Transfer Unit Patents (Class 399/121)
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Patent number: 8503897Abstract: An image forming apparatus may includes an image carrying body, a intermediate transferring unit which includes an intermediate transferring belt to which a visible image on the image carrying body is transferred, a driving roller to drive the intermediate transferring belt, and a first roller support unit to support a rotation shaft of the driving roller. The image-forming apparatus also includes a medium transferring unit to transfer a visible image on the intermediate transferring belt to a printing medium and includes a transferring roller to move between a pressing position pressing the driving roller to interpose the intermediate transferring belt therebetween and a separated position separated from the pressing position, and a second roller support unit to support a rotation shaft of the transferring roller. The pressing position of the transferring roller can be regulated by a contact of the first roller support unit and the second roller support unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Myung-sik Kwon, Sang-hoon Mun
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Patent number: 8503909Abstract: An color image forming apparatus 1 has photosensitive units 5 and developing units 6 that can be drawn out of an apparatus main body along a direction of a photosensitive drum 15 and has an intermediate transfer unit 7 that can be drawn out of the apparatus main body along a moving direction of an intermediate transfer belt 10. The color image forming apparatus 1 includes a pressing release mechanism 41 that releases pressing against the photosensitive drum 15 by a primary transfer roller 8 in conjunction with an operation required at a time of drawing out any of the photosensitive unit 5, the developing unit 6, and the intermediate transfer unit 7.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Satoru Yonemoto
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Patent number: 8501322Abstract: An intermediate transfer member includes a mixture of a polyimide, a metal dialkyldithiophosphate, a polysiloxane, and an optional conductive filler component.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Jin Wu
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Publication number: 20130195506Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a support frame having a first abutment portion, and a belt unit detachably attachable to the support frame and having a first abutted portion configured to be in contact with the first abutment portion. One of the support frame and the belt unit has a pressing portion, and remaining one of the support frame and the belt unit has a pressed portion pressed by the pressing portion so as to increase a contacting surface pressure between the first abutment portion and the first abutted portion. The pressing portion has a first contacting portion in contact with the pressed portion, and the pressed portion has a second contacting portion in contact with the first contacting portion. The first contacting portion and the second contacting portion are made from an electrically conductive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Wataru YAMAGUCHI
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Patent number: 8494412Abstract: Systems and a method for image forming systems to skip over the non-printing photoreceptor area in order to not skip a label position on a continuous print web medium. A vacuum assembly is coupled to a controller that controls different vacuum pressures at each vacuum roller therein. The vacuum rollers provide drag and drive forces to skip a seam of the photoreceptor and a residual length based on the number and size of images on the photoreceptor.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Kenneth Paul Moore, Frank Albert Porter, Bruce Allen Thompson, Todd Maurice Uthman, Ron Edward Dufort, Venkata Bharadwaj Chivukula, Roger Gaylord Leighton
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Patent number: 8483597Abstract: A transfer assembly includes a counter member having a contact face, an engagement/disengagement unit to engage and disengage the image carrying face of image carrying member and the contact face of counter member using a cam, a pressure device to apply force to a transfer nip between the image carrying face and contact face, and a recording medium feed device to feed the recording medium to the transfer nip. When the cam is at a first rotation position, the image carrying face and contact face are separated, and when the cam is at a second rotation position, the image carrying face and contact face contact. Before the recording medium enters the transfer nip, the cam rotates from the first rotation position toward the second rotation position. After the recording medium enters the transfer nip, the cam is at the second rotation position to press the image carrying face with the contact face.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuuichi Mimbu, Kenji Sengoku, Junpei Fujita, Osamu Ichihashi
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Patent number: 8467705Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an intermediate transfer belt stretched lightly across rollers to move endlessly in a sub-scanning direction upon image formation and has an outer surface to which a toner image formed by a development unit is transferred. A secondary transfer opposing roller is one of the rollers across which the intermediate transfer belt is stretched. A secondary transfer roller contacts the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to recording paper. A movement mechanism moves at least one of the rollers or the secondary transfer roller and changes a pressed state of the intermediate transfer belt by the secondary transfer roller at a nip of the secondary transfer opposing roller and the secondary transfer roller. A movement mechanism control unit controls a travel distance of the roller to be moved by the movement mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventors: Gunmun Ryu, Okito Ogasahara, Kenichi Ohnishi, Naohiro Anan, Yuichi Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8467113Abstract: A image reading apparatus 4 includes the exchangeable image reading portion 38, the document transportation path 30 curved so as to move around the image reading portion 38, the skew correction rollers 35 in the hosing 3a. The skew correction rollers 35 are arranged on the document transportation path 30 at the transportation upstream side with respect to the reading position 46 of the image reading portion 38. The image reading portion 38 passes through the document transportation path 30 at the transportation upstream side with respect to the skew correction rollers 35 so as to be detached from and attached to the housing 3a.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Tsujimura
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Patent number: 8467704Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: an image carrier, provided to a main body of the image forming apparatus, that carries a toner image; an opening and closing member provided to be openable and closable against the main body; a transfer unit movably provided against the opening and closing member, the transfer unit including: a transfer body transferring the toner image onto a transfer receiving medium; and a holding member holding the transfer body and having a contact portion that is in contact with a counterpart contact portion provided to the main body when the opening and closing member is closed; and a maintaining unit maintaining a posture of the transfer unit against the opening and closing member when the contact portion is brought into contact with the counterpart contact portion during the course of transition of the opening and closing member from an opened state to the closed state.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Sato, Masaaki Tokunaga
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Patent number: 8463161Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a belt unit which is rotatable in contact with the image bearing member and which is capable of being drawn out of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a cam member for switching a position of the belt member relative to the image bearing member; a motor for rotating the cam member; a controller for controlling the motor to contact and space the belt member relative to the image bearing member; a lever movable between a first position in which the belt member is fixed to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and a second position in which the belt member is capable of being drawn out of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus; and a spacing mechanism for spacing the belt member from the image bearing member by converting movement of the lever from the first position to the second position to a rotation of the cam member, when the belt member is contacted to the image bearing member.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideki Mori
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Patent number: 8460139Abstract: A belt installation guide is disclosed which accommodates the loading in a belt module of a new belt around drive rollers. The guide is placed opposite the end portions of the rollers, the belt is slipped over the guides and held by the guides until the belt is pushed over the rollers. The guides can be attached to the belt module or can be detachable therefrom. Once in place over the rollers, a tension is exerted on the belt to make it taut over all of the rollers. The guide is removed from near the rollers after the belt is in place over the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Bruce J. Parks
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Publication number: 20130142544Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus that includes a charge receptor endless belt; a transfer nip including a BTR roll in contact with the charge receptor at a transfer zone, a continuous media supplied to the transfer zone, and the transfer nip adapted for systematic engagement and disengagement with the continuous media for synchronization of image transfer from the charge receptor to the media. More specifically, in response to recognition of imaging inconsistencies such as belt seams, test patches, or label format pitches, the endless belt disengages from the continuous media at the BTR roll. The BTR roll is appropriately turned on and off and the continuous media reversed in direction commonly known as a ‘Pilgrim step’, then returned to normal direction to synchronize the transfer of images to the continuous media, wherein there is substantially zero wrap of the continuous media on the BTR roll during the engagement of the continuous media with the charge receptor belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: XEROX CORPORATIONInventors: Mark A. Atwood, Roger Gaylord Leighton
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Patent number: 8457520Abstract: An image-forming device may include a main body, a developing unit, a transferring unit, and a tray. In some examples, the developing unit may include a developer-accommodating section that accommodates developer and a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit may further include a developer-carrying member to develop the electrostatic latent image. The tray may enable the developing unit to move between a contact position and a separate position.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoya Kamimura, Shougo Sato
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Patent number: 8457517Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a chassis; an image carrier on whose surface a toner image is formed; a transfer roller configured to transfer the toner image formed on the image carrier onto to a recording medium and including a roller shaft and a transfer roller main body; a frame disposed inside the chassis; a transfer-roller supporting part configured to support the transfer roller and to move the transfer roller to a contact position and a spacing position; a terminal member configured to contact an end surface of the roller shaft and supply a voltage; and a terminal supporting member configured to rotatably support the terminal member with respect to the frame, wherein the terminal member rotates while following the movement of the transfer roller between the contact position and the spacing position, and wherein the terminal member maintains a contact state with the end surface of the roller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Yoshihiro Andou
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Patent number: 8457536Abstract: A transfer device includes a rotatable intermediate transfer belt wound around and stretched between a pair of rollers, facing a plurality of image bearing members bearing toner images, a plurality of transfer members facing the image bearing members through the intermediate transfer member, to transfer overlappingly the toner images onto the intermediate transfer member forming a composite toner image, a lubricant applicator disposed upstream from the image bearing members in a direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt and on the same plane as the image bearing members, to apply a lubricant on the intermediate transfer member, an opposing member disposed opposite the lubricant applicator, to contact the lubricant applicator through the intermediate transfer member, and a pressure member disposed upstream from the image bearing members and downstream from the lubricant applicator in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt, to press against the intermediate transfer member.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Nakamatsu, Masakazu Imai, Katsuhito Haruno, Seiichi Kogure
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Publication number: 20130136498Abstract: A transfer device and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. Shapes of cam profiles of first cam members and second cam members controlling movement of first slider members moving a first transfer roller corresponding to a black developer, and second slider members moving a second transfer roller corresponding to a color developer. Times are different as when movement of the first slider members is completed and when movement of the second slider members is completed in mode conversion among a ready mode, a mono mode and a color mode, and thus a driving load generated when the first and second cam members are rotated is reduced, non-uniformity of the rotating speeds of the first and second cam members is reduced, and problems generated due to non-uniform rotating speeds of the cam members are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
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Patent number: 8452206Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a housing; a first cover attached to the housing; a belt-shaped intermediate transfer body; a rotating member; a support member that contacts an inner surface of the intermediate transfer body at a position opposed to the rotating member to form an image transfer portion where an image is transferred from the intermediate transfer body onto a recording medium; a first supporting unit provided to the housing to support a first end of the support member, a positioning mechanism that determines a position of the first cover relative to the housing when the first cover is closed; and a second supporting unit provided to the first cover to support a second end of the support member, such that a pressure generated between the support member and the rotating member is increased when the first cover is closed than when the first cover is opened.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Kawai
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Patent number: 8447210Abstract: As set forth herein, a reusable transfer assist blade (TAB) assembly includes a replaceable blade assembly that is locked into position between a clamp assembly and an extruded portion of the TAB assembly. When the blade assembly requires replacement, spring tables on the clam assembly are biased upward to release the clamp assembly from the extruded portion, and the clamp assembly is rotated about a clamp tab-clamp pocket interface at the top of the TAB assembly. The blade assembly is removed and replaced, the clamp assembly is rotated back into position against the extruded portion, and the spring tabs re-engage interlocking features on the extruded portion to lock the replacement blade in position. The expensive extruded portion and clamp assembly are thus reused and the inexpensive blade assembly is discarded or recycled.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David B. Montfort, Donald C. Koch, Eliud Robles Flores, John R. Falvo
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Patent number: 8437659Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a transfer roller configured to be opposite to an image carrier when the housing is rotated around a rotation fulcrum, a transfer roller pressing member configured to urge the transfer roller toward the image carrier, a guide configured to feed transfer paper, a fixing hook configured to be urged in a direction to lock the housing about a main body, a transfer roller releasing lever configured to separate the transfer roller from the image carrier against urging performed by the transfer roller pressing member, a transfer roller positioning part that is disposed in the main body and configured to position the transfer roller, and an operation part configured to cause the fixing hook to rotate in a direction to unlock the housing such that the transfer roller releasing lever rotates in a direction to release the transfer roller from the image carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Yasuyuki Fukunaga
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Publication number: 20130108319Abstract: A package is to be installed in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by forming a toner image on an image carrier, causing the image carrier to carry the toner image, and fixing the toner image carried by the image carrier to the recording medium. The package includes a holding structure that holds an endless band that has not been installed in the image forming apparatus yet such that the band is elongated so as to have a longer peripheral length than in the case where the band is relaxed, the endless band transferring the toner image on the image carrier to the recording medium from the image carrier while the endless belt being wound around multiple rollers so as to be tensioned rotates. The band is packaged in the package while being elongated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Shunichiro SHISHIKURA
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Publication number: 20130108320Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a side cover rotatably installed to open and close an opening provided at a body thereof while rotating, a first transfer unit to which a visible image of photoconductors of developing units is transferred, and a second transfer unit movably installed at the side cover to transfer the visible image to a printing medium, wherein the second transfer unit is provided at both sides thereof with a plurality of guide protrusions to perform a position restriction, and the body is provided at both sidewalls of inside thereof with a plurality of guide members to support the plurality of guide protrusions such that the second transfer unit is supported against both sidewalls of the inside of the body through the guide protrusion and the guide member, thereby reducing a reaction force applied to the side cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
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Patent number: 8433218Abstract: An image forming device includes a carrying device configured to carry a recording sheet in a predetermined carrying direction, and a plurality of image forming units that are arranged along the carrying direction and that are in contact with the carrying device. All of the image forming units are configured to be separable from the carrying device when one of the image forming units is detached from the carrying device.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Masayuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 8433220Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image holder that holds an image; a transfer unit that includes a transfer member being rotationally driven and forming a pressing portion between the transfer member and the image holder, and that presses a recording medium under transportation at the pressing portion so as to transfer the image held by the image holder onto the transported recording medium; and an adjustment unit that adjusts drive torque for the transfer member by changing the drive torque from a first adjustment state to a second adjustment state, either when a leading edge of the recording medium reaches the pressing portion or when a trailing edge of the recording medium leaves the pressing portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Hoshino
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Patent number: 8433221Abstract: A secondary transfer facing roller includes a roller part that has a through-hole penetrating in a rotary shaft line direction at a rotation center position, and a penetrating shaft member penetrating the through-hole of the roller part and spinning the roller part on a surface of the penetrating shaft member. Eccentric cams are fixed to both end regions that are not located in the roller part, so as to rotate integrally with the penetrating shaft member. A position regulating cam and an abutting roller form a gap between the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer roller immediately before a transfer sheet enters a transfer nip part. While the gap is formed, current flows between the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer roller via the position regulating cam and the abutting roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ryuichi Minbe, Katsuya Kawagoe, Kenji Sengoku, Junpei Fujita, Osamu Ichihashi
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Patent number: 8428490Abstract: A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes cartridge mounting portions for dismountably mounting cartridges and an intermediary transfer member onto which developed images formed on electrophotographic photosensitive drums are transferred. The apparatus also includes an image forming unit comprising the cartridge mounting portions and the intermediary transfer member. The unit is movable between a transfer position for transferring, onto a sheet, the developed images transferred onto the intermediary transfer member from the drums, a cartridge mounting and dismounting position for mounting and dismounting the cartridges relative to the cartridge mounting portions, and an intermediary transfer member mounting and dismounting position for mounting and dismounting the intermediary transfer member relative to a main assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiharu Kawai, Yoshihiro Ito
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Patent number: 8417149Abstract: A transfer unit has a belt unit having a belt and a cleaning unit for cleaning the belt. The belt unit and the cleaning unit are integratedly provided. The cleaning unit is movable for the belt unit. The transfer unit is detachable for an apparatus main body. A position of the cleaning unit for the belt unit before the transfer unit is attached to the apparatus main body is different from a position of the cleaning unit for the belt unit after the transfer unit is attached to the apparatus main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Emi Furuya
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Publication number: 20130077984Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer device separator that moves a transfer device between a contact position and a first isolation position within a shortened time. At the contact position, the transfer device contacts a toner image carrier. At the first isolation position, the transfer device is isolated from the toner image carrier with a first interval therebetween. A controller controls the transfer device separator to move the transfer device to the contact position as first to third toner images and a blank section between the first toner image and the second toner image carried by the toner image carrier pass through a transfer region and to the first isolation position as a toner patch section between the first toner image and the second toner image carried by the toner image carrier passes through the transfer region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Ken YOSHIDA
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Publication number: 20130077992Abstract: A transfer assembly includes a support member having a side wall that extends in such a direction as to intersect a line extending from the rotation axis of a transfer roller and that has a hole through which a support shaft is inserted with some play being present. The hole has such a shape that, at the beginning of a period when a door is rotated from an open state to a closed state and a positioned portion is in contact with a positioning member, gaps are formed between the support shaft and a wall surface of the hole on both sides of the support shaft in a radial direction crossing an arc that is drawn from a center of the arc at the center line of rotation of the door and that passes through the support shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Masakazu SHIRAI, Masatoshi YAMADA, Masaaki TOKUNAGA, Hiroyuki KOIDE, Mabumi KASHIHARA
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Patent number: 8406657Abstract: A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming a color image on a recording material, the apparatus includes an image forming unit rotatable relative to a main assembly of the color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the image forming unit including a plurality of mounting portions for demountably mounting cartridges each provided with a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member drum with a developer, and a transfer member for transferring the developed image on the recording material, wherein the image forming unit is rotatable between a transfer position for transferring the developed image from the transfer member onto the recording material and a mounting and demounting position, different from the transfer position, for mounting and dismounting the cartridge relative to the mounting portion in a state in which cartridges containing different color developers are mounted to the mounting portion; and a grType: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ken Kikuchi, Tsutomu Nishiuwatoko, Takashi Akutsu
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Patent number: 8406659Abstract: In an apparatus including a fixing device configured to be rotated by receiving a driving force from a main body of the apparatus and a drawer configured to draw out of the main body while holding the fixing device, a storage position of the drawer is adjusted to adjust an alignment between a transfer unit and a fixing nip. With the alignment so adjusted, meshing of gears that transmit force to rotate a fixing roller from a driving source of the main body of the apparatus may deteriorate, thus causing a rotational unevenness of the fixing roller. Therefore, an alignment unit configured to adjust an alignment is provided between a fixing support member configured to support a fixing unit and a fixing driving unit driving the fixing unit and a transfer support member configured to support a support member supporting the fixing support member.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kohei Koshida
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Patent number: 8406665Abstract: A steering controller uses a photointerrupter that detects the position of a filler when a steering roller is in a predetermined reference inclined position. The steering controller drives a steering motor to bring the steering roller to the reference inclined position based on a detection result obtained by the photointerrupter every time predetermined adjustment timing arrives or every time the power is turned on. Using the rotation angle of the steering motor in this condition as a reference rotation angle, the steering controller controls the rotation of the steering motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Yuichi Hirose, Hiroaki Takagi, Takuro Kamiya, Junya Takigawa
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Patent number: 8404416Abstract: The invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a surface protection layer that satisfies the following requirements: (1) including a crosslinked substance of at least one selected from a guanamine compound or a melamine compound, and at least one charge transporting material having at least one substituent selected from —OH, —OCH3, —NH2, —SH or —COOH; (2) including the at least one of a guanamine compound or a melamine compound in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight; and (3) having a universal hardness of from about 180 to about 220 N/mm2 and a creep ratio of from about 5% to about 8%, the universal hardness and the creep ratio being obtained by performing a hardness test by pushing a Vickers quadrangular pyramid diamond indenter against the surface protection layer at a maximum load of 20 mN, in an environment of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 50%.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Haruyama, Masahiro Iwasaki
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Patent number: 8406658Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image-forming unit, an intermediate transfer member, a backup member and a medium transfer member. The image-forming unit is configured to form a developed image, which is transferred to the intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member is entrained about the backup member. The medium transfer member is opposed to the backup member and is configured to transfer the developed image on the intermediate transfer member to a medium. The medium transfer member is also at a first position where a rotational axis of the medium transfer member lies downstream of a rotational axis of the backup member in a medium transport direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Shinya Kaseda
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Publication number: 20130071150Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a belt stretched and wound around a driving roller and multiple driven rollers; multiple image formation units arranged in a running direction of the belt including photoconductors to form toner images of different colors; multiple transfer rollers opposed to the photoconductors via the belt; an engagement/disengagement device to bring at least one of the multiple transfer rollers in contact with and separate from the belt in accordance with an image formation mode; a steering controller to correct displacement of the belt in a widthwise direction by inclining one of the multiple driven rollers in a prescribed direction as a steering roller not to change a perimeter of the belt at least in the first image formation mode in which all of the multiple transfer rollers contact the belt; at least one position adjustment roller; and a belt position adjuster.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Hiroaki TAKAGI
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Publication number: 20130064572Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image carrier, a detachable transfer body on which an image is transferred, a contact and separation mechanism that moves the transfer body into contact with and away from the image carrier, and a coupling member to be coupled to the contact and separation mechanism. When the coupling member is turned forward to a first turn position in a coupled state coupled to the contact and separation mechanism, the contact and separation mechanism contacts the transfer body with the image carrier, and when the coupling member is turned in reverse from the first turn position to a second turn position in the coupled state, the contact and separation mechanism separates the transfer body from the image carrier and the coupling member withdraws in a direction opposite a direction to couple the coupling member to the contact and separation mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroki SHIBA, Osamu IIDA
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Image forming apparatus employing an electrical charge removal device with an improved configuration
Patent number: 8396394Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a main body; an image carrying body disposed in the main body, a transfer unit and an electrical charge removal unit. The image forming apparatus forms a visible image on the image carrying body by carrying out charging, exposing and developing processes. The transfer unit transfers the visible image from the image carrying body to a printing medium. The electrical charge removal unit is configured to remove residual electrical charge from the printing medium, and is movable, in cooperation with at least one replaceable component part of the transfer unit, between an operable position at which the electrical charge removal unit is capable of removing the electrical charge from the printing medium and a non-interfering position at which the electrical charge removal unit does not interfere with the movement of the at least one replaceable component part of the transfer unit being received into or being removed from the main body for replacement.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun-Ho Lee, Jeong-Yong Ju -
Publication number: 20130051839Abstract: A developer-adhesive body unit is detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus. The developer-adhesive body unit includes a developer-adhesive body having a surface to which a developer adheres, a cleaning member that removes the developer from the surface of the developer-adhesive body, a developer storage portion storing the removed developer, and a contact portion contacting the surface of the developer-adhesive body at an upstream side of the cleaning member in a moving direction of the surface of the developer-adhesive body. A contact-and-separation unit causes the surface of the developer-adhesive body and the contact portion to separate from each other when the developer-adhesive body unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus and the surface of the developer-adhesive body moves. The contact-and-separation unit causes the surface of the developer-adhesive body and the contact portion to contact each other when the developer-adhesive body unit is not mounted to the image forming apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroshi UDAGAWA
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Publication number: 20130051828Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism, an image bearing member, a transfer member, a transfer member mount, and an image detector. The image forming mechanism forms a first image and a second image on a surface of the image bearing member. The transfer member is disposed facing the image bearing member and contactable thereagainst to form a transfer nip at which the first image is transferred from the image bearing member to a recording medium. The transfer member mount on which the transfer member is disposed accommodates multiple different sizes of transfer member. The image detector detects the second image on the surface of the image bearing member. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of interchangeable transfer members, only one of which at any given time faces the image bearing member, and a transfer member switching device to switch between the plurality of transfer members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Kazuki YOGOSAWA, Nobuto Yokokawa, Satoru Uchida, Takeshi Fukao, Takuya Sekine, Hiroki Matsuura, Masakazu Imai
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Publication number: 20130051854Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable transfer member rotatably driven while carrying a toner image thereon; a rotary transfer member to form a transfer nip for transferring the toner image to a recording medium; a housing rotatable about a first rotation center together with the rotary transfer member and switching between a closed state and an open state by the rotation about the first rotation center; a guide member to guide the recording medium conveyed through a conveyance path toward upstream in the direction of rotation of the rotatable transfer member than the transfer nip; a support frame to support the rotatable transfer member; a biasing member to bias the guide member; and a receiving part, disposed on the support frame, configured to contact the guide member biased by the biasing member and position the guide member in the closed state of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tetsushi SAKUMA, Takeshi SAKASHITA, Masanari FUJITA, Mitsutoshi KICHISE, Yuuji MEGURO, Masato TSUJI
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Publication number: 20130051837Abstract: An image forming device includes: a main casing; a plurality of photosensitive bodies; a first roller; a second roller; an endless belt; a plurality of primary transfer members; a cleaning unit; and a secondary transfer member. The cleaning unit is configured to collect residual toner remaining on the endless belt, and detachable from and attachable to the main casing. The secondary transfer member is provided at the cleaning unit such that the secondary transfer member is detachable from the main casing upon detachment of the cleaning unit from the main casing and attachable to the main casing upon attachment of the cleaning unit to the main casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masanari YOSHIKAWA
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Patent number: 8385762Abstract: A transfer roller lies opposite to a supporting roller across an image carrying belt and abuts against the outer surface of the image carrying belt to form a transfer nip. A driving force transmission unit transmits driving force from a driving source to a driving roller. A drive control unit performs drive control of the driving source. A feedforward control unit performs feedforward control on the driving source via the drive control unit. An entry detecting unit detects entry of a sheet in the transfer nip. The feedforward control unit considers an entry detection signal output by the entry sensor as a trigger for performing feedforward control after a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Hidetaka Noguchi, Toshiyuki Andoh, Takashi Hodoshima, Seiji Hoshino, Takashi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8374526Abstract: Disclosed are a transfer unit and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a main body frame on which one or more image carrying bodies are is supported and a transfer unit coupled to the main body frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-Yong Ju, Jun-Ho Lee
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Patent number: 8369739Abstract: An intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer belt that is configured to be rotated; a belt support that supports the intermediate transfer belt; a housing that receives the belt support on which the intermediate transfer belt is mounted; and a belt protecting member that is provided on the belt support and is urged by elastic member so as to cover edge of the intermediate transfer belt in a width direction thereof, wherein the belt support is formed to be swingable with respect to the housing, end of the belt protecting members is positioned so as to cover the edge of the intermediate transfer belt in the width direction while the belt support is received in the housing, and the end of the belt protecting member is withdrawn to an outside of the belt support while the belt support is swung with respect to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyotoshi Kaneyama
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Patent number: 8358956Abstract: In a corotron device, a moving element moves via a guide unit. A corotron having a corotron element and a corotron shield is provided. The corotron element is arranged relative to the guide unit such that a distance from, and a parallel position of, the corotron element relative to the guide unit substantially do not change.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Océ Printing Systems GmbHInventors: Florian Eder, Johannes Thanner
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Patent number: 8358955Abstract: A transfer device for use in an image forming apparatus includes at least two belt members constituting a secondary nip portion therebetween. The transfer device electrostatically transfers a toner image from one of the belt members onto a recording medium when the recording medium passes through the secondary nip portion. The transfer device includes a mechanism that supports the belt members such that the secondary nip portion is substantially linear; and a bias applying member that applies a secondary transfer bias at a substantially center portion of the secondary nip portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Katsuhiro Echigo, Hajime Oyama, Takahiro Tamiya
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Publication number: 20130016996Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an inclining device for inclining the endless belt so as to keep the an endless belt in a normal range in a widthwise direction of the belt; a blade member for pressing against the belt at a pressing portion to clean it; a detecting portion for detecting deviation of the belt from a normal range in a widthwise direction thereof; and an executing portion for executing an operation in a mode in which a lubricant is supplied to the pressing portion, when the detecting portion detects that the belt is deviated from the normal range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takao Yuasa
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Patent number: 8349463Abstract: An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a first optional polyimide substrate layer, and a second layer of a fluoropolyimide polymer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jin Wu, Yu Qi, Nan-Xing Hu, Yuhua Tong
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Patent number: 8351832Abstract: An image forming method includes: feeding a transfer material to a transfer portion by gate rollers; contacting the transfer material with a transfer material grip member that is disposed on a transfer roller; holding the transfer material on an elastic holding portion which holds the transfer material disposed on the circumference surface of the transfer roller; transferring the transfer material held by the holding portion; and transferring an image at the transfer portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Koichi Kamijo, Satoshi Chiba, Shinichi Tanaka
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Patent number: 8346120Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a medium conveyance unit; an image recording unit; and recording unit support portions. The image recording unit is supported by the medium conveyance unit in an undetachable manner for a user who uses the image forming apparatus. The recording unit support portions have a first support portion and a second support portion which are disposed in the image recording unit on a side of an outlet and are spaced from each other in a width direction of a medium conveyed, and a third support portion which is disposed in the image recording unit on an opposite side to the outlet. At least the first support portion and the second support portion are supported on the side of the outlet of the medium conveyance unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhide Saito, Naomasa Okimura, Shin Komatsu, Ryotaro Nomi
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Patent number: 8343697Abstract: An electrophotographic photoconductor containing at least a charge generation material and a charge transport material on a conductive support, the electrophotographic photoconductor comprising a diamine compound represented by the formula (1), and also a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (I).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoko Kanazawa, Hiroshi Sugimura