Instrument Support Instrument Part Support Patents (Class 346/145)
  • Patent number: 11838465
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a first outer cover, a second outer cover adjacent to the first outer cover, a third outer cover adjacent to both of the first outer cover and the second outer cover, a common positioning portion provided on the first outer cover and configured to position both of the second outer cover and the third outer cover relative to the first outer cover, a first positioned portion provided on the second outer cover and configured to be positioned relative to the common positioning portion, and a second positioned portion provided on the third outer cover and configured to be positioned together with the first positioned portion relative to the common positioning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Yokota, Yuko Harada, Masaaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11251571
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material; a fixing unit configured to heat the image in order to fix the image to the recording material; a control board; a support member, wherein the control board is attached to the support member; and a mounting portion, wherein the support member is attached to the mounting portion. The support member includes a side wall. A height of the side wall is smaller than twice a distance between the side wall and the connector on the control board under a state in which the control board is attached to the support member, and is larger than a height from a bottom surface of the support member to an upper surface of the control board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Numasawa, Tadahiro Sako
  • Patent number: 11117398
    Abstract: Provided is a photo printer including: a paper supply unit for accommodating stacked sheets of paper and having a pickup roller protruding from a bottom surface thereof; a platen roller provided at a front end of the paper supply unit; a head provided above the platen roller so as to form an image on the paper fed; a motor for providing a driving force to the platen roller; deceleration gears for decreasing revolutions per minute of the motor; a gear plate provided at one side of the paper supply unit and having the deceleration gears shaft-coupled thereto; and a motor plate having an aligning hole adapted to pass the shaft of the deceleration gear therethrough and a motor hole adapted to pass a rotary shaft of the motor therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: DS GLOBAL
    Inventors: Yong Duk Lee, Hee Pil Yoon
  • Patent number: 10585375
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a groove, an exposure device and an adjustment member. In the groove, an end portion of a rotation shaft of a photosensitive drum is inserted. The exposure device is configured to emit a laser light on the photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image. The adjustment member is configured to shift the end portion of the rotation shaft in a direction other than a vertical direction in the groove to adjust a skew of the laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Teruhiko Nagashima
  • Patent number: 10582167
    Abstract: Techniques for automatically triggering video surveillance using embedded voice, speech, or sound recognition are provided. In one embodiment, a computer system can receive an audio signal captured from an area to be monitored via video surveillance. The computer system can further recognize, via an embedded recognition component, a voice, speech phrase, or environmental sound in the audio signal, and can determine that the recognized voice, speech phrase, or environmental sound corresponds to a predefined trigger condition. The computer system can then automatically transmit a signal to one or more video capture devices to begin video recording of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SENSORY, INC.
    Inventor: Todd F. Mozer
  • Patent number: 10503114
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a supporting member and a main adjustment member. The photosensitive drum is provided for each of colors forming a color image. The exposure device is configured to emit a laser light on each of the photosensitive drums to form an electrostatic latent image. The supporting member is configured to support end portions of rotation shafts of all the photosensitive drums. The main adjustment member is configured to shift the supporting member in a vertical plane to adjust a skew of the laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Nagashima, Hidenori Takenaka
  • Patent number: 10471726
    Abstract: In an example, a retainer may comprise a latch to removably engage with a cartridge, an actuator plate to operably engage with the cartridge, a bias member, and a linkage. The actuator plate may operably engage with the cartridge such that, upon engagement with the cartridge, the transmission of signals can occur between the actuator plate and the cartridge. The linkage may be engaged with the actuator plate, the bias member, and the latch, such that linkage causes the actuator plate to be pushed against the cartridge upon the latch being engaged with the cartridge in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Woodlock, Ben Mergen
  • Patent number: 10394158
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a groove, an exposure device and an adjustment member. In the groove, a rotation shaft of a photosensitive drum is inserted. The exposure device is configured to emit a laser light on the photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image. The adjustment member is configured to shift the rotation shaft vertically in the groove to adjust a skew of the laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Teruhiko Nagashima
  • Patent number: 10346668
    Abstract: A capacitive sensing circuit (10) includes a sample-and-hold circuit (SH) coupled to a contact capacitor (Cf); an integrating circuit (100) coupled to the sample-and-hold circuit (SH); a comparator (comp) including a first input terminal coupled to the integrating circuit (100), a second input terminal for receiving a reference voltage (VREF), and a comparison output terminal for outputting a comparison output voltage (VCMP); a logic circuit (102) coupled to the comparison output terminal, where the logic circuit (102) outputs an integration time (TOUT) of the integrating circuit (100) when the comparison output voltage (VCMP) indicates that the comparator (comp) performs a transition, where the integration time (TOUT) correlates with a capacitance value of the contact capacitor (Cf).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu An Liang
  • Patent number: 10315420
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an ink treatment chamber having an inlet for receiving ink into the chamber. The ink is received in a non-gaseous statement. Heating elements heat the ink in the ink treatment chamber. After being heated, a nozzle ejects the heated ink. The heating of the ink may cause the ink to be changed to a gaseous ink and the gaseous ink may be ejected by the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SUBLINOVE INC.
    Inventor: Andrée Pelletier
  • Patent number: 10237427
    Abstract: An image forming system comprises an image forming apparatus and a remote operation apparatus. The image forming apparatus comprises a detection part for detecting a state change of a hardware operating member in an operation part of the image forming apparatus and a transmitting part for transmitting screen control information in accordance with the state change detected by the detection part to the remote operation apparatus. The remote operation apparatus comprises a display part for displaying a simulated image representing the detection part of the image forming apparatus, a receiving part for receiving the screen control information, and a display control part for changing a first image which is the simulated image displayed on the display part before the state change into a second image which is the simulated image in which the state change is reflected, in response to a receipt of the screen control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuya Anezaki, Hiroaki Sugimoto, Shuji Yoneda, Hidetaka Iwai, Takeshi Maekawa, Junichi Hase
  • Patent number: 10160231
    Abstract: A printing system for an article of apparel includes an article receptacle device for receiving an article to be printed. The printing system includes a receptacle receiving system for receiving an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include an article positioning system for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a linear actuating assembly for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a printhead for printing an indicia portion on an article that corresponds to a design element on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Christopher Andon
  • Patent number: 10071579
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a plurality of components for the printing apparatus, and a housing configured to house the plurality of components in an inside of the housing and having a plurality of access portions used by a user and a service man to access the inside of the housing. The access portions have predetermined difficulty levels of access of accessing the inside of the housing from the access portions respectively. At least one or more of the plurality of components housed in the inside of the housing are arranged based on positions and the predetermined difficulty levels of access of the access portions and a frequency of access to the at least one or more of the plurality of components by the user and the service man.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 9950531
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes: a head main body for ejecting liquid from nozzle openings on a liquid ejecting surface provided with the plurality of nozzle openings; a maintaining member which is adhered to the head main body at a surface side opposite to the liquid ejecting surface side of the head main body in a direction perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface; and a fixing board which is provided at a side opposite to the maintaining member with respect to the head main body. The fixing board includes a bending portion which is bent to the head main body side. The bending portion is adhered to a side surface of the maintaining member. The head main body is disposed in a space formed by adhering the maintaining member and the fixing board to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Isamu Togashi
  • Patent number: 9709916
    Abstract: An optical scanning device (11) in the image forming apparatus (1) of the present invention includes a deflector (35, 37) deflecting a laser light scanning an image carrier (13) outputted from a light source (32Y, 32C, 32M, 32K); a first reflection mirror part (43Y, 43C, 43M, 43K) adjusting scanning curve of the laser light deflected by the deflector (35, 37); and a second reflection mirror part (44Y, 44C, 44M, 44K) arranged at a downstream side from the first reflection mirror part (43Y, 43C, 43M, 43K) in an optical path of the laser light to adjust scanning inclination of the laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Akihiro Masaki
  • Patent number: 9483015
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor which is rotatable with respect to a body frame, an exposing member which is movable relative to the body frame, a spacing member which is provided between the exposing member and the photoreceptor to maintain a distance between the photoreceptor and the exposing member, a positioning member which makes a contact with the exposing member to position the exposing member in a direction of rotation of the photoreceptor, and a pressing member which is provided to the body frame to press the exposing member toward the photoreceptor and the positioning member. Accordingly, it is possible to position the exposing member accurately with respect to the photoreceptor, in any of the light-axis direction and the rotational direction of the photoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Tamaru, Takuya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9448582
    Abstract: A computer housing that accommodates at least one motherboard, a power supply and further modules, wherein the housing includes at least a first level and a second level, wherein the second level is arranged horizontally above the first level, and an at least two-part motherboard carrier is arranged on the second level, wherein a first part of the motherboard carrier fixedly connects to the housing and a second part of the motherboard carrier is removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Fujitsu Technology Solutions Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Köhler, Lorenz Schelshorn, Wilfried Weidner
  • Patent number: 9312874
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes an ADC and a compression circuit associated with the ADC. The ADC may be configured to generate samples of an analog signal. The compression circuit may be configured to compress the samples for transmission to a receiving circuit that processes the signal based on the compressed samples. By transmitting compressed samples, the power consumed for transmitting the data to the receiving circuit may be reduced as compared to transmitting the uncompressed samples. The receiving circuit may also be coupled to a DAC and may be configured to transmit compressed samples to be applied to an actuator. A decompression circuit associated with the DAC may be configured to decompress the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Behrooz Karimian Kakolaki, Stephen R. Oakes
  • Patent number: 9254648
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a carriage having an opening on which the recording head is mounted in a state that the liquid ejection surface of the recording head faces the opening, the carriage being configured to reciprocate, a ground member that is mounted on the carriage so as to ground the recording head, and a sensor unit that is mounted on the carriage so as to perform sensing by using reciprocation of the carriage and has a ground mechanism which is connected to the ground member, wherein the ground member is disposed at a position in contact with the recording head mounted on the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Harada, Satoshi Hamano
  • Patent number: 8724068
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a gate line extending in a first direction, a source line including an oblique line portion extending in a third direction which crosses at an acute angle a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a pixel electrode including an oblique electrode portion extending in the third direction, and a first alignment film covering the pixel electrode, a second substrate including a counter-electrode which is opposed to the pixel electrode, and a second alignment film covering the counter-electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first rubbing direction of the first alignment film is a direction which crosses the third direction at an acute angle, and an angle formed between the first rubbing direction and the third direction is 3.6° or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Azuma, Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080129766
    Abstract: A carrier for a digital pen includes a main case with an internal channel to closely receive and align the digital pen with an electronic package contained within the main case. In addition, the carrier includes an upper lid rotationally coupled to the main case. In one embodiment, the upper lid may be both partially and fully opened with a dual-action latch mechanism. In addition, the carrier may include a lower lid that may be opened to provide access to an electronic package. In one embodiment, an extendable serial communication device may be extended from the electronic package when the lower lid is open. Further, the carrier is configured to sufficiently protect the digital pen from harsh environmental conditions and even from harsh user-induced conditions, such as drops onto a hard surface, exposure of the carrier to rain, dust, and sand particulate, brief water submersion, and even temperature extremes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Adapx, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Paratore
  • Patent number: 7293870
    Abstract: A supporting structure and a Business machine utilizing the same. The business machine includes a main body, cover and supporting structure therebetween. The sleeve connected to the main body has a guiding groove with a lug portion. The connecting rod is connected to the cover and movably disposed in the sleeve. The connecting rod has a cantilever with a hook portion confined in the guiding groove. The guiding groove has a predetermined profile, such that the cover is lifted before closing, protecting the main body from accidental collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventor: Chin-Shu Yu
  • Patent number: 6969169
    Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided in which a space can be secured on a desk without performing a troublesome operation, and penetration of dust or foreign matter into a main body can be prevented when the apparatus is not used, and a sheet jam caused by closing of a sheet-discharge-port cover does not occur when the apparatus is used. In the apparatus, a magnet unit is provided at a sheet feeding cover covering a sheet feeding opening, and a metal member is provided at a sheet-discharge-port cover for covering a sheet discharge port. By attraction of the metal member of the sheet-discharge-port cover by the magnet unit of the sheet feeding cover, and a locked state is provided, to provide a shell structure. Linked with opening of the sheet feeding cover, the sheet-discharge-port cover is automatically opened by its own weight. A DC jack is disposed at a right side of the printer main body, and an I/F (interface) connector is disposed within a detachable side cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasufumi Tanaami, Shoichi Kan
  • Patent number: 6781823
    Abstract: The Complete Office Portable computers combine eighteen unique additional features/devices/machines into one personal computer unit in order to make access, and relocation of equipment simplified. The combination of the machines incorporated into The Complete Office Portable Computers create a new frontier in the art by providing the ability to interface with wireless technologies and perform more task/functions than other state of the art personal computer units presently on the market or that which is considered as old in the art. The Complete Office Portables open up new avenues of communications and E commerce transacting for PC users as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Norris Gifling Nyack
  • Patent number: 6473152
    Abstract: An image printing apparatus is provided with a plurality of support legs having height-adjusting screws for providing a substantially horizontal support on an inclined installation surface, whereby a flow path is formed to exchanged atmosphere and heat through a gap formed between a lower surface portion and an installation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yokota
  • Patent number: 6439787
    Abstract: A printer chassis (12) comprising several sheet metal structural members. The printer chassis (12) is fabricated by joining the sheet metal structural members using tab-and-slot junctions to form a printer chassis (12) for holding printing equipment such as an imaging drum (64) and a printhead (44). Spring tabs (36) are used to allow the printer chassis (12) to be assembled without tools. A spring tab (36) locks into a slot (38) when inserted through the slot (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6206480
    Abstract: A dual, or single, case mobile computing and communication system with rapid mobility for usage in the field, consisting of a component mounting mechanism, a mobile computer and peripheral data switching micronetwork, an enclosed modular peripheral power system, and a plug-in modular component card system. The universal mounting mechanism holds multiple peripherals in such a way that they can be easily and quickly installed and removed from the case configuration. It locks the peripherals so they do not move during transportation. It is also low in profile so it does not obstruct the use of the items being held. The system offers rapid reaction mobility, by isolating and securing the many data and power cables necessary to connect up to 8 peripherals. The data part of this micronetwork includes data switching to connect the single computer's parallel and serial interface to these peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Eric Thompson
  • Patent number: 6134105
    Abstract: A versatile and highly portable command center comprised of a standard carrying case with carrying attachments such as handles, backpacking straps and wheels; said case encloses multiple, operationally connected electronic equipment such as a computer, RF transmission media, printer, scanner, fax, copier, flexible gooseneck type light, Global Positioning System, digital camera, and electronic enclosure with AC/DC/Battery power electronics and control panel. A first deployable bracket is used to move the computer into a convenient operator position. A second deployable bracket system contains the printer and scanner, copier, fax units and is attached to the case in a position providing convenient operational access to the printer and scanner, copier, fax units. Storage for operator supplies such as paper, diskettes, cables, antennas are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Mark David Lueker
  • Patent number: 5909226
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming images that records images on a recording material by use of recording means includes an upper frame and a lower frame. The upper frame is installed to be opened and closed with respect to the lower frame by means of a rotational center in the direction along the feeding direction of the recording material. The lower frame is provided with a recording material carrying mechanism and means for installing the recording means. Then, it is arranged to suspend the recording means in a location on the rotational center side out of the recording material carrying area of the apparatus main body when the upper frame is opened or closed with respect to the lower frame. In this way, when a recording material is jammed in the interior of the apparatus main body, it is easy for the operator to carry out jamming disposal without touching recording means with his hand. Hence, there is no possibility to get the adjusted position of recording means out of order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Takeda
  • Patent number: 5907343
    Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge for use in this apparatus are disclosed. The recording apparatus has a transport unit for transporting the recording medium, a recording unit having a carriage portion on which a recording head capable of discharging an ink supplied from an ink containing portion to effect recording is mounted, and a recovery unit capable of restoring the function of discharging the ink through the discharge port. The transport unit, the recording unit and the recovery unit are independently separable from each other. Ink passages for communication between the ink containing portion and the recording head can be disconnected while being shut off in each unit. The ink cartridge has a casing, a plurality of ink containers disposed in the casing, and positioning members formed on the ink containers. The ink containers are positioned by engaging the positioning members with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Takemura, Koji Terasawa, Takashi Nojima, Katsuyuki Yokoi
  • Patent number: 5600445
    Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoji Omi
  • Patent number: 5583662
    Abstract: In a book document reading device having a page turning capability, a scanning and page turning device scans a spread book document and turns over a leaf by receiving and then sending it out from a receiving section. The device is capable of surely detecting the edges of the book document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takahashi, Tetsuya Fujioka, Kazunori Bannai
  • Patent number: 5576741
    Abstract: A modular-design recorder consists of a "print engine," a drive assembly for moving a print medium, e.g., paper, through the print engine, and a chassis for supporting the engine and the assembly. The chassis includes two identical sets of mounting studs, one on either side, for the mounting of the drive assembly. The drive assembly consists of a motor, a gear train through which the motor rotates the roller, and a bracket for mounting the motor on the either side of the chassis in a number of different angular orientations. The motor attaches to one end of the bracket, such that it mounts facing either toward or away from the chassis. The opposite end of the bracket mates with the mounting studs on the selected side of the chassis. The print engine consists of a print head, a roller for advancing the paper past the print head and a deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: General Scanning Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Johnson, Alfred C. Mecklenburg, Daniel E. Morgan, William S. Oakland, Edward H. Yonkers
  • Patent number: 5552957
    Abstract: Portable computer field kit with a companion docking station. A packaging structure supports a portable computer and printer in a standard carrying case. A rectangular frame includes first and second wells which receive the computer and printer. The first well includes a receptacle assembly which supports a sliding receptacle for engagement with a connector on the computer. An I/O box on the frame connects the computer through the receptacle to an external computer. A docking station is used to support the tablet in an office environment. The docking station includes a computer support hinged to a base. The computer support may be positioned at a plurality of angles with respect to the base. The computer support has a receptacle for engaging a connector of the computer. An I/O box on the base is connected to the receptacle permitting communication between the computer and external computer peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George T. Brown, Vincent M. Coppola, Walter A. Goodman, Frank V. Grebe, Charles R. Hatton, David R. Hermansen, David J. Podmajersky, Dennis P. Reynolds, Edward R. Ritinski, Julian D. Rizzi, John H. Sherman, Paul A. Wormsbecher
  • Patent number: 5531532
    Abstract: A connecting element for a printer housing has housing parts which are connected to one another by at least one connecting element, into which connecting element is integrated a locator device in the form of a T-slot for anchoring peripheral devices to the housing of the printer. Peripheral devices can be detachably connected to the locator device either directly or indirectly by means of an anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Esselte Meto International GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Umbach
  • Patent number: 5503483
    Abstract: A portable printer is responsive to a terminal which provides to the printer control commands and data representative of information to be printed. The portable printer includes a spindle for receiving and holding a roll of stock and a direct thermal print mechanism which receives and prints information on the stock. The direct thermal print mechanism can receive and print, at various activation temperatures, on stock having a thickness up to about 0.015 inches or more and a width up to about 8.5 inches. The portable printer also includes a removable cutting mechanism for cutting the stock after the direct thermal print mechanism has printed information thereon. A programmable electronic controller included in the portable printer is responsive to the commands and data provided by the terminal for operating the direct thermal print mechanism. The electronic controller includes a microprocessor and memory, and it can detect and convey to the terminal an operating state of the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Comtec Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred J. Petteruti, Steven F. Petteruti, Robert A. Petteruti, Majid Amani, Ralph Almonte
  • Patent number: 5499043
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording unit and a sheet feeding unit. The recording unit includes a conveying unit for conveying a sheet so as to move along a sheet conveying path substantially orthogonal to a lower surface of the unit, a recording device disposed along the sheet conveying path for performing recording on the sheet, a discharging unit for discharging the sheet on which recording has been performed by the recording device, and a tray for mounting the sheet discharged by the discharging unit. The sheet feeding unit supports the recording unit and includes a feeding unit for feeding the sheet to the sheet conveying path, and a support for supporting the recording unit so as to incline the sheet conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsutomu Osaka
  • Patent number: 5478162
    Abstract: A printer main body is provided having a print section therein for printing and a sheet feed inlet through which paper is supplied to the print section. An automatic sheet feeder is releasably mountable substantially at position for releasably mounting a manual sheet insertion guide so that each can feed paper through the sheet feed inlet. The manual sheet insertion guide is also releasably mountable on the automatic sheet feeder, preferable at an angle at which sheets can be fed through said sheet feed inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nakayama, Takeo Kishida, Tatsumi Tsuboki
  • Patent number: 5447380
    Abstract: A thermal printer is provided which can operate at high speeds either as a direct thermal printer or a thermal transfer printer. The thermal printer includes a frame, a front door assembly pivotally connected to the frame and having a thermal head secured thereto. The front door assembly positions the thermal head to facilitate recording of information on a recording medium when the door is closed as well as dissipating heat generated by the thermal print head. A platen roller is positioned within the frame which conveys the recording medium between the thermal head and the platen roller. The thermal printer also provides interference shielding which maintains security of printed data. The thermal printer is also configured to allow operation in a rigorous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: NAI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Colonel, Edward H. Lau, Dalton C. Marris
  • Patent number: 5414450
    Abstract: A thermal printer comprising a line type thermal head which is arranged substantially in parallel with the shaft of a platen and is swingably supported about the longitudinal central portion thereof can obtain clear printed letters and prevent the abrasion of the platen due to the direct contact between the thermal head and the platen even if the recording paper varies in width or thickness or is set on the platen one-sided. To achieve the above object, members for restricting the swinging of the thermal head are prodded at both end portions thereof, one of the members being adjustable in its restricting position and the thermal head is supported by a head supporting means composed of a head plate, a head frame and tension springs so as to be movable toward or away from the platen so that the thermal head is separated from the platen according to the thickness of the recording paper and does; not contact the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Tohoku Richo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genzi Oshino, Isamu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5384586
    Abstract: A recording device wherein ink is deposited on recording materials to effect recording including first and second feeders for feeding the recording materials to a recorder, and a discharger for discharging the recording materials from the recorder such that the recording device can be placed horizontally and vertically in use. When the device is placed horizontally the recording materials are conveyed in a generally U-shaped path, and when the device is placed vertically the recording materials are conveyed in a generally rectilinear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Hirano, Toshihiko Bekki, Makoto Kashimura, Takehiko Kiyohara, Tetsuhiro Nitta, Tetsuo Kimura
  • Patent number: 5366306
    Abstract: A main frame (22) of a printer comprises a horizontal bottom plate (23e) and walls (23a to 23d) to form a box-shaped enclosure defining an inner space (23f). At least one of the walls is offset from the respective edge (104a to 104c) of the bottom plate to form an outer space (106) above the bottom plate (23e). A platen (8) and a carriage (10) are positioned in the inner space (23f) and fixed to the walls (23b, 23c) of the main frame (22). A controller board (3) and a power unit (4) are positioned in the outer space (106). An upper cover (13) has a top plate (13e) and walls (13a to 13d). The controller board (3) and the power unit (4) are positioned between the walls (13a to 13d) of the upper cover ( 13) and the walls (23a to 23d) of the main frame (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Mizutani, Shyoichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5355160
    Abstract: A recorder has a recording apparatus housing and a feeding apparatus housing hinged together for assuming open and closed positions. The recording apparatus housing holds recording apparatus and the feeding apparatus housing holds only feeding apparatus. When the housings are in the closed position, the feeding apparatus feeds paper past the recording apparatus. When they are in the open position, the recording and feeding apparatus are both exposed for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masa K. Ozawa, Kunitaka Ozawa, Katsunori Hatanaka, Tetsuo Suzuki, Tetsuzo Mori, Tadashi Shiina, Ryuichi Ebinuma
  • Patent number: 5353360
    Abstract: In the optical character reading apparatus having an upper unit, lower unit, and discharge unit, the upper unit and discharge unit are swingably connected to the lower unit at its pivot. In case where paper jamming or the like occurs during a read operation, the upper unit is swung to expose the conveying path. In transportation of the apparatus, the discharge unit is swung to cover the upper unit. Further, desired characters and the like are printed on the processed documents to easily classify them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tadashi Obara
  • Patent number: 5344248
    Abstract: A portable printer is disclosed in which the printer comprises a housing; a printing unit; means for supplying to said printing unit a substrate onto which indicia are to be printed; and means for inputting data to control the nature of the indicia printed at said printing unit, characterized in that said housing includes a main frame which serves to support the functional components of the printer; and a protective housing which fits over said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Esselte Meto International Produktions GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Schoon, Heinrich Volk, Ulf Hoch, Peter Schneider
  • Patent number: 5345257
    Abstract: A box body construction of a digital image forming apparatus divided into an upper box body and a lower box body and having a vibration source at least in either one of the box bodies, in which vibrations occurring from the vibration source can be absorbed by vibration suppressing action of elastic members intervened and arranged between the upper box body and the lower box body. Therefore, respective box bodies are not affected by vibrations from the other box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Deguchi, Hirotoshi Tagawa
  • Patent number: 5343227
    Abstract: A recording medium in the sheet form is supplied into a designated direction guided by a sheet supply roller. An ink jet recording head in which a plurality of ink jet discharging orifices are arranged is placed in parallel with a surface of the recording sheet and in the direction perpendicular to the designated direction of supplying the recorded sheet. An adjustment screw is placed for correcting a warped shape of the ink jet recording head by means of displacing a neighbor of a central portion of a longer side of the ink jet recording head in the designated direction of supplying the recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Hirosawa, Torachika Osada, Jiro Moriyama, Hidemi Kubota, Yutaka Koizumi, Mineo Kaneko, Yasushi Murayama, Yasushi Miura, Haruhiko Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 5329373
    Abstract: A facsimile apparatus, which includes a recording unit including a serial ink-jet recording head and a replaceable ink cartridge, and can arbitrarily supply one recording sheet to the recording unit when a cut sheet is used as the recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hayashi, Toshiyuki Takano, Hiroshi Ogushi
  • Patent number: 5312196
    Abstract: A portable ink-jet printer and sheet feeder which can be battery powered. The printer may be manually fed paper for operation independent of the sheet feeder. The printer and sheet feeder are mounted on a base and locked at 90 degrees to one another. They may then be rotated into two operating modes in which automatic sheet feeding occurs, one of which provides a straight paper feed path for relatively stiff print media and/or printing relatively dense graphics. A paper output system includes a pair of wings and a deflector which place various arches in the paper as it emerges from the printer to maintain it over the previously printed sheet to permit it to dry. The printer may be configured by driving a print carriage having an arrow thereon to different positions adjacent a menu. When the arrow is opposite a desired configuration option, the option is selected by pressing a button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ng Lian Hock, James J. Girard, Lee G. Keen, James L. K. Chan, Chuin K. Lim
  • Patent number: RE40644
    Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoji Omi