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:
Dec. 24, 1996
Filed:
Nov. 21, 1995
Takashi Miyaji, Nara, JP;
Yoshikazu Nishikawa, Nara, JP;
Yukinori Andou, Nara, JP;
Toshio Yamanaka, Yao, JP;
Hideaki Kadowaki, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A developing unit includes a developing tank and a toner hopper. The developing tank is disposed to oppose a recording medium rotatably mounted to an image forming apparatus utilizing electrophotography. A developing member conveys a developer and attaches toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the recording medium to develop the electrostatic latent image. The toner hopper has a toner supply port for supplying toner to the developing tank through a toner replenishing port formed in the developing tank. The developing tank is detachable in a direction of a rotating shaft of the recording medium, and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotating shaft of the recording medium so as to separate from or oppose the recording medium. The toner hopper has a shutter for opening/closing an opening of the toner supply port. A moving mechanism mounted on the developing tank simultaneously provides movement of the developing tank in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotating shaft of the recording medium and movement of the toner hopper shutter to open/close the toner supply port when manipulated.