The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 17, 2023
Filed:
Apr. 28, 2022
Jumpei Yamaguchi, Kanagawa, JP;
Koji Kiryu, Tokyo, JP;
Masahiro Ashikawa, Kanagawa, JP;
Masashi Kasamai, Kanagawa, JP;
Kanji Ubukata, Kanagawa, JP;
Nagisa Nakamura, Shizuoka, JP;
Jumpei Yamaguchi, Kanagawa, JP;
Koji Kiryu, Tokyo, JP;
Masahiro Ashikawa, Kanagawa, JP;
Masashi Kasamai, Kanagawa, JP;
Kanji Ubukata, Kanagawa, JP;
Nagisa Nakamura, Shizuoka, JP;
RICOH COMPANY, LTD., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearers, a plurality of rotation reference position detectors, and circuitry. Each of the plurality of rotation reference position detectors faces a corresponding image bearer of the plurality of image bearers to detect a rotation reference position of the corresponding image bearer. The circuitry performs, before an operation of rotating the plurality of image bearers, alignment control based on a result of detection performed by the plurality of rotation reference position detectors. The alignment control is control of driving of the plurality of image bearers to acquire a given relationship between the respective rotation reference positions of the plurality of image bearers. The circuitry determines whether to perform the alignment control based on whether the operation of rotating the plurality of image bearers is a function maintenance related operation.