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:
Jul. 20, 2010
Filed:
Sep. 27, 2004
Yoshiaki Hiramoto, Nara, JP;
Susumu Hashimoto, Nara, JP;
Shigeru Yoshida, Nara, JP;
Takashi Kubo, Kyoto, JP;
Yasuaki Fukada, Nara, JP;
Yasushi Matsutomo, Nara, JP;
Yoshiaki Hiramoto, Nara, JP;
Susumu Hashimoto, Nara, JP;
Shigeru Yoshida, Nara, JP;
Takashi Kubo, Kyoto, JP;
Yasuaki Fukada, Nara, JP;
Yasushi Matsutomo, Nara, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka-shi, JP;
Abstract
Mechanism unit(s) functioning as automatic-feed cassette(s) and mechanism unit(s) functioning as manual-feed tray(s) together form a single integral module, constituting a hybrid paper supply module. A plurality of hybrid paper supply modules are stacked together to constitute a paper supply mechanism. Manual-feed tray(s) with which manual-feed mechanism unit(s) of respective hybrid paper supply module(s) is or are provided is or are maintained in stored state(s) as a result of electromagnetic attraction produced by electromagnet(s). In correspondence to image forming condition(s), electromagnetic attraction at one electromagnet is terminated, causing manual-feed tray(s) to assume deployed state(s). Furthermore, primary path(s) passing vertically through module interior(s) is or are formed so as to permit transport of recording paper toward printing unit(s) of hybrid device(s) regardless of from which hybrid paper supply module(s) it is that recording paper is taken up.