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:
Aug. 30, 2011
Filed:
Dec. 13, 2007
Hiroshi Tachiki, Nara, JP;
Takashi Makiura, Nara, JP;
Kohichi Yamauchi, Yamato-Koriyama, JP;
Takahiko Yoshida, Nara, JP;
Hiroshi Tachiki, Nara, JP;
Takashi Makiura, Nara, JP;
Kohichi Yamauchi, Yamato-Koriyama, JP;
Takahiko Yoshida, Nara, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A belt transfer device according to the present invention includes an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer member, a shifter, a detector, and a controller. The transfer member primarily transfers a toner image from an image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt. The shifter reciprocates in specified opposite directions so as to shift the transfer member between a transfer position where the transfer member is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt and a home position where the transfer member is away from the belt surface. The detector outputs a signal representing the position of the shifter. Based on the state of the signal output from the detector while the shifter is reciprocating each time in the opposite directions, the controller determines whether the tensile force of the intermediate transfer belt is proper.