocal movement serves as an inclination surface obliquely crossing the progress direction when viewed from a direction vertical to the surface of the transparent cover, and at an outer side of the transparent cover in a direction perpendicular to the progress direction, a concave portion is formed to collect foreign matters moving to the outer side along the inclination surface according to the movement of the cleaning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Daisuke MIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170371270
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes first and second toner containers that respectively contains a non-luminescent toner and a luminescent toner, a first development part provided with the first toner container, and causing the non-luminescent toner, which is supplied from the first toner container, to adhere to a first latent image formed based on image data, a second development part provided with the second toner container, and causing the luminescent toner, which is supplied from the second toner container, to adhere to a second latent image formed based on the image data, which is used for the first latent image, a transfer part that transfers the non-luminescent toner adhering to the first latent image and the luminescent toner adhering to the second latent image to a medium, and a fuser part that fuses the non-luminescent toner and the luminescent toner transferred to the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Yuji TAKINO
  • Publication number: 20170371271
    Abstract: A control device may obtain, at each of a plurality of sets of date-and-time, a current value related to a current remaining amount of a print material used by the print performing unit. The control device may calculate N1 change values by using a plurality of current values obtained at the plurality of sets of date-and-time, each change value being related to a change per unit time of a remaining amount of the print material. The control device may specify a first greatest change value among the N1 change values. The control device may perform a first prediction process that includes calculating a first future value by using the first greatest change value, the first future value being related to a future remaining amount of the print material, and a first output process using the first future value in a case where the first prediction process is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Masafumi MIYAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20170371272
    Abstract: A memory control device includes a memory control part that controls memory through an interface part in accordance with a predetermined communication regulation, an illegal access detection part that detects an illegal access to the memory according to an access state from the memory control part to the memory and a signal state of the interface part, and a signal control part that switches the signal state of the interface part from a write-allowed state, in which the interface part is able to be written, to a write-inhibited state, in which the interface part is protected from being rewritten, when the illegal access is detected by the illegal access detection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kazuya YAMAMOTO, Keisuke IWAHASHI, Keisuke WATANABE, Takashi KOBAYASHI, Keitaro ISHIDA, Yasushi YAMAWAKI
  • Publication number: 20170371273
    Abstract: A molding device for molding a magnet roll with a profiled cross-section comprises a heating and kneading unit that supplies, to a cylindrical metal mold, a kneaded material obtained by heating and kneading a raw mixture including ferromagnetic particles and thermoplastic resin, an extrusion molding unit that molds the supplied kneaded material by the metal mold, and a magnetic field generating unit disposed at an end portion of the metal mold in a lengthwise direction that generates a magnetic field inside the metal mold, and the metal mold has a profiled C-shaped cross-section at an inlet for the kneaded material and a profiled cross-section at an outlet for the kneaded material more complex than the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Osamu Taniguchi, Masahiko Orimo
  • Publication number: 20170371274
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transferring belt, photosensitive drums along the belt, primary transferring parts transferring images from the drums to the belt, voltage applying parts applying transfer voltages to the respective transferring parts when each transferring part carries out transfer, a current detecting part and a resistance value measuring part. When the measuring part carries out resistance value measurement, if one transferring part is a measurement subject of the measuring part, the applying part applies zero or weak voltage to the one transferring part and applies the transfer voltage to other transferring parts at measurement timing when the one transferring part is between sheets. At the measurement timing, the detecting part detects a first total current value of currents flowing thorough the transferring parts and the measuring part measures the subject resistance value of the one transferring part based on the first total current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto EGI
  • Publication number: 20170371275
    Abstract: A transfer device includes a transfer roller, a stripping electrode, and a protective member. The transfer roller transfers a toner image formed on an image bearing member to a sheet in a transfer position. The stripping electrode is arranged downstream from the transfer position to which the sheet is to be carried. The stripping electrode includes a plurality of needle electrodes. The protective member is arranged on the transfer roller side with respect to the stripping electrode and overlaid on the stripping electrode. The protective member includes a cutout provided in a position facing at least one of the needle electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroshi NAKATANI
  • Publication number: 20170371276
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of heaters and in which a combination of each of the heaters to be turned on can be changed includes a current detection unit including a through-type current transformer in which current supply lines are inserted into or wound around a through hole; a turn-on information acquisition unit that acquires information on a turn-on mode indicating the combination of each of the heaters to be turned on as turn-on information; a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information on additive polarity connection and subtractive polarity connection of the heaters, wherein the current supply lines include an additive polarity connection line, and a subtractive polarity connection line; and an energization information acquisition unit that acquires information on an energized state of the plurality of heaters as energization information, based on the turn-on information, the connection information, and a current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Shigetaka KATO, Natsuyo Higashi, Takahiro Tsujimoto, Hirotada Seki, Yoshihiko Hikari
  • Publication number: 20170371277
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image fixing unit to pass a sheet carrying an unfixed toner image on a first side. The image fixing unit includes: a first fixing section adjacent to the first side of the sheet; a first heating section to heat the first fixing section; a second fixing section adjacent to a second side opposite to the first side of the sheet; and a second heating section to heat the second fixing section. The image forming apparatus further includes: sheet feeding trays holding sheets; a storage unit storing fixing temperatures of the fixing sections preset for each type of the sheets in the sheet feeding trays; and a controller to select standby temperatures from the fixing temperatures, based on temperature profiles of the fixing sections, and to instruct the heating sections to respectively maintain the fixing sections at the selected standby temperatures during a standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Taizou OONISHI, Toru KOMATSU
  • Publication number: 20170371278
    Abstract: A fixing device includes: an optical system that includes a lens serving as a light guiding path and concentrates laser light for image fixing at an interface between the lens and a recording material; a holding part that holds the lens of the optical system; an operating part that rotates together with the holding part; and a suppressing unit that suppresses propagation of energy of the laser light from the holding part to the operating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki NAKAMOTO, Masao ITO, Yoshiya IMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170371279
    Abstract: A linear light-concentrating device includes: a light-emitting body having light-emitting surfaces; a first optical element group; a second optical element group having apertures; and a light-transmitting columnar member. The first optical element group is divided into first optical elements each having a deflecting characteristic that causes an incident beam to be converted to an exit beam deflected in a first direction. The second optical element group is divided into second optical elements. The first optical elements include constituent units each including at least two of the first optical elements, and the deflecting characteristics of the first optical elements are such that a group of exit beams from each of the constituent units is deflected toward a corresponding one of the apertures of the second optical element group. The optical axes of the second optical elements are decentered toward the optical axis of the columnar member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiya IMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170371280
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a fixation device has a fixation belt, a coil, and a heat-generation auxiliary plate. The coil is opposed to the fixation belt and the heat-generation auxiliary plate and generates magnetic flux. The heat-generation auxiliary plate assists heating of a recording medium by the fixation belt. The heat-generation auxiliary plate has a magnetic layer and a non-magnetic layer formed on the magnetic layer and contacting a base layer of the fixation belt. The non-magnetic layer is harder than the base layer of the fixation belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Shuji YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170371281
    Abstract: A heater according to an embodiment includes a substrate that is formed of a heat resistant insulating material, a heating resistor that is provided on the substrate, a conductor that is provided on the substrate and that is electrically connected to the heating resistor, and a coating film that covers the heating resistor and the conductor. A plurality of groove portions are arranged on an end surface of the substrate along an outer periphery of the substrate, and a coefficient A=100×D/(T×P) satisfies 0.4?A?0.9 where T [?m] is the thickness of the substrate, D [?m] is the depth of the groove portion in a thickness direction of the substrate, and P [?m] is a pitch between the groove portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Tsubouchi, Kentaro Kimura, Yoshitatsu Matsui, Takanobu Ueno
  • Publication number: 20170371282
    Abstract: A fixation device according to one of embodiments includes a first and second fixation units. The first fixation unit includes: a first belt; a first pad with a first elastic layer; and a first roller provided downstream of the first pad in a conveyance direction of a medium. The second fixation unit includes: a second belt; a second pad including a second elastic layer and pressed against the first pad with the first and second belts interposed in between; and a second roller provided downstream of the second pad in the conveyance direction and pressed against the first roller with the first second belts interposed in between. A thickness of at least one of the first and second elastic layers is smaller on a downstream side in the conveyance direction than on an upstream side in the conveyance direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Masato SAKAI, Yoshitaka YANAI, Takeshi KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20170371283
    Abstract: A heater holder includes a restriction portion and a recessed portion. The restriction portion determines the position of a cable in the longitudinal direction of the heater. The recessed portion, against which a bare conductive portion of the cable is to be positioned, is provided at a position that is different from the position of the restriction portion as viewed in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction. A wire is joined to the bare conductive portion somewhere between the restriction portion and the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Keisuke Fujita, Takayuki Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20170371284
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member that is heated, a pressure member, a fixed housing, a movable housing, a moving mechanism, a separating member, a regulating portion, and a link member. The link member is interposed between the movable housing and the separating member. In the pressurized state, the separating member turns about the support shaft in a direction where the separating member approaches to the fixing member by own weight of the separating member. When the fixing pressure is switched from the pressurized state to the reduced pressure state, moving the movable housing in the direction where the movable housing separates from the fixed housing by the moving mechanism causes the separating member to turn about the support shaft via the link member in the direction where the separating member separates from the fixing member and causes the regulating portion to regulate turning of the separating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Masaru TAKAGI, Masami FUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170371285
    Abstract: Provided is an image-forming device with which it is possible to achieve a smaller size while suppressing a reduction in visibility or operability of an operation panel. In this image-forming device, paper sheets are discharged from the rear side of the device toward the front side of the device, and the image formation device is provided with: a paper-sheet-loading unit in which the paper sheets are loaded; an operation panel disposed on the downstream-side end in the paper sheet discharge direction of the paper-sheet-loading unit, at least a part of the operation panel being disposed in a loading region of the paper-sheet-loading unit; and a protruding part disposed to the side of the operation panel in the loading region, the protruding part protruding upward from the top surface of the paper-sheet-loading unit, and extending in the paper sheet discharge direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TANAKA, Motoyuki FUKUDA, Tetsuya ICHIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170371286
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a replenishment empty history recording portion, a post-empty attachment detecting portion, and an image creation restricting portion. The replenishment empty history recording portion records replenishment empty history information to a storage device in correspondence with one of the plurality of developer containers in which a replenishment empty state was detected in a first attachment portion. The post-empty attachment detecting portion detects whether or not a second attachment portion is in a post-empty container attached state where the developer container corresponding to the replenishment empty history information recorded in the storage device is attached to the second attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Tomohiro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20170371287
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a toner image forming portion, a transfer member, a cleaning member, and a controller configured to carry out a process for notifying information on a lifetime of the image bearing member on the basis of information on contact pressure of the cleaning member to the image bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Yuichi Hatanaka, Masahiro Makino, Ryuta Ai, Takashi Ueno
  • Publication number: 20170371288
    Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a first gear, a second gear, a switch arm, a third gear, a first sector gear including a first teeth portion and rotatable about a second axis in a predetermined direction, a second sector gear including a second teeth portion and engaging the first sector gear movably with play in the predetermined direction, a lever, a solenoid, and a first urging member. The switch arm has a cam contact surface, and the second sector gear includes a cam configured to contact the cam contact surface. When the first sector gear rotates in the predetermined direction for a predetermined amount from a state where the third gear engages the first gear and where the first teeth portion and the second teeth portion disengage from the second gear, the first teeth portion engages the second gear, and the second teeth portion disengages from the second gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Yohei Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20170371289
    Abstract: A photosensitive drum unit to which a coupling member 200 is easily mounted is provided. A drum flange 250 is fixed to one end portion of a cylinder 20A having a photosensitive layer at a peripheral surface. The coupling member 200 is inserted into the drum flange 250. Finally, a closing member 230 is mounted to the drum flange 250.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ken Kikuchi, Yoshiyuki Batori
  • Publication number: 20170371290
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a first pulley and a second pulley. A belt is extended around them. A supply unit supplies a voltage such that the first pulley and the belt are electrostatically attracted and that the second pulley and the belt are electrostatically attracted. The belt includes a conductor layer. At least one pulley includes a first electrode to which a first voltage is applied and a second electrode that is insulated from the first electrode and to which a second voltage is applied. An insulating layer or a dielectric layer is arranged between the conductor layer of the belt and the first electrode of the at least one pulley and an insulating layer or a dielectric layer is arranged between the conductor layer of the belt and the second electrode of the at least one pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Yuri Mori, Seiji Hara, Mineto Yagyu
  • Publication number: 20170371291
    Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a first rotary body coupled to a drive source, a second rotary body that receives a drive force transmitted from the drive source, a coupling that couples the first rotary body and the second rotary body, and a spring that presses the coupling toward the second rotary body. Each of the first rotary body and the second rotary body includes a plurality of grooves. The coupling has axially opposed first end and second end coupled to the first rotary body and the second rotary body, respectively. The coupling includes a plurality of couplers on a circumferential surface of each of the first end and the second end. The plurality of couplers are axially movable into and out of the plurality of grooves of each of the first rotary body and the second rotary body. The coupling has a spherical end face at the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji TOMITA, Kentaro UJI
  • Publication number: 20170371292
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, an exposure device, a (hive device, a cleaning body, and an exposure device holder. The exposure device is disposed on a motion trajectory between an exposure position and a retracted position and emits light to the image bearer via a lens having a lens surface at the exposure position. The drive device causes the exposure device to move between the exposure position and the retracted position. The cleaning body disposed on the motion trajectory of the exposure device tilts a cleaning surface when contacting with the lens surface of the exposure device. The exposure device holder supports the exposure device while changing an attitude of the exposure device such that the lens surface remains in contact with the cleaning surface of the cleaning body when the exposure device moves from the retracted position to the exposure position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu NARITA, Takeshi YAMAKAWA, Yoshinobu SAKAUE, Kazunori WATANABE, Tomoya FUJII, Ryo SATO
  • Publication number: 20170371293
    Abstract: A toner guide member includes a toner discharge port that is located above and faces a toner introduction port of a waste toner container, and the toner guide member forms, in its inside, a passage of waste toner from an end portion of a drum cleaning device to a toner discharge port. A first paddle conveyance member including a plurality of first blade portions rotates in a first rotation direction in the toner guide member. A second paddle conveyance member including a plurality of second blade portions rotates in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, at a position lower than the first paddle conveyance member. A pivotal trajectory of the plurality of first blade portions partially overlaps with a pivotal trajectory of the plurality of second blade portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Teruhiko Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20170371294
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first opening/closing member that can move between a first opening position in which the first opening/closing member opens an inside of a body of the image forming apparatus, and a first closing position in which the first opening/closing member closes the inside of the body of the image forming apparatus; a second opening/closing member that can move around a rotation shaft and between a second closing position in which the second opening/closing member closes an opening formed in the first opening/closing member, and a second opening position in which the second opening/closing member opens the opening, the second opening/closing member being removably attached to the body of the image forming apparatus; and a supported portion that is provided in the first opening/closing member so as to be supported on a support portion of the second opening/closing member, as defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi AO
  • Publication number: 20170371295
    Abstract: An elastic force of an elastic member 11 required for rotating a driven rotational body 8b is decreased. A first rotational body 8d and a second rotational body 9a arranged downstream of a driven rotational body 8b in a drive train that transmits a driving force from a driving rotational body 7 to a driven member 4 are included. The first rotational body 8d rotates in synchronization with the driven rotational body 8b. The second rotational body 9a is rotated by the first rotational body 8d and rotates the driven member 4. The first rotational body 8d rotates without rotating the second rotational body 9a when the driven rotational body 8b rotates by an elastic force of an elastic member 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hideto Chino, Junichi Ochi
  • Publication number: 20170371296
    Abstract: A cartridge mountable to a printer, said printer including a coupling guide contactable to a coupling of the cartridge to guide the coupling member. A case of the cartridge is provided with a hole for exposing a free end portion of the coupling to an outside of the cartridge, and a retracted portion provided in downstream of the hole with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge. When the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the printer, the coupling guide enters the retracted portion from which the coupling member has retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Shigemi Kamoshida, Takeshi Arimitsu, Isao Koishi, Yusuke Niikawa
  • Publication number: 20170371297
    Abstract: There is provided an end member which is disposed in an end portion of a columnar rotating body mounted on an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: a tubular bearing member; and a shaft member held by the bearing member, in which the shaft member includes a rotating shaft which oscillates within a range of 18° or less with respect to a direction along an axis of the bearing member, a rotating force receiving member which is disposed in one end portion of the rotating shaft and is provided with an engaging member which is engaged with a driving shaft of the image forming apparatus main body, and a regulating member which is engaged with or disengaged from the rotating shaft or the rotating force receiving member by pressing, and switches a posture in which the engaging member is engaged with the driving shaft and a posture in which the engaging member is not engaged with the driving shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi IKEDA, Yohei MATSUOKA, Shinichi llJIMA, Teruyuki MITSUMORI, Daishi KATO, Hiroshi TAKATA