Housing Or Mounting Patents (Class 347/152)
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Patent number: 7787003Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a photoconductor, adapted such that an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon and extending in a first direction; and an optical scanner, operable to emit a light beam to expose the photoconductor while scanning in the first direction, wherein: the photoconductor and the optical scanner define a space therebetween; and the space allows air to flow therethrough in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takeshi Sowa, Masayuki Kanazawa, Yoichi Mitsui, Takatomo Fukumoto
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Patent number: 7782348Abstract: An exposing device includes a light source that emits scanning light, a polygonal rotating mirror that scans and deflects the scanning light in a specific scanning direction, a reflection mirror that reflects the scanning light that has been scanned and deflected at plural reflection points aligned in a specific direction for the scanning light to go incident on the image carrier, and a unit main body in which the polygonal rotating mirror and the reflection mirror are disposed at a specific interval. The unit main body has two attachment fixing portions on almost a same line linking the reflection points and fixed to the apparatus main body. An attachment support is supported on the apparatus main body and allows free expansion of the unit main body in a plane direction including the scanning direction of the polygonal rotating mirror on a side where the polygonal rotating mirror is installed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Masato Ohnishi
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Patent number: 7782353Abstract: An image-forming device has cylindrical image-carrying members, and an optical scanning unit. The cylindrical image-carrying members are in a main casing for rotating about respective rotational axes which are parallel to one another and juxtaposed in a single direction. The optical scanning unit is in the main casing and has laser generators, a rotatable polygon mirror, mirrors, and lenses. The laser generators have a one-to-one relationship to the image-carrying members to emit laser beams. The rotatable polygon mirror deflects the respective laser beams to scan the respective image-carrying members. The mirrors have a one-to-one relationship to the image-carrying members to guide the respective laser beams along respective optical paths to the respective image-carrying members. The lenses have a one-to-one relationship to the plurality of image-carrying members provided in the respective optical paths and between the respective mirrors and the respective image-carrying members.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryota Kato, Jun Mihara, Yasuo Tamaru
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Patent number: 7777769Abstract: An image forming unit is provided in which, through making a distance limiting member to limit a distance between an exposing unit and an image carrying body be able to contact and separate with respect to the image carrying body by a contact/separation enabling section, it is eliminated that developer remaining on the surface of the image carrying body coagulates on the distance limiting member, so it is eliminated that the surface of the image carrying body is scraped by the developer, and that a bad print occurs. The image forming unit has an image carrying body exposed by an exposing unit, a distance limiting member to limit a distance between the exposing unit and the image carrying body. The distance limiting member is installed capable of contacting with and separating from the image carrying body by a contact/separation enabling section.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Ken Nozawa
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Patent number: 7760225Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electrostatic latent image carrier, and an optical writing device including at least one light source, at least one aperture, at least one light shield, a light deflector, an image forming lens, and a housing. The aperture adjusts a light beam generated by the light source into a reference shape. The light shield shields an optical path formed between the light source and the aperture by the light beam. The light deflector deflects the light beam to scan in a main scanning direction. The image forming lens focuses the deflected light beam to scan on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. The housing contains the light source, the light deflector, and the image forming lens. The housing is integrally molded with the aperture and the light shield.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Yoshizawa, Takeshi Yamakawa, Katsunori Shoji
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Patent number: 7755655Abstract: An exposure device for exposing the charged surface of a photoconductive drum is provided with a light source for emitting light based on image information; a rotary multifaceted mirror for reflecting the light emitted from the light source to scan the surface of the photoconductive drum; a driving mechanism for drivingly rotating the rotary multifaceted mirror; an inner casing for covering at least the driving mechanism and the rotary multifaceted mirror; and an outer casing for covering the inner casing from the outside. An air vent for communicating the inside and outside of the inner casing is formed in a part of the inner casing facing the rotary multifaceted mirror.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Kotaro Kawasaki
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Patent number: 7755809Abstract: A laser scanning optical system converts a plurality of beams emitted from the laser diode (LD) into parallel light using a collimator lens, shapes the parallel light using an aperture, and executes exposure of a plurality of lines simultaneously on a photoreceptor drum. To cause a necessary emitting point interval d determined uniquely from the magnification of the optical system to coincide with an emitting point interval of the LD used, the LD is rotated by an angle ? against the main optical axis plane thereof. In this case, a converting device that converts the aspect ratio of a profile of the light beam emitted from the LD is provided. A conversion characteristic of the converting device is adjusted such that the characteristic is matched with a condition within a predetermined region following a characteristic of the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirokazu Fujita, Kenzo Ohkubo, Takasumi Wada, Yasuhiro Ono, Takayuki Ohno
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Patent number: 7733540Abstract: A multifunction apparatus is provided with a printer unit having a discharge tray disposed on a top face thereof and a scanner unit disposed on the image recording unit with a space being defined between the image reading unit and the discharge tray. The scanner unit has a casing. The casing is provided in the printer unit rotatably about a rear side of the apparatus in such a fashion as to open a front side of the apparatus. The casing has a recessed part formed at a position of a bottom plate thereof and corresponding to the discharge tray. Thus, a recording sheet removal opening opened on a front side of the apparatus is formed. A reinforcing portion recessed in such a fashion as to be swollen toward an internal space of the casing is formed on the bottom plate having the recessed part.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masato Moribe
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Patent number: 7656421Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body including an opening; a plurality of process units which are arranged in the main body in an arrangement direction with a gap therebetween; a plurality of exposure units which are arranged in the arrangement direction alternately with the process units; a cover which is rotatable about a rotation shaft to open and close the opening; and a plurality of support members which connect the exposure units to the cover and which allow the exposure units to be retreated from the process units with the opening and closing of the cover. The process units are disposed at positions where the process units contact with the exposure units moved with the opening and closing of the cover and at least contact portions thereof contacting with the exposure units are movable by pressing forces of the exposure units.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nao Itabashi
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Patent number: 7595813Abstract: In an image forming apparatus (1) utilizing electrophotographic technology, position and posture of a laser scan unit (5) with respect top a frame (13) is adjusted easily without cost rise and upsizing of the apparatus. Semicircular recesses (53) and an elongate hole (54) are formed at each of three fixing portions (52a, 52b and 52c) in the vicinities of side faces (51b) and a rear face (51c) of a housing (51) of the laser scan unit (5), and an adjuster 30 serving as a spacer is attached to each of the fixing portions (52a, 52b and 52c). Each adjuster (30) is elected among a plurality of kinds of adjustors respectively having different thicknesses manufactured by press working of metal plates commercially produced and having different thicknesses with using the same dies. The adjustor has a pair of semicircular engaging portions 30b and a coupling portion 30a perpendicular to and coupling the engaging portions (30b).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuto Hori
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Patent number: 7578588Abstract: A device for positioning an object in an opening of a frame in a predetermined position with respect to a plane extending in the direction of the plane of the frame (plane X-Y), wherein the object includes a first spherical segment at a first side and a second spherical segment at a second side situated opposite the first side, wherein at least one positioning means which, after placing the object, exerts a force with a component in the radial and tangential direction on the object at the first spherical segment, the tangential component reaching a minimum in the situation in which the object is situated in the predetermined position, and a recess in which the second spherical segment can be pressed by the positioning means.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Océ Technologies B.V.Inventor: Siegbert H. Greiser
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Patent number: 7551874Abstract: A support structure for an image processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has an apparatus body, a base provided at a lower portion of the apparatus body for supporting the body, and an image processing unit disposed inside the apparatus body or attached thereto. The processing unit is capable of effecting at least either an image forming operation or an image reading operation. The support structure includes a grounding portion formed at and integrally with a bottom of the apparatus base for coming into contact with a contact-object surface such as a floor surface at at least three positions thereof thereby to support the base parallel with the contact-object surface and includes also an elastic projecting portion formed of a material having greater elasticity than a material forming the grounding portion. The elastic projecting portion has a ground-contacting face which projects from a bottom face of the grounding portion under a non-grounded condition of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Takeshi Marumoto
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Patent number: 7551859Abstract: A toner cartridge having a microcontroller configured to store data necessary to create a message authentication code required by the printer. The microcontroller contains data values capable of generating acceptable MACs for a plurality of printers used in a plurality of geographic regions. The microcontroller recognizes a variety of unique parameters displayed by the printer's processor to identify the geographic region of the printer being used. Once the printer and geographic region are identified, the microcontroller loads the data values associated with the printer and generates an acceptable MAC to enable printer operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventors: Steven Miller, Herman Schnell
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Publication number: 20090058978Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body including an opening; a plurality of process units which are arranged in the main body in an arrangement direction with a gap therebetween; a plurality of exposure units which are arranged in the arrangement direction alternately with the process units; a cover which is rotatable about a rotation shaft to open and close the opening; and a plurality of support members which connect the exposure units to the cover and which allow the exposure units to be retreated from the process units with the opening and closing of the cover. The process units are disposed at positions where the process units contact with the exposure units moved with the opening and closing of the cover and at least contact portions thereof contacting with the exposure units are movable by pressing forces of the exposure units.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nao ITABASHI
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Patent number: 7495682Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including point light sources, arranged in a straight line state, configured to output light to light a document, and a light leading member, positioned in front in a light outputting direction of the light output from the point light sources, configured to receive the light incident on a surface of the light leading member, and to lead the received light so as to irradiate along a main scanning direction toward the document. The light leading member includes a positioning unit configured to make a gap between one of the point light sources arranged in a line state and the light leading member the same as a gap between another of the point light sources and the light leading member, and to make an arrangement direction of the point light sources be positioned along a longitudinal direction of the light leading member.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Kohchi, Yasuo Sakurai
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Patent number: 7489887Abstract: A support structure for an image processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has an apparatus body, a base provided at a lower portion of the apparatus body for supporting the body, and an image processing unit disposed inside the apparatus body or attached thereto. The processing unit is capable of effecting at least either an image forming operation or an image reading operation. The support structure includes a grounding portion formed at and integrally with a bottom of the apparatus base for coming into contact with a contact-object surface such as a floor surface at at least three positions thereof thereby to support the base parallel with the contact-object surface and includes also an elastic projecting portion formed of a material having greater elasticity than a material forming the grounding portion. The elastic projecting portion has a ground-contacting face which projects from a bottom face of the grounding portion under a non-grounded condition of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Takeshi Marumoto
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Patent number: 7468808Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a body housing a print engine. The print engine is configured to transport and print upon print media. A retractable cover is pivotally mounted relative to the body and is able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing. A support is configured to support the print media guided to the print engine. The support is pivotally mounted relative to the cover so that the support can be retracted between the cover and the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
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Patent number: 7436426Abstract: A laser scanning apparatus capable of preventing a secondary contamination of light transmitting windows and an image forming device having the same include a light emitting unit to emit light, a cover connected to a laser scanning apparatus body, and having at least one light transmitting window through which light passes, a cleaning member reciprocally disposed on the cover to clean the light transmitting window when on a cleaning path, and a guide unit to guide a movement of the cleaning member, so that the cleaning path is other than a returning path of the cleaning member and have different up and down periods from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyung-min Lim
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Patent number: 7431447Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus that includes an access door for reducing clearance space requirements.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Julie B. Jensen
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Patent number: 7428073Abstract: To make it possible with a post card making device composed of an original reading device and an image printing device that an image is prepared on an upward facing original image preparation surface, and in that condition, the original image can be read in by the original reading device as precisely positioned, and further the original reading device and the image printing device are assembled to an integral unit for storage, an original placing and storage assisting device is provided so as to present an original image preparing surface and to be connected to the image printing device by sandwiching the original reading device therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Riso Kagaku CorporationInventors: Tadayuki Wakatabi, Kouki Mitani
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Patent number: 7388191Abstract: A mirror positioning structure of a reflection mirror for correcting skew and bow and a laser scanning unit employing the same are provided. The mirror positioning structure includes a mirror holder, a fixing member, and a positioning cap. The mirror holder has a reflection mirror on one side and a guide bar disposed on the other side. The fixing member has a guide hole through which the guide bar passes, and the mirror holder is fixed on one surface of the fixing member. The positioning cap is disposed on the other surface of the fixing member and contacts the guide bar. The position cap has an inclined surface for contacting the guide bar to move the guide bar up and down inside the guide hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Doo-jin Bang
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Patent number: 7309179Abstract: A media advancing device for a hardcopy apparatus comprising: a platen having at least one slot and a top surface, whereby a medium advances on the top surface; and a plurality of openings connecting the top surface to at least one zone of negative pressure; and a revolving overdrive roller having an outer surface, the outer surface emerging above the top surface through the slot, the overdrive roller being substantially sealed in a housing below the top surface, the housing separating the overdrive roller from the zone of negative pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Jose Miguel Toran, Xavier Gros, Raimon Castells
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Patent number: 7293870Abstract: A supporting structure and a Business machine utilizing the same. The business machine includes a main body, cover and supporting structure therebetween. The sleeve connected to the main body has a guiding groove with a lug portion. The connecting rod is connected to the cover and movably disposed in the sleeve. The connecting rod has a cantilever with a hook portion confined in the guiding groove. The guiding groove has a predetermined profile, such that the cover is lifted before closing, protecting the main body from accidental collision.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: BENQ CorporationInventor: Chin-Shu Yu
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Patent number: 7290952Abstract: The invention provides the recording apparatus, which has excellent operability of drawing and retracting the sheet discharge tray and excellent design in accommodating the sheet discharge tray and includes a sheet discharge mechanism having an advantage for miniaturization and improvement of performance of the recording apparatus. A tray accommodation portion which slidably accommodates a sheet discharge unit including a plurality of sheet discharge trays and an opening portion which is opened and closed by a cover member are provided in an exterior of the apparatus. The drawn sheet discharge tray is retained on a backside of the cover member retained at a predetermined opening angle. Stepwise grooves having difference of elevation for sliding guide protrusions provided in the sheet discharge tray unit are formed on both sides of the tray accommodation unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuji Kagami
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Patent number: 7286786Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted to an apparatus body one above the other and a transfer belt support unit hingedly attached to the image forming apparatus that is movable between a first position covering the plurality of image forming cartridges and a second position uncovering the plurality of image forming cartridges. Each image forming cartridge can be mounted to or dismounted from the image forming apparatus when the transfer belt support unit is in the second position. At least one of the image forming cartridges can be mounted to or dismounted from the image forming apparatus in a direction other than along an axis of rotation of a photoconductive member located in an image forming member.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
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Patent number: 7233752Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes first and second end covers, first and second bottom-surface portions to be guided by first and second main assembly guide portions, first, second, and third portions to be positioned by first, second, and third main assembly positioning portions, and a driving force receiving portion partly exposed through the first end cover between the first and third portions to be positioned and engaging with a main assembly driving force transmitting portion to rotate a process-cartridge developing member when the process cartridge is mounted to the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kinya Harada, Kouji Hashimoto, Tachio Kawai
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Patent number: 7227562Abstract: Provided is a small-sized electrophotographic apparatus for which maintenance such as disposal of a jam of sheets, replacement of consumables including toner, or replacement of components to be periodically replaced can be facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Asuwa, Toru Miyasaka, Taichiro Yamashita, Masahiro Yagi, Shintaro Yamada
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Patent number: 7123856Abstract: A support structure for an image processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has an apparatus body, a base provided at a lower portion of the apparatus body for supporting the body, and an image processing unit disposed inside the apparatus body or attached thereto. The processing unit is capable of effecting at least either an image forming operation or an image reading operation. The support structure includes a grounding portion formed at and integrally with a bottom of the apparatus base for coming into contact with a contact-object surface such as a floor surface at at least three positions thereof thereby to support the base parallel with the contact-object surface and includes also an elastic projecting portion formed of a material having greater elasticity than a material forming the grounding portion. The elastic projecting portion has a ground-contacting face which projects from a bottom face of the grounding portion under a non-grounded condition of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Takeshi Marumoto
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Patent number: 7009629Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a photoreceptor having an image carrying surface, first and second exposing devices to expose the image carrying surface to form first and second latent images, and first and second developing devices to develop the first and second latent images to form first and second toner images on the image carrying surface. The first exposing device has a light source which emits a light beam, a deflector which deflects the light beam on the image carrying surface to form a scanning line, a first optical system to focus the light beam, and a first adjustor which adjusts an alignment between the first optical system and the image carrying surface for correcting variation of lateral magnification in the primary scanning direction of the optical system so that the first toner image and the second toner image are superposed on a recording sheet.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Yuji Okugawa, Naoki Tajima, Masaaki Ikeda, Masahiro Shigetomi
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Patent number: 6982736Abstract: The image forming apparatus has light beam passing from the deflector directly to the image carrying surface. The light beam is not bent to the image carrying surface. The apparatus detects movement of optical system and it uses the detected movement to correct the inclination of the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Yuji Okugawa, Naoki Tajima, Masaaki Ikeda, Masahiro Shigetomi
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Patent number: 6969169Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided in which a space can be secured on a desk without performing a troublesome operation, and penetration of dust or foreign matter into a main body can be prevented when the apparatus is not used, and a sheet jam caused by closing of a sheet-discharge-port cover does not occur when the apparatus is used. In the apparatus, a magnet unit is provided at a sheet feeding cover covering a sheet feeding opening, and a metal member is provided at a sheet-discharge-port cover for covering a sheet discharge port. By attraction of the metal member of the sheet-discharge-port cover by the magnet unit of the sheet feeding cover, and a locked state is provided, to provide a shell structure. Linked with opening of the sheet feeding cover, the sheet-discharge-port cover is automatically opened by its own weight. A DC jack is disposed at a right side of the printer main body, and an I/F (interface) connector is disposed within a detachable side cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasufumi Tanaami, Shoichi Kan
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Patent number: 6928251Abstract: Left and right frames are formed of a resin containing no glass fibers and bridged together by a tray formed of steel, a chute formed of resin, and underbars formed of steel. Each frame has a box-shape configured of a plate surface and side surfaces formed by bending the edges of plate surface in a common direction perpendicular to the plate surface, thereby preventing the plate surface from bending significantly. When the tray and underbars expand, then the frames bend slightly to absorb the load.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Yoshihara, Shusaku Tsusaka, Yoshiteru Hattori
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Patent number: 6917775Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged one above another and configured to form an image on a medium. The apparatus also include a transfer belt support unit, including a transfer belt, hingedly attached to the image forming apparatus at a lower end position of the transfer belt support unit and movable between a first position covering the plurality of the image cartridges and a second position uncovering the plurality of the image forming cartridges. Each of the image forming cartridges is configured to be mounted to or dismounted from the image forming apparatus when the transfer belt support unit is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
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Patent number: 6851802Abstract: When a cover body at a closing position is pulled up with respect to a main body, then a lock lever attached to the cover body abuts against a hook body of the main body, regulating a rattle of the cover body with respect to the main body. When a user lifts up a multi-function peripheral device by grabbing the lock lever, the lock lever comes into engagement with the hook body, thereby preventing the lock lever from opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Sakakibara, Masato Moribe, Toshio Sugiura
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Patent number: 6798430Abstract: A tandem type color image forming device having a plurality of process cartridges each being detachable from a frame. An intermediate image transfer belt extends vertically, and the process cartridges are arrayed in the vertical direction and supported by the frame. Each process cartridge installs therein a developing unit and a photosensitive drum, and each photosensitive drum is in confrontation with the belt. A front cover is provided in front of the process cartridges. If viewing from the front, when the front cover is opened, the process cartridges are accessible without any interference with ambient components, and the belt is positioned behind the process cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shougo Sato
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Patent number: 6760557Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged one above another and configured to form an image on a medium; a plurality of optical writing devices arranged one above another respectively corresponding to the plurality of image forming cartridges and configured to emit light beams to the plurality of image forming cartridges so as to form the image on the medium; and a vertical stay disposed between the plurality of image forming cartridges and optical writing devices and including slots configured to allow the light beams emitted from the plurality of optical writing devices to pass therethrough to the plurality of image forming cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Nakazato, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomohiro Nakajima
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Publication number: 20040095456Abstract: Left and right frames are formed of a resin containing no glass fibers and bridged together by a tray formed of steel, a chute formed of resin, and underbars formed of steel. Each frame has a box-shape configured of a plate surface and side surfaces formed by bending the edges of plate surface in a common direction perpendicular to the plate surface, thereby preventing the plate surface from bending significantly. When the tray and underbars expand, then the frames bend slightly to absorb the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Yoshihara, Shusaku Tsusaka, Yoshiteru Hattori
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Patent number: 6697586Abstract: An image forming system including multiple photoconductors arranged in a line extending in a vertical direction and forming one body as one unit, and multiple development devices and multiple exposure devices arranged on one side of the line of the multiple photoconductors. An image is transferred to a recording medium on an other side of the line of the multiple photoconductors.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Yamamoto, Toru Miyasaka, Masaru Nakano, Akira Shimada, Kenji Mori, Akira Sasaki, Kazuhiro Wakamatsu
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Publication number: 20030210320Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a photoreceptor having an image carrying surface, an exposing device to imagewise expose the image carrying surface to form a latent image, and a developing device to develop the latent image to form a toner image on the image carrying surface, wherein the exposing device is composed of a light source to emit a light beam, a deflector to deflect the light beam so as to form a scanning line with the light beam on the image carrying surface, a cylindrical lens provided between the deflector and the image carrying surface and to focus the light beam on the image carrying surface, and an adjusting mechanism to adjust an inclination of the scanning line and to adjust variance in magnification of an image on the scanning line.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Yuji Okugawa, Naoki Tajima, Masaaki Ikeda, Masahiro Shigetomi
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Publication number: 20030206224Abstract: When a cover body at a closing position is pulled up with respect to a main body, then a lock lever attached to the cover body abuts against a hook body of the main body, regulating a rattle of the cover body with respect to the main body. When a user lifts up a multi-function peripheral device by grabbing the lock lever, the lock lever comes into engagement with the hook body, thereby preventing the lock lever from opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akihiro Sakakibara, Masato Moribe, Toshio Sugiura
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Publication number: 20030184643Abstract: A printer eliminating an installation space on a desk or a floor. A printer (10) has a hook (30) and a housing (20). The hook (30) is provided on the housing (20) and is locked to a display panel (53) to attach the printer (10) to the display panel (53). The printer (10) can be installed by making use of a space at a rear surface of the display panel (53), and a printed sheet (5) can be discharged in the same side as the surface of a display (52). The printer thus provides easy observation to the printed sheet see and easy handling.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Hitoshi Fujiwara
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Patent number: 6603938Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has image forming device for forming an image on a moving recording material, and a fan for taking in air from outside to cool the interior of the apparatus, wherein the fan is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to a moving direction of the recording material.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhito Tsubakimoto
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Patent number: 6600504Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a photoreceptor having a image carrying surface, an exposing device to imagewise expose the image carrying surface to form a latent image, and a developing device to develop the latent image to form a toner image on the image carrying surface. The exposing device has a light source which emits a light beam, a deflector which deflects the light beam to form a scanning line with the light beam on the image carrying surface, a cylindrical lens between the deflector and the image carrying surface which focuses the light beam on the image carrying surface, and an adjusting mechanism which adjusts an inclination of the scanning line and adjusts variance in magnification of an image on the scanning line.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Yuji Okugawa, Naoki Tajima, Masaaki Ikeda, Masahiro Shigetomi
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Patent number: 6574005Abstract: Toner and paper powder adhering to and carried by the image non-forming surface of a paper sheet in a developing unit are prevented from fixedly transferring and adhering to the inner wall of the developing unit and the inner wall of the paper sheet introduction port of a fixing unit. As a result, the paper sheet is smoothly carried from the developing unit to the fixing unit while reliably preventing a paper sheet jam. To prevent the adherence of toner and paper powder to the inner walls, first ribs are formed on the bottom surface of the top cover of the developing chamber of the processing unit and second ribs are formed on the paper sheet introduction port side of the top cover of the fixing room of the fixing unit. The first ribs and the second ribs are staggered with respect to one another. In addition, a discharging film is disposed between pairs of adjacent first ribs on the bottom surface of the top cover of the developing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiya Tomatsu
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Patent number: 6545693Abstract: To provide an exposing apparatus including a first fixing member which positions and fixes a vicinity of an exposing unit on a side of a photosensitive body, and a second fixing member which fixes a vicinity of an end of the exposing unit on a side opposite to a location fixed by the first fixing member for preventing the exposing unit from being inclined when positioning and fixing the exposing unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunihiko Kitayama, Akio Ohno, Kiyoharu Tanaka
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Publication number: 20030063180Abstract: A capping mechanism for a print engine includes a capping member mountable in alignment with a printhead of the print engine. The capping member is displaceable into and out of abutment with the printhead for capping and uncapping the printhead respectively. A torsion bar arrangement acts on the capping member for displacing the capping member. A mechanical displaceable element co-operates with the torsion bar arrangement such that, when the element is in a parked position, the element engages the torsion bar arrangement to cause the capping member to be displaced into abutment with the printhead to cap the printhead. When the displaceable element is out of its parked position, the capping member is urged by the torsion bar arrangement out of abutment with the printhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 6483527Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing components and a plurality of image writing units for writing an image on each of the image bearing components. The apparatus also includes a frame for supporting the plurality of the image bearing components and the plurality of image writing units. The frame has a plurality a of first holding parts for holding both ends of each of the image bearing components and a plurality of second holding parts for holding both ends of each of the image writing units.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tamotsu Kaneko, Yoshiharu Irei, Jun Nakao, Yasunori Omori, Takayuki Miyamoto, Isao Matsuoka, Yuji Teramura
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Patent number: 6473152Abstract: An image printing apparatus is provided with a plurality of support legs having height-adjusting screws for providing a substantially horizontal support on an inclined installation surface, whereby a flow path is formed to exchanged atmosphere and heat through a gap formed between a lower surface portion and an installation surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiko Yokota
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Patent number: 6456365Abstract: In order to eliminate the cam member, which is mounted to the mounting member side and to which grease is applied, to prevent, as much as possible, the portions to which grease has been applied from becoming exposed to the side of an original placed on the contact glass, an original cover closer is arranged from a mounting member, which has a mounting base and side plates, which are raised from both sides of the mounting base, and has the abovementioned mounting base mounted to the main device unit side, a supporting member, which supports an original cover, has a back plate as well as side plates and a top plate, which are bent from the back plate, and has one end of each of the side plates being rotatably mounted via a hinge pin to the corresponding side plate of the abovementioned mounting member, a cam slider, which is fitted inside the supporting member in a manner enabling sliding towards the side of the abovementioned mounting member, a pressure bearing pin, which is axially mounted between the respectType: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Katoh Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Hosaka, Hirofumi Kohda
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Patent number: 6443642Abstract: A modular printer system comprising a support frame, a chassis, a media holder, and a printer assembly. The support frame supports the other components and may be attached to other devices. The chassis is slidably attached to the support frame so that it may be at least partially removed from the support frame thereby exposing components attached to the chassis. The chassis is adapted to hold the media holder and the printer assembly. The media holder holds media that may be printed on by the printer assembly. The printer assembly may be removed from the chassis to service the printer assembly and give fall access to the media path. The printer assembly comprises a printer for printing on the media and a controller for controlling the printer and communicating with other devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Sierra Design GroupInventors: Robert A. Luciano, Raymond G. Bryan