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:
Jan. 19, 1999
Filed:
Oct. 10, 1997
Applicant:
Inventors:
Assignee:
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G03G / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
399 13 ; 399227 ;
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus, a rotary developing device or revolver has a plurality of developing sections each storing a developer of particular color thereinside. The revolver is rotatable to sequentially move the developing sections to a preselected developing position so as to develop toner images sequentially formed on an image carrier. Toner cartridges are each removably mounted to the respective developing section. Only one of the cartridges located at a preselected replacing position can be pulled out and replaced. A toner cartridge is prevented from being accidentally mounted to the developing section located at the replacing position and whose cartridge has already been replaced.