Having Subunit Separation Patents (Class 399/113)
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Patent number: 12235600Abstract: A removable unit that is attachable to and detachable from a body of an apparatus includes a positioning projection and an upstream projection. The positioning projection projects downward to position a unit or a member located below the removable unit when the removable unit is attached to the body. The upstream projection projects more downward than the positioning projection at an upstream end of the removable unit in an attachment direction of the removable unit to the apparatus. A lower end of the positioning projection is located higher than a line connecting a lower end of the upstream projection and a lower portion of a downstream end of the removable unit in the attachment direction when viewed in a direction orthogonal to both an up and down direction and the attachment direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2023Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Imada, Yoshikuni Sasaki, Takuya Seshita
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Patent number: 12197159Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing cartridge, a drum cartridge, a casing, a connector, and a controller. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a drum cartridge memory, a charger, and a cleaner. The charger is configured to charge the photosensitive drum and including a wire and a grid electrode. The cleaner is configured to clean the wire. The connector is configured to be electrically connected to the drum cartridge memory. Information is writable to the drum memory through the connector. The detection circuit board is configured to detect a state of discharge of the charger. The controller is configured to perform: determining whether or not the state of discharge detected by the detection circuit board is abnormal; and writing, in the drum cartridge memory, information representing occurrence of the abnormal discharge through the connector in a case where occurrence of the abnormal discharge is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Fumitake Tajiri
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Patent number: 12197164Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor drum, a developing roller, a first shaft provided for one of the photoconductor drum and the developing roller, a second shaft provided for the other of the photoconductor drum and the developing roller, a first housing that supports the first shaft, a second housing that supports the second shaft, a cylindrical supporting member provided at an axial end portion of the first shaft of the first housing, and surrounding the first shaft without contact, and a first adjusting member fitted with an outer surface of the supporting member, and rotatable in a circumferential direction of the supporting member. An outer circumferential surface of the first adjusting member is formed in an arcuately curved shape, eccentric with respect to the supporting member, and located in contact with the second housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2023Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Hayato Mori
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Patent number: 12189331Abstract: A positioning member defines a facing distance between a first rotating body and a second rotating body. The positioning member includes a fitting portion, a groove, and a restricting member. A fitted portion of the first rotating body is to be rotatably fitted into the fitting portion. The groove has a groove shape extending in a predetermined direction from an opening to an abutting portion. A shaft portion of the second rotating body is to be slidably movable in the groove. The restricting member restricts movement of the shaft portion in the predetermined direction in a state in which the shaft portion abuts on the abutting portion in the groove. The restricting member is detachably disposed on the groove.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2021Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Kazuki Yogosawa, Tatsuya Kubo, Yuuki Tsuchiya, Shinya Karasawa
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Patent number: 12174574Abstract: A detection device includes: a transport unit that stops transportation of a medium on which a first image is formed, the transport unit restarting the transportation of the medium toward an image forming unit after the medium has been in a stopped state, the image forming unit forming a second image on the medium; and a detection unit that detects an edge portion of the medium while the medium is in the stopped state.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP.Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Naohito Otsuki, Takehiko Koizumi, Yuta Chino
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Patent number: 12117766Abstract: A process unit includes a drum frame supporting a photoconductor drum and a development frame supporting a development roller. The development cartridge is swingably supported by the drum frame at a coupling joint provided at a first side of the development frame and a support portion provided at a second side of the development frame. A center of rotation of the development roller is located in a position shifted from a line segment connecting a center of rotation of the coupling joint and a center of rotation of the photoconductor drum to an upstream side with respect to a direction of rotation of the coupling joint as viewed in an axial direction of the development roller, such that the development roller is pressed against the photoconductor drum by the action of the rotatory force received by the coupling joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2022Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masatoshi Shiraki, Hiroki Mori
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Patent number: 12072669Abstract: A control member 76 for controlling transmission and blocking of a rotational force by a clutch is rotatably supported by a supporting member which supports a developing frame. a locking portion provided on the control member 76 rotates between a position retracted from a locked portion of the clutch and a position for engaging with the locked portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Nishida, Yuichi Fukui, Tetsushi Uneme, Yasuyuki Egami, Yohei Anzai, Takeo Kawanami, Toshiki Fujino, Sohta Sugimoto, Fumiya Sawashima
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Patent number: 12050423Abstract: In a drive mechanism, a first engagement portion of a drive member includes a first contact portion capable of contacting with a second engagement portion in a case where a coupling member is at a first position and the drive member rotates in a first rotation direction, a second contact portion capable of contacting with the second engagement portion in a case where the coupling member is at a second position and the drive member rotates in the first rotation direction, and a third contact portion capable of contacting with the coupling member so as to regulate movement of the second engagement portion from the second position to the first position in a rotation axis direction when the coupling member is at the second position and the second contact portion and the coupling member are in a contact state by rotation of the drive member in the first rotation direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2022Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shuichi Gofuku
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Patent number: 12045005Abstract: In a cartridge assembly, a cartridge frame is configured to limit a movable amount of a photosensitive drum with respect to the frame in a longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum to a first amount in the case where a cover member is apart from the frame, and the cover member has a held portion held by the frame and a limiting portion configured to limit the movable amount of the photosensitive drum with respect to the frame to a second amount smaller than the first amount by contacting with a longitudinal end surface of the photosensitive drum in the case where the photosensitive drum moves in the longitudinal direction when the cover member is mounted on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Isao Koishi, Naoki Hayashi, Masanari Morioka
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Patent number: 12038714Abstract: A developing cartridge and an electronic imaging apparatus, where the developing cartridge is detachable installed in the electronic imaging apparatus, and includes a cartridge, a power reception member, a rotary member and an activation member; the cartridge includes a first side wall and a second side wall provided opposite to each other along a first direction, where a power reception member is located at the first side wall, a rotary member is installed between the first side wall and the second side wall, one end of the rotary member is provided with a first gear, and the other end of the rotary member is provided with a second gear, an activation member is located at the second side wall; and the activation member includes a movable member and a trigger part provided at the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2023Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: NINESTAR CORPORATIONInventors: Geming Ding, Tiansheng Peng, Hao Yang, Shuchun Dai, Likun Zeng
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Patent number: 12007714Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a process frame is movable into and out of a main casing in a first direction. The process frame includes a first wall and a second wall spaced apart from the first wall in a second direction. A first cartridge is detachably mountable to the process frame in a third direction crossing the second direction. A first electrode protrudes from an outer surface of the first cartridge outwardly in the second direction. In a state where the first cartridge is mounted to the process frame, the first cartridge is positioned between the first wall and second wall of the process frame in the second direction and a portion of the first wall aligns with the first electrode in the third direction such that the portion of the first wall is overlapped with the first electrode as viewed in the third direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasushi Okabe, Junichi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 11982970Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first latch-receiving shelf is positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing and a second latch-receiving shelf is positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. Contact surfaces on top portions of the first and second latch-receiving shelves are positioned to contact corresponding first and second latches in an image forming device. The contact surface of the first latch-receiving shelf is positioned lower than a first rotational axis of a first drive coupler of the toner cartridge and higher than a second drive coupler of the toner cartridge. The contact surface of the second latch-receiving shelf is positioned lower than at least a portion of a first electrical contact of the toner cartridge and higher than at least a portion of a second electrical contact of the toner cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2022Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II
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Patent number: 11971682Abstract: A cartridge includes a first unit including a photosensitive member, and a second unit including a developer bearing member and a force receiving portion, the second unit being configured to be rotatable about a first axis to move with respect to the first unit between a first position and a second position. In a state where the first unit is in a same posture as when an image forming operation is performed, the second unit is disposed at the second position by its own weight. The developer bearing member is configured to be rotatable about a second axis. When seen in the direction of the first axis, a first distance between the force receiving portion and the second axis is smaller than a second distance between the first axis and the second axis and a third distance between the first axis and the force receiving portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2023Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Kakuta, Toshiaki Takeuchi, Yu Akiba, Shuichi Gofuku, Tomofumi Kawamura, Yusuke Atsu, Joji Goto
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Patent number: 11940755Abstract: Disclosed is a process cartridge detachably mounted to an image forming device having a tray and force applying components. The process cartridge has a process cartridge frame, a photosensitive unit, a developing unit rotatable relative to the photosensitive unit. The process cartridge frame has a driving side and a conductive side disposed oppositely along a length direction. The driving side has a first driving force receiving portion for rotating a photosensitive drum and a second driving force receiving portion for rotating a developing roller. The developing unit has a force receiving portion for receiving force of force applying components to rotate the developing unit relative to the photosensitive unit. When the process cartridge is pushed into to the image forming device, the force receiving portion move at least in a left-and-right direction and/or an up-and-down direction relative to the frame of the process cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: JIANGXI YIBO E-TECH CO. LTD.Inventors: Liangliang Hu, Shiping Ao, Fei Hu, Mei Yan, Junliang Qiu, Shaohua Chen, Shuangchun Yuan
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Patent number: 11927913Abstract: A cartridge unit includes: a first unit which includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion; and a second unit which includes a first supported portion, a second supported portion, and a storage member, the storage member including a memory contact, and a contact arrangement surface on which the memory contact is disposed. The second unit rotates from a first position to a second position in a state in which the first supported portion is supported by the first supporting portion and the second supported portion is supported by the second supporting portion to be positioned with respect to the first unit. A normal direction of the contact arrangement surface faces toward a direction in which the memory contact is exposed. The normal direction faces toward a direction opposite to a direction in which the second unit is directed from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Noriyuki Komatsu, Teruhiko Sasaki, Tomonori Mori, Makoto Hayashida
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Patent number: 11899381Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detachable unit that is attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body; and a cleaning unit that is provided in the apparatus main body, and at the time of attachment or detachment of the detachable unit, comes into contact with a grip portion of the detachable unit to clean a floating substance adhered to the grip portion, the floating substance being in the apparatus main body.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.Inventor: Yusuke Sakai
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Patent number: 11774905Abstract: A driving-force transmission member includes a coupling portion that includes a driving-force transmission surface and that transmits a driving force to a cartridge coupling, a first helical gear portion that engages with a driven gear of a cartridge to transmit the driving force, and a second helical gear portion that engages with a drive gear to receive the driving force. The portions rotate integrally with each other when the driving-force transmission member rotates about the axis of rotation. The driving-force transmission surface is shaped with a twist in the same direction as the driving-force transmission member. Helical teeth of the first helical gear portion are shaped with a twist in the same direction as the driving-force transmission surface. Helical teeth of the second helical gear portion are shaped with a twist in a direction opposite to the twist direction of the helical teeth of the first helical gear portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Inaba, Tetsuji Suzuki, Yoshihiro Ito, Ryuta Murakami
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Patent number: 11754963Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an attaching and detaching unit, an attached and detached section, and a pressing member. The attaching and detaching unit includes a developing device including a developer bearer to develop a latent image on a latent image bearer and is detachably attached to the attached and detached section. The attached and detached section includes the latent image bearer, a main reference portion, and a sub-reference portion. The main reference portion contacts a main reference part of the attaching and detaching unit. The sub-reference portion contacts a sub-reference part of the attaching and detaching unit. The pressing member presses the attaching and detaching unit to generate a biasing force biasing the developer bearer toward the latent image bearer and a rotational moment toward the sub-reference portion of the attached and detached section around the main reference part with respect to the attaching and detaching unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Shinichi Arasawa
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Patent number: 11754969Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
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Patent number: 11709455Abstract: A cartridge that can be inserted in an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus by moving along an axial direction of an image bearing member includes the image bearing member, a frame configured to support the image bearing member, a storage member configured to store therein information on the cartridge, and include an electrical contact, and a first pressed section and a second pressed portion configured to be pressed by the apparatus main body. The electrical contact is disposed between the first pressed section and the second pressed section, and is configured to be in contact with the main body contact on a lower side in a state where the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Shimizu, Osamu Anan, Kazuki Matsumoto
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Patent number: 11683426Abstract: A medium feeding device includes: a medium mounting section onto which a medium to be fed is mounted; a feeding unit that feeds the medium mounted on the medium mounting section; and a supporting member that supports an end in a width direction of the medium mounted on the medium mounting section and that supports the medium at a higher position than the medium mounting section in a direction of loading of the medium, the width direction being a direction crossing a feed direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Ryoichi Shuto, Yoichiro Nishimura, Yuhei Hamada
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Patent number: 11635728Abstract: A developing cartridge and an electronic imaging apparatus, where the developing cartridge is detachable installed in the electronic imaging apparatus, and includes a cartridge, a power reception member, a rotary member and an activation member; the cartridge includes a first side wall and a second side wall provided opposite to each other along a first direction, where a power reception member is located at the first side wall, a rotary member is installed between the first side wall and the second side wall, one end of the rotary member is provided with a first gear, and the other end of the rotary member is provided with a second gear, an activation member is located at the second side wall; and the activation member includes a movable member and a trigger part provided at the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: NINESTAR CORPORATIONInventors: Geming Ding, Tiansheng Peng, Hao Yang, Shuchun Dai, Likun Zeng
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Patent number: 11613125Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus includes a casing, a tank formed with a liquid storage chamber which stores liquid, an inlet which allows the liquid to be poured into the liquid storage chamber, and a liquid outflow channel which allows the liquid to flow out from the liquid storage chamber, a conveying mechanism which conveys a recording medium along a conveying path extending in a front-rear direction, a carriage which moves in a left-right direction, and a head mounted on the carriage and having a nozzle which jets the liquid onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism. The tank, the conveying path, and the carriage are arranged inside the casing, the tank is arranged outside the conveying path in the left-right direction, and at least a part of the tank is arranged inside both ends of a movement area of the carriage in the left-right direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshinori Osakabe, Tomohisa Higuchi, Akira Shinoda, Akinori Igarashi, Suguru Tomoguchi, Hisaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 11573523Abstract: Provided is a processing cartridge detachably installed in an imaging device. The processing cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit, and a movable assembly coupled to and receive force from the force applying portion. When the processing cartridge is assembled to the imaging device, the first t and second units can be switched between states of approaching and separating. The movable assembly comprises an installing part and an acting part movable relative to and connectable with each other. The movable assembly is installed in the processing cartridge by the installing part, the acting part is coupled to the force applying portion and receives force from the force applying portion, to force the first and second units to switch between the two states. The acting part is retractable relative to the installing part and comprises an acting block and a guide block guided by the installing part.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: TOPJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventors: Chengchang Wan, Lujun Liu, Huolin Tian, Yijun Wen
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Patent number: 11531301Abstract: A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a coupling member for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum. A movable member is provided movable relative to a frame and a rotatable portion is supported by the movable member and rotatable relative to the movable member. A regulating member is movable between a regulating position for regulating movement of the movable member by contacting the rotatable portion and a non-regulating position where the regulating member does not regulate the movable member. A position of an end portion of the movable member in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum changes relative to the frame by movement of the movable member between a first position and a second position, and the end portion of the movable member is closer to the coupling member in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum when the movable member is in the second position than when the movable member is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukio Kubo, Masanari Morioka, Naoki Hayashi
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Patent number: 11520285Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller; a casing having an outer surface; a first shaft rotatable about a rotational axis; a first arm; and a cam. The first arm and the cam extend radially outward from an outer periphery of the first shaft and pivotally movable along with rotation of the first shaft. The cam has: one end connected to the first shaft; another end positioned farther from the rotational axis than the one end is farther from the rotational axis; and a pressure contact surface inclined so as to approach the outer surface of the casing as extending from the one end toward the another end. When a pressing force is applied to the pressure contact surface, the first arm pivotally moves from a first position to a second position along with: pivotal movement of the cam; and the rotation of the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Go Iwasa, Yuwen Wang
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Patent number: 11507013Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first latch-receiving shelf is positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing and a second latch-receiving shelf is positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. Contact surfaces on top portions of the first and second latch-receiving shelves are positioned to contact corresponding first and second latches in an image forming device. The contact surface of the first latch-receiving shelf is positioned lower than a first rotational axis of a first drive coupler of the toner cartridge and higher than a second drive coupler of the toner cartridge. The contact surface of the second latch-receiving shelf is positioned lower than at least a portion of a first electrical contact of the toner cartridge and higher than at least a portion of a second electrical contact of the toner cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II
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Patent number: 11487216Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having a photosensitive drum assembly, an exposure head, and a bearing, is provided. The photosensitive drum assembly includes a photosensitive drum and a flange disposed at an end of the photosensitive drum in an axial direction of an axis of the photosensitive drum. The flange contacts an inner surface of the photosensitive drum. The exposure head includes a plurality of light emitters aligned along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a lens array focusing light from the light emitters on the photosensitive drum, and a head frame to support the light emitters and the lens array. The bearing has a first contact face to contact the exposure head to define a distance between the lens array and the photosensitive drum along a direction of an optical axis of the light.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takamasa Tsukada, Junichi Yokoi
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Patent number: 11422502Abstract: A drum cartridge includes: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge including a storage medium having an electrical contact surface is detachably attachable; a photosensitive drum; a transfer roller; and a conveying roller. The drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one end portion of the frame in a second direction. The transfer roller is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and in contact with the drum. The conveying roller is rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction and separated from the transfer roller in the second direction. A first opening of the frame is positioned between the transfer roller and the conveying roller in the second direction. The electrical contact surface is exposed to an outside through the first opening in a case where the developing cartridge is attached to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Shimizu, Koji Abe
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Patent number: 11402793Abstract: A rotating body to be inserted with a shaft includes a holding portion on an end portion of the rotating body to hold the rotating body on the shaft. The holding portion includes a hook to be elastically deformable and detachably hook on a recess of an end portion of the shaft. The holding portion is rotatingly movable, with elastic deformation of the hook, over a convex portion of the shaft that is outside the recess in an axial direction of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Makoto Saitou, Naoki Okazaki
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Patent number: 11402794Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming stations including respective electrophotographic photosensitive drums; an image transfer belt contactable to the drums; image transfer rollers, contactable to the transfer belt to urge the belt to the drums for transferring the toner images from the drums onto the belt, the rollers being provided with respective rotational shafts about an axis of which the rollers are rotatable; and a slidable member slidable in a direction in which the stations are arranged to retract the rollers away from the corresponding drums, the slidable member being provided with inclined surfaces contactable to the shafts, the inclined surfaces being disposed at such positions that the rollers are retracted from respective drums sequentially with the movement of the slidable member in the direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomomichi Kawashima, Takayuki Miyamoto
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Patent number: 11385593Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Sato, Kazuhiko Kanno, Satoshi Nishiya, Masatoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 11347180Abstract: A component separator system for use with an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a first replaceable unit and a second replaceable unit for use in the image forming device. The second replaceable unit is manually separable from the first replaceable unit. The first replaceable unit is mateable with the second replaceable unit in an operative position of the first replaceable unit relative to the second replaceable unit with a first imaging component of the first replaceable unit in operative contact with a second imaging component of the second replaceable unit. Engagement of a first engagement member of the first replaceable unit with a second engagement member of the second replaceable unit retains the first replaceable unit in a storage position relative to the second replaceable unit with the first imaging component spaced away from the second imaging component.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Alan Cavill, Randal Scott Williamson
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Patent number: 11340554Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
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Patent number: 11314199Abstract: Movement and/or urging of a developer carrying memer is carried out with high precision. A cartridge that is mountable to an apparatus main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge includes a developing roller; a frame supporting the developing roller; a movable part movably supported by the frame and movable to a first position and to a second position relative to the frame; and an elastic part provided between the frame and the movable part to urge the movable part. The movable part includes a first force receiving part that receives force from the apparatus main assembly, in a direction of moving from the first position to the second position, and a second force receiving part that receives force from the apparatus main assembly, in a direction of moving from the second position to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Sato, Yukio Kubo, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Koji Wada
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Patent number: 11287770Abstract: A first replaceable unit is provided for use with a second replaceable unit in an electrophotographic image forming device. The first replaceable unit includes a latch movable between a latching position for latching the first replaceable unit to the second replaceable unit and an unlatching position for permitting the first replaceable unit to separate from the second replaceable unit. The latch is positioned to contact a latch catch on the second replaceable unit in order to prevent the first replaceable unit from separating from the second replaceable unit when the first replaceable unit is mated with the second replaceable unit and the latch is in the latching position. The latch includes a cam follower surface for contacting a camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move toward the latching or unlatching position.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventor: Randal Scott Williamson
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Patent number: 11175621Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for storing toner and a rotatable developer roll mounted on the body and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A portion of an outer surface of the developer roll is exposed along a front of the body for supplying toner from the reservoir to a corresponding photoconductive drum on an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit in an operative position of the toner cartridge relative to the imaging unit. A first engagement member positioned on a rear of the body is configured to engage a corresponding second engagement member on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit to retain the toner cartridge in a storage position of the toner cartridge relative to the imaging unit with the developer roll spaced away from the photoconductive drum.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Alan Cavill, Randal Scott Williamson
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Patent number: 11150599Abstract: A support assembly is disclosed. The support assembly may comprise a component to interact with a photoconductive imaging unit, the component being rotatable relative to the photoconductive imaging unit. The support assembly may comprise an air bearing positioned adjacent to a surface of the photoconductive imaging unit, the air bearing to generate a cushion of gas to support the component at a defined distance from the photoconductive imaging unit. A method and a print apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Israel Katz, Boris Khodos, Avi Barazani, Sergio Turnowski
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Patent number: 11112751Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Sato, Kazuhiko Kanno, Satoshi Nishiya, Masatoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 11112750Abstract: A development cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a photoconductive unit including a photoconductive drum, a developing unit including a developing roller having a rotation shaft and coupled to the photoconductive unit to be rotatable to a release position where the developing roller is separated from the photoconductive drum, and to a development position where the developing roller contacts the photoconductive drum, and a coupler located between and couplable to the rotation shaft of the developing roller and a rotational power transmission member. When the coupler is coupled to the rotational power transmission member, the coupler is selectively rotatable in a first rotation direction or a second rotation direction by a rotational force from the rotational power transmission member. When the coupler is rotated in the first rotation direction and then in the second rotation direction, transmission of the rotational force to the developing roller is partially interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Sang-hoon Lee, Seung-beom Yang, Seung-gweon Lee
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Patent number: 10942486Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
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Patent number: 10921732Abstract: In a cartridge, a housing has a developer accommodating portion and includes a first side wall and a second side wall. A coupling member is disposed at a position opposite to the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall. A detection body is disposed at a position opposite to the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall. A first driving force transmission member is positioned at the same side with the coupling member with respect to the first side wall, and transmits driving force from the coupling member to a rotating member. A second driving force transmission member is positioned at the same side with the detection body with respect to the second side wall, and transmits driving force from the rotating member to the detection body.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nao Itabashi, Naoya Kamimura
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Patent number: 10901365Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Sato, Kazuhiko Kanno, Satoshi Nishiya, Masatoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 10875292Abstract: An example printing system for printing liquid ink has a developer device to transfer ink to an image plate of the printing system. The developer device has an ink inlet to receive ink from an ink reservoir of the printing system; a developer roller to transfer ink to the image plate, a motor to rotate the developer roller, and an ink sensor to detect arrival of ink at the developer device. The printing system is configured to start the motor in response to the ink sensor detecting arrival of ink at the developer device.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: HP INDIGO B.V.Inventors: Lavi Cohen, Asaf Shoshani
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Patent number: 10866560Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body housing, a drawer, a drum cartridge, an exposure device, developing cartridge, a transfer roller, and a fixing device. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and is attachable to and detachable from a first supporting position on the drawer. The developing cartridge is attachable to and detachable from a second supporting position on the drawer and includes a developing roller. The drawer includes a first guide. The drum cartridge includes a second guide. In a state where the drum cartridge is attached to the first supporting position on the drawer, the first guide of the drawer and the second guide of the drum cartridge forms a developing cartridge guide configured to guide the developing cartridge toward the second supporting position on the drawer.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shougo Sato
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Patent number: 10845731Abstract: A developer cartridge includes a developing roller, a housing, an electrode, a gear, and a hook. The developing roller is rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction. The housing extends in the first direction and is configured to store toner therein. The electrode is positioned at an outer surface of the housing in the first direction and extends in the first direction. The gear is rotatable about the electrode. The hook is positioned opposite to the developing roller relative to the gear in a second direction and is movable between a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nao Itabashi
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Patent number: 10816929Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a drawer and a main body. The drawer includes a frame holding a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction and a drawer-side connector including a drawer-side electrical contact part. The main body includes: a housing including a main body-side electrical contact part; a shaft extending in the first direction; a unit removably insertable to the housing; and a connection member. One end in a third direction intersecting with the first and second directions of the unit is fitted to the housing and the other end is supported to the shaft via the connection member. The main body-side connector is supported to the unit. The drawer-side electrical contact part and the main body-side electrical contact part are interconnected when the drawer is accommodated.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shota Shinoya
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Patent number: 10809661Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
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Patent number: 10802437Abstract: A static eliminating device includes a light guide body formed in a bar shape and attached to a drum frame, and a light source. The light source is arranged at one end side in a longitudinal direction of the light guide body. The light guide body includes a plurality of reflection parts and an attachment part. The plurality of reflection parts is arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction within a range at the other end side from a start position spaced a predetermined distance from one end in the longitudinal direction. The attachment part is arranged between one end in the longitudinal direction and the start position to act as a start point of thermal deformation in the longitudinal direction. The attachment part is composed of two protrusions to interpose an edge of a positioning hole provided in the drum frame at one end side in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventors: Hironobu Oi, Teruhiko Nagashima
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Patent number: 10795310Abstract: Provided is a cartridge that includes a photosensitive member unit, a development unit that moves with respect to the photosensitive member unit so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, a regulating member that is movable between a regulating position at which the regulating member contacts the photosensitive member unit and the development unit to regulate movement of the development unit from the first position to the second position and a nonregulating position at which movement of the development unit is not regulated, and an urging member that urges the regulating member to move the regulating member from the nonregulating position to the regulating position.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Goshi Ozaki, Yosuke Kashiide