Hitoshi Nanba

Title: **Innovator Hitoshi Nanba: Pioneering Fixing Devices in Imaging Technology**

Introduction

Hitoshi Nanba, an esteemed inventor based in Saitama, Japan, has made significant strides in the field of imaging technology. With a total of six patents to his name, Nanba has contributed innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and functionality of fixing devices and image forming apparatuses.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions, Nanba has developed a fixing device and image forming apparatus using this technology. This fixing device comprises an endless belt member and a rotating body that are designed to come under pressure contact with each other. Both components have an integrated source of heat generation. Additionally, it features a pressing member located within the endless belt member that also contacts the rotating body under pressure. Notably, the invention includes a lubricant reservoir within the pressing member, which holds a semi-solid or solid-state lubricant. The design of this reservoir is such that its central portion is wider than its ends, tapering towards both sides, greatly enhancing the performance and longevity of the device.

In another significant patent, Hitoshi Nanba introduced a fixing device that incorporates a heating roll, an endless belt, and a pressing member. This innovative design ensures that a recording medium carrying an unfixed image can efficiently pass through the pressure contact portion created by the pressing member against the heating roll. The pressing member consists of both a hard pressurizing component and a softer counterpart, arranged to allow specific recording mediums to navigate through the fixing region in a manner optimized for performance.

Career Highlights

Hitoshi Nanba's career is marked by his association with Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., a leader in the imaging and printing industry. His commitment to pioneering innovations in fixing devices has significantly advanced the capabilities and reliability of their imaging products.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Nanba has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Masaharu Inaba and Hideki Sato, contributing to various projects that have cemented their team's reputation for excellence in technological advancement.

Conclusion

Hitoshi Nanba's inventions reflect his dedication to improving imaging technology. With multiple patents showcasing his ingenuity, he continues to play a vital role in the evolution of fixing devices and image forming apparatuses, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.