Ricoh has been granted a patent for an image forming apparatus featuring a latent image bearer and an intermediate transferor. The apparatus utilizes zinc stearate as a lubricant, with a specific ratio of peak areas in infrared absorption spectra to ensure effective cleaning of the intermediate transferor post toner transfer. GlobalData’s report on Ricoh gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Ricoh, E-transaction user interfaces was a key innovation area identified from patents. Ricoh's grant share as of June 2024 was 42%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Image forming apparatus with zinc stearate lubricant
The patent US12045000B2 describes an innovative image forming apparatus that incorporates a latent image bearer and an intermediate transferor, both of which utilize lubricants such as zinc stearate and boron nitride. The apparatus is designed to enhance the transfer of toner images from the latent image bearer to the intermediate transferor and subsequently to a recording sheet. A key feature is the cleaning blade that removes residual toner from the intermediate transferor after the secondary transfer process. The claims specify that the ratio of the peak area of the ATR infrared absorption spectrum for zinc stearate on the intermediate transferor should be 0.892 or less after use, indicating effective lubricant management. Additionally, the apparatus includes a lubricant supplier that delivers the lubricant in powder form, with varying scraping amounts based on the region of the latent image bearer, optimizing performance in both sheet-passing and non-sheet-passing areas.
Further claims detail the composition of the solid lubricant, emphasizing a differential content of zinc stearate and boron nitride in various portions. The apparatus is designed to ensure that the lubricant's properties are tailored to enhance the image transfer process while maintaining a uniform zinc stearate content across different regions. The solid lubricant is described as a compression-molded product, with specific density characteristics that support its functionality. The claims also highlight that the toner may include the lubricant as an additive, contributing to the overall efficiency of the image forming process. This patent presents a comprehensive approach to improving the performance and reliability of image forming technologies through the strategic use of lubricants.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Ricoh, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
