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:
Apr. 14, 1992
Filed:
Dec. 04, 1989
Applicant:
Inventors:
Takashi Ikeda, Yokohama, JP;
Moriyuki Koike, Kawasaki, JP;
Assignee:
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G03G / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
355206 ; 355209 ; 355246 ; 118689 ;
Abstract
A method of resetting a toner shortage condition and a toner shortage indication associated with a developing device of an image forming apparatus. When the developing device has reached a toner shortage condition, a toner stortage indication is produced for urging one to supply a fresh toner or to replace a toner cartridge. The toner shortage condition and toner shortage indication are reset only when a predetermined period of time expires from the instant when one opens a door or a cover of the apparatus for the supply of toner to the instant when one closes it after the supply of toner.