Component Present Or Mounted Patents (Class 399/13)
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Patent number: 9092007Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first storage unit that stores first information regarding a first unit, a second storage unit that stores second information regarding a second unit, and a reading unit disposed so as to face the first unit and the second unit. The reading unit reads the first information stored in the first storage unit and the second information stored in the second storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Masayuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 9061507Abstract: An inkjet printer for the labeling of goods includes a main device having at least one outlet opening for ink, in particular for ink droplets, at least one storage container for a liquid flowing through the outlet opening, such as, for example, ink, pigments or solvents, the storage container being detachably connected to the main device, and liquid and mechanical couplings. The liquid coupling has a first coupling portion on the main device and a second coupling portion on the storage container. The mechanical coupling includes a first coupling means on the main device and a second coupling means on the storage container. The storage container further includes a ring-shaped transponder having a ring-shaped second antenna extending about the second coupling portion and a control unit storing data on the liquid contained in the storage container.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: EBS INK-JET SYSTEME GMBHInventors: Jan Slomianny, Andreas Slomianny
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Patent number: 9058002Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit detachable from a main body, a sensor unit, a blocking member, a moving mechanism, and a determination portion. The sensor unit includes a light emitting element configured to emit an outgoing light toward the belt, a first light receiving element configured to output a first signal, and a second light receiving element. The blocking member includes a first window and a second window. The moving mechanism is configured to move the blocking member between a first position in which the outgoing light passes the first window and a second position in which the outgoing light passes through the second window. The determination portion is configured to, when the blocking member is in the second position, determine whether the belt unit is attached to the main body based on the first signal output from the first light receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Takagi, Yuji Goto
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Patent number: 9052648Abstract: An image apparatus includes: a first housing including an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material; a second housing including a heating unit for heating the formed image; a conveying unit, provided across the first and second housings, that conveys the recording material to a side of the heating unit using a no-end belt; a conveying unit including a first fixed unit disposed on a side of the second housing and a second fixed unit disposed on a side of the first housing; a first fixing unit positioning the first fixed unit to the heating unit, and fixing the first fixed unit to restrict directions other than a rotating direction of the conveying unit around the first fixed unit; a second fixing unit rotating the conveying unit around the first fixed unit, and fixing the second fixed unit to the first housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsutomu Komiyama, Kazutoshi Sugitani, Yoko Miyamoto
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Patent number: 9046868Abstract: A connector having a magnetically attractable support loosely attachable to an exterior surface of the replaceable item for use in an image forming device. The connector is interconnectable with a second connector of the image forming device, the second connector having a magnet and an electrical contact adjacent to an operating position of the replaceable item wherein when the connector is attached to the replaceable item and the replaceable item is in the operating position, a magnetic field draws the support away from the replaceable item and the electrical contact of the connector into operational contact with the electrical contact of the second connector. The mounting of the support allows the support to be drawn away from the replaceable item and remain attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: John Victor Pezdek, Justin Michael Tromp
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Patent number: 9042777Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a receiving member which receives a driving force from outside; a first rotary member which rotates by the driving force; a second rotary member which takes a driven position where the second rotary member rotates by the driving force from the first rotary member and a non-driven position where transmission of the driving force from the first rotary member is cut off; a detectable member which moves as the rotation of the second rotary member, and a first portion which rotates by the driving force. The second rotary member includes a second portion. When the second rotary member is in the non-driven position, the second portion is provided on a rotating locus drawn by the first portion. The first portion engages with the second portion as the first portion rotates, so that the second rotary member rotates from the non-driven position to the driven position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeyuki Takagi
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Publication number: 20150139668Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a process unit, a latent image writer, a power source, and a controller. The process unit is detachably attachable relative to the image forming apparatus and includes, as a single integrated unit, a latent image bearing member to bear a latent image on a surface thereof, a charging device to charge the surface of the latent image bearing member, and a development device to develop the latent image with toner. The controller causes the power source to output a charging bias at a predetermined target level supplied to the charging device. The process unit includes a first storage device to store correction information for calculating the predetermined target level of the charging bias in accordance with a combination of the latent image bearing member and the charging device. The controller corrects the predetermined target level based on the correction information in the first storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Hiroyuki SUGIYAMA, Ryoh TANOUE, Masahiko SHAKUTO, Tomoko TAKAHASHI, Yoshinori NAKAGAWA, Ryuji YOSHIDA, Taichi URAYAMA, Shotaro HOSHI, Ryusuke MASE, Takamasa OZEKI
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Publication number: 20150139669Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a cartridge installing section in which a first cartridge and a second cartridge are selectively installable; and a controller. The first cartridge includes: a first case configured to contain a first developer; a first developing roller; and a first transport member configured to transport the first developer toward the first developing roller. The second cartridge includes: a second case configured to contain a second developer, an amount of the second developer being greater than an amount of the first developer; a second developing roller; and a second transport member configured to transport the second developer toward the second developing roller. The controller is configured to control a drive source to drive one of the first transport member and the second transport member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Hikaru Yoshizumi
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Patent number: 9036173Abstract: The present specification discloses systems and methods for enabling users to troubleshoot multifunction devices using handheld devices, such as mobile phones. In one embodiment, software executing on the handheld device receives data indicative of an error state in a multifunction device, causes the handheld device to obtain and display an image representative of an area of the multifunction device which would need to be serviced to address the error state, determines instructions for addressing the error state, and causes the handheld device to display the instructions in relation to the image representative of an area of the multifunction device.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David Andrew Thomas, Martin Richard Walsh
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Patent number: 9037006Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming section, a casing, a wall section, a first unit, a second unit and a first regulating member. The casing has an internal space in which the image forming section is disposed. The first unit is mounted in a first position of the internal space. The first insertion path is a path through which the first unit passes in the internal space. The second unit is mounted in a second position of the internal space closer to the wall section than the first position is. The second insertion path is a path through which the second unit passes in the internal space. The first regulating member projects to the second insertion path when the first unit is not mounted in the first position and retracts from the second insertion path when the first unit is mounted in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Satoru Takahashi
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Patent number: 9025972Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of reading a unique pattern of a toner bottle without using an expensive device, and of preventing the delay of the toner replenishment. A control unit controls a driving unit to rotate a toner bottle for replenishing toner and controls a reading unit to read a unique pattern of the toner bottle in conjunction with the rotation of the toner bottle, when receiving a toner replenishment signal in N-th time from a toner remaining amount detection unit after receiving the bottle detection signal from a bottle mounting detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideaki Kosasa
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Publication number: 20150117874Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a main body and a cartridge configured to be detachably attached to the main body, is provided. The cartridge includes a photosensitive member configured to carry an image formed in a developer agent thereon, a movable mechanism, and a developer roller configured to supply the developer agent to the photosensitive member. The movable mechanism is configured to shift between a first state, in which the developer roller is placed in a contact position to contact the photosensitive member, and a second state, in which the developer roller is placed in a separated position to be separated from the photosensitive member. The main body includes a detectable member configured to detect a state of the movable mechanism between the first state and the second state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Masatoshi Shiraki
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Patent number: 9002217Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including a moving member configured to support a first process cartridge and move the first process cartridge to a position for forming an image, and a detection unit configured to detect a state of a second process cartridge, in which the moving member holds the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaki Seto
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Publication number: 20150093123Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes, a unit including at least a photosensitive member and a charging member detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus, a current detection unit configured to detect a current flowing between the charging member and the photosensitive member, an operation unit configured to be operated by an operator to give an instruction to the image forming apparatus, a display unit provided in the operation unit, and a control unit configured to apply to the charging member a predetermined test voltage having an absolute value greater than a discharge starting voltage based on the instruction from the operation unit, and to perform an operation in a mode for causing the current detection unit to detect a current, wherein the control unit determines, based on the current detected in the mode, whether an error indication is to be given on the display unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Masami Hano, Yutaka Koga
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Patent number: 8989606Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion capable of mounting a plurality of first image forming units for forming images in different colors or a plurality of second image forming units for forming images in a single color. The first image forming units and the second image forming units are arranged to be exchangeable. The first image forming units retain toner in different colors, and the second image forming units retain toner in the single color. The image forming apparatus further includes a preference control unit for leaving at least one of the second image forming units unused and preferentially using rest of the second image forming units when the first image forming units are exchanged to the second image forming units in a monochrome printing operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Kato
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Patent number: 8983310Abstract: An image forming apparatus, comprising: a charge voltage application circuit configured to be connected to a plurality of chargers in a process cartridge and to apply a voltage to the plurality of chargers; a current detection unit configured to detect a current flowing through each of the plurality of chargers; and a controller. The controller judges that the process cartridge is not attached to the image forming apparatus when the current smaller than a first threshold is detected by the current detection unit in a state where the charge voltage application circuit generates a predetermined voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kohei Kanehara
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Publication number: 20150071657Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of reducing an image defect even when an container is rotated for checking. A development unit forms an image by developing an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member. A drive unit rotates the container mounted to a mounting portion for replenishing the toner to the development unit. An output unit outputs a specified signal when detecting a predetermined portion of the container. A determination unit determines whether the container is mounted to the mounting portion according to the specified signal. A decision unit decides a toner replenishing amount based on image data. A controller controls the drive unit to execute a detecting operation that rotates the container when the determination unit does not determine that the container is mounted. A correction unit corrects the toner replenishing amount based on the output of the output unit when the detecting operation is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Toshifumi Kakutani, Kazumi Sato, Yousuke Hata, Shinya Suzuki, Takayuki Iikura, Kazunori Miyake
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Patent number: 8971729Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a sheet feeding portion which feeds a topmost sheet of sheets stacked on a sheet stacking portion and an image forming portion which forms an image to the sheet fed by the sheet feeding portion. The image forming apparatus also has a moisture-proof member set to a covering position so as to contact with and cover a topmost sheet of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking portion, a moisture-proof member detection portion which determines whether the moisture-proof member is available at the covering position, and a notification portion which notifies the presence or absence of the moisture-proof member at the covering position based on a detection result from the moisture-proof member detection portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuri Yoshimura
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Patent number: 8971730Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge including first and second cartridge contacts is detachably mountable, includes: a guiding member for guiding the cartridge to a positioning portion provided in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a first main assembly contact contactable to the first cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion and is positioned in the positioning portion; a second main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion; a third main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact only when the cartridge is positioned in the positioning portion; and a control portion for detecting presence or absence of the cartridge in the main assembly and a mounted state of the cartridge by being electrically connected with the first, second and third main assembly contacts.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryota Shibuya, Minoru Kawanishi
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Publication number: 20150050033Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming stations, each including a developing device, a toner container containing a colored or special toner, and a replaceable supply-toner conduit extending from the toner container to the developing device; and a toner type identifier to identify a type of toner used in the supply-toner conduit of each of the plurality of image forming stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Tadashi KASAI, Makoto Yasuda, Mutsuki Morinaga, Hitoshi Yamamoto, Emiko Shiraishi, Yuichi Aizawa
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Publication number: 20150037051Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image, a mounting detection unit configured to detect that a container T is mounted on a mounting unit, a driving unit configured to rotate the container T, a rotation detection unit configured to detect rotation information about the container T, and a controller configured to control the driving unit based on the rotation information. If the container T is detected to be mounted on the mounting unit, control of the driving unit is not carried out based on the rotation information until replenishment information satisfies a predetermined condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Takayuki Iikura, Kazunori Miyake, Shinya Suzuki, Toshifumi Kakutani, Yousuke Hata, Kazumi Sato
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Patent number: 8948616Abstract: According to one embodiment, a toner cartridge includes a toner container to be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus body, a shutter to open and close a toner supply port of the toner container, and a key that indicates a type of the toner cartridge and allows the shutter to slide if the key coincides with a release part of the image forming apparatus body.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiaki Tanaka
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Patent number: 8938176Abstract: A printing consumables chip comprises a base plate which is provided with a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and an electronic module which connects with two electrical contacts. The electronic module comprises a microcontroller, and a clock circuit which provides a clock signal to the microcontroller. The modulation circuit comprises a switch device. A control terminal of the switch device is connected with a first pin of the microcontroller and two output terminals of the switch device are connected with the first electrical contact and the ground, respectively. The clock circuit comprises a comparison unit. A first input terminal of the comparison unit is connected with an external clock signal and a second input terminal. The first pin receives the control signal from the output terminal of the comparison unit, and the control terminal of the switch device is connected with a second pin of the microcontroller.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Print-Rite Technology Development Co., Ltd. of ZhuhaiInventor: Ligong Xie
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Patent number: 8929754Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a waste toner box, a base, a detection sensor, a counter and a controller. The waste toner box collects toner not transferred to a sheet but remaining on a surface of a photoreceptor. The base is for placing the waste toner box thereon, and a position of the base changes with a weight of the waste toner box placed thereon. The detection sensor detects the position of the base to detect an amount of toner in the waste toner box placed on the base. The counter counts the number of sheets with images formed thereon. The controller determines whether or not to continue image formation on a sheet on a basis of a signal from the detection sensor and the counter.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kuniaki Nakano, Toshiki Takiguchi
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Patent number: 8923710Abstract: An approach is provided for managing a printing system. The approach involves determining at least one printer of the printing system is capable of at least five-color printing. The approach also involves determining a print job to be processed by the printing system includes using a custom colorant. The approach further involves determining if the custom colorant is ready for use, if an alternative colorant is ready for use, or if any custom colorants or alternative colorants are within a predetermined proximity of the printer. The approach additionally involves causing a preview of an output of the print job to be rendered and displayed, causing the print job to be processed or held, and causing one or more colorants to be ordered or made ready for use if the print job is held.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David C. Robinson, Katherine Loj
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Patent number: 8913904Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a plurality of cartridges each of which includes a photoconductor and a charger configured to charge the photoconductor is detachably installable in a main body housing. Chargers are connected in parallel to a voltage application unit configured to apply a voltage to the chargers. A cartridge installation determination unit is configured to determine whether or not each of the cartridges is installed. Control over the voltage application unit exercised by a controller includes a constant-voltage control and a constant-current control. The controller is configured to execute the constant-voltage control upon startup of an initial operation for preparation of printing and to switch from the constant-voltage control to the constant-current control if the cartridge installation determination unit determines that all the cartridges are installed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yukiko Takami
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Publication number: 20140348518Abstract: A cartridge includes: a developer accommodating chamber, provided with an opening, for accommodating a developer; a sealing member, provided with an electroconductive portion, for sealing the opening; and a storing element, provided with an electrical contact at a surface thereof, for storing information on the cartridge. The electroconductive portion covers the electrical contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koichiro Masui, Masataka Mochizuki, Kenta Shibukawa
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Patent number: 8886095Abstract: A powder container which is mounted on an image-forming apparatus body, and houses a powder includes a container body configured to carry the powder housed inside thereof from a first end side to a second end side by rotating, and discharge the powder outside from the second end side, a gear formed in an outer circumference of the container body, and a cover which is mounted on the gear to cover at least a tooth section of the gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Komatsu, Tsukuru Kai, Hiroshi Hosokawa, Junichi Matsumoto, Tadashi Hayakawa
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Patent number: 8873977Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an upper cover, an image forming unit including an image carrier and a developing device, a toner container detachably connectable to the developing device to supply toner to the developing device through an opening in the toner container, a shutter provided to the toner container and biased by a first elastic member in a direction to close the opening of the toner container, a link member integrated with the shutter, a shutter switching member to switch a position of the shutter to an open position by moving the link member to a pressing position, and an interlock mechanism to retract the shutter switching member from the pressing position in conjunction with opening of the upper cover. The opening is closed with the shutter by switching the shutter switching member to a retracted position in conjunction with the opening of the upper cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Masafumi Takahira, Haruo Hashimoto
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Publication number: 20140301744Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a plurality of process cartridges has a safety switch for detecting opening and closing of a front cover, stroke switches for detecting positions of the process cartridges, a display portion and a speaker for notifying a state of the process cartridge, and a control portion. The control portion has a cartridge information notifying function for, when closing of the front cover is detected by the safety switch and the process cartridge is not detected by the stroke switch, notifying information of the process cartridge. Further, the control portion has a cartridge information notifying function for notifying first notification information for replacing the process cartridge, a cartridge moving function for moving the process cartridge by a moving portion, and a cartridge information notification cancelling function for cancelling notification of the first notification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Eiji Tenjiku, Yasuyuki Ishiguro, Hisashi Kunihiro, Hitoshi Nagahama
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Publication number: 20140286652Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit detachable from a main body, a sensor unit, a blocking member, a moving mechanism, and a determination portion. The sensor unit includes a light emitting element configured to emit an outgoing light toward the belt, a first light receiving element configured to output a first signal, and a second light receiving element. The blocking member includes a first window and a second window. The moving mechanism is configured to move the blocking member between a first position in which the outgoing light passes the first window and a second position in which the outgoing light passes through the second window. The determination portion is configured to, when the blocking member is in the second position, determine whether the belt unit is attached to the main body based on the first signal output from the first light receiving element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Osamu Takagi, Yuji Goto
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Patent number: 8843014Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a cartridge has a cartridge side electrode. A main casing has a main casing side electrode. The cartridge includes a moving member that allows the main casing side electrode to be located at a connection position when the moving member is at a first position, to be located at a disconnection position when the moving member is at a second position, and to be located at the connection position when the moving member is at a third position. A determining unit determines that the cartridge's state is new if the determining unit detects that the main casing side electrode is electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode, then the main casing side electrode is electrically disconnected from the cartridge side electrode temporarily, and then the main casing side electrode is again electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nao Itabashi, Naoya Kamimura
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Patent number: 8837961Abstract: An image forming apparatus rotationally moves a plurality of recording material storage units that store a recording material and includes a moving unit configured to move the recording material storage unit to a replacement position, and a detection unit configured to detect an in-motion status in which the recording material storage unit is moving to the replacement position. In addition, a determination unit determines either a first state or a second state of the image forming apparatus as the state of the image forming apparatus that is to replace the in-motion status and should be reported to a user when the detection unit detects the in-motion status should not be reported to a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kensuke Kawajiri
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Publication number: 20140248061Abstract: A developer replenishing device includes a container mount to hold a developer container to contain developer used in image formation, an installation completion detector to detect completion of installation of the developer container in the container mount, a replaceable containing portion to contain developer, a conveyance channel to which the containing portion is removably connected and through which developer is transported from the developer container held in the container mount to the containing portion, and a conveyance pump to transport developer from the developer container through the conveyance channel to the containing portion. In a state in which the developer container is not held in the container mount according to a detection result by the installation completion detector, the conveyance pump transports developer from the conveyance channel to the containing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Nobuo TAKAMI, Junichi MATSUMOTO, Kiyonori TSUDA, Yutaka TAKAHASHI, Kentaro MIKUNIYA
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Patent number: 8817293Abstract: An image forming apparatus for controlling power supply is provided. An image forming apparatus includes at least one cover unit to be mounted in the image forming apparatus, at least one replaceable unit to participate in an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, a sensing unit to sense whether the at least one cover unit is opened or closed, and a main board unit to cut off the power supply to the at least one replaceable unit for a predetermined period of time when the at least one cover unit is opened or closed. Accordingly, stable operation is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jai-yeol Lee, In-gu Kwak
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Publication number: 20140226994Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A drive element is exposed on an exterior of the housing unobstructed to receive rotational force. The drive element is operatively connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft upon receiving the rotational force. A sensor is positioned to sense a rotational motion of the shaft. A processor is mounted on the housing and in electrical communication with the sensor. An electrical contact in electrical communication with the processor is exposed on the exterior of the housing unobstructed to mate with a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The processor is programmed to send information related to the rotational motion sensed by the sensor to a controller in the image forming device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, Charles Alan Bast, David Anthony Schneider, Daniel Steinberg
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Publication number: 20140212151Abstract: A replaceable unit is removably inserted into an apparatus. An installation detecting board has a first edge, a second edge a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge is located on a side of the installation detecting board opposite the second edge. The third edge is located on a side of the installation detecting board opposite the fourth edge. The replaceable unit has a body in which a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion are formed. The first and second positioning portion are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the replaceable unit such that the first positioning portion abuts the first edge and the second positioning portion abuts the second edge. A retainer is mounted on the body, and abuts at least one of the third edge and the fourth edge to prevent the installation detecting board from moving relative to the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATIONInventor: Yukiyoshi ODA
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Patent number: 8774647Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Soo-young Jung, Sang-sin Park
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Patent number: 8768208Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a plurality of cartridges each including a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member. The apparatus also includes a cartridge supporting member including a plurality of mounting portions in which the plurality of cartridges is detachably mountable, with the cartridge supporting member being movable between an inside position inside of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus and an outside position outside of the main assembly. An associated preventing member is positioned at a first position when an associated cartridge is incorrectly mounted in an associated mounting portion, and the associated preventing member is retracted into a second position in contact with the cartridge supporting member when the associated cartridge is mounted in the associated mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Akutsu, Ken Kikuchi, Tsutomu Nishiuwatoko
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Patent number: 8761617Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing a time before an image formation operation is started after toner bottle replacement. When a toner sensor detects that toner is out, and further a door sensor detects that there is a possibility that a toner bottle has been replaced, a toner replenishment rate is calculated from the rotational speed of a motor for rotating the toner bottle, and timing in which image formation is to be resumed is determined based on the toner replenishment rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hajime Kaji
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Patent number: 8755092Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an array substrate in which a plurality of point light sources is mounted along the main scanning direction, a light guide member disposed on a surface of the array substrate that mounts the plurality of point light sources, and guiding light from the plurality of point light sources to the document surface, a frame for fixing the light guide member and the array substrate, a positioning unit that determines the positional relationship of the frame with the light guide member and the array substrate in a configuration in which the incident surface of the light guide member is in proximity to or in contact with the plurality of point light sources; and an image reading unit that uses reflected light when illuminating light from the plurality of point light sources through the light guide member onto the document surface to thereby read the document image.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Katsuhiko Okamoto
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Publication number: 20140153936Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge including first and second cartridge contacts is detachably mountable, includes: a guiding member for guiding the cartridge to a positioning portion provided in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a first main assembly contact contactable to the first cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion and is positioned in the positioning portion; a second main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion; a third main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact only when the cartridge is positioned in the positioning portion; and a control portion for detecting presence or absence of the cartridge in the main assembly and a mounted state of the cartridge by being electrically connected with the first, second and third main assembly contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryota Shibuya, Minoru Kawanishi
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Patent number: 8744282Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing erroneous reading of an information recording part on a toner container from occurring when the distance between a reading unit and the information recording part changes due to the rotational deflection of the toner container. The reading unit reads information from the information recording part formed on the outer periphery of the toner container. A holding roller comes into contact with the outer periphery of the toner container to position the toner container. The reading unit and the holding roller are arranged on respective lines substantially identical to each other in a direction of a normal to the rotation axis of the toner container.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Tsuchida
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Patent number: 8724192Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an image forming system are provided. An image forming apparatus or system includes a reception unit configured to receive a print job; a print unit configured to execute the print job received by the reception unit to print an image; an adjustment unit configured to execute an image quality adjustment for the printing; a determination unit configured to determine whether an adjustment execution condition is to be met during the execution of the print job; and a control unit configured to execute a priority process which, when the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is to be met, causes the adjustment unit to execute the image quality adjustment before a start of the execution of a condition meeting print job, for which the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is to be met.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8725009Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a cleaning device that collects a waste toner attached to the surface of the image carrier using a cleaning member, a waste container that is removable from an image forming apparatus body, a temporary storage unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus body to temporarily store a waste including the waste toner collected in the cleaning device before the waste is transported to the waste container, and a waste transport unit that transports the waste to the temporary storage unit, wherein a discharge speed of the waste from the temporary storage unit by the waste discharge unit is lower than a transport speed of the waste to the temporary storage unit by the waste transport unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Daisuke Tomita, Shinichi Kawahara, Takeshi Shintani, Nobuo Kuwabara, Akio Kosuge
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Patent number: 8712286Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a receiving member which receives a driving force from outside; a first rotary member which rotates by the driving force; a second rotary member which takes a driven position where the second rotary member rotates by the driving force from the first rotary member and a non-driven position where transmission of the driving force from the first rotary member is cut off; a detectable member which moves as the rotation of the second rotary member, and a first portion which rotates by the driving force. The second rotary member includes a second portion. When the second rotary member is in the non-driven position, the second portion is provided on a rotating locus drawn by the first portion. The first portion engages with the second portion as the first portion rotates, so that the second rotary member rotates from the non-driven position to the driven position.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeyuki Takagi
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Publication number: 20140112671Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that includes an image forming unit including a process unit, a frame configured to hold the process unit detachably attached thereto, the frame including a first communication portion communicating with an outside of the frame in a first direction to detach the image forming unit from the frame, and a second communication portion communicating with the outside of the image forming apparatus in a second direction different from the first direction, and a material holder configured to hold material for image formation by the image forming unit and detachably attached to a predetermined portion of the frame that is close to the second communication portion relative to the voltage output terminal, so as to close the second communication portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahito HAMAYA, Tetsuya OKANO
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Patent number: 8699065Abstract: A display operation device has a display-integrated operation panel with a display screen, on which a monochrome copy start key and a color copy start key are displayed. When black-toner-out or color-toner-out occurs, on the monochrome copy start key and the color copy start key, another UI component such as black-toner-out key and color-toner-out key is displayed. Such a UI component is displayed at the display position of the monochrome copy start key and the color copy start key, being superposed on these keys.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikiya Okada, Naohiro Andoh
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Patent number: 8676066Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a consumable supply detachably attached to an apparatus main body; a detection unit for detecting that the consumable supply is exchanged; a display unit for displaying the consumable supply detected with the detection unit; and an input unit for receiving an input operation for confirming whether the consumable supply detected with the detection unit is correctly exchanged.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Kenichi Funatsu
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Patent number: 8676064Abstract: A developing cartridge is provided. The developing cartridge includes a housing which accommodates developer therein, a receiving member which receives a driving force output member provided in an image forming apparatus, a developing roller which rotates by the driving force received by the receiving member, and a detectable rotary member including a detectable portion, which is a detection target to be detected by a detection member provided in the image forming apparatus, and a contact portion which is provided away from the detectable portion. The detectable rotary member rotates from a retreat position to an initial position where the detectable rotary member is rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member, by the contact portion contacting an interference member fixed in the image forming apparatus in a process of mounting the developing cartridge into the image forming apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeyuki Takagi