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:
Feb. 14, 1995
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1992
Ricoh Company Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus having improved air flow and/or handling of toner or other debris between a fixing device and an image carrier. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the completeness and effectiveness of an air exhaust system of an image forming apparatus is improved by utilizing a flow improvement board which is located between the image carrier and the fixing device. The flow improvement board can be mounted upon the fixing device and extends downwardly beyond the fixing device. The flow improvement board provides a more regular flow of air toward the exhaust device thereby improving the effectiveness and completeness of the exhaustion of air. In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a magnet can be provided upon the board or associated with the fixing device, with the magnet including a plurality of poles which alternately extend along the widthwise direction of the mixing device. The magnet removes floating toner, and is oriented for most effective results with the flow produced by the flow improvement board.