Binding Patents (Class 270/58.08)
  • Patent number: 8672312
    Abstract: A control includes causing a processing unit to perform a saddle-stitching binding process in which a plurality of sheets are subjected to a binding process and a folding process or a center-folding binding process in which a plurality of sheets are subjected to the folding process, permitting the processing unit to perform the saddle-stitching binding process or the center-folding binding process on a predetermined number of sheets, and controlling such that the number of sheets which are permitted to be subjected to the center-folding binding process is smaller than the number of sheets which are permitted to be subjected to the saddle-stitching binding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 8668198
    Abstract: A controller controls operations of a sheet conveying portion and a sheet feeding portion in such a manner that an operation for feeding a preceding sheet by the sheet feeding portion is started after a downstream portion of a subsequent sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying portion is overlapped an upstream portion of the preceding sheet stacked on the stacking portion, and the downstream edge of the preceding sheet is caused to abut against the reference member by the sheet feeding portion in a state where the upstream portion of the preceding sheet and the downstream portion of the subsequent sheet are maintained in an overlapped state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroharu Tsuji, Masatoshi Yoshida, Tomooku Koyama, Junichi Sekiyama
  • Publication number: 20140061991
    Abstract: In a sheet storing apparatus of the present invention, a tailing end supporting member which temporarily supports a tailing end of a dropping sheet bundle is arranged between a discharging port of a processing tray to discharge the sheet bundle and the upmost sheet on a stack tray as being movable between an operating position above a sheet placement face and a waiting position outside the stack tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicants: NISCA CORPORATION, RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhito SHIMURA, Makoto SHIMIZU, Akira SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140061992
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a binding unit including a binder which binds a predetermined number of gathered sheets by striking one or more staples into the sheets, a cutter which cuts off staple feet in accordance with a thickness of the sheets after the staples are struck, and a first housing which receives staple waste of the cut staple feet. The apparatus also includes a second housing which receives the staple waste from the first housing at a designated timing. The first housing has an openable cover which shifts from a closed state to an open state when the staple waste is transferred from the first housing to the second housing. A deformable member having an elastically deformable surface is provided on at lea a rim of an internal surface of the openable cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KONICA MINLOTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yu TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8662488
    Abstract: The post-processing device includes: a binding unit that forms a cut in a sheet stack and cuts a part of the sheet stack into a predetermined shape to form a tongue portion in the sheet stack, the tongue portion having a part where one end part of the tongue portion is not separated from the sheet stack, and binds the sheet stack by bending the tongue portion and inserting the other end part of the tongue portion into the cut; and a sheet stack transport unit that transports the sheet stack in an orientation such that the one end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack bound by the binding unit is on a downstream side of the other end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Awano
  • Publication number: 20140054837
    Abstract: A paper processing apparatus includes a tray, a conveying section, a catching member, a paper processing section, a moving mechanism, and a control section. The catching member includes an abutting surface which abuts a top part of paper in a conveying direction of the paper and a covering part which covers one of one surface and the other surface of the paper, and is disposed at a downstream side in the paper conveying direction. The control section controls the moving mechanism to move a paper processing section between a standby position at which the catching member is received in a processing region and a processing position at which the paper is received in the processing region. The control unit controls the conveying section to convey the paper to the tray in a state in which the moving mechanism positions the paper processing unit at the standby position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8657277
    Abstract: An image forming system including a control section provides control in such a way that, the ring binder of the size determined for the first set of copies is adopted so that ring binding is performed for a second set of copies or copies thereafter in a case of executing a job for ring binding of a plurality of copies. When at least one of a status change in the sheet feed section, a main power source being turned off, or a change in a job ticket is occurred from a suspension to a resumption of the job, since the thickness of a bundle of sheets may change, the thickness measuring section is caused to measure the thickness of the bundle in a first set of copies subsequent to resumption. And the control section judges continuation or suspension of a job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Takamitsu Satsukawa
  • Publication number: 20140015187
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus configured to form a recessed portion at a portion at which a staple is driven into a sheet bundle from a sheet forming a surface of a side into which at least the staple is driven such that a sheet bundle to be discharged next on a sheet bundle stacking unit is stacked on a sheet bundle previously stacked on the sheet bundle stacking unit without catching on a staple of the previously stacked sheet bundle, and an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Yohei Gamo
  • Patent number: 8616542
    Abstract: A print-medium post-treatment apparatus and a control method thereof, to increase the number of print media stacked on a bookbinding stack tray by controlling operation of a conveyor belt. The a print-medium post-treatment apparatus includes a bookbinding stack tray including a tray sensor to sense a print medium and a conveyor belt to move the print medium, and a controller to move the print medium in a given discharge direction by operating the conveyor belt in a first direction if the tray sensor senses the print medium moved onto the bookbinding stack tray and to move the print medium in an opposite direction of the discharge direction by operating the conveyor belt in a second direction so as to reduce a distance between a previously discharged print medium and a subsequently discharged print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Min, Hyun Woo Kang
  • Publication number: 20130334758
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus, including an ejection section; a sheet stacking section; an abutting unit; a driving section; a control section; and a rotating member which has a rotating shaft in parallel with a width direction of the sheet bundle and is held so as to rotate from above the base end portion of the sheet stacking section through a gap of a predetermined width in the abutting unit. The control section starts rotation of the rotating member after lowering of the sheet stacking section is stopped, and when the rotation is started, the rotating member operates so as to abut a rear portion of a surface of the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet stacking section and pass through the gap in the abutting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Yu TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8602405
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a process tray onto which a sheet is stacked, an aligning member that conveys the sheet toward a sheet edge regulating member in a contact state in which the aligning member, the sheet edge regulating member regulating the edge of the sheet, and a switching member that switches a state of the aligning member between the contact state where the aligning member is in contact with the sheet, and a non-contact state where the aligning member is spaced apart from the process tray. While the sheet on the process tray is being conveyed toward the sheet edge regulating member by the aligning member, the switching member switches the aligning member from the contact state to the non-contact state, and further switches the aligning member from the non-contact state to the contact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Finetech Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Okamoto, Yoshihiko Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8596631
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit, a binding unit, a folding unit, a conveyance unit, a press unit, a grasping unit, and a control unit. The binding unit performs binding processing on a sheet bundle stacked in the sheet stacking unit. The conveyance unit conveys a sheet bundle folded by the folding unit. The press unit presses a fold line portion of the conveyed sheet bundle from a direction perpendicular to a surface of a front page of the sheet bundle while moving along the fold line portion. The grasping unit is switched between a first state in which the grasping unit fixes the sheet bundle in position and a second state in which the grasping unit does not grasp the conveyed sheet bundle. The control unit shifts the grasping unit to the first state and causes the press unit to press the sheet bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Ishikawa, Yasuo Fukatsu, Hitoshi Kato, Tomoharu Sato
  • Patent number: 8596633
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus that forms asperity on a sheet bundle so as to bind the sheet bundle, has a pair of rotating members having a concave and convex portions on the outer periphery, a moving portion that moves at least one of the pair of the rotating members so as to nip the sheet bundle by the pair of the rotating members or release the sheet bundle, and a controlling portion that controls the moving portion to allow the pair of rotating members to rotate with a concave portion of one rotating member and a convex portion of the other meshed with each other while nipping the sheet bundle or releasing the sheet bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuro Awaya, Hiroshi Ota
  • Publication number: 20130313771
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a switching member, a stapler, and a movement driving portion. The switching member switches the conveying direction of a sheet introduced from an image forming apparatus. The stapler staples a bundle of sheets obtained by performing stacking processing for a plurality of the sheets introduced from the image forming apparatus. The movement driving portion moves the stapler. Further, the stapler operates the switching member by being moved by the movement driving portion, thereby switching the conveying direction of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Keiji Okumura
  • Publication number: 20130285305
    Abstract: A pressing portion is lowered to press from above sheets or a sheet bundle discharged onto a discharge tray, and a moving portion configured to lower the pressing portion is controlled so that, in a case where the sheet bundle is discharged onto the discharge tray, the pressing portion exerts a pressing force greater than a pressing force in a case where the sheets are discharged onto the discharge tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yohei Gamo
  • Publication number: 20130285303
    Abstract: A post-processing device includes a sheet-bundle forming unit that stacks plural sheets and forms a sheet bundle; a binding unit that forms a cut in the sheet bundle, forms a tongue in the sheet bundle by cutting part of the sheet bundle into a predetermined shape so that a first end remains uncut and continues to the sheet bundle, and binds the sheet bundle by folding the tongue and inserting a second end of the tongue into the cut; a transport unit that transports the sheet bundle; a stack unit that stacks the sheet bundle; and a position change unit that changes a position of binding processing performed on the sheet bundle so that the tongue formed in the sheet bundle stacked on the stack unit does not contact another tongue formed in another sheet bundle stacked on the stack unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki AWANO
  • Publication number: 20130285304
    Abstract: A post-processing device includes a sheet-bundle forming unit that stacks plural sheets and forms a sheet bundle; a binding unit that forms a cut and a tongue in the sheet bundle and binds the sheet bundle by inserting the tongue into the cut; a transport unit that transports the sheet bundle; and a stack unit that stacks the sheet bundle. The binding unit includes first and second binding mechanisms that bind first and second sheet bundles at first and second sides in a direction intersecting with a transport direction of the sheet bundle, respectively. The post-processing device further includes an arrangement mechanism that arranges the first and second sheet bundles at different positions on the stack unit in the direction intersecting with the transport direction so that a tongue formed in one of the first and second sheet bundles is shifted from the other sheet bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki AWANO
  • Publication number: 20130270761
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a stapling unit that staples a sheet member; a moving unit that linearly moves the stapling unit; a rotating unit that rotates the stapling unit by abutment of an abutting member against an abutted member when the stapling unit is moved; a holding unit that holds the stapling unit rotated; and a restricting member that restricts rotation of the stapling unit by abutting against the abutting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Masanobu KIMATA
  • Publication number: 20130270763
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided a sheet processing apparatus includes a stacking unit that stacks a sheet conveyed thereto; a first alignment unit that aligns the sheet or a bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a sheet conveying direction; a second alignment unit that aligns the sheet or the bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction; a pressing unit that presses the bundle of sheets at an end portion thereof on a predetermined one side; and a control unit that causes at least one of the first and second alignment units to execute an alignment operation during a press operation of the sheet or the bundle of sheets performed by the pressing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Tomohiro FURUHASHI, Masahiro TAMURA, Shuuya NAGASAKO, Keisuke SUGIYAMA, Kazuya YAMAMOTO, Kyosuke NAKADA, Tomomichi HOSHINO, Akira KUNIEDA, Takahiro WATANABE, Takamasa MATSUMOTO, Junya SUZUKI, Youhei NIITSUMA, Kazunori KONNO, Kiichiro GOTO
  • Publication number: 20130270762
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a conveyance unit to transport a sheet bundle including multiple sheets in a sheet conveyance direction and a binding device including a clamping unit. The clamping unit includes multiple projections and multiple recesses to engage the respective projections to clamp the sheet bundle inserted therebetween. At least one of the multiple projections includes an inclined portion facing a sheet conveyance direction, and an inclination of the inclined portion is 45 degrees or smaller relative to a face parallel to the sheet conveyance direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi SAITO, Katsuhiro KOSUGE, Shingo MATSUSHITA, Yuusuke SHIBASAKI, Satoshi SAITO, Makoto HIDAKA, Akihiro MUSHA, Takuya MORINAGA, Ikuhisa OKAMOTO, Shohichi SATOH, Nobuyoshi SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8556249
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that enables to execute a bookbinding process for sheet bundles without decreasing productivity. The image forming apparatus is connected to a bookbinding apparatus having a bookbinding unit that binds a book by attaching a ring to a punch hole and a buffer unit that performs a buffering process to convey sheets in piles so that sheets for a next sheet bundle are not ejected onto a sheet bundle that is being processed by the bookbinding unit. A determination unit determines whether a sheet is a type that is prohibited from buffering. A control unit adjusts an ejection order so that the sheet of the type that is prohibited from buffering is not ejected within the predetermined number of sheets from the first sheet of sheets that constitute the sheet bundle, when the determination unit determines that the sheet is the type that is prohibited from buffering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Ando, Mitsuhiko Sato, Naoto Watanabe, Takayuki Fujii, Yushi Oka, Toshiyuki Miyake, Takashi Yokoya, Hiromasa Maenishi
  • Patent number: 8556258
    Abstract: To provide a sheet storage apparatus for enabling a sheet to be aligned so that the length-direction position and width-direction position of the sheet coincide with correct reference positions in positioning and storing the sheet in a predetermined position on a tray, it is configured that a paper feed rotating member in a center portion of a sheet that is carried out onto the tray and a paper-pressing guide in the side portion are disposed swingably up and down in the sheet load direction, and that the paper-pressing guide moves upward integrally with the paper feed rotating member floating a predetermined amount or more from the sheet top surface on the tray corresponding to a curl of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Mizubata, Naoya Nakayama, Daiki Komiyama, Hisashi Osada, Kenji Yoshida, Eiji Fukasawa, Kazunori Hatakawa
  • Publication number: 20130264762
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a stacking channel to stack multiple sheets into a sheet bundle, and a binding device to bind together the sheet bundle, the binding device including multiple clamping portions to clamp the sheet bundle to create multiple clamping marks on the sheet bundle. When the binding device binds a corner area of the sheet bundle, a longitudinal direction of each of the multiple clamping marks forms an angle within a range from 30 degrees to 60 degrees with a side of the corner area of the sheet bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shingo MATSUSHITA, Nobuyoshi SUZUKI, Takashi SAITO, Satoshi SAITO, Katsuhiro KOSUGE, Makoto HIDAKA, Akihiro MUSHA, Shohichi SATOH, Ikuhisa OKAMOTO, Yuusuke SHIBASAKI, Takuya MORINAGA
  • Publication number: 20130256969
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a punching time measuring unit, a stapling time estimating unit, and a sheet-bundle interval time setting unit. The punching time measuring unit measures a punching processing time to perform punching processing. The stapling time estimating unit calculates an estimated stapling processing time to perform stapling processing by using the punching processing time measured by the punching time measuring unit. The sheet-bundle interval time setting unit sets a sheet-bundle interval time, which is a time from when the last sheet forming a sheet bundle subjected to the punching processing is fed until when the first sheet forming a subsequent sheet bundle subjected to the punching processing is fed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yoji Isogai
  • Patent number: 8544835
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a holding portion which holds a booklet containing a two-folded sheet; and a pressing portion which presses a spine of a booklet into shapes during movement along the spine of the booklet held by the holding portion. The pressing portion can decrease, or release a pressing force to be applied to the booklet spine within a predetermined area of a moving range in which the pressing roller moves along the booklet spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideto Abe
  • Patent number: 8547560
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a gripper unit which is moved to a retreat region along long grooves in advance when moving a stapler unit to any one of first and second binding positions. The stapler unit is moved to the binding position by being guided by a guide rail portion while passing above the long grooves. Therefore, moving operations of both of the gripper unit and the stapler unit can be smoothly performed under a state in which movement of both thereof is not prohibited by the long grooves and the guide rail portion. Further, an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Finetech Inc.
    Inventors: Koki Sato, Satoshi Iwama
  • Publication number: 20130249160
    Abstract: A sheet processing device includes a supporting plate, a stapler, a casing, a protrusion structure, and a swinging arm. The casing is disposed over the supporting plate. A sheet conveying channel is formed between the supporting plate and the casing. The protrusion structure is disposed on a lower surface of the casing, located beside the stapler and accommodated within the sheet conveying channel. During the process of introducing a sheet into the supporting plate, the stapled side of the sheet is flattened by the protrusion structure, and thus the possibility of upturning the sheet is minimized. During the process of introducing the plural sheets to the stapler, the stapled sides of the plural sheets are flattened by the protrusion structure, and thus the formation of the folded corners of the sheets is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Kai Wang, Wen-Lung Hung, Chung-Jung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8540228
    Abstract: A sheet processing device includes a stacking unit that is used to stack a bundle of sheets that are placed upon each other with first edge portions of the sheets being aligned with each other; a first binding unit that binds the first edge portions of the bundle of sheets stacked upon the stacking unit; a second binding unit that is provided integrally with the first binding unit in a direction along the first edge portions of the bundle of sheets stacked upon the stacking unit, and that binds the first edge portions by a binding method differing from a binding method of the first binding unit; and an angle changing mechanism that is capable of changing an angle of the first binding unit with respect to the bundle of sheets when binding the first edge portions with the first binding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuuichi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 8534661
    Abstract: A system for preparing a collation of sheets for a subsequent folding operation wherein edges of the collation are aligned to eliminate the need for additional trimming operations. The system comprises: a cutting device operative to cut each sheet of the collation based upon a length dimension of each of the inner and outer sheets, an accumulating device operative to stack the sheets to form the collation, a registration device operative to register at least one edge of the collation, a conveyance device for transporting the sheet material along a feed path to the cutting, accumulating and registration devices, and a processor operatively coupled to, and controlling, the cutting, accumulating, registration and conveyance devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S Hancock, Robert F Marcinik
  • Publication number: 20130234384
    Abstract: A stapling device for use with a printing device is provided. The stapling device is disposed on the printing device. The stapling device includes an exit, a conveying channel, and a channel base plate. The channel base plate is located at a bottom side of said first conveying channel. In addition, the channel base plate has a movable contact plate, which may be moved relative to the channel base plate. In a case that a paper jam event occurs within the stapling device, the user may move the movable contact plate. As the movable contact plate is moved, the jammed paper sheet is correspondingly moved to a position near the exit. Consequently, the jammed paper sheet can be easily removed through the exit by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Kai Wang, Ching-Tse Wang, Chung-Jung Chiu, Wen-Lung Hung
  • Patent number: 8523166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paper discharge apparatus of optimizing the moving path of a stapler provided at the rear of the paper discharge apparatus by effectively constructing the structure of the paper discharge apparatus that discharges paper onto a stacker tray. The paper discharge apparatus includes a pair of guide side plates including first rail grooves and curved cams adjacent to the first rail grooves, a pair of paper gripping units to grip the paper on the paper stacking plate in the contact with the curved cams, a first driving unit to drive the paper gripping units, an aligning stopper provided between the guide side plates to straightly move by a predetermined distance in the paper transfer direction from front end portions of the guide side plates, and a second driving unit to previously move the aligning stopper in the paper transfer direction just before the paper gripping units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: KRDC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kijo Jung
  • Patent number: 8517368
    Abstract: A stapler apparatus includes a clamp positioned to receive and stack sheets from a printing device, a support plate comprising a groove directing the clamp along one path of multiple paths, the multiple paths alternately directing the clamp relatively closer to one of multiple staplers. A first biasing member applies a first force to the clamp toward a closed position, and a first extension applies a second force to the clamp toward an open position. A second biasing member applies a third force to the clamp toward the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Brundige, Brian C. Cyr, Aaron M. Moore, Matthew M. R. Storey
  • Publication number: 20130214471
    Abstract: A printing control apparatus performs binding processing for binding a plurality of sheets without using a staple to enable a user to easily separate a sheet from a sheet bundle after the binding processing. The printing control apparatus causes a binding unit to perform a binding processing for binding a plurality of sheets without using a staple, and then controls the binding unit to perform a binding processing for binding the plurality of sheets and a sheet different from the plurality of sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130214470
    Abstract: A printing control apparatus configured to control a binding unit configured to perform a binding processing for binding sheets without using a staple includes a control unit that controls the biding unit to divide sheets subjected to printing into sheet groups in units of a number of sheets bindable by the binding unit, and to apply the binding processing to each of sheet groups or controls another binding unit to bind the sheets subjected to printing using a staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130214474
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paper clamping apparatus for an office machine adapted to clamp a paper bundle outputted from the office machine while the paper bundle is being moved. A movable body adapted to move along a shaft by means of belt driving is included; a shaft holder connected to an end of the shaft at an end of the movable body and adapted to move along the shaft by means of a movement of the movable body; a base connected to the shaft at the other end of the movable body and adapted to move along the shaft by means of a movement of the movable body; and a clamp member adapted to operate so that, when the movable body moves, the paper bundle is clamped or released by means of link driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: In Su HWANG, Jung Hwan YOON
  • Publication number: 20130207333
    Abstract: A stapler apparatus includes a clamp positioned to receive and stack sheets from a printing device, a support plate comprising a groove directing the clamp along one path of multiple paths, the multiple paths alternately directing the clamp relatively closer to one of multiple staplers. A first biasing member applies a first force to the clamp toward a closed position, and a first extension applies a second force to the clamp toward an open position. A second biasing member applies a third force to the clamp toward the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Brundige, Brian C. Cyr, Aaron M. Moore, Matthew M.R. Storey
  • Patent number: 8505897
    Abstract: Z-fold signature finishing systems are provided. One z-fold finishing system has a receiver system to receive a signature print; an automatic z-fold system configured to make a z-folded stack of sheets formed from separate portions of a length of a signature print with each sheet being joined to at least one other sheet in the z-folded stack by at least one of the z-folds; a binding system that can bind the z-folded stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; a saddle folder having at least two surfaces arranged so that the at least two surfaces and the z-folded stack can move relative to each other to cause the z-folded stack to fold proximate to the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, a separation system separating the signature print proximate to at least one of the z-folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Dale Frederick McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8505898
    Abstract: Methods for forming a signature are provided. In one aspect an automatic z-folding system is used to cause a signature print to fold across a width proximate to z-fold locations spaced along a length of the signature print and to form a z-folded stack of sheets of the signature print and the z-folded stack is bound across a width of the stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; saddle folding the z-folded stack at the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, separating the signature print at least one of the z-folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Dale Frederick McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8500112
    Abstract: A printed material holding device includes a printed material tray for receiving printed material and a transmission mechanism. A first claw is disposed on the printed material tray. The transmission mechanism includes a mounting plate attached to a main body of a printer. A clipping hole is defined in the mounting plate. The first claw is configured to move between a first configuration, where the first claw is engaged in the clipping hole, so that printed material tray is secured to the mounting plate, and a second configuration, where the first claw is disengaged from the clipping hole, so that the printed material tray is withdrawn from the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Patent number: 8500113
    Abstract: A printed material holding device includes a printed material tray for receiving printed material, an adjustable mechanism located above the printed material tray, a binding mechanism, and a transmission mechanism attached to the binding mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a driving device, a first gear wheel driven by the driving device, a second gear wheel driven by the first gear wheel, and a belt. The driving device meshes with the first gear wheel, and the belt encircles the first gear wheel and the second gear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Publication number: 20130187324
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a process tray onto which a sheet is stacked, an aligning member that conveys the sheet toward a sheet edge regulating member arranged on an upstream end portion of the process tray in a contact state in which the aligning member, the sheet edge regulating member regulating the leading edge of the sheet, and a switching member that switches a state of the aligning member between the contact state where the aligning member is in contact with the sheet, and a non-contact state where the aligning member is spaced apart from the process tray. While the sheet on the process tray is being conveyed toward the sheet edge regulating member by the aligning member, the switching member switches the aligning member from the contact state to the non-contact state, and further switches the aligning member from the non-contact state to the contact state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CANON FINETECH INC.
    Inventor: Canon Finetech Inc.
  • Patent number: 8485513
    Abstract: A control apparatus obtains information identifying sheets stored in an MFP to be caused to perform printing for printing a printed object to be subjected to jacketed book binding, wherein this information is stored in the MFP. The control apparatus stores thicknesses of respective paper sheets as information about paper sheets. From this information and from the information obtained from the MFP, the control apparatus creates a table indicative of the correspondence between the respective paper sheets stored in the MFP and their thicknesses. Further, on receiving a selection of paper sheets to be used for printing for the printed object and a number of these paper sheets, the control apparatus determines a thickness of each paper sheet by making a reference to the table and calculates the spine jacket width by multiplying the thickness by the number of paper sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Sugimoto, Tsuyoshi Morimoto, Atsushi Ito, Taro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130175753
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus that is capable of aligning a sheet bundle accurately even if sheet types like sheet sizes are different, and is capable of setting a reference position depending on a selected finish. A conveyance unit conveys a sheet. A sheet stacking unit stacks sheets conveyed by the conveyance unit as a sheet bundle. A stapler applies a staple process to the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet stacking unit. A position determination unit determines a staple position at which the staple process is applied to the sheet bundle. An alignment unit aligns the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction with respect to one of both sides parallel to the sheet conveyance direction. The alignment unit determines the one side as a reference side depending on the staple position determined by the position determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130175752
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus capable of shortening a time period required to determine whether or not a sheet bundle has been normally stapled, while suppressing an increase of apparatus size and an increase of apparatus manufacturing cost, and capable of stacking sheet bundles on a sheet discharge tray such that sheet bundles not normally stapled can be distinguished from normally stapled sheet bundles. When the absence of staple is detected in a sheet bundle by one or both of staple detecting sensors, sheet bundles starting from a sheet bundle to be discharged next are shifted on a processing tray, whereby a sheet discharge position of the next and subsequent sheet bundles on the sheet discharge tray is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8480069
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a correcting unit that corrects alignment of a sheet; a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet after the correcting unit corrects the alignment of the sheet; and a creasing unit that forms a crease on the sheet after the correcting unit corrects the alignment of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yuusuke Shibasaki, Hitoshi Hattori, Takashi Saito, Naoyuki Ishikawa, Akihiro Musha, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa, Hidetoshi Kojima, Naoki Oikawa, Go Aiba
  • Patent number: 8474808
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus implements a tilted edge-binding process by a movable table rectilinearly driving portion that moves a stapling unit rectilinearly via a movable table, and rotating the stapling unit to drive a staple near a sheet corner when the staple is tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to a sheet-conveying direction. The sheet post-processing apparatus includes the movable-table rotationally driving portion that rotates the movable table to cause the stapling unit to tilt at a position to drive the staple at the predetermined angle with respect to the sheet-conveying direction, and a tilt retention portion that mechanically holds the movable table to maintain the stapling unit tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20130154178
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus performs predetermined processing on a sheet or a sheet bundle. The sheet processing apparatus includes: a conveying unit that conveys a sheet along a conveying path; an aligning unit that, each time a sheet is conveyed by the conveying unit, aligns the sheet; a stacking unit that reverses a conveying direction of a sheet to convey the sheet backward to a branch path branched from the conveying path, and stacks the sheet in the branch path; and a binding unit that binds a sheet bundle aligned by the aligning unit, in the conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi SUZUKI, Shingo MATSUSHITA, Takashi SAITO, Satoshi SAITO, Makoto HIDAKA, Katsuhiro KOSUGE, Akihiro MUSHA, Shohichi SATOH, Ikuhisa OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8467074
    Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus, including a plurality of lockable discharge units configured to discharge a printed product having an image formed thereon based on a received job to any one of the plurality of lockable discharge units, includes managing information about a lockable discharge unit to which the printed product is discharged in association with information about a user, notifying the user to prompt picking up the printed product discharged to the lockable discharge unit based on the managed information, and determining whether a particular user is using the plurality of lockable discharge units based on the managed information, wherein, in a case where the particular user is using the plurality of lockable discharge units, the notification is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Hirose
  • Patent number: 8459631
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit, a binding unit, a folding unit, a conveyance unit, a press unit, a grasping unit, and a control unit. The binding unit performs binding processing on a sheet bundle stacked in the sheet stacking unit. The folding unit folds the sheet bundle that is subjected to binding processing. The conveyance unit conveys the folded sheet bundle. The press unit presses a fold line portion of the conveyed sheet bundle. The grasping unit is separate from the conveyance unit and switches between a first state in which the grasping unit grasps the conveyed sheet bundle to fix the sheet bundle in position and a second state in which the grasping unit does not grasp the conveyed sheet bundle. The control unit shifts the grasping unit to the first state and causes the press unit to press the sheet bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Ishikawa, Yasuo Fukatsu, Hitoshi Kato, Tomoharu Sato
  • Patent number: 8454006
    Abstract: A printed material holding device includes a printed material tray for receiving printed media, an adjustable mechanism and a transmission mechanism. The adjustable mechanism includes a driving device, a first gear assembly, a second gear assembly, a rotatable member, and a moving member engaged with the rotatable member. The moving member includes a roller engaged with the second gear assembly. The transmission mechanism includes a mounting plate and a stopper piece disposed on an edge of the mounting box. The first gear assembly meshes with the driving device and is engaged with the rotatable member, and the second gear assembly is engaged with the first gear assembly and secured to the moving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan