Patent US5162857A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5162857A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sheet conveyer having a sheet aligner
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1991-01-16
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Granted: 1992-11-10
•
Expires: 2011-01-16
Abstract
Abstract A sheet conveyer having a sheet registration device for an image forming apparatus having a sheet path for guiding a sheet having an image recorded on one side thereof back to an image forming unit for recording another image on the other side, comprises a mechanism for switching the sheet having the image recorded on one side thereof back to the sheet path, a mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane, and a preliminary shift function shared by the switch-back mechanism for shifting the sheet oppositely to the reference plane.
Inventors
- 👤 Akira Higeta
- 👤 Toru Kameyama
- 👤 Takahiro Azeta
- 👤 Harukazu Sekiya
- 👤 Toshifumi Moritani
- 👤 Kenji Baba
- 👤 Kazuyuki Kubota
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:56
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/22; G03G15/23; G03G15/231; G03G15/232; G03G15/234; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/00362; G03G2215/00535; G03G2215/00556; G03G2215/00586
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A sheet material conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is formed on the set, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet oppositely to the lateral registration reference plane; said preliminary shift mechanism being shared by said switch-back mechanism.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A sheet material conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is formed on the set, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet oppositely to the lateral registration reference plane; said preliminary shift mechanism being shared by said switch-back mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A sheet conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the sheet material is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and fed in the center reference feed mode again when a second image is recorded.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sheet conveyer according to claim 2, wherein said abutment mechanism comprises: a lateral registration plate for laterally registering a side edge of the sheet material arranged on a feed path of the sheet from the end of recording of the first image to the beginning of recording of the second image; and abutment means for abutting the sheet against said lateral registration plate; said lateral registration plate being movable in accordance with the size of the sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
A sheet conveyor according to claim 1, wherein said switch-back mechanism includes a drive roller and a follow roller contacting with the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings, and wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along a feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A sheet conveyor according to claim 1, wherein said switch-back mechanism includes a drive roller and follow roller contacting with the drive roller, the roller roller is held by a swingable frame member which is electrically swung in the reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A sheet conveyer according to claim 1, wherein said sheet path is a multiple double-side path.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A sheet conveyer according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and in a side reference feed mode when a second image is recorded.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sheet material conveyer according to claim 1, wherein said lateral registration abutment mechanism is movable in accordance with the size of sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
A sheet conveyer according to claim 8 further comprising cam means adapted to be rotated in response to a sheet size signal, wherein the lateral registration plate is shifted in accordance with the rotation of the cam means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
142 words
A sheet conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is recorded, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
142 words
A sheet conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is recorded, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
152 words
A sheet material conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said switch-back mechanism, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
152 words
A sheet material conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said switch-back mechanism, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A sheet material conveyer according to claim 11, wherein said preliminary shift mechanism is shared with said switch-back mechanism.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
132 words
A sheet conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directiong means for directing the sheet on which the image is recorded to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed along in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
132 words
A sheet conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directiong means for directing the sheet on which the image is recorded to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed along in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
143 words
A sheet material conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directing means for directing the sheet on which the image is formed to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; and a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said direction means, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
143 words
A sheet material conveyer for an image forming apparatus, the conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directing means for directing the sheet on which the image is formed to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; and a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said direction means, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
104 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet material conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is formed on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet oppositely to the lateral registration reference plane, said preliminary shift mechanism being shared by said switch-back mechanism.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
104 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet material conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is formed on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet oppositely to the lateral registration reference plane, said preliminary shift mechanism being shared by said switch-back mechanism.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
140 words
A image forming apparatus with a sheet conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is recorded, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
140 words
A image forming apparatus with a sheet conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is recorded, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
151 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet material conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; and a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said switch-back mechanism, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
151 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet material conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a switch-back mechanism for switching the direction of movement of the sheet on which the image is formed, and directing the sheet back to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; and a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the switched-back sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said switch-back mechanism, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
130 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directing means for directing the sheet on which the image is recorded to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
130 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directing means for directing the sheet on which the image is recorded to the sheet path; a lateral registration abutment mechanism for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; and sheet convey means including a drive roller and a follow roller contacted to the drive roller, said follow roller having a pair of support bearings; wherein a dimension of one of said support bearings for the follow roller is expanded along the feed direction of the sheet so that the sheet is skewed only in a reverse feed mode of the sheet.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
141 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet material conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directing means for directing the sheet on which the image is formed to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; and a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said directing means, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
141 words
An image forming apparatus with a sheet material conveyer having a sheet path for feeding a sheet back to an image forming unit after an image is recorded on the sheet, comprising: a directing means for directing the sheet on which the image is formed to the sheet path; a preliminary shift mechanism for shifting the sheet in a first lateral direction; and a lateral registration abutment mechanism for moving said sheet in a second direction opposite to said first direction and for abutting the directed sheet against a lateral registration reference plane of the mechanism; wherein the sheet is fed in a center reference feed mode when a first image is recorded, and the sheet is fed in a side reference mode when a second image is recorded by operation of said directing means, preliminary shift mechanism and abutment mechanism.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-11-10 | 1996-05-11 | 1996-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-10 | 2000-05-11 | 2000-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-10 | 2004-05-11 | 2004-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |