By Intermediate Transfer Member Patents (Class 399/308)
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Patent number: 8275299Abstract: A transfer unit, which transfers a toner image formed on at least one image support to a printing medium, and an image forming apparatus employing the same. The transfer unit includes: an intermediate transfer body to the toner image from the image support, which has a curved transfer surface and an ASKER-A hardness of from about 25° to 40°; a transfer member, which has an ASKER-C hardness of from about 45° to 70°, and which contacts the intermediate transfer body, with a printing medium being interposed therebetween, and transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer body to the printing medium. The transfer unit may further include: a de-electrifying member having a DC power and an AC power concurrently applied thereto, to de-electrify the printing.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Je-hwan You, Gyeong-ho Park
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Publication number: 20120230740Abstract: An intermediate transfer belt including: a base layer; and an elastic layer, the elastic layer being laid on the base layer to form a laminated structure, wherein the elastic layer is an acrylic rubber-elastic layer with flame retardancy where the acrylic rubber-elastic layer has VTM-0 grade according to the UL94VTM burning test, wherein the elastic layer has a Martens hardness of 0.2 N/mm2 to 0.8 N/mm2 when indented to a depth of 10 ?m, wherein the elastic layer has a uniform concavo-convex pattern in a surface thereof, and the uniform concavo-convex pattern is formed by arranging individual spherical resin particles in the surface of the elastic layer in a plane direction thereof, and wherein the intermediate transfer belt is configured to receive a toner image formed by developing, with a toner, a latent image on an image bearing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yoshiharu MIKAMI, Jun Aoto, Atsuo Hirai, Shinichi Nitta
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Publication number: 20120230741Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable belt; a transfer member opposed to the image bearing member with the belt therebetween; wherein the transfer member has a contact surface substantially parallel with a surface of the belt and contacted to the belt, and wherein when the belt is moving, the belt rubs the contact surface, and a toner image is transferred from such a part of image bearing member as is opposed to the contact surface; and a supporting member for supporting the transfer member, the supporting member being swingable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ichiro YASUMARU, Masaru SHIMURA, Seiji INADA, Yuuichirou INABA, Akinori TAKAYAMA, Kazuhiro DODA
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Patent number: 8257810Abstract: An intermediate transfer belt that includes a core shell component wherein the core is, for example, comprised of a metal oxide, and the shell is comprised of silica, and which shell contains or includes a hydrophobic agent.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventors: Jin Wu, Lanhui Zhang, Lin Ma, Brian Gilmartin
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Patent number: 8252420Abstract: An intermediate transfer member that includes a mixture of a polyamideimide, a polybenzimidazole, and an optional conductive filler.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jin Wu, Dante M. Pietrantoni, Yuhua Tong, Jonathan H. Herko
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Patent number: 8254813Abstract: A multicolor imaging system includes a controller which adjusts a phase difference in rotations of photoreceptors based on information detected by a rotary position detector, and drive elements for photoreceptors which generate a velocity fluctuation in the same cycle as that of a transfer unit. The controller is configured to concurrently adjust the phases of the photoreceptors and those of the drive elements so that a registration error in four color toner image on an intermediate transfer belt is reduced to a minimum.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Noriaki Funamoto, Yasuhisa Ehara, Tetsuji Nishikawa, Yasuhiro Maehata, Jun Yasuda, Hiroaki Murakami
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Patent number: 8253973Abstract: A method for determining a location on an image bearing surface of an image printing system where a toner image is to be printed is provided. The method comprises generating a first signal from a detector that is configured to detect a reference mark on the image bearing surface, and a second signal from a clock system that counts incremental movements of the image bearing surface, determining a first value that correlates the first signal and the second signal, where the first value corresponds to a value of the second signal at a start of characterization of the image bearing surface, and determining a second value using the first value, where the second value provides the location on the image bearing surface where the toner image is to be printed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Ralph Huedepohl, Terri A Clingerman, Gerald L. Coy
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Patent number: 8254808Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a transfer device thereof the transfer device including an intermediate transfer belt, at least one intermediate transfer belt roller to maintain tension in the intermediate transfer belt, transfer rollers to press the intermediate transfer belt to image carriers and a state changing device. The state changing device includes: a rotating shaft; a first cam member coupled to the rotating shaft and configured to move the intermediate transfer belt roller to reduce the tension applied to the intermediate transfer belt; and a second cam member coupled to the rotating shaft and configured to move at least one of the transfer rollers away from the intermediate transfer belt.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Ho Lee, Jeong Yong Ju, Byeong Hwa Ahn
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Publication number: 20120213560Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a shaft rotatably supporting a supporting member on a supporting unit to allow switching while maintaining the supporting unit, between a first state in which first and second members contact an intermediary transfer belt in a first image forming mode, and a second state in which the first transfer member contacts the belt and the second transfer member is spaced from the belt, in a second image forming mode. The supporting shaft is disposed in a range which is downstream of a central portion of the first transfer member which is disposed downstreammost with respect to a moving direction of the belt and which is remote from a surface of the belt beyond a plane including the central portion of the first transfer member and parallel with a surface of the belt facing the first transfer member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuhei Takei
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Patent number: 8249468Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one image carrier and a recording medium conveyor forming a transfer nip therebetween, a conveyance member disposed closest to the transfer nip on an upstream side of the transfer nip to convey the recording medium to the transfer nip, and a conveyance control mechanism to deactivate the conveyance member to stop providing a conveyance force to the recording medium after the leading edge of the recording medium has entered the transfer nip and before the trailing edge of the recording medium passes a point of force application and remaining in the inactive state until the recording medium passes the point of force application. The conveyance force remains unapplied to the recording medium from when the conveyance control mechanism deactivates the conveyance member to when the trailing edge of the recording medium passes the transfer nip.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuosa Kuma, Shinichi Kawahara, Mitsuru Takahashi, Tsutomu Katoh, Takeshi Fukao, Kazuhisa Sudo
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Publication number: 20120207522Abstract: An area in which a sheet member and an intermediate transfer belt are in contact with each other is provided between an intersection between a guide surface of the second guide portion configured to guide a recording material toward the intermediate transfer belt and the intermediate transfer belt and a nip portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takao Nakajima
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Publication number: 20120201578Abstract: An intermediate transfer belt configured to receive a toner image formed by developing, with a toner, a latent image on an image bearing member, the intermediate transfer belt including a base layer and an elastic layer laid on the base layer, wherein the elastic layer includes spherical resin particles and a layer formed of an elastic body, and has a concavo-convex pattern in a surface of the elastic layer, wherein the spherical resin particles are arranged in a plane direction in the surface of the elastic layer, and wherein the intermediate transfer belt has glossiness of 35% or higher as determined based on reflected light at 85° on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTDInventors: Kenichi MASHIKO, Jun Aoto, Hidetaka Kubo, Sayaka Katoh, Shinichi Nitta
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Patent number: 8238794Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier for carrying a toner image, a drive device for driving the image carrier at a predetermined speed, a control device for giving instruction to the drive device to perform predetermined operation, and a transfer device for nipping a recording sheet with a rotary member at the position opposed to the image carrier and for transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto the recording sheet, wherein the control device gives instruction to the drive device to generate a variation having a phase which is reverse to a phase of a variation given to the predetermined speed of the image carrier by a vibration produced at the time of passage of the recording sheet between the image carrier and the transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Ogata, Jun Onishi, Shinpei Kawasaki
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Patent number: 8238790Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a moving member is provided with a first engagement member. A lever is provided with a second engagement member to engage and disengage the first engagement member provided in the moving member. The lever moves between a predetermined first position and a second position different from the first position to move the moving member in such a manner that when the lever is at the first position, a transfer member reaches a contact position at which the transfer member is pressed against an image carrier via a belt, and when the lever is at the second position, the transfer member reaches a separation position at which the transfer member separates from the image carrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Masaharu Furuya, Takuya Sekine, Masakazu Imai, Katsuhito Haruno
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Patent number: 8236396Abstract: An intermediate transfer member which holds a toner image transferred from a first toner image carrier and secondarily transfers the toner image to a surface of an image forming material, wherein the intermediate transfer member comprises a substrate having thereon at least a hard carbon-containing layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Atsushi Saito
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Patent number: 8238773Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, a primary transfer member, and a power supply unit to form a primary-transfer electric-field between the image carrier and the primary transfer member by performing constant-current control. The primary transfer member also detects a change in a primary transfer voltage in a sub-scanning direction that is applied to the primary transfer member from the power supply unit in the sub-scanning direction. There is a conductive member, a secondary transfer member, and a secondary-transfer electric-field forming member to apply a secondary transfer current to the secondary transfer member or the conductive member. A control device controls the secondary transfer current applied to the secondary transfer member or the conductive member in accordance with the change in the primary transfer voltage in the sub-scanning direction detected by the power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Motohiro Usami, Shinji Aoki, Fumihito Masubuchi
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Patent number: 8233829Abstract: A transfer belt unit satisfies the following conditions. An intermediate transfer belt has a thickness not less than 100 micrometers and not more than 200 micrometers, a tension not less than 80 N/m and not more than 180 N/m, and a tensile elastic modulus not less than 1000 megapascals and not more than 2000 megapascals. A secondary-transfer bias roller has an Asker C hardness not less than 35 degrees and not more than 50 degrees. Stretching rollers for stretching the intermediate transfer belt have an outer diameter not less than 6 millimeters.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Takafumi Miyazaki
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Publication number: 20120189359Abstract: A printing apparatus employs a photosensitive drum for forming a latent image on a surface region thereof, a developing unit for forming a protrusion by selectively causing ink repellent particles to adhere onto the surface region carrying the latent image formed thereon, an ink roller for feeding ink to the protrusion on the surface of the photosensitive drum, a blanket cylinder for receiving the ink from the projected region, an impression cylinder for pressing the ink on the surface of the blanket cylinder when the ink is transferred onto a sheet of paper, and a conveying unit for conveying the sheet of paper. The surface of the ink repellent particles has a property of repelling the ink, while the surface of the photosensitive drum has a property of not repelling the ink.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Koichi Kitakami, Motokazu Kobayashi, Yoshimasa Araki
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Patent number: 8229324Abstract: A coupling unit includes two constant velocity joints arranged in series in the shaft direction. The coupling unit couples a driven shaft and a drive shaft. Each constant velocity joint includes a ball non-retaining member and a ball retaining member. The ball non-retaining member has an annular space with one opened end and a plurality of track grooves extending in the shaft direction on an external wall surface of the annular space at a constant interval in a circumferential direction. The ball retaining member has a portion that engages with the annular space of the ball non-retaining member, and that retains a ball that slides along each of the track grooves formed in the ball non-retaining member.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignees: Ricoh Company, Limited, NTN CorporationInventors: Junya Takigawa, Takuro Kamiya, Hideaki Sugata, Yoshimi Asayama
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Patent number: 8224199Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a control portion forms a restoring toner image (restoring toner band) at a position, in which the refreshing toner image overlaps with a control image with respect to a longitudinal direction of a secondary transfer roller, during post-rotation after image formation in an image forming job is completed. The restoring toner band is formed in a length corresponding to 3 full circumferences of the secondary transfer roller for one-sheet image forming job, 2 full circumferences of the secondary transfer roller for 5-sheet image forming job, and one full circumference of the secondary transfer roller for 10-sheet image forming is job. In the case of an image forming job on 50 sheets or more, a lowering in cleaning performance of a secondary transfer member cleaning device for the secondary transfer roller is not caused to occur, so that the restoring toner band is not formed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryuta Ai
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Patent number: 8219011Abstract: The invention provides an intermediate transfer member which is excellent in transferability and adhesion property and exhibits superior durability (releasability, resistance to lack of line images and cracking resistance) even after being used or aged under a severe environment over a long period of time and an image forming apparatus provided therewith. The intermediate transfer member comprises a substrate having thereon from the substrate side a first inorganic compound layer and a second inorganic compound layer, wherein a layer thickness ratio of the second inorganic compound layer to the first inorganic compound layer is not less than 1.0 and not more than 5.0, a carbon content of the first inorganic compound layer is not less than 0.5% by number of atoms and not more than 10% by number of atoms, and a carbon content of the second inorganic compound layer is less than 0.1% by number of atoms.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuichiro Maehara, Kenji Sakka
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Patent number: 8216690Abstract: An electrophotographic belt, excellent in surface lubrication property and smoothness, includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene terephthalate and a polyalkylene naphthalate, and a thermoplastic silicone elastomer having a specific structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroomi Kojima, Kouichi Uchida
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Publication number: 20120148316Abstract: An intermediate transfer member including a first supporting substrate layer, and a second layer of a silane-containing polyamideimide, and a filler component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: XEROX CORPORATIONInventors: Yuhua TONG, Dante M. PIETRANTONI, Jin WU
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Patent number: 8197937Abstract: An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a polyaniline grafted to or chemically bonded to a perfluoropolyether phosphoric acid polymer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Jin Wu
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Publication number: 20120134695Abstract: At least a portion of an intermediate transfer member (34) includes a release layer (50) facing outwardly from and supported by a supportive portion. The release layer (50) includes an inner layer (70) and an outer layer (72) over and in contact with the inner layer (70), The inner layer (70) has a thickness of between about 1 ?m and about 8 ?m and a bulk swelling of between 120% and 350%. The outer layer (72) has a thickness of less than about 5 ?m and a bulk swelling of less than 120%.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD INDIGO B.V.Inventors: Raia Slivniak-Zozin, Nava Klein, Fernanda Orlik, Naseem Yacoub, Oshra Raviv, Meir Soria
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Patent number: 8190073Abstract: An endless belt is provided with an endless belt body and a meandering prevention member in the form of a flat bar. The belt body includes a folded trace extending in the width direction thereof. The meandering prevention member is attached on one widthwise end of a circumferential surface of the belt body such that one widthwise end of the folded trace is covered thereby and the opposite longitudinal ends of the meandering prevention member abut each other in a rotating direction of the belt body. An abutting portion at the opposite ends of the meandering prevention member is arranged at a position displaced from the folded trace by a specified distance in the rotating direction of the belt body.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventors: Takeshi Watanabe, Akira Matayoshi
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Patent number: 8187711Abstract: An intermediate transfer member that contains a polymer of a polyester, a polycarbonate and a polyalkylene glycol, such as a polyethylene glycol, and further including as an optional component a conductive material such as a metal oxide or carbon black.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jin Wu, Yuhua Tong, Jonathan H Herko, Brian P Gilmartin
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Publication number: 20120128392Abstract: A charge member charges secondary transfer remaining toner on an intermediate transfer member to a polarity opposite to a normal charge polarity. The remaining toner is moved by a transfer bias, from the intermediate transfer member onto an image bearing member. A BK station is arranged on the downstream of other stations. In a continuous BK monochromatic mode, by applying a reverse bias to transfer portions of the other stations and applying the transfer bias only to the BK station, remaining toner can be collected into the BK station (simultaneously with the transfer). In a full-color mode, remaining toner is collected into the station on the uppermost stream. Thus, the image bearing member for collecting remaining toner on the intermediate transfer member differs according to the mode, thereby suppressing the collection of remaining toner being concentrated on one image bearing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ken Nakagawa, Kenji Kanari, Masaru Shimura, Takashi Shimada, Tomoo Akizuki, Masahiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 8182919Abstract: An intermediate transfer member that contains a mixture of carbon black, and as a dispersant for the carbon black a copolymer of a polyester, a polycarbonate and a polyalkylene glycol, such as a polyethylene glycol, and further including an optional second polymer.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Jin Wu
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Publication number: 20120114398Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive body on which a visible image is developed by developer, an intermediate transfer belt to which developer of the photosensitive body is transferred, and a first transfer roller to transfer the developer from the photosensitive body to the intermediate transfer belt, wherein since a developing unit housing at which the photosensitive body is mounted is provided with position regulating guides to support a shaft of the first transfer roller, the intermediate transfer belt comes into contact with the photosensitive body at a uniform angle. As a result, uniform print quality may be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Ho Lee, Jeong Yong Ju
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Patent number: 8175474Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus that accurately obtains the dynamic characteristic of the apparatus when a foreign substance is adhered to a driving roller for driving an endless belt, such as a facing roller. To accomplish this, the image forming apparatus uses an optical sensor to detect information of a foreign substance on the facing roller. When it is determined that there is no foreign substance information, the image forming apparatus executes profile detection of an intermediate transfer belt using the nominal circumference of the facing roller. When the optical sensor detects foreign substance information, the image forming apparatus measures the circumference of the facing roller, and performs profile detection of the intermediate transfer belt using the measured circumference of the facing roller.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Kinukawa, Yoshiro Saito, Tomoaki Nakai, Kazuhiro Funatani, Hiroyuki Seki, Kimitaka Ichinose
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Patent number: 8175496Abstract: The present invention provides an endless belt superior in peelability even under a low temperature and low humidity environment. An endless belt includes: a first region and a second region, which contain a polyimide-based resin, a contact angle to water of an outer peripheral surface of each of the first region and the second region differing from each other, and a ratio of a sum total of an area of the first region and a sum total of an area of the second region being in the range of about 80:20, to about 20:80.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Miyamoto
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Patent number: 8175507Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an apparatus and method for controlling a position of a belt in a printing system. The apparatus including a roller assembly for engaging at least a portion of a belt, a pair of laterally spaced support arms and an actuating assembly for pivotally moving at least one support arm. The belt being generally moveable in a process flow direction within the printing system, wherein a lateral direction extends substantially along the belt and substantially perpendicular to the process flow direction. The roller assembly extending laterally across the belt. The pair of laterally spaced support arms each rotatably supporting opposed ends of the roller assembly. Each support arm being pivotally coupled to the printing system for movement about a pivot axis extending substantially in the lateral direction. The pivotal movement pivoting one support arm relative to the other.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Joseph M. Wing
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Patent number: 8160480Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes first and second rotatable image bearing members, a rotatable belt member which can abut on the first and second image bearing members, a drive mechanism to attach or separate the second image bearing member to or from the belt member, a rotation drive mechanism, and a controller controlling a rotational speed of the second image beating member so that the second image bearing member rotates with a predetermined circumferential speed difference with respect to the belt member at least when image formation is performed by the second image bearing member. When the second image bearing member abuts on or separates from the belt member, the controller controls the rotational speed of the second image bearing member so that a circumferential speed difference between rotational speeds of the second image bearing member and the belt member is smaller than the predetermined circumferential speed difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jun Mochizuki
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Patent number: 8160482Abstract: A belt member is supported by a plurality of roller members including a first roller member and moves in a predetermined direction of movement. A coupling member is coupled with the first roller member. An abutting member makes contact with the coupling member by changing tilting of a rotational axis of the first roller member and moves the coupling member in a forward direction and a reverse direction to correct meandering of the belt member. Abutting positions of the coupling member with respect to the abutting member when moving the coupling member in the forward direction and in the reverse direction are variable to support respective movement directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventor: Makoto Nakura
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Publication number: 20120082490Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first conveyance path to guide a print medium from a pickup unit to a pair of conveyance rollers and a second conveyance path to guide the print medium from the conveyance rollers to a transfer device. The first conveyance path and the second conveyance path are curved in opposite directions so as to reduce vertical heights of the first and second conveyance paths and consequently, reduce a height of a main body of the image forming apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Hyup SHIN, Seung Kyu Lee, Jeong Yong Ju, Jun Ho Lee
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Patent number: 8150281Abstract: In the case where a peripheral velocity of photosensitive drums differs from a peripheral velocity of an intermediate transfer belt, the peripheral velocity of the intermediate transfer belt or the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drums is corrected. The velocity of the intermediate transfer belt is transiently varied in an image forming operation. Accordingly, a plurality of toner patch patterns including toner patches are formed on the intermediate transfer belt, and the difference in peripheral velocity between the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drums is estimated based on a difference between the displacements in the toner patch patterns.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Hisashi Enomoto
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Patent number: 8150286Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving print quality and print blanket life in liquid electrostatic printing, for example, forming a first toner image on an image surface; first transferring the first image to an intermediate transfer member; then transferring of the first image from the intermediate transfer member to a final substrate; affixing the first image on the final substrate; rotating the first image to create a second image; and, repeating the method using the second image.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Naseem Yacoub, Ilan Romem, Gilad Tzori, Clayton L. Holstun, Vince Heesen
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Publication number: 20120076553Abstract: A belt device for an image forming apparatus includes an endless belt member supported at roller members, side frames disposed along sides of the belt member being respectively slidably supported at slide rails disposed at a body of the image forming apparatus, a rear frame constructed across the side frames, rotatably supporting shafts of the roller members at the rear side, a front frame rotatably supporting shafts of the roller members at the front side, and having a projecting surface smaller than an inner periphery of the belt member, and a support frame cantilever-supporting the front frame with respect to the rear frame. The rear frame includes a freely detachable holding member supporting rear side bearings supporting the rear side shafts of support rollers supporting the belt and a sub-bearing which is more to the center side in an axial direction of the support rollers than the rear side bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Hirofumi OHKUSHI, Yuichi HIROSE
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Patent number: 8139967Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier, an intermediate transfer part, a primary transfer part, a secondary transfer part, and a transfer area change part. The image carrier is configured to carry a visible image formed with developer. The primary transfer part is configured to transfer the visible image from the image carrier to a transfer area on the intermediate transfer part. The secondary transfer part is configured to transfer the visible image from the intermediate transfer part to a recording medium. The transfer area change part is configured to change the transfer area.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Kyocera Mita CorporationInventor: Shingo Nishikawa
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Patent number: 8135303Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, when backside contamination of a recording material occurs, a control portion carries out control so that a plurality of restoring toner bands having a length L1 longer than a circumference L3 of a secondary transfer roller is formed at an interval L2 at positions in which the restoring toner bands can overlap with control images with respect to a longitudinal direction of the secondary transfer roller and then is transferred onto the secondary transfer roller through an intermediary transfer belt. The restoring toner bands transferred onto the secondary transfer roller stagnate on a fur brush rubbing against the secondary transfer roller to remove an electric discharge product deposited on the secondary transfer roller. The toner stagnating on the fur brush is inverted in charge polarity and then is re-transferred onto the intermediary transfer belt through the secondary transfer roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta Ai, Yuusuke Torimaru
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Patent number: 8131195Abstract: The invention provides an annular body having an inner surface including a base material layer, the base material layer having a resin and a conductive agent, and the inner surface comprising a carbonized region. The invention further provides an annular body stretching device having: the annular body; and a stretching unit pushing outward the annular body with tension from an inner circumferential side of the annular body. The invention further provides an image forming apparatus having the annular body as an intermediate transfer body provided thereto. The invention further provides a method for forming the annular body, having forming a carbonized region by a process to give conductivity to the inner surface of the annular body.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Ichizawa
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Patent number: 8131196Abstract: The image forming apparatus has a configuration in which a secondary transfer roller guides a leading end of a recording material which enters a secondary transfer nip to be led to the secondary transfer nip and the leading end of the recording material is prevented from coming into contact with a toner image on an intermediate transferring member before the recording material enters the secondary transfer nip. Further, in the image forming apparatus, a surface of a transfer roller is smoothened so that the leading end of the recording material is guided to the secondary transfer nip without being caught. As a result, the present invention is intended to prevent the leading end of the recording material which enters the secondary transfer nip from distorting the toner image on the intermediate transferring member.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akimichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8126339Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a primary transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, a belt drive unit, and a swingable assembly. The primary transfer unit primary transfers an image from an image carrying member to an intermediate transfer belt. The secondary transfer unit secondary transfers the image, primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt, from the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium. The belt drive unit drives the intermediate transfer belt. The swingable assembly alternately abuts the secondary transfer unit to the intermediate transfer belt and separates the secondary transfer unit from the intermediate transfer belt. When the image forming apparatus is determined to be shifted to an extended stop mode, the belt drive unit moves the intermediate transfer belt for a given distance in a transport direction of the intermediate transfer belt and the swingable assembly separates the secondary transfer unit from the intermediate transfer belt.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuhiko Mizuyama
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Patent number: 8126381Abstract: A transfer apparatus compensates for a floating movement of the a transfer belt, and an image forming device includes the transfer apparatus. The image forming device includes an image forming device body having an image forming unit, and a transfer apparatus to transfer an image formed by the image forming unit onto a printing medium. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer belt, a driving unit to rotate the transfer belt, and at least one regulating unit to regulate a floating movement of the transfer belt and the driving unit thus to be in position.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeong-hun Pang
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Patent number: 8126365Abstract: A belt rotating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a circular belt; plural rollers about which the belt is entrained, the plural rollers including a drive roller which rotates the belt and an inclination change roller which can change an inclination thereof; a belt side edge sensor which measures a position of a belt side edge in a belt width direction of the belt; and a cutter which can trim the belt side edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Nishida, Susumu Kibayashi
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Patent number: 8126342Abstract: A system for tailoring a transfer nip electric field includes a transfer roll, a backup roll forming a transfer nip with the transfer roll, and a pre-nip roll positioned upstream from the transfer and backup rolls and the transfer nip such that a toner image-supporting transfer belt moving past the pre-nip, transfer and backup rolls separately makes contact with, wraps partially around, and rotates each of the rolls as a media sheet is fed into the transfer nip after first passing through a gap defined between the pre-nip and transfer rolls such that by presetting the position, geometry and charge of the pre-nip roll relative to the transfer and backup rolls and the transfer belt an electrical field at the transfer nip can be tailored for enhanced toner transfer from the transfer belt to the media sheet.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Fenley Gibson, Brandon Alden Kemp, Brad Edward Mattingly, Michael Todd Phillips, Peter Brown Pickett, Gregory Lawrence Ream, Christopher Michael Smith, Julie Ann Gordon Whitney
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Patent number: 8121526Abstract: A technique capable of preventing deterioration of image quality resulting from a band-shaped toner image created on a photosensitive surface in order to prevent so-called carrier attraction is provided. An image forming method involving an abutting and separation step that allows a first image carrier (YMC) and a second image carrier (K) to abut on an intermediate transfer body to form an image and thereafter that allows only the second image carrier to abut on the intermediate transfer body by separating the first image carrier from the intermediate transfer body; and then a collecting step that collects a toner band on the first image carrier in situ to conduct new image formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirotaka Fukuyama, Koichiro Sato
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Publication number: 20120027473Abstract: An excellent intermediate transfer member which, even when used for printing on a plurality of sheets, does not crack to thereby cause image defects and can retain satisfactory cleaning ability without suffering toner filming, and with which high-quality printed images free from fog caused by toner filming are continuously obtained. The intermediate transfer member is for use in an image-forming device having a means of first transferring a toner image deposited on the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer member and then secondly transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to a receiving material. The intermediate transfer member comprises a resin base, and formed on the periphery thereof, an elastic layer and a surface layer, the surface layer being composed of an interlayer and a rigid layer, the interlayer being a layer having a lower hardness and a lower modulus than the rigid layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Daishi Yamashita, Yuichiro Maehara
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Publication number: 20120027474Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes: a sheet conveying belt that conveys a sheet to a position opposed to an image carrier; a cleaning unit that cleans the sheet conveying belt; a first driving unit that drives the sheet conveying belt; a second driving unit that drives the cleaning unit, the second driving unit being independent from the first driving unit; and a sheet conveying mechanism that conveys the sheet separately from the sheet conveying belt, wherein the second driving unit drives at least a part of the sheet conveying mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsugio OKAMOTO, Hiroshi IGARASHI