By Means To Change Direction Of Sheet Travel Patents (Class 271/225)
  • Patent number: 8308157
    Abstract: A conveying device includes a switching gate, a handle, and a link mechanism. The switching gate switches the direction in which a sheet of paper is conveyed along a conveying path. Normally, the weight of the switching gate keeps a front end portion of the gate engaging with a recess. A user grips the handle when he/she opens the conveying device from an apparatus. The user's grip on the handle makes the link mechanism disengage the gate portion from the recess. The link mechanism includes a protrusion protruding toward the apparatus and having a slope, which tapers off. When the conveying device closes into the apparatus, compressive contact of the protrusion slope with a wall of the apparatus disengages the gate portion from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Fujita, Yasuaki Fukada, Kohji Aoki, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120267846
    Abstract: A skew correction device includes a first conveying unit arranged in a sheet conveying path; a second conveying unit arranged downstream of the first conveying unit in a conveying direction of a sheet; and a skew correction unit. When the sheet is unfolded paper, the skew correction unit performs a first skew correction that corrects for the skew of the sheet so that a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit abuts on the second conveying unit that is stopped. When the sheet is fold paper, the skew correction unit performs a second skew correction that corrects for the skew of the sheet so that a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit abuts the second conveying unit and the second conveying unit is driven in a reverse direction to the conveying direction at a predetermined operational timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Kyosuke Nakada, Masahiro Tamura, Shuuya Nagasako, Tomohiro Furuhashi, Keisuke Sugiyama, Yuusuke Shibasaki, Junya Suzuki, Yasuo Niikura, Kazunori Konno, Tomomichi Hoshino, Akira Kunieda, Takahiro Watanabe, Tomohiro Yoshizaki, Kiichiro Goto, Kazuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8292292
    Abstract: A paper sheet obverse and reverse side arranging device according to the present invention, includes: a reversible conveying section which includes a rotor reversibly conveying paper sheets in two directions opposite to each other, and two inlet and outlet sections provided in front of the two directions, respectively; a sorting section which is provided in an upstream conveying path upstream from the reversible conveying section, and which sorts paper sheets to either one of the two inlet and outlet sections; two guiding sections which are provided in the two inlet and outlet sections, respectively, and which guide paper sheets conveyed from the reversible conveying section; two guide conveying sections which convey paper sheets guided from the reversible conveying section by the two guiding sections towards a downstream conveying path provided downstream; and a control section which controls the reversible conveying section and the sorting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Laurel Precision Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Onodera
  • Publication number: 20120248682
    Abstract: A paper transport device includes a transport section that transports paper on a first transport path, and reverses a transport direction to transport the paper onto a second transport path, and a detecting section that detects that the paper has arrived at the reversal position, wherein the detecting section includes a first member that is arranged on the first transport path, and changes posture thereof among a first posture, a second posture, and a third posture, a second member that changes posture thereof between a fourth posture and a fifth posture, a detector that detects whether the second member is in the fourth posture or in the fifth posture, and a joint member that couples the first member and the second member together, allows the second member to be in the fourth posture, rotates the second member to the fifth posture, and keeps the second member in the fourth posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiichirou ARIKAWA, Masami ISHIDA, Shigeru WATANABE, Yoshiro KONISHI
  • Publication number: 20120248683
    Abstract: A 3-way letterbox media diverter directs and controls media in 2 forward directions and 1 reverse direction within a printer's paper path. The letterbox design enables actuation of the diverter from a first position to a second position just as the trail edge of a sheet passes a post fuser nip. Once the diverter reaches the second position, an invert nip now controlling the sheet is reversed to thereby invert the sheet. Thus, inversion of the sheet is accomplished in a small space envelope, time to reverse direction is reduced, process speed can be reduced and additional paper guides are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicola M. Bianco, Richard G. Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20120248680
    Abstract: A reversing transporting device includes a transport-in path, a first transporting section provided at the transport-in path, a second transporting section provided at the transport-in path, a reversing path connected to the transport-in path, a third transporting section provided at the reversing path, a transport-out path connected to the reversing path, a fourth transporting section provided at the transport-out path, and a fifth transporting section provided at the transport-out path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki TAKAISHI, Michio TADA, Takashi ABE, Akira IWASAKA, Toshitaka TANAKA, Hiroyuki MOMIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8276909
    Abstract: A media path crossover for a printing system includes a first crossover pathway on which sheets of print media are conveyed across a crossover junction without interruption and a second crossover pathway on which sheets of print media are conveyed across the crossover junction without interruption. The second crossover pathway intersects the first crossover pathway at a crossover junction. The first crossover pathway comprises a first input path and a first output path and the second crossover pathway comprises a second input path and a second output path. At least the first input path includes a first access panel, whereby a sheet can be cleared therefrom while continuing conveyance of media along the second crossover pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Keith L. Willis
  • Patent number: 8276743
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus enable the reversal of direction in a transport of articles, in particular flat mail items. The length of the leading article is measured. The two articles are transported, with a gap between them, to a direction reversal device. The direction reversal device possesses a “head station” and transports the two articles over a transport path in a transport direction and, subsequently, over the same transport path in the opposite transport direction. If the measured length is greater than a stipulated standard maximum length, the leading article is additionally transported over an additional transport route which follows the transport path, specifically, first, in the transport direction and, subsequently, in the opposite transport direction. The two articles are subsequently transported away in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8276913
    Abstract: A 3-way letterbox media diverter directs and controls media in 2 forward directions and 1 reverse direction within a printer's paper path. The letterbox design enables actuation of the diverter from a first position to a second position just as the trail edge of a sheet passes a post fuser nip. Once the diverter reaches the second position, an invert nip now controlling the sheet is reversed to thereby invert the sheet. Thus, inversion of the sheet is accomplished in a small space envelope, time to reverse direction is reduced, process speed can be reduced and additional paper guides are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Nicola M Bianco, Richard G Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8272641
    Abstract: A laser printer is equipped with first to fourth motors, and controls independently first to fourth driving portions, respectively. The laser printer does a continuous double-side printing for a preceding paper and a following paper. When the preceding paper on a first surface of which the printing is applied is conveyed to a predetermined position, the laser printer feeds the following paper. When the preceding paper exceeds a sensing range of a paper sensor, the laser printer conveys the preceding paper at a high-speed re-conveyance velocity in a switchback mode. When the feeding of the following paper is done normally, the laser printer conveys the preceding paper to a re-conveyance path while lowering the conveyance velocity to a normal re-conveyance velocity. When an error occurs in the feeding of the following paper, the laser printer stops the conveyance of the preceding paper in the switchback mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Tokoro
  • Publication number: 20120223471
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body. The main body includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a medium, and a media conveyance mechanism configured to convey the medium to the image forming unit. A media conveyance unit is attached to the main body and is configured to convey the medium to the media conveyance mechanism. A media retreat path is defined by opposed surfaces of the media conveyance unit and the main body which are opposed to each other. The media retreat path is configured to receive at least a part of the medium being retreated. The media retreat path inclines in a way that a height level of the media retreat path gradually becomes lower from its entrance side to its back-end side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keigo MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120224901
    Abstract: A medium transporting apparatus is incorporated in an apparatus, and includes a first transport path and a second transport path. The first transport path is defined in the body of the apparatus. The second transport path is disposed on a medium cassette. The medium cassette is movable in a direction in which the medium cassette is pulled out of the apparatus and in a direction in which the medium cassette is inserted into the apparatus, so that the second transport path is detachably coupled to the first transport path. When the medium cassette has been inserted completely into the apparatus, a guide member extends to cover a joint portion between the first transport path and the second transport path, thereby facilitating advancement of the medium from the second transport path to the first transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20120217698
    Abstract: A sheet reversing apparatus including: a right angle reversing conveyance section which reverses front/back sides of a sheet while changing a conveyance direction of the sheet, being conveyed in a first conveyance direction, to a second conveyance direction perpendicular to the first conveyance direction; a sheet skew sensor which detects a sheet skew of the sheet being conveyed by the right angle reversing conveyance section; and a sheet skew correction mechanism which corrects the sheet skew of the sheet while the sheet is being conveyed by the right angle reversing conveyance section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi SUGANO, Akinori KIMATA, Katsunori TAKAHASHI, Akifumi ISOBE, Kenji TAMAKI, Satoshi SHIMAO
  • Publication number: 20120217699
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body frame, an image forming unit and a transporting unit. The transporting unit includes a transporting tray, a side guide, a plate, a skew roller and an urging member. The transporting tray is configured to support the recording medium which is being transported. The side guide is configured to abut with an end of the recording medium in a width direction. The plate is facing the transporting tray. The skew roller is rotatably supported by the plate and is configured to skew the recording medium toward the side guide. The urging member is configured to urge a portion of the plate toward the transporting tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi IWAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120211936
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting signatures is provided which includes a moving transport surface for transporting signatures; a pair of eccentric guide rollers, rotatable about respective axes, the pair of guide rollers positioned opposite one another to receive signatures therebetween from the moving transport surface; and a diverter positioned downstream of the guide rollers. The diverter is movable between a first position to divert signatures received from the guide rollers to a first downstream moving transport surface and a second position to divert signatures received from the guide rollers to a second downstream moving transport surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: GOSS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAS INC
    Inventors: David Elliot Whitten, Joseph Adrian St. Ours, Gerald Roger Douillard
  • Patent number: 8240655
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, a tray on which the sheet is placed, a first roller configured to feed the sheet placed on the tray, a first guide member configured to guide the sheet fed from the first roller to the recording unit, a second guide member configured to guide the sheet passed through the recording unit, a second roller configured to feed the sheet guided by the second guide member, a third guide member configured to guide the sheet fed from the second roller to the recording unit, a common roller configured to transmit a rotation force to the first roller and the second roller, and a second-roller arm including the second roller at a distal end thereof and configured to be pivotable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
  • Publication number: 20120200027
    Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a first roller portion on the first transportation path to feed an original to a scanning position to scan a first face of the original, a second roller portion on a second transportation path to transport the scanned original, a third roller portion on the second transportation path to feed the original to the scanning position to scan a second face of the original, a fourth roller portion on the first transportation path to transport the scanned original, and a transporting speed adjusting unit gaining a circumferential velocity of the second roller portion than the one of the first roller portion and gaining a circumferential velocity of the fourth roller portion than the one of third roller portion, when the original is transported from the first transportation path to the second transportation path and from the second transportation path to the first transportation path, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji KORENAGA
  • Patent number: 8235385
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the image forming apparatus are provided. When a finisher is installed onto the image forming apparatus and a communication failure between the finisher and the image forming apparatus is detected, the image forming apparatus causes both of a post processing operation and a double-sided printing operation to be unavailable for selection by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kiichirou Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20120193869
    Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a stopper located in a sheet feeding route and supported rotatably about a pivot point. The posture of the stopper is changed among a restricting posture in which a contact end contacts a leading end SU of a sheet S in a feeding direction to restrict the leading end SU before a feeding of the sheet S by a feeding mechanism, a feed allowing posture assumed during feeding and in which the contact end is separated from the leading end SU in a first direction F in which the sheet S is fed, and a rotational posture reached by rotating the stopper about the pivot point so that the contact end faces in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second direction is a direction in which the sheet S is pulled out from the feeding mechanism when a jam occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Hanamoto
  • Publication number: 20120187623
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first sheet conveying path, a second sheet conveying path, a third conveying path, and a belt-type sheet conveying unit. The first sheet conveying path has a curved portion, and feeds and conveys a sheet therethrough. The second sheet conveying path has a curved portion and different from the first sheet conveying path, and feeds and conveys the sheet therethrough. The third sheet conveying path is provided from a confluence of the first sheet conveying path and the second sheet conveying path. The belt-type sheet conveying unit is disposed on one side of the third sheet conveying path corresponding to an outer side of the curved portion of the first sheet conveying path and an inner side of the curved portion of the second sheet conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroyuki WATASE, Masayuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 8218158
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a feeding portion that feeds an original or a recording medium, a reading portion that reads an original, and a recording portion that performs recording on a recording medium. The original or recording medium fed from the feeding portion can be selectively conveyed to the reading portion or the recording portion, thereby allowing for compactness of the apparatus as well as cost reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Kawazoe, Haruo Uchida, Nozomu Nishiberi, Yoshiaki Watanabe, Yasuyuki Asai, Mitsuru Kondo
  • Patent number: 8210511
    Abstract: Two supply streams of printed products are combined to form a combined printed-product stream. For this purpose, the supply streams are conveyed into a combining region (V) in a main conveying direction (F) in a state in which they, for example, rest loosely on conveying surfaces, are parallel to one another, adjacent to one another and on the same level, inner and outer edges of the printed products (P) of the two supply streams being oriented parallel to the main conveying direction (F). At the entrance to the combining region (V), the inner edge region of each printed product of the first supply stream is raised and, as they are conveyed through the combining region (V), the printed products of the two supply streams are pushed transversely to the main conveying direction (F) and towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: H. Ulrich Stauber
  • Publication number: 20120161383
    Abstract: The present invention provide a sheet conveying device comprising a driving source which freely rotates in a forward/reverse direction, a separation roller shaft configured to drive a separation roller to separate and feed each sheet to be conveyed in accordance with forward/reverse rotation of the driving source, a stopper unit configured to close a conveyance path of stacked sheets on an upstream side of the separation roller in a conveyance direction, a stopper opening/closing member configured to open/close the stopper unit in a vertical direction, and a transfer unit provided between the stopper opening/closing member and the separation roller shaft and configured to transfer a rotating force to the stopper opening/closing member in accordance with a drive of the separation roller shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kuniaki Sato, Kazuyuki Morinaga
  • Publication number: 20120162338
    Abstract: A recording device includes a feed tray for storing sheets, a first conveying path, an arm having one end attached to a pivot, and a roller attached to the other end of the arm. The roller feeds the sheet to the first conveying path. A recording unit is positioned in the first conveying path, and records an image onto the sheet. The recording device also includes a second conveying path between the pivot and the feed tray, and a path changing unit. The path changing unit moves between a first position, where it discharges the sheet, and a second position, where it conveys the sheet to the second conveying path. The arm moves between a third position where the roller contacts the sheets in the feed tray, and a fourth position where the roller is above the second conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo ASADA
  • Publication number: 20120161387
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a first roller configured to feed a sheet in a first direction along a first feed path, a second roller arranged on a downstream side of the first roller and configured to feed the sheet in the first direction along the first feed path, a sheet detection unit arranged between the first roller and the second roller. A rotation amount of the second roller from detection of the leading end of the sheet by the sheet detection unit to arrival of the sheet at a predetermined position on the downstream side is compensated based on the rotation speed of the first roller within a first period, which is a period from start of feeding of the sheet as the first roller is started to be driven to the detection of the leading end of the sheet by the sheet detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenta HORADE
  • Publication number: 20120161382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet conveying device comprising a first conveyance path for conveying a sheet from a pair of first rollers to a pair of second rollers, a second conveyance path for performing switchback conveyance of the sheet, a switching unit for switching the second rollers between a press-contacted state and a separated state, and a single driving source for driving the rollers and the switching unit. A non transferring of drive section is set where when the driving source switches the rotation direction after the sheet that has been switchback-conveyed has reached the first rollers, a drive from the driving source is not transferred to the second rollers. The switching unit is driven to separate the second rollers during a time the drive is not transferred to the second rollers due to the non transferring of drive section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Morinaga, Kuniaki Sato
  • Publication number: 20120153563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet transport device (1) comprising a first and a second opposing transport units (3, 5), each comprising at least one circulating conveyor belt (15) and one vacuum suction device (9, 11) that is in relation with the conveyor belt, said vacuum suction devices being individually actuatable so as to attract a sheet (19), located between the transport units, to the one or the other conveyor belt. Such a sheet transport device is used, for example, in a printing machine. The invention also relates to a method for transporting a sheet to this sheet transport device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Detlef Schulze-Hagenest, Soenke Dehn, Eckhard Bauer
  • Publication number: 20120146284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet diverter for a printing machine (100) and a method for diverting a sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Dirk Dobrindt
  • Publication number: 20120146280
    Abstract: To convey a following sheet toward a discharge tray together with a preceding sheet made to wait in a buffer path, while a switch member provided at a branch portion of the path is maintained at a lower position, the following sheet conveyed from an upstream side of the branch portion toward the discharge tray is guided by a second guide face of the switch member at the lower position, made to meet the waiting sheet on a downstream side of the switch member, and conveyed toward the discharge tray in a sheet bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideki Kushida
  • Publication number: 20120146283
    Abstract: A blocking module is used for blocking at least an object from passing through a rail. The blocking module includes a linkage member and a blocking member. The linkage member has a first end and a second end, and there is a buffering space at a side of the first end. The blocking member has a pivoting end and a free end, in which the pivoting end is pivoted at the second end and the free end hangs down under the pivoting end due to gravity. When the free end of the blocking member leans against on the object on the rail, the object applies a counterforce onto the blocking member so as to drive the first end of the linkage member to move towards the buffering space. The invention also discloses a multi-function printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicants: Kinpo Electronics, Inc., Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited
    Inventors: Kai-Yuan Cheng, Chi-Tsung Chen, Po-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 8196916
    Abstract: A banknote depositing unit can be made with a smaller width than those made previously. The unit includes: a first conveying section for conveying banknotes or a bundle of banknotes deposited into a temporary holding section from an inlet through a first route; a second conveying section for conveying each banknote from the bundle of banknotes held in the temporary holding section to a return outlet through a second route; and a third conveying section for conveying each bundle of banknotes held in the temporary holding section to a cassette section where the banknotes are to be stored in each bundle through a third route. The second route and the third route commonly have the temporary holding section as a starting point and three-dimensionally intersect each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yanagida, Kazuhisa Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8195081
    Abstract: A media handling transport includes first and second device halves. Each of the device halves includes first, second and third body members, with the first end portion of the second body member disposed adjacent the first end portion of the first body member, the first end portion of the third body member disposed adjacent the second end portion of the first body member, and the second end portion of the third body member disposed adjacent the second end portion of the second body member. An inner body member defines a first media transport passageway with the second body member define, a second media transport passageway with the third body member, and a third media transport passageway with the first body member. The second end portions of the second and third body members define an abutting end of the device half, with the abutting end of the first device half disposed adjacent the abutting end of the second device half in an installed transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Spence, Mark S. Amico
  • Patent number: 8186674
    Abstract: If a jam detecting portion detects a sheet jam, a rear end position of the jammed sheet is computed based on information, when a rear end of the jammed sheet is located within an area A1 and a length Ls of the jammed sheet in a conveying direction of the sheet is equal to or shorter than a distance L between the area A1 and an area A2, driving operations of a pre-registration roller and a registration roller are controlled so that the jammed sheet is conveyed to a downstream until a rear end of the sheet passes through a downstream end of the area A1. When Ls is longer than L, the pre-registration roller and the registration roller are controlled so that the jammed sheet is conveyed toward the upstream until the rear end of the sheet passes through an upstream end of the area A1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiko Fujita
  • Patent number: 8181951
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus allowing a printing section inside of a casing to print paper and discharging the printed paper from the casing through a discharge port of the casing includes a discharge tray configured such that the position thereof is switchable from a placement position for covering the surface of a feeding belt and receiving the paper discharged from the casing to an exposure position for exposing the surface of the feeding belt, and vice versa, wherein a surface of the discharge tray has a coefficient of friction lower than the surface of the feeding belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Betto, Seiji Minamiyama
  • Publication number: 20120119430
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a sheet feeding cassette, a printing unit, and a sheet ejection tray. A first conveyance unit feeds the recording sheet from a front side of the sheet feeding cassette and inverts and conveys it to the printing unit. A path of a switchback conveyance unit extends from the printing unit to let the recording sheet switch back after the printing in an opposite direction to that the recording sheet is conveyed to the printing unit. A front and back side inversion conveyance unit conveys the printing sheet to the sheet ejection tray with a printed surface of the printing sheet facing down. Both of the sheet feeding position on the conveyance unit and the front and back side inversion conveyance unit are arranged on the front side in the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoh IDEHARA
  • Patent number: 8177225
    Abstract: An automatic document feeder of the present invention is provided with a turning/discharging path in a reversing path in order to read images on both sides of documents in lengths less than the main size and discharge in a discharging tray. Further, an aligning wall is provided to bump ends of documents discharged from the turning/discharging path against it. Thus, the documents of which both sides are read are discharged in the sequentially collated state at a high-speed and the aligned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihito Tokutsu
  • Patent number: 8177230
    Abstract: Disclosed are a recording medium accumulating device and a method for accumulating recording medium. The device includes a cylindroid roller for winding up the recording medium and at least two endless belts, peripheral surfaces of the cylindroid roller contact with external surfaces of the endless belts respectively, and a closed medium-feeding passage is formed between the contacting surfaces, a medium-entering passage and a medium-discharging passage for the recording medium are respectively formed between two adjacent endless belts, the medium-entering passage and the medium-discharging passage connect with the medium-feeding passage, the medium-feeding passage drives the recording medium to rotate with the cylindroid roller using the friction force of the contacting surfaces, so as to accumulate the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Shandong New Beiyang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tianxin Jiang, Zhengmin Zhang, Xiangang Yang
  • Patent number: 8172228
    Abstract: An integrated module for installation within a printer may include a module frame and a plurality of printer subsystem components. The module frame is configured to fit within a predetermined space within a printer and to connect to a printer frame positioned about the predetermined space. The plurality of printer subsystem components are configured to mount to the module frame. At least one printer subsystem component includes a default module media path and at least one diverter-directed module media path within the printer subsystem component. The at least one printer subsystem component is configured to connect to the module frame at a position that enables the default module media path and the at least one diverter-directed module media path to complete a printer media path through the predetermined space when the module frame having the printer subsystem component is connected to the printer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Rob Huala, Jos Jacobs, David B. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8172225
    Abstract: A feeding device has a conveying roller that rotates in a forward direction and a reverse direction, to selectively convey a sheet in a conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction. A particular guide member is positioned on an upstream side, guides the conveyed sheet toward the conveying roller, and has a stopper that contacts an end portion of the sheet, thereby stopping movement of the sheet in the reverse conveying direction. A control unit causes the conveying roller to rotate the conveying roller in the forward direction, such that the sheet is conveyed to a predetermined position, then to rotate the conveying roller in the reverse direction, wherein the end portion of the sheet contacts the stopper while the conveying roller rotates in the reverse direction, and then to again rotate the conveying roller in the forward direction, such that the sheet is conveyed toward the conveying roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naokazu Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 8167304
    Abstract: A diversion member 21 rotationally moves to at least three stopping positions including a first stopping position connecting a first transport path 11 and a second transport path 12 to form a first transport passage, a second stopping position connecting the first transport path 11 and a third transport path 13 to form a second transport passage and a third stopping position connecting transport paths other than the first transport path 11 to form a third transport passage. The rotation speed of the diversion member 21 between the first stopping position and the second stopping position is lower than that between the first stopping position and the third stopping position and that between the second stopping position and the third stopping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Fukazawa, Toshihiko Kobayashi, Tsuguo Mizoro, Hisayuki Utsumi
  • Patent number: 8167302
    Abstract: A sheet of paper is reliably held by suction at the front and rear of a turn guide on the transport path of the sheet according to paper transport conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: Duplo Seiko Corporation, Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kawaguchi, Kazuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8162309
    Abstract: A first convey roller conveys a sheet in a sheet conveying direction such that a leading edge of the sheet passes through a nip of a second convey roller disposed downstream from the first convey roller. The second convey roller rotates in a reverse direction by a first rotation amount corresponding to a first linear distance to convey the sheet in a direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction, such that the leading edge of the sheet is released from the nip of the second convey roller. In response to the rotation of the second convey roller in the reverse direction, the first convey roller rotates by a second rotation amount corresponding to a second linear distance in the reverse direction to convey the sheet in the direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction, such that the leading edge of the sheet contacts the nip of the second convey roller when the first convey roller has rotated by the second rotation amount and the second convey roller has rotated by the first rotation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kawamata, Takashi Ohama, Wataru Sugiyama, Yuta Uchino, Tsuyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 8152161
    Abstract: A printing device includes a first transporting mechanism driven by a first motor, a printing unit, a second transporting mechanism configured to transport the printing medium transported by first transporting mechanism and is performed image printing on a first surface thereof by the printing unit, to the first transporting mechanism. The first transporting mechanism includes first transporting rollers disposed at a position upstream of the printing unit, and further includes second transporting rollers disposed at a position downstream of the printing unit and configured to rotate in both directions. The second transporting mechanism includes third transporting rollers driven by a second motor and configured to transport the printing medium switched back by the second transporting rollers toward the first transporting rollers. A transporting force of the second transporting rollers is smaller than a transporting force of the third transporting rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
  • Patent number: 8146919
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus, a document supply device thereof and methods thereof may reduce a scanning operation time. A document supply device may include a holding position (e.g., internal) for a following document such that a scanning time between documents may be reduced. The document supply device may include a main feed path to guide an introduced document, a simplex path coupled to the main feed path and to guide the document fed through the main feed path to the scanning window to scan one document surface (e.g., first surface), a duplex path to guide the document having passed the scanning window to the simplex path to scan the other document surface (e.g., second surface), an auxiliary supply path coupled to the main feed path and the simplex path where the document fed through the main feed path temporarily stands by before being fed to the scanning window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Sik Won
  • Publication number: 20120074643
    Abstract: A paper automatic-feeding apparatus includes a first paper feeding path through which a paper medium passes; a second paper feeding path which is arranged separately from the first paper feeding path and through which a paper medium passes; a first fulcrum part to support a first chassis, which forms at least a part of the first paper feeding path, as a bearing so that the first chassis can be opened and closed; a second fulcrum part to support a second chassis, which forms at least a part of the second paper feeding path, as a bearing so that the second chassis can be opened and closed; and a fixation part to fix the first chassis and the second chassis so that the first chassis and the second chassis may be in a closed state through the fixation part being fixed on a predetermined fixed part; wherein the predetermined fixed part and the second fulcrum part are formed as a common part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: WATARU IMURA
  • Publication number: 20120068402
    Abstract: A media dam for a media path of an imaging device along which a media sheet traverses according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of inclined rib members. The rib members form a contact surface for engaging and deflecting the media sheet along the media path. The contact surface has a top edge that includes at least one sloped portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Jennie Ellen Campbell, Walter Kevin Cousins, Edward Bros Fowler
  • Publication number: 20120056366
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein are to a printing apparatus includes a printing mechanism to print information on a plurality of paper sheets and further to sequentially convey the printed paper sheets along a first conveying path. The apparatus further includes a paper holding mechanism provided downstream from the printing mechanism in a paper feed direction, which includes a pair of conveying members configured to face each other via the first conveying path. The apparatus further includes a control unit configured to control the printing mechanism and the paper holding mechanism to convey sequentially the printed paper sheets through a gap between the pair of conveying members so that the printed paper sheets are sequentially accumulated in the paper holding mechanism, and further configured to collectively discharge the printed paper sheets outside of the apparatus by holding the printed paper sheets between the pair of conveying members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiharu SEKINO
  • Publication number: 20120049436
    Abstract: A method of feeding media in an inkjet printer including moving a media stopper element for selectively allowing a sheet of media to advance along a media advance path in a media advance direction. A shaft is connected to the media stopper element for moving the media stopper element by rotating the shaft. The media stopper element can be moved via biasing to a first position for preventing the sheet of media from advancing and to a second position for allowing the sheet of media to advance along the media advance path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Wayne E. Stiehler, Sivanandam T. Sathiyamoorthy
  • Patent number: 8123223
    Abstract: An inserter device for a document printer and inserter system includes a first container sensor. A belt mechanism includes a flexible delivery belt receiving a printed document from a document printer. A motor rotates the delivery belt in response to an actuation signal from the first container sensor indicating the presence of a container at a document loading position proximate the delivery belt. A support shaft is rotatably connected to a support frame. The belt mechanism is fixed to the support shaft. The support shaft is rotated to achieve a desired belt drive angle and fixed to the support frame to maintain the belt drive angle. A rigid document diverter proximate the delivery belt deflects a document discharged from the delivery belt at the belt drive angle into the container. First and second belt tensioning assemblies are individually positioned in either a belt mechanism drive box or idler box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Andersen & Associates
    Inventors: Anthony F. Morgott, Mark J. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20120032389
    Abstract: According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided systems for conveying a sheet article into an intended pathway. The multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device includes at least three pathways for directing the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. A single gate plate is between the sheet conveying member and the pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member toward one of the pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Injae Choi, Barry Paul Mandel