Document Feed Patents (Class 358/498)
  • Patent number: 10469681
    Abstract: A touch display module is for controlling a printing module and a scanning module. The scanning module is for at least scanning a first side of a scanned object to generate a first image corresponding to the first side of the scanned object. The touch display module includes a touch display panel and a control unit. The touch display panel at least includes a first section for displaying a first pattern corresponding to the first image and generating a first touch signal. The control unit controls the first section to display the first pattern corresponding to the first image when the control unit receives the first image transmitted from the scanning module. The control unit controls the printing module to print the first image according to the first touch signal when the control unit receives the first touch signal transmitted from the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventors: Shao-Lan Sheng, Ching-Ching Lin, Chen-Chang Li
  • Patent number: 10462316
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique for reducing communication errors in facsimile transmission while restraining an increase in the temperature of a motor during execution of jobs of different types when a temperature reduction control is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masumi Tabuki
  • Patent number: 10462325
    Abstract: A image reading apparatus includes a first unit fixed to the image reading apparatus, a second unit movably provided between a first position facing the first unit and a second position facing the first unit, wherein the second position is at a longer distance from the first unit than the first position, a guide provided for guiding a document being conveyed between the first unit and the second unit, such that the second unit is moved by the document, an image capturing device provided on one of the first unit and the second unit for capturing an image of a document guided by the guide, a drive force generating device for generating first drive force for moving the second unit, and a control module for causing the drive force generating device to generate the first drive force when the document is not conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: PFU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuhito Seki, Shingo Kanaya
  • Patent number: 10367972
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a first control unit which controls a reading device for reading an image from a document so that an image reading manipulation for the reading device is made through a first input device, when a document is set in the reading device; and a second control unit which controls the reading device so that an image reading manipulation for the reading device is made through a second input device, in case a particular manipulation is made after a start of the control by the first control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigehiko Sasaki, Nobuhisa Takagi, Yasushi Sano
  • Patent number: 10359973
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a selection unit configured to select a sheet type, an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on image data, based on a correction condition that corresponds to the selected sheet type, a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet, and an image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet, based on the image data, wherein the image processing unit performs the image processing on the image data, based on a first correction condition that corresponds to a sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance unit in a first direction, and wherein the image processing unit performs the image processing on the image data, based on a second correction condition that corresponds to a sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance unit in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Aya Ito
  • Patent number: 10273099
    Abstract: An image recording device having a recording unit to record an image on a sheet is provided. The image recording unit includes a feed guide defining a first conveying path; an arm disposed between the recording unit and the tray, the arm having a feed roller rotatably disposed at a free end and configured to feed the sheet in the tray to the first conveying path. The arm pivots between a first arm position, and a second arm position. The return guide pivots between a first return guide position, and a second return guide position. A space occupied by the return guide in the first return guide position overlaps a space occupied by the arm in the second arm position. The return guide is in the second return guide position when the arm is in the second arm position which is retracted from an insertion space occupied by the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
  • Patent number: 10237443
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit including a reading sensor to read image information from a sheet through a transparent portion. The reading unit is movable with respect to a frame of the apparatus and is urged by an urging member toward a facing member facing the transparent portion. A fixed guide fixed to the frame is disposed in adjacent to the reading unit in the sheet conveyance direction. A plurality of protruded portions provided on either one of the reading unit and the fixed guide, and a plurality of recessed portions provided on the other of the reading unit and the fixed guide and formed so as to engage with the plurality of the protruded portions. The reading unit is movable with the plurality of the protruded portions loosely fit with the plurality of the recessed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takafumi Katayama
  • Patent number: 10218865
    Abstract: A paper thickness detecting device that detects a paper thickness in accordance with a detection signal of a displacement sensor, includes: a pair of paper thickness detecting rollers including a first roller and a second roller that pinch a paper conveyed via a pair of conveyance rollers; and the displacement sensor that detects a displacement amount of the pair of paper thickness detecting rollers at the time when the paper passes through the pair of paper thickness detecting rollers, wherein the paper thickness is detected on the basis of the displacement amount of the pair of paper thickness detecting rollers that follows to rotate with respect to the paper conveyed via the pair of conveyance rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yue Wu
  • Patent number: 10207882
    Abstract: A pair of edge guides provided on a medium mounting section of a medium feeding apparatus each include a volume limiter spaced from the mounting surface of the medium mounting section and extending from the guide surface of at least one of the pair of edge guides in a direction intersecting the guide surface, the volume limiter including a limiting surface that limits a number of sheets mounted on the medium mounting section. The limiting surface includes a groove extending in the feed direction, at a position between a corner portion formed at an intersection of an end portion of the limiting surface in the width direction and the guide surface, and the other end portion of the limiting surface, and configured to insert at least a part of a side edge of the medium, to thereby restrict the side edge from moving in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromichi Kitsuki, Kiyotaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10142516
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a loading section, a reader, and a document feeder. The loading section receives loading of a document and an identification medium. The reader reads the document and the identification medium. The document feeder conveys the document to the reader. The loading section includes a second contact glass and a medium restriction section. The second contact glass receives loading of the identification medium. The medium restriction section restricts a position of the identification medium loaded on the second contact glass. The document being conveyed by the document feeder has opposite end portions and a central portion therebetween. The opposite end portions respectively include opposite ends of the document in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the document. Only the central portion, among the opposite end portions and the central portion, of the document comes in contact with the medium restriction section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Masaya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10126701
    Abstract: A lock structure locks a document reader in a closed state relative to a main unit of an apparatus. The document reader is openable and closable relative to the main unit. The lock structure includes two engagement members, two hook members, and two restricting members. The two engagement members are disposed on the main unit. The two hook members are disposed on the document reader and engage with the two respective engagement members to secure the document reader in the closed state to the main unit. The two restricting members are disposed on the document reader and restrict move or pivot of the two respective hook members in a direction for the hook members to engage with the two respective engagement members when at least a portion of the document reader is open relative to the main unit. The two hook members are fixed to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 10114326
    Abstract: Image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a paper transport unit, a paper position measuring unit, a deviation compensating unit in preparation to image forming, a control unit for controlling the image formation and the deviation compensation, wherein the control unit includes a function that receives the results measured by the paper position measuring unit and compensates the deviation of the paper in accordance with the measured results, wherein, the control unit shifts the paper toward a predetermined position in the direction across the paper transporting direction and shift the image forming position in the main scanning direction in accordance with the predetermined position of the paper, wherein, the control unit decides the predetermined position so that the image area based on the image forming position being shifted does not go out of the range of the image formable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10112416
    Abstract: A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Asada, Kensuke Hirate, Yoshiyuki Washino
  • Patent number: 10108857
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is configured to read an image of each of documents transported in a transport path from an upstream side to a downstream side in a transport direction, acquires a correction factor for correcting a read image on the basis of a fed document number, and corrects the length of the read image in the transport direction on the basis of the correction factor which has been acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Murahashi, Masatomo Kanamitsu, Wataru Beppu
  • Patent number: 10091375
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transport unit which transports a document, and reading units which read an image of the document which is transported. It is assumed that an operation of reading an image when specific setting information is not input to a control device of the image reading apparatus is set to a first reading mode, and an operation of reading an image when specific setting information is input to the control device is set to a second reading mode. In this case, in the second reading mode, image data of an image with a resolution which is equal to that in the first reading mode is generated, while causing the reading units to read an image from a document which is transported by the transport device at a lower speed than that in the first reading mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Koyanagi, Tokujiro Okuno
  • Patent number: 10075601
    Abstract: A document conveying device is used in common for a double-sided reading specification in which images on one face and the other face of a document conveyed along a conveying path are read and for a single-sided reading specification in which the image on the one face of the document is read. The document conveying device includes a recess, a cover member and a supporting part. In the recess, a member dedicated to the double-sided reading specification is supported at the double-sided reading specification. The member dedicated to the double-sided reading specification is used for reading the image on the other face. The cover member closes the recess at the single-sided reading specification. By the supporting part, the member dedicated to the double-sided reading specification is detachably supported at the double-sided reading specification and the cover member is detachably supported at the single-sided reading specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Satoru Yonemoto
  • Patent number: 10053310
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a body portion with a supporting portion to support a sheet and a feed portion to feed the sheet, a pivoting portion arranged upstream in a sheet feeding direction of the supporting portion, and a slide portion supported slidably on the pivoting portion. A first regulating portion abuts against the slide portion and regulates the slide portion from moving downstream in the sheet feeding direction, and a second regulating portion regulates a position of the sheet supported on the supporting portion. A guide portion is formed across the supporting portion and the slide portion and guides the second regulating portion between the supporting portion and the slide portion along the sheet feeding direction, with the second regulating portion moving on the supporting portion by being guided by the guide portion in a state where the second regulating portion is separated from the slide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nishiyama, Jumpei Nitta, Fuyuto Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10052895
    Abstract: An example disclosed media processing device includes a housing defining a media receiving area configured to receive the media; a first media support arm extending from the housing proximate the media receiving area for engaging a first end of the media, wherein the first media support arm is biased to slidably translate along the housing to provide a holding force to the first side of the media, wherein the first media support arm includes a first locking element; a media cover configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the media cover including a second locking element, wherein the first locking element of the first media support arm is configured to engage the second locking element of the media cover when the media cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Preliasco, Roy P. Lyman
  • Patent number: 10025253
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first roller having an elastic part; a second roller configured to form a nip between the first roller and the second roller; a holding member configured to hold the second roller; and a control section configured to control the position of the holding member such that the center distance between the first roller and the second roller is maintained at a constant value when a sheet passes through the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Fujiwara, Jun Onishi, Masahito Takano
  • Patent number: 9979845
    Abstract: A controller of an image reading apparatus is configured to cause the reading device to read an image on an original with moving a reading location from a first position to a second position, after reading the image on the original with moving the reading location from a third position to the first position, the third position being a position between the first position and the second position and spaced from the first position by a particular distance and determining a width of the original in the main scanning direction. The controller is configured to further move the reading location from the second position to the first position, and detect an instruction to continue reading a subsequent original during a period before the reading location reaches the third position. When the instruction is detected, the controller stops moving the reading location when it reaches the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Maeda
  • Patent number: 9889697
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first correction amount acquiring unit and a first correction unit. The first correction amount acquiring unit acquires a first luminance correction amount of each block based on the luminance of each pixel in the block obtained by dividing a first image among multiple processing target images obtained by imaging a target object with multiple sheets bound together while opening the target object. The first correction unit corrects the luminance of each pixel in the multiple processing target images based on the first luminance correction amount of each block acquired by the first correction amount acquiring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9890001
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a feeding unit, a separation surface, a first separation part configured to switch between a condition in which the first separation part is protruded from the separate surface and the sheet comes into contact with the first separation part and a condition in which the first separation part is retracted from the separate surface and the sheet does not come into contact with the first separation part and to be fixed to each of the two conditions and a second separation part configured to be movable in a direction from a condition in which the second separation part is protruded from the separate surface and the sheet is capable of come into contact with the second separation part to a condition in which the second separation part is retracted from the separate surface, according to a contact force received from the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Taniguchi, Yasuyuki Hirai, Yasuyuki Asai, Motoyuki Taguchi, Atsushi Ikeda, Kyoshiro Okude
  • Patent number: 9873581
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a main chassis having a discharge tray and a switchback tray in an upper position with respect to the discharge tray; an image forming unit; a discharge roller to discharge a recording sheet conveyed through the image forming unit onto the discharge tray; a duplex conveyer to invert the sheet and convey the inverted sheet to return to the image forming unit; and a switchback roller being rotatable in a normal direction to convey the sheet toward the switchback tray and a reverse direction to convey the sheet to the duplex conveyer; is provided. The main chassis includes a pair of walls, each of which extends in a vertical direction and in a conveying direction of the sheet and is arranged in adjacent to the switchback tray such that the switchback tray is interposed between the pair of walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 9769346
    Abstract: An image scanner includes a transparent plate, a scanning device, a driving device, a positioning member, a light absorbing portion and a white reference portion. The transparent plate has an original placing surface. The scanning device irradiates an original with light by means of a light source and scans reflected light from the original. The driving device reciprocates the scanning device along the transparent plate. The positioning member positions the original placed on the original placing surface of the transparent plate. The light absorbing portion, which is disposed on the original placing surface side of the positioning member and at substantially a central portion of the positioning member in moving directions of the scanning device, absorbs ambient light entering to the original placing surface side of the positioning member through the transparent plate. The white reference portion is provided to the original placing surface side of the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Ikeno, Yoichi Susaki
  • Patent number: 9760319
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of a post-processing apparatus performs post-processing on a product printed by a printing apparatus, and transmits a command for a temporary stop of print processing for a first job and information indicating a reason for the temporary stop to the printing apparatus. At least one embodiment of the printing apparatus receives the command for the temporary stop of the print processing for the first job and the information indicating the reason for the temporary stop, stops the print processing for the first job according to the command for the temporary stop, and acquires a period of time during which the temporary stop continues based on the received information indicating the reason for the temporary stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kimio Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9674389
    Abstract: A medium conveyance apparatus including a first unit on one side of a conveyance path of a sheet-shaped medium, a second unit on the other side of the conveyance path and facing the first unit, a guide unit that is provided at the second unit and that contacts the medium between the first and second unit to move the second unit in a direction of separating from the conveyance path, an imaging unit provided at one of the first and second unit, a reference plate whose image can be captured by the imaging unit and that is provided at the other of the first and second unit, and a detecting unit for detecting the medium in the conveyance path, the detecting unit being provided in the conveyance path at an upstream position of a reading position where the imaging unit reads the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Shingo Kanaya
  • Patent number: 9614994
    Abstract: Provided is an image reading apparatus including a first image reading unit which reads a surface of a medium which is transported along a transport path; a second image reading unit which reads a surface of the medium once the medium is mounted on a medium reading surface; and an opening/closing member switch between a closed position and an opened position with respect to the medium reading surface, in which at least a part of the medium reading surface overlaps at least a part of the first image reading unit in an apparatus height direction. In addition, at least a part of the opening/closing member overlaps at least a part of the first image reading unit in the apparatus height direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9589214
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for dispensing printed labels from a printer. The printed labels may be prepared on a need basis, such that each printed label is either held in the apparatus or ejected from the apparatus. Some advantages of the apparatus and method include prolonging a lifespan for a print head, and minimization of transition error on a media used for printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Venture Corporation Limited
    Inventors: Sea Mang Ying, Tzy Woei Chu, Xin Hua Jin
  • Patent number: 9563829
    Abstract: A jam detection section detects a sheet jam on a conveyance path based on results of detection by a sheet detection sensor. A printing stop section stops an image formation operation upon the sheet jam detection by the sheet jam detection section. Upon detection of completion of an operation of resolving the sheet jam by a user by a resolving operation detection section, a sheet breakage confirmation section judges, for the sheet taken out from the conveyance path by the user in the operation of resolving the sheet jam and then loaded on a document stand, whether or not there is any sheet lacking portion, based on image data generated by an image reading section. The stopping release section, upon judgment by the sheet breakage confirmation section that there is no sheet lacking portion, permits execution of image formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hironori Daigo, Masuo Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 9560227
    Abstract: An image reader including a conveyor, a first detector, a plurality of second detectors, a reading unit, and a controller configured to perform a control process that includes determining whether second detection information output from the second detectors satisfies a predetermined state, executing a first sequence when determining that the second detection information satisfies the predetermined state, the first sequence including determining whether a conveyed object is in a multi-feed condition based on first detection information output from the first detector, and halting at least one of a conveying operation by the conveyor and a reading operation by the reading unit when determining that the conveyed object is in the multi-feed condition, executing a second sequence when determining that the second detection information does not satisfy the predetermined state, the second sequence including continuing the conveying operation and the reading operation regardless of the first detection information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 9521283
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: a skew correction unit configured to correct skew feeding of a recording material and convey the recording material; a transfer unit configured to include an image bearing member which carries a toner image to be transferred onto the recording material corrected in the skew feeding by the skew correction unit; an opening/closing door configured to be provided in an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus to be opened; and a positioning member configured to include a first positioning portion to position the skew correction unit and a second positioning portion to position the transfer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohei Koshida
  • Patent number: 9448517
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part to form an image on a recording medium, an apparatus body, a sheet container detachably attachable to the apparatus body and accommodating the recording medium, a sheet conveying path through which the recording medium is conveyed toward the image forming part, a sheet reentry path disposed above the sheet container and through which the recording medium having the image thereon is conveyed again to the sheet conveying path, a swing unit to swingably move a bottom plate of the sheet reentry path between a first position and a second position, a lock releasing unit to lock and release the bottom plate with respect to the first position of the swing unit, and a release operating unit to cause the lock releasing unit to release the bottom plate from the first position of the swing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Tobinaga, Hajime Nishida, Satoshi Kuno, Jumpei Aoyama, Junpei Kamichi, Shun Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9426317
    Abstract: An original and print paper are output to the same printout destination so as to be easily combined. A method includes setting whether the original is output to a paper ejecting unit for the print paper and performing control so that the original is output to the paper ejecting unit for the print paper if setting that causes the original to be output to a first paper ejecting unit that is the same as the paper ejecting unit for the print paper is made in the setting and performing control so that the original is output to a second paper ejecting unit that differs from the paper ejecting unit for the print paper if setting that causes the original to be output to a paper ejecting unit that is the same as the paper ejecting unit for the print paper is not made in the setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9420134
    Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material; an original read unit for reading an original at a read position facing a conveyance path in which the recording material and the original are to be conveyed selectively, and a control unit for switching a position of the original read unit to a position different from the read position during a period in which the recording material is being conveyed along the conveyance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Aoki, Yuki Nakajima, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 9374491
    Abstract: A sensor device includes an irradiation unit that includes a light source and irradiates an object with light, an optical detection unit disposed on an optical path of light emitted from the irradiation unit and reflected at the object, at least one object sensor that detects presence of the object, and a controller that controls the light source based on output from the object sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sunao Chubachi
  • Patent number: 9361644
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a printer apparatus using network-based communication over 3G or 4G wireless networks, and provides for electronic response from the printer relating to order confirmation and fulfillment at the recipient printer, in communication to an order management coordinator or server. The printer provides an order output including at least one symbol representing an order, including at least one of order content, ordering entity or individual, price, time of order, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Chit Yes, LLC
    Inventor: Wesley S. Garrison
  • Patent number: 9348286
    Abstract: An offset image that can occur at a time when reading images printed on both sides of a sheet is automatically removed by a simple operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9332146
    Abstract: An image scanner includes a main body and a lid. The main body includes a scan window. The scan window is covered by the lid when the lid is closed and is exposed when the lid is open. A lid position detector detects whether the lid is open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Qian Tao, Jang Wei Chao
  • Patent number: 9308754
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a recording medium; a reversing unit configured to reverse front and back sides of the recording medium; a recording head configured to reciprocatingly scan to form a first image on a first side of the recording medium, which is reciprocatingly conveyed by the conveyance unit at a first conveyance speed V1, and a second image on a second side of the recording medium, which is conveyed at a second conveyance speed V2 and ejected, in a case of performing a double-sided printing; and a control unit configured to control the first conveyance speed V1 and the second conveyance speed V2 to satisfy a relation V2?W/t<V1?(W/t)×2, where t is a scanning time required for one reciprocation of the recording head, and W is an image formation width of the recording head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Sasaki, Yuuichiroh Tsujiguchi, Takuji Kawaguchi, Shigeru Yoshigai, Keizoh Shigaki
  • Patent number: 9219839
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: an apparatus main body including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; an image reading apparatus provided on an upper portion of the apparatus main body; a document feeding apparatus located on the image reading apparatus and configured to feed a document to the image reading apparatus; and a support portion configured to support the document feeding apparatus on the apparatus main body without the image reading apparatus in a state in which the document feeding apparatus is openable and closable with respect to the image reading apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH INC.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Katayama
  • Patent number: 9181053
    Abstract: A paper-feeding device, during a paper leading edge detection interval that includes an expected point in time of arrival of a paper leading edge at a paper sensor installation location, and during a paper trailing edge detection interval that includes an expected point in time of passage of a paper trailing edge, allows the signal level of a paper detection signal that is outputted to a main body section to fluctuate on the basis of an actual output value of a paper sensor, and during a transition interval from the paper leading edge detection interval to the paper trailing edge detection interval, locks the paper detection signal that is outputted to the main body section, to the signal level at the end of the paper leading edge detection interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Tanonaka
  • Patent number: 9126793
    Abstract: A sheet feed device has a tray with holding surface for holding sheets, a feed unit for feeding sheets from the tray, and a separation plate. The separation plate has an inclined surface and two or more separation portions that separate a sheet from the sheets held in the tray. At least one of the separation portions projects a first distance from the inclined surface. The separation plate also has a projection positioned on the inclined surface that projects a second distance from the inclined surface. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A first of the separation portions is positioned upstream of the particular projection in the sheet feed direction, and a second of the separation portions positioned downstream of the particular projection in the sheet feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Asada, Yukio Shiohara
  • Patent number: 9131091
    Abstract: A document reading device includes: a document reading device main body; and an opening/closing body with one end supported rotatably with respect to the document reading device main body while another end openably/closably provided, the other end of the opening/closing body being provided with a handgrip having a depression sloped toward inside of the opening/closing body in accordance with approach of the opening/closing body to the document reading device main body in a closed status with respect to the document reading device main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ohgi, Hiroko Saito, Norio Irie, Kazuhiro Tobita, Mitsuyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 9106773
    Abstract: A multifunction apparatus includes a transporting unit that transports the document, a reading unit that irradiates the document passing through a reading position with light and reads reflected light so as to generate image information representing an edge of the document and an image of the document, an inclination amount calculating unit that calculates an inclination amount of the document on the basis of the image information; a first inclination correcting unit that corrects an inclination of the image represented by the image information, on the basis of the inclination amount of the document, so as to generate new image information representing the image whose inclination is corrected, and a controller that prevents, in a transmission mode for transmitting image information, the first inclination correcting unit from performing an image inclination correction operation, and transmits a facsimile signal on the basis of the image information generated by the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ken Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9105215
    Abstract: An image signal supply apparatus which is connected to an image display apparatus including an input source switching unit and outputs an image signal as an input source to the image display apparatus, includes: a communication unit carrying out communication with the image display apparatus; and a switching instruction output unit outputting an instruction signal instructing to switch the input source to the image display apparatus via the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ichieda
  • Patent number: 9096400
    Abstract: A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Asada, Kensuke Hirate, Yoshiyuki Washino
  • Patent number: 9100523
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet feeding unit configured to feed stacked sheets, a detection unit configured to detect, from a side opposite the sheet feeding unit, sheet movement with respect to the stacked sheets, and a determination unit configured to determine that a sheet being fed by the sheet feeding unit is a last sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadashi Hanabusa
  • Patent number: 9090100
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a media support assembly, a scanning module, and a control module. The media support assembly may position a respective media portion in a print zone to receive a printing fluid thereon. The scanning module may scan the media portion in the print zone and generate a media shape signal corresponding to a shape of the media portion. The control module may compare the media shape signal to a reference signal to form a resultant comparison and determine a media malfunction event based on the resultant comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Antonio Gracia Verdugo, Mauricio Seras Franzoso, Valentin Fernández Jiménez
  • Patent number: 9094563
    Abstract: A reading unit (3) placed on the inner side of a U-shaped feed path (12) that feeds a document is formed such that the height-axis dimension of said reading unit decreases in a direction extending toward a side having a paper delivery tray (11). Contact glass (20), a light source and a first mirror (24) are placed in the reading unit (3) at an end portion of the side having the paper delivery tray (11). Multiple reflecting mirrors (25, 26 and 27), a lens (28) and a photoelectric converter element (29) are placed further from the paper delivery tray than the first mirror (24) in the reading unit. This structure enables the reading unit provided in a document feeder to be more compact while ensuring the required light path length, and enables the entire document feeder to be more compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: NISCA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinnosuke Enomoto, Junya Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9083839
    Abstract: An imaging device comprising a flexible sensor attached to a control case. The flexible sensor provides both a source of illumination to the image being captured and a method of capturing the image. The method of capture comprises a field of reactors disbursed across the facial area of the sensor, the output of which produces a dot-pattern capture of the intended image which is passed to a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Wayne deFremery, John Newton Young